Atkin The Forty Three J43 - Baked Sitka Spruce & Mahogany - Olympic White over Sunburst - Heavy Aged

The Atkin The Forty Three J43 is an instrument born from reverence for the golden age of the acoustic guitar, yet it carries a boldness all its own. Alister Atkin has built his reputation on creating guitars that capture the spirit and voice of vintage icons while offering players the reliability and precision of modern craftsmanship. In the J43, his artistry shines in full force, blending classic inspiration with daring style.

At the core of this guitar lies a baked Sitka spruce top, a choice that infuses the soundboard with warmth, responsiveness, and a seasoned quality that recalls instruments already steeped in decades of music-making. The back and sides of mahogany contribute a dry, woody resonance, balancing clarity with a touch of sweetness in every note. Paired with a mahogany neck and Santos rosewood fingerboard, the guitar offers a playing experience that feels immediately familiar and endlessly inspiring. Mother of pearl dot markers trace the fingerboard with quiet elegance, while cream side dots guide the hand with subtle precision.

The aesthetic presence of this guitar is truly striking. Finished in Olympic White layered over a sunburst base, the heavy aged nitrocellulose lacquer creates a reliced appearance that looks as though the instrument has lived a thousand nights on stage. Every mark, every whisper of wear tells a story, bringing an authenticity that connects player and guitar through shared history. The cream rosette and binding lend balance to the bold finish, while the Atkin decal with its banner logo graces the maple headstock overlay, standing proudly as a seal of Alister Atkin’s vision.

Inside, pre-war scalloped bracing gives the J43 its voice, allowing the baked Sitka top to breathe freely and resonate with power, depth, and nuance. Whether strummed with vigor or caressed with delicate fingerpicking, the guitar responds with an openness that invites expression. The bone nut and saddle ensure that every vibration flows effortlessly into the body, delivering tones that shimmer with authenticity. Nickel Gotoh tuners complete the vintage-inspired character while offering reliable performance for the modern player.

The proportions of the J43 are as comfortable as they are classic. With a body length of 21 1/8 inches, a lower bout width of 16 inches, and a total length of 41 inches, it feels substantial without being cumbersome. The shorter 24 7/8 inch scale length adds a touch of elasticity to the strings, making bends easier and chords more forgiving, while the 1.69 inch nut width offers versatility for a wide range of playing styles. Weighing in at just 4 pounds, the guitar rests lightly in the hands, encouraging hours of effortless playing.

Protected by its Atkin black case, The Forty Three J43 stands as both an homage and a revelation. It reflects Alister Atkin’s gift for capturing the soul of vintage acoustics while daring to push boundaries with its dramatic Olympic White over Sunburst finish. This guitar is not just an instrument but a partner in storytelling, ready to bring out the music that waits within.

Other specifications of The Forty Three include:

• Top: Baked Sitka Spruce
• Back & Sides: Mahogany
• Backstrip: None
• Neck: Mahogany
• Truss Rod: Two-Way (Soundhole Adjust)
• Headstock Overlay: Maple
• Logo: Atkin Decal with Banner
• Fretboard: Santos Rosewood
• Bridge: Santos Rosewood
• Rosette: Cream
• Purfling: None
• Binding: Cream
• Bracing: Pre-war scalloped
• Lacquer Finish: Age Toned Heavy Relic Gloss Nitrocellulose - Olympic White over Sunburst
• Nut & Saddle: Bone
• Tuners: Nickel Gotoh
• Side Dot Fretboard Markers: Cream
• Fret Markers: Mother of Pearl Dots
• Case: Atkin Black
• Body Length: 21 1/8"
• Body Depth: 4 7/8"
• Lower Bout Width: 16"
• Total Length: 41"
• Scale Length: 24 7/8"
• Fingerboard Radius: 16"
• Nut Width: 1.69" (43mm)
• Weight: 4 lb 0 oz
• Serial Number: 3803

For more information about the Atkin The Forty Three, please contact us.

Product Images

Product Videos

Play

Atkin The Forty Three – J43 – Baked Sitka & Mahogany Demo with Matt Chulka