"My guitarmaking philosophy is directly informed by my years in the Violin World. Violin makers have had a 300+ year head start on figuring out the methods by which a person can make the most musically effective wooden box and how to maintain these instruments over long periods of time. While the guitar factories of the 20th century made wonderful instruments that still inspire me, they were quick to adopt new technologies and methods to increase product stability and production numbers. These guitars are a “product” in a way that is truly distinct from a handmade luthier constructed instrument. My aim is to take classic 20th century steel string guitar designs and build them the way a traditional Violin or Classical Guitar maker would, ensuring the finest possible tone and playability and an instrument that with proper care and repair should outlive the maker and player several times over."

-Issac Stroupe (Minerva Fretworks)

Minerva Guitars are made by Isaac Stroupe in Rossville, GA just across the state line from Chattanooga, TN. Jigs and power tools are kept to a minimum with all of the fine work done by hand with knives, spokeshaves, chisels, and planes. It takes 200 hours or more of full time labor for the young luthier to produce one beautifully hand crafted guitar out of his woodshop. We are pleased today to offer you one of his beautiful hand built custom guitars. This is a Nick Lucas special that is based off some of the old spec's that were used in the 1930's when Gibson was offering his personalized model to the public. It's a small body guitar that is quite unique in that it has a rather deep depth to it. The combination is superb and presents a very comfortable guitar that is easy to get around on, and the deep body really projects wonderfully and the mahogany is very warm, and clear as a bell. The Nick Lucas Gibson guitar was the first artist endorsed model offered by Gibson (or anyone else for that matter.) Gibson's advertising stated the small but deep bodied guitar was "an exceptional guitar for vocal accompaniment on the stage, radio, and records". And many artists did gravitate to this model because of it's exceptional ability to fill a room while not compromising on great tone! You could say Nick Lucas was the first "guitar hero" and helped pave the way for many legendary guitarist to come.

Comes with a solidly built 'Guardian' brand hard shell case with purchase.
We made a nice little demo video of the actual guitar that we have for sale here, to help in your consideration of deciding if this is the axe for you. So please take a moment and check it out if your interested, she sounds great!! All in all we have a very thoughtfully crafted boutique guitar that took about about 200 hours to complete by a fantastic master luthier with vintage 1930's appointments which tastefully pays homage to great Nick Lucas the first guitarist to get their own signature model. She looks good, feels good, sounds good, and plays great..... The reason we have the condition listed as "good" and not very good, or excellent is because of some cosmetic blemishes on the finish of the guitar which can be seen in the correct lighting/ angle. Please see photo's for details. The finish blemish has a sort of "fog" like effect, mostly just isolated to the outer edges of the lower bout. But overall condition, and which term used to describe it is opinion based and a lot of people would likely still consider this guitar to in "very good" almost excellent, we'll respectfully leave that decision up to you. Because of these reasons we are offering a 7 day return policy with this guitar so you can see-play-hear the guitar in person and make sure you love it first!!

Here are some specs we came up with:

• Body Type- Nick Lucas (L-00)
• Finish- Chocolate Burgndy
• Neck Joint- 14th Fret
• Depth- 4-5/8"
• Sound Hole- 4"
• Top- Sitka
• String Spacing- 2-1/4"
• Back/Sides/Neck- Mahogany
• Neck Carve- 1930 C Standard
• Truss Rod- 2 Way Adjustable
• Tuners- Golden Age 3+3
• Frets- Medium Nickel
• Nut- Bone
• Binding- Aged Cream
• Fingerboard Inlays- Nick Lucas
• End Pin- Waverly Ivoroid
• Bridge Pins- Waverly Ivoroid
• Pickguard- None
• Bridge- Ebony
• Fingerboard- Ebony
• Rosette- Gibson Style WBW
• Lower Bout- 14-3/4"
• Waist- 8-1/2"
• Upper Bout- 10-1/8"
• Headstock Overlay- Rosewood
• Scale Length- 24-3/4"
• Body Length- 19-1/4"
• Headstock Shape- Open Book