One of the things I like about this job is every guitar has a story to tell. Sadly most are lost in the midst of time, distant memories only known to previous custodians... but not this one.

Made by Tony Zemaitis as the "Superior" model acoustic in his Kent workshop during 1976 for a company called Maurice Plaquet who were a leading musical equipment rental company in the 70's and 80's. I believe they later merged to form John Henry's and still exist in Brewery Road, London. This guitar was used by many famous artists for TV appearances and recording sessions. One of these occasions was when Cliff Richard appeared on the Kenny Everett show. Below is a link to the YouTube video of that sketch, if you scroll to 0:31 you will clearly see this very same guitar.

Another famous outing for this gem was In 1977 or 78, the annual Miss World contest heavily featured this very guitar on TV with various contestants posing with it. Since then, it has always been referred to as the 'Miss World Guitar'

Why is this particular guitar so identifiable and what is one of the many things that makes it so special? Well have a close look at the fingerboard, especially at the 17th fret marker.. You will actually see that the 17th fret marker is located on the 18th fret! More about that later.

After 5 years service at Maurice Plaquet's the company sold it off and the person who bought it in 1981 was the very same person I just bought it from, so after 40 odd years, it is now ready to be passed on to it's second public owner.

Since it was acquired by it's last owner of 35 years it has been used on a few UK charting albums. Previous owner is a name pro guitarist and knew Tony Zemaitis very well. He bought over 6 guitars from him personally and always used to tease him about this one. 'So I guess the home made wine was particularly good in '76 Tony?' he used to remark as Tony was also into his home brew and although he soon realised his mistake with that 17th fret inlay when he made it, he took so much time getting the fingerboard right he decided to leave it. This is a TRUELY unique Zemaitis guitar...!

How does it play and sound..? Well fantastic in a word. It is bright with rich lows and it does record exceptionally well. The previous owner told me it has matured (the sound) over the past 35 years and the bass has got richer over the passage of time. Play wise it is pretty much spot on. Tony last serviced it himself in 1997 when he levelled the frets and re-glued the pickguard. Action is low and superb and it is actually one of the nicest acoustics I have had here for some time.

Build quality is of course exceptional, it has the most gorgeous flame maple back and sides, spruce top and ebony fingerboard. Inlays are beautiful and little details like the gently curve of the back of the headstock make this guitar a true piece of art.

Lastly, I must add, the previous owner was very sad to see it go. He followed me out to my car and said a short goodbye to it. He remarked that a bit of your soul leaves when you depart from an instrument that has been so close to you for such a long time...

Time is nigh for it to pass it's magic on to someone else's hands and I am sure the lucky new owner will be very happy with this truly unique  and collectable guitar.