Atkin the thirty six l36 kingfisher acoustic guