Lipe Guitars
Virtuoso Special Koa #144
2013 Lipe Virtuoso with Curly Koa top. Built in California by the highly talented Mike Lipe who sadly passed away a few years ago. Custom ordered by us new and now back in excellent condition, just one small ding on the rear of the top horn (see photo). These are beautiful hand built guitars using top quality woods and hardware. This one has a stunning Curly Koa top, Roasted Swamp Ash body and satin finished Roasted Curly Maple neck with Roasted Pau Fero fingerboard. 12"-14" radius, Medium Jumbo frets and medium C neck profile (.865" at the first fret) make for a great feel and easy playing. Hipshot trem and locking tuners. Pickups are hand wound Amalfitano, PAF in the neck, SP Single middle and a Full Bucker in the bridge. They sound superb with nice note separation. These guitars have become quite sought after particularly since Mikes passing. With G&G hard case and cert.
Please note... The UK's 20% VAT CANNOT be deducted for customers outside the UK or VAT registered musical related companies on this item.
Mike Lipe began building guitars in the mid seventies while working at a music store in Los Angeles. Eight years later, Lipe left to work for guitar manufacturer Mighty Mite. In 1983 he started his own business and became L.A.'s original Guitar Doctor. After six years of building and customizing guitars for some of L.A.'s most respected musicians, Lipe's business was purchased by Ibanez in 1989. While with Ibanez, Lipe chosen among many other expert luthiers to create a custom guitar shop on the West Coast, in which he was the master builder of electric guitars for several prominent guitarists such as Joe Satriani and Steve Vai. After leaving Ibanez, Mike went to Yamaha, where he worked for two years. Over the next several years, Lipe worked for several guitar manufacturers including Hofner and Fender. During this time, Mike Lipe created and customised guitars for many internationally renowned electric guitarists and bassists.
