Knight Jumbo Custom Acoustic - UK Early 1970s

Stanley "Dick" Charles Knight (1907–1985) was a renowned British luthier celebrated for his exceptional craftsmanship in guitar making. Originally an amateur musician proficient in banjo and clarinet, Knight transitioned to luthiery after a workplace accident severed parts of every finger on his left hand, rendering him unable to play. During World War II, he contributed to the war effort by building wooden planes, boats, and pontoons. Post-war, he co-founded Stratten Guitars, which operated from 1946 to 1948. Following the company's closure, Knight continued his luthiery work, eventually establishing a workshop in Addlestone, Surrey, where he crafted custom guitars for various musicians. 

Among his notable creations was a custom acoustic guitar built in 1969 for David Gilmour of Pink Floyd, tailored to Gilmour's specifications for both home and studio use. Additionally, in 1973, Knight crafted a custom-made jumbo acoustic guitar for Mike Oldfield, known for his work on "Tubular Bells."

Knight's jumbo acoustic guitars are distinguished by their meticulous craftsmanship and rich tonal quality. This early 70s model features intricate inlays of mother-of-pearl and abalone shell adorning the top, sound hole, and fingerboard, with the 'Knight' name inlaid into the headstock. This custom build showcases a nine-piece neck and exquisite block inlay work, contributing to its robust tone and clear resonance.

This particular Dick Knight jumbo acoustic guitar has undergone several refinements while retaining its exceptional craftsmanship. The original gloss finish on the top was removed due to excessive checking and has been refinished in a smooth matte lacquer, giving it a more understated aesthetic. there is a hole in the heel where a strap pin once was, and there is one crack down the centre seam of the guitar below the bridge, but looks stable. The pickguard has been removed, further enhancing the guitar's clean and natural look. Additionally, the formerly black headstock has been stripped back to reveal the timber beneath, now featuring a tasteful matte natural finish.

Despite these changes, the guitar remains in excellent playing condition, with plenty of life left in the frets and reliable Schaller tuners that hold tune exceptionally well. The ebony fingerboard provides a smooth, responsive playing surface, complemented by an abalone nut that adds a touch of elegance.

Each of Knight's guitars was bespoke, reflecting his dedication to quality and personalised design. His instruments are highly regarded for their build quality and tonal excellence, often compared favourably to those of esteemed luthiers like D'Angelico. Today, Dick Knight's guitars are considered valuable collector's items, celebrated for their unique craftsmanship and historical significance.

Comes in what we assume to be its original HSC.

Features:

Action at 1st fret: 0.25mm

Action at 12th fret: 2.75mm

Neck depth at 1st fret: 22.49mm

Nut Width: 46.0mm

12 fret width: 54.95mm

Weight: 2.41kg / 5.32lb

Top: Sitka spruce

Back and sides: Maple

Neck: 9-piece construction

Fingerboard: Ebony

Nut: Abalone

Tuners: Schaller, chrome finish

Bridge: Ebony

Finish: Matte lacquer on top and headstock refinished

Pickguard: Removed

Scale length: 25.5"

Body size: Jumbo

Inlays: Abalone on fingerboard and rosette

Binding: Multi-ply

Bracing: X-braced