Tupelo Artist’s Proof Nº2
This is the second version Tupelo model, a working prototype, built for evaluation—a rare opportunity to score a handbuilt, one-of-a-kind guitar.
Extremely lightweight and responsive, this version of the Tupelo is the second in a series of refinements. It has been extensively tested in our shop and by our group of professional musicians and builders as a fine-tuning exercise, and it is now ready to leave the nest. There are several features on this guitar that make it different from the final model, none of which diminishes this example as a spectacular instrument. The switch rout cover plate is made from matching poplar—a beautiful touch, but not destined for the final “production” model. The bound F-holes may be available on future examples as an option, as will be the inclusion of the lower F-hole. This of course, makes this instrument all the more desirable as a one-off.
Simple and straightforward, yet incredibly versatile tone-wise. The semi-hollow, lightweight poplar body gives this guitar an airiness, particularly noticeable when both pickups are selected. The neck pickup (Lollar Imperial) is warn and round without losing the guitar’s articulate timbre. The volume and tone controls are extremely reactive, and located close at hand because you will be using them often to tweak the myriad of available tones they provide.
The Tupelo shape is pleasingly classic and balanced in appearance, yet unique.
Smaller in overall size than many semi-hollow guitars, it’s not prone to runaway feedback,
but can deliver delicate tones that solid bodies don’t possess. The lightly figured birdseye
maple neck is extremely comfortable
Easy access to the high frets, and the warm “violin” finish is as pleasing to the touch as it is to the eyes
Here’s a great angle that shows off the German carve on the maple top
The outstanding Ratio™ tuners have six separate gear ratios, and make tuning this guitar a superior experience
Seven separate pieces of abalone and mother of pearl are hand cut and inlaid at the 12th fret
Controls are close at hand for volume and tone swells and on the fly changes
This version of the Tupelo may be Flower’s favorite!
The Tupelo Artist’s Proof Nº2 is standing by, ready to rock your world
Specifications
• Semi-hollow double cutaway poplar body
• German carved flame maple bookmatched top
• Bound F-holes
• Maple (birdseye) neck 2 pc. stressed system
• Low mass double adjustable truss rod
• Fat “baseball bat” D-shape carve
• Rosewood fingerboard
• 25.5″ compensated scale
• 22 Jescar medium-wide frets
• Aluminum locking USA made wrap bridge
• Ratio tuners
• Straplock buttons
• 1-5/8″ bone nut
• Nitrocellulose French Polish Violin finish
• Whiskey Burst
• Pearl dot markers with 7-piece “Claw” inlet at 12th fret
• Poplar switch backplate
• Jason Lollar Imperial humbucking pickups
• Ebony headstock faceplate
• Amber top hat knobs
• 1 volume with treble bleed circuit
• 1 tone contour control with Orange Drop tone cap
• 6lbs 8.5oz
• Hardshell case
