Description The 2023 Atkin D37 Pre-War is a striking example of the artistry and vision of Alister Atkin, one of the most respected builders in the modern acoustic world. For decades, Atkin has dedicated himself to capturing the spirit of the golden-era instruments while infusing each creation with the refinement and consistency that comes from contemporary lutherie. His guitars speak with authority, warmth, and depth, and this D37 Pre-War embodies that spirit in glorious detail. Although this particular instrument is pre-owned, it has been lovingly cared for and remains in excellent condition, its voice and craftsmanship fully intact. The heart of the instrument is its baked Adirondack spruce top, a material chosen for its strength, dynamic range, and crystalline clarity. It responds with immediacy to the lightest touch and delivers thunderous projection when driven harder, a hallmark of the finest dreadnoughts. The back and sides are carved from Madagascar rosewood, a tonewood once offered in Atkin’s Pre-War models but no longer available today. Madagascar rosewood shares many qualities with the legendary Brazilian variety, boasting a rich overtone content, deep resonance, and a bold low end that anchors the guitar’s sound with orchestral power. For players and collectors alike, this is a rare opportunity to experience the Pre-War series in its fullest expression, with Madagascar rosewood at its core, before such combinations become only a part of history. The aesthetic details are as refined as the tonal ones. A zipper-style backstrip, herringbone purfling, and grained ivoroid binding frame the body with understated elegance. The rosette, in classic black and white, complements the aged nitrocellulose lacquer finish, which has been given Atkin’s signature relic treatment to evoke the patina of a lifetime of music. The mahogany neck is topped with an ebony fingerboard and paired with an ebony bridge, providing both strength and a sleek playing surface. Mother of pearl fret markers and white celluloid side dots guide the hand with subtle brilliance, while the Madagascar rosewood headstock overlay carries the simple Atkin decal logo, a nod to tradition that honors the guitars of the past. Nickel Gotoh tuners complete the instrument with precise functionality and vintage charm. Every measure of this guitar has been thoughtfully proportioned. With a body length of 20 inches, a lower bout of 15 5/8 inches, and a depth of 4 7/8 inches, it delivers the commanding voice of a dreadnought without sacrificing balance. The 25.4-inch scale length and 1 3/4-inch nut width offer both clarity and comfort, while the 16-inch fingerboard radius ensures effortless playability across the ebony surface. At a weight of only 4 pounds 11 ounces, it feels resonant and alive in the hands, inviting long sessions of exploration. Housed in its original Atkin black case, this 2023 D37 Pre-War stands as a testament to Alister Atkin’s devotion to crafting instruments that both honor the past and inspire the present. Its baked Adirondack spruce and Madagascar rosewood pairing produces a voice of rare beauty, and its impeccable condition ensures it will continue to inspire for decades to come. For those who dream of an Atkin Pre-War model that combines old-world magic with the fleeting availability of Madagascar rosewood, this is a chance that should not be missed. Other specifications of the D37 Pre-War include: Top: Baked Adirondack Spruce Back & Sides: Madagascar Rosewood Backstrip: Zipper Style Neck: Mahogany Truss Rod: Two-Way (Soundhole Adjust) Headstock Overlay: Madagascar Rosewood Logo: Atkin Decal Fretboard: Ebony Bridge: Ebony Rosette: Black/White/Black Purfling: Herringbone Binding: Grained Ivoroid Bracing: Pre-war scalloped Lacquer Finish: Age Toned Relic Gloss Nitrocellulose Nut & Saddle: Bone Tuners: Nickel Gotoh Side Dot Fretboard Markers: White Celluloid Fret Markers: Mother of Pearl Case: Atkin Black - Lid Strap has broken - Case still functional Body Length: 20" Body Depth: 4 7/8" Lower Bout Width: 15 5/8" Total Length: 40 1/4" Scale Length: 25.4" Fingerboard Radius: 16" Nut Width: 1 11/16" Weight: 4 lb 11 oz Serial Number: 2754 For more information about the Atkin D37 Pre-War, please contact us. Manufacturer Atkin Actual Weight 4.11 Series 37 Body Style Dreadnought Model D37 Pre-War Condition Excellent
