1946 Levin Deluxe archtop jazz guitar

Description

I’m selling my 1946 Levin Deluxe archtop – one of those rare ones that just feels like it belongs in a vintage jazz photo. It’s 79 years old and still looks pretty sharp, with only a few tiny dings, no cracks, and the body’s solid as ever. The original finish is intact, and the pickguard has been repaired a bit – you can see it in the photos, but it’s not a major issue.

I added a Benedetto pickup with volume and tone controls, so it works great both plugged in and unplugged. It plays smooth, has a nice action, and the frets and wood are in great shape. The setup’s perfect – it’s actually easy to play, even if you’re not a pro.

It’s lightweight at just 6lb 43oz (2.84kg) for such a big body – not heavy at all, which makes it fun to carry around. The sound is rich and resonant, with a sparkling treble that really cuts through.

The original case is still there, but it’s not in great shape – I’ve included a brand new, custom-made hard case too. It’s handmade, to order, and will keep it safe and protected.

I’ve never played it much in the last few years, but I still love it. It’s been in my collection for decades, and I know it’s a real rarity – there’s only one other known example of this model year, and it’s fully refinished. The Levin Deluxe was their top model, built from solid European woods, with pearl inlays and gold hardware – it’s one of the most iconic archtops from that era.

I’m not sure if it’s a collector’s dream or just a good daily player, but I’ve got a few other guitars in the mix if you’re interested. If you’re a fan of vintage jazz or just love the feel of a classic instrument, this one might be for you.

I’d prefer it goes to someone who’s into collecting, but if you’re in the UK, I can ship it – just need to cover the cost of postage. Let me know if you’re interested, happy to chat!