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RICHARD LEVITCH HANDMADE GUITAR. Apprentice to SAM KOONTZ. EXTREMELY RARE. 1989
Estimated price for orientation: 2 495 $
Category: Electric Guitars
Class:
Description
LEVITCH GUITAR WORKS “Artisan” Handmade Custom Guitar by Luthier Richard Levitch Apprentice to SAM KOONTZ. INCREDIBLY BEATUTIFUL 1989 25 Years Old Made in the USA. Very Rare. One of Only Two Built. [Just a note. Everyone has an opinion. I respect that, but PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME with your personal opinion about the prices of my guitars being “too high” and “more than book value”. I am not forcing anyone to buy these instruments. All of them come from my personal collection and the prices listed reflect their quality and uniqueness. Thanks.] RICHARD LEVITCH. GUITAR BUILDER. Taken from information provided by Mr. Levitch: “I started my apprenticeship with SAM KOONTZ, of Linden, N.J., back in the early 1970’s. I was with Sam for five (5) years. I started building “LEVITCH” back in the 1980’s and continued until around 2001. To my credit, I have built over 125 guitars consisting of both acoustic and electric models. Currently I do restorations, rebuilds and I only build a ‘LEVITCH ‘on a special order basis”. ABOUT THIS GUITAR. If you are a fan of SAM KOONTZ, KOONTZ GUITARS, HARPTONE GUITARS, and STANDEL GUITARS, this one is for you. As soon as I saw this guitar, I had to own it. It has the “scroll flourish” that you see on many of the very early KOONTZ Guitars (when Mr. Levitch was working with Mr. Koontz as his apprentice). But, it is at the bottom instead of the top of the guitar. In the letter accompanying this guitar, written to its former owner (who appears to have needed the cash from the sale of this guitar to support his worthy habit of part time drag racing), Mr. Levitch describes it as a “modified scaled F5 mandolin design” and further notes that only two were built with this design. To me that simple twist of a traditional design gave this guitar a personality of its own. And then Mr. Levitch used exquisite woods and other materials to build it: -NECK is THREE PIECE MAPLE. -FRETBOARD is ROSEWOOD. -BODY is HONDURAS MAHOGANY. -TOP is “Highly Figured” BIRD’s EYE MAPLE.* -PICK GUARD is COCOBOLO. *In his letter, Mr. Levitch notes that the “highly figured Bird’s Eye Maple on the top is well matched”. The fretboard has MOP (Mother of Pearl) finely crafted into it at the 12th fret and the headstock has the builder’s last name, “LEVITCH” inlaid into it with ivory. Tuners are GOLD GROVERs. Pickups are SCHALLER 12 pole Humbuckers. Bridge is SCHALLER Roller. Tailpiece is Gold GUILD. LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY FROM MR. LEVITCH, BUILDER TO FORMER OWNER IS ENCLOSED. It is in VERY GOOD Cosmetic and EXCELLENT operating condition. Comes with the usual casual player scrapes, scratches, etc. Look at back of guitar in photos to see most of the scratches. Binding is good for now but does have a couple of small voids. Case is original to guitar. We do accept trades so let us know what you have available. About TUNE YOUR SOUND. More information about this guitar and others can be found at: tuneyoursound.com TYS is a joint venture between a couple of guitar collectors who both share a passion for rock and roll music and the instruments used to make that music. Fortunately the two of us have been able to afford to buy the best examples of these instruments we could find. Many are one off, celebrity owned, and unique. And yes, we own a lot of guitars-together we are closing in on the 2,000 mark. But we have decided it is time to share the fruits of our passion with other likewise smitten players and collectors, so please keep checking our auctions for more unbelievable pieces. Beginning Spring, 2014, many of our instruments will be made available for rent in the USA and Europe. Please check our site for more information. GUARANTEE: BUYER HAS 48 HOURS TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL GUITAR REPAIR PERSON OR LUTHIER. IF ANY DEFECTS ARE FOUND IN THE MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL CONDITION OF THE INSTRUMENT (NOT DISCLOSED IN THE AUCTION AD), BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US BY EXPRESS SHIPMENT USING THE ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIALS AND ANY ADDITIONAL PACKAGING TO INSURE ITS SAFE RETURN. IT MUST BE FULLY INSURED. BUYER PAYS ALL COST TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US. WE WILL REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT WITHIN TEN DAYS OF RETURN RECEIPT AND SHIP IT BACK TO THE BUYER AT OUR EXPENSE. THIS ASSURANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO