Gallery:
1977 Barker Archtop
Bill Barker made only about 115 instruments in his lifetime, at a time (1960s-1980s) when you could count archtop luthiers on one hand. This Barker archtop was made in Bartonville, IL in 1977. It has a 17" lower bout, a 1 3/4" wide nut, is 24 3/4" scale, and sports the most desirable pickup in archtop history, the highly coveted DeArmond Rhythm Chief 1100 adjustable floating pickup. This guitar has a balanced acoustic sound that will make you think of Bucky Pizzarelli! Fans of Martin Talor are likely aware that he played a Barker (and even thanks Bill on one of his albums).