A few weeks ago I stopped by Rockport Maine to visit with my friend, master luthier Nick Apollonio. I've been a fan of Nick's work since I was a kid - literally. Gordon Bok's Rogue's Gallery of Songs for 12 String was and is one of my favorite albums, and not just because of Gordon's voice. There's something magical in the way Nick brings the music out of the wood. Today I'm fortunate to own several of Nick's instruments, including one of his fine 12s.

Well, this time he's outdone himself. Seriously. The 12 string he handed me was not only perfect in every cosmetic detail - right down to the lovely tailpiece - but it sounds unbelievable. I don't need another 12 string, but I was seriously tempted to get out my checkbook then and there, and write out a check for $5,000, just to own a piece of art like that. Gordon Bok valued it at closer to $8,000.

Nick's 12s have a fully adjustable neck - not only through the normal truss rod adjustment, but through a special invention of Nick's which allows the player to adjust neck angle in seconds with a simple turn of a screw. As climate sensitive as 12 strings can be, I've found that an invaluable feature. This one even has a first rate pickup.

I wish you could hear this guitar. I wish you could play it. When I picked it up it sang with a rich and subtle voice, clear highs and deep lows, perfectly balanced throughout. It was, amazing, even for one of Nick's.

Nick now has this guitar listed on Ebay.   I know Ebay auctions for custom instruments are hit and miss, but take it from some experienced players - this one is a hit, at just about any price. This is worth bidding on, and it's worth bidding high. It may be one of the finest 12 strings ever built. I really mean that. It's fantastic even for Nick's work, and that's saying something.

And he'll even throw in a Hiscox case.

Dan