KNOBS, STRINGS, HARDWARE DISCOLORATION, STRAPS. CASES, OR ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR AFTER RECEIPT BY BUYER. ALL INSTRUMENTS ARE FULLY PHOTOGRAPHED PRIOR TO SHIPMENT. IT IS THE BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY SELLER IMMEDIATELY IF THE INSTRUMENT HAS INCURRED ANY DAMAGE DURING SHIPMENT. IN THE EVENT OF SUCH DAMAGE, PLEASE RETAIN ALL SHIPPING MATERIALS FOR INSPECTION. FULL DETAILS INCLUDED IN AD. BUYER HAS 48 HOURS TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL GUITAR REPAIR PERSON OR LUTHIER. IF ANY DEFECTS ARE FOUND IN THE MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL CONDITION OF THE INSTRUMENT (NOT DISCLOSED IN THE AUCTION AD), BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US BY EXPRESS SHIPMENT USING THE ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIALS AND ANY ADDITIONAL PACKAGING TO INSURE ITS SAFE RETURN PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU BID. SHIPPING CHARGES. The charges listed in this ad are for the continental US only. Shipment outside that area is at actual cost and Buyer must pay all tariffs, duties, and other charges that may be levied on the item when it is imported into its final destination. And for foreign buyers, please request a quote for shipping cost before you bid. No surprises are always good. And please do not ask that we use a lower value for an export shipment. NOTE: NO THIRD PARTY SHIPMENTS-WE ONLY SHIP TO THE BUYER WHO WILL BE USING IT. How we indicate condition of guitar: Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of selling guitars (and most collectibles) is the manner in which condition is determined and rated. We have chosen to stay away from the percentage scale and from the “MINT” down scale as well. They just cannot be quantified. We will use the definitions listed below, which are also subjective, but more general. Rating collectibles of any type is always subjective and to do attempt to do it on some objective checklist basis always seems to raise more questions than answered. We just want the Buyer to be pleased with her/his purchase and to not complain if there is a cat hair under the E string on the 5th fret. Our definitions used to describe condition of guitars: PRISTINE. Very little, if any, fret wear, neck wear, body wear, scratches, dings, or other cosmetic damage. Electronics work correctly. Hardware works correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). Other accessories with the guitar, i.e., hang tags, tools, etc., will be noted in the ad. Pictures in ad, or as provided later, will take precedence over any written description.ks correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). VERY GOOD. More wear and tear than EXCELENT but still in very good cosmetic condition. Again, the nicks, dings, etc will be described in the ad and shown in the pictures. Hardware works correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). GOOD. Step down from very good. Other definitions we may use: NOS. New Old Stock. Speaks for itself but the condition will still be rated. PROTOS. These are usually one of a kind prototype instrument. DEMOS (Display): From NAMM etc. ONE OF A KIND. Only one like it. If you have any questions about the condition of a guitar that we are advertising for sale, please ask us before you bid and we will provide you with whatever information you require to make your decision about bidding on an item. BUT THE ULTIMATE GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL GIVE YOU ON ANY ITEM IS “YOU ARE BIDDING ON WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PICTURES AS TO COSMETIC CONDITION” AND WHAT IS LISTED IN THE AD AS TO ELECTRONIC CONDITION. FOR NOS GUITARS, PROTOS, AND DISPLAY GUITARS, THEY ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION. Thank you. ONE LAST NOTE: We appreciate feedback about our offerings but please DO NOT EMAIL US ABOUT OUR PRICES. WE DO NOT BELIEVE, AND HAVE NEVER TRUSTED, “BOOK VALUE” AS A MEASURE OF VALUE FOR A GUITAR (and most other things). Such a concept only works if you are selling in a mass market situation where one item is just like the next one off the line. NONE OF OUR GUITARS SOLD HERE REALLY CAN BE CALLED “MASS MARKET” PIECES. Each was purchased for a unique feature (appearance, sound, construction, craftsmanship, ownership, maker, etc) and therefore cannot be given a “book value”. SO AGAIN, IF YOU OBJECT OUR PRICE FOR THIS ITEM, THEN DON’T BUY IT BUT DO NOT TRY TO BARGAIN THE PRICE DOWN BY DEGRADING THE GUITAR OR BY “THROWING THE BLUE BOOK OR VINTAGE GUITAR PRICE BOOK AT US-WE’LL JUST THROW IT BACK, so please don’t insult us by invoking it as the word of the guitar gods.”
Description
LEVITCH GUITAR WORKS “Artisan” Handmade Custom Guitar by Luthier Richard Levitch Apprentice to SAM KOONTZ. INCREDIBLY BEATUTIFUL 1989 25 Years Old Made in the USA. Very Rare. One of Only Two Built. [Just a note. Everyone has an opinion. I respect that, but PLEASE DO NOT EMAIL ME with your personal opinion about the prices of my guitars being “too high” and “more than book value”. I am not forcing anyone to buy these instruments. All of them come from my personal collection and the prices listed reflect their quality and uniqueness. Thanks.] RICHARD LEVITCH. GUITAR BUILDER. Taken from information provided by Mr. Levitch: “I started my apprenticeship with SAM KOONTZ, of Linden, N.J., back in the early 1970’s. I was with Sam for five (5) years. I started building “LEVITCH” back in the 1980’s and continued until around 2001. To my credit, I have built over 125 guitars consisting of both acoustic and electric models. Currently I do restorations, rebuilds and I only build a ‘LEVITCH ‘on a special order basis”. ABOUT THIS GUITAR. If you are a fan of SAM KOONTZ, KOONTZ GUITARS, HARPTONE GUITARS, and STANDEL GUITARS, this one is for you. As soon as I saw this guitar, I had to own it. It has the “scroll flourish” that you see on many of the very early KOONTZ Guitars (when Mr. Levitch was working with Mr. Koontz as his apprentice). But, it is at the bottom instead of the top of the guitar. In the letter accompanying this guitar, written to its former owner (who appears to have needed the cash from the sale of this guitar to support his worthy habit of part time drag racing), Mr. Levitch describes it as a “modified scaled F5 mandolin design” and further notes that only two were built with this design. To me that simple twist of a traditional design gave this guitar a personality of its own. And then Mr. Levitch used exquisite woods and other materials to build it: -NECK is THREE PIECE MAPLE. -FRETBOARD is ROSEWOOD. -BODY is HONDURAS MAHOGANY. -TOP is “Highly Figured” BIRD’s EYE MAPLE.* -PICK GUARD is COCOBOLO. *In his letter, Mr. Levitch notes that the “highly figured Bird’s Eye Maple on the top is well matched”. The fretboard has MOP (Mother of Pearl) finely crafted into it at the 12th fret and the headstock has the builder’s last name, “LEVITCH” inlaid into it with ivory. Tuners are GOLD GROVERs. Pickups are SCHALLER 12 pole Humbuckers. Bridge is SCHALLER Roller. Tailpiece is Gold GUILD. LETTER OF AUTHENTICITY FROM MR. LEVITCH, BUILDER TO FORMER OWNER IS ENCLOSED. It is in VERY GOOD Cosmetic and EXCELLENT operating condition. Comes with the usual casual player scrapes, scratches, etc. Look at back of guitar in photos to see most of the scratches. Binding is good for now but does have a couple of small voids. Case is original to guitar. We do accept trades so let us know what you have available. About TUNE YOUR SOUND. More information about this guitar and others can be found at: tuneyoursound.com TYS is a joint venture between a couple of guitar collectors who both share a passion for rock and roll music and the instruments used to make that music. Fortunately the two of us have been able to afford to buy the best examples of these instruments we could find. Many are one off, celebrity owned, and unique. And yes, we own a lot of guitars-together we are closing in on the 2,000 mark. But we have decided it is time to share the fruits of our passion with other likewise smitten players and collectors, so please keep checking our auctions for more unbelievable pieces. Beginning Spring, 2014, many of our instruments will be made available for rent in the USA and Europe. Please check our site for more information. GUARANTEE: BUYER HAS 48 HOURS TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL GUITAR REPAIR PERSON OR LUTHIER. IF ANY DEFECTS ARE FOUND IN THE MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL CONDITION OF THE INSTRUMENT (NOT DISCLOSED IN THE AUCTION AD), BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US BY EXPRESS SHIPMENT USING THE ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIALS AND ANY ADDITIONAL PACKAGING TO INSURE ITS SAFE RETURN. IT MUST BE FULLY INSURED. BUYER PAYS ALL COST TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US. WE WILL REPAIR THE INSTRUMENT WITHIN TEN DAYS OF RETURN RECEIPT AND SHIP IT BACK TO THE BUYER AT OUR EXPENSE. THIS ASSURANCE DOES NOT APPLY TO KNOBS, STRINGS, HARDWARE DISCOLORATION, STRAPS. CASES, OR ACCIDENTAL DAMAGE THAT MAY OCCUR AFTER RECEIPT BY BUYER. ALL INSTRUMENTS ARE FULLY PHOTOGRAPHED PRIOR TO SHIPMENT. IT IS THE BUYER’S RESPONSIBILITY TO NOTIFY SELLER IMMEDIATELY IF THE INSTRUMENT HAS INCURRED ANY DAMAGE DURING SHIPMENT. IN THE EVENT OF SUCH DAMAGE, PLEASE RETAIN ALL SHIPPING MATERIALS FOR INSPECTION. FULL DETAILS INCLUDED IN AD. BUYER HAS 48 HOURS TO HAVE THE INSTRUMENT INSPECTED BY A PROFESSIONAL GUITAR REPAIR PERSON OR LUTHIER. IF ANY DEFECTS ARE FOUND IN THE MECHANICAL OR ELECTRICAL CONDITION OF THE INSTRUMENT (NOT DISCLOSED IN THE AUCTION AD), BUYER WILL BE REQUIRED TO SHIP THE INSTRUMENT BACK TO US BY EXPRESS SHIPMENT USING THE ORIGINAL PACKING MATERIALS AND ANY ADDITIONAL PACKAGING TO INSURE ITS SAFE RETURN PLEASE READ BEFORE YOU BID. SHIPPING CHARGES. The charges listed in this ad are for the continental US only. Shipment outside that area is at actual cost and Buyer must pay all tariffs, duties, and other charges that may be levied on the item when it is imported into its final destination. And for foreign buyers, please request a quote for shipping cost before you bid. No surprises are always good. And please do not ask that we use a lower value for an export shipment. NOTE: NO THIRD PARTY SHIPMENTS-WE ONLY SHIP TO THE BUYER WHO WILL BE USING IT. How we indicate condition of guitar: Perhaps one of the most difficult aspects of selling guitars (and most collectibles) is the manner in which condition is determined and rated. We have chosen to stay away from the percentage scale and from the “MINT” down scale as well. They just cannot be quantified. We will use the definitions listed below, which are also subjective, but more general. Rating collectibles of any type is always subjective and to do attempt to do it on some objective checklist basis always seems to raise more questions than answered. We just want the Buyer to be pleased with her/his purchase and to not complain if there is a cat hair under the E string on the 5th fret. Our definitions used to describe condition of guitars: PRISTINE. Very little, if any, fret wear, neck wear, body wear, scratches, dings, or other cosmetic damage. Electronics work correctly. Hardware works correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). Other accessories with the guitar, i.e., hang tags, tools, etc., will be noted in the ad. Pictures in ad, or as provided later, will take precedence over any written description.ks correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). VERY GOOD. More wear and tear than EXCELENT but still in very good cosmetic condition. Again, the nicks, dings, etc will be described in the ad and shown in the pictures. Hardware works correctly (tuners, tremolo systems, bridges, and tailpieces). GOOD. Step down from very good. Other definitions we may use: NOS. New Old Stock. Speaks for itself but the condition will still be rated. PROTOS. These are usually one of a kind prototype instrument. DEMOS (Display): From NAMM etc. ONE OF A KIND. Only one like it. If you have any questions about the condition of a guitar that we are advertising for sale, please ask us before you bid and we will provide you with whatever information you require to make your decision about bidding on an item. BUT THE ULTIMATE GUARANTEE THAT WE WILL GIVE YOU ON ANY ITEM IS “YOU ARE BIDDING ON WHAT YOU SEE IN THE PICTURES AS TO COSMETIC CONDITION” AND WHAT IS LISTED IN THE AD AS TO ELECTRONIC CONDITION. FOR NOS GUITARS, PROTOS, AND DISPLAY GUITARS, THEY ARE SOLD IN “AS IS” CONDITION. Thank you. ONE LAST NOTE: We appreciate feedback about our offerings but please DO NOT EMAIL US ABOUT OUR PRICES. WE DO NOT BELIEVE, AND HAVE NEVER TRUSTED, “BOOK VALUE” AS A MEASURE OF VALUE FOR A GUITAR (and most other things). Such a concept only works if you are selling in a mass market situation where one item is just like the next one off the line. NONE OF OUR GUITARS SOLD HERE REALLY CAN BE CALLED “MASS MARKET” PIECES. Each was purchased for a unique feature (appearance, sound, construction, craftsmanship, ownership, maker, etc) and therefore cannot be given a “book value”. SO AGAIN, IF YOU OBJECT OUR PRICE FOR THIS ITEM, THEN DON’T BUY IT BUT DO NOT TRY TO BARGAIN THE PRICE DOWN BY DEGRADING THE GUITAR OR BY “THROWING THE BLUE BOOK OR VINTAGE GUITAR PRICE BOOK AT US-WE’LL JUST THROW IT BACK, so please don’t insult us by invoking it as the word of the guitar gods.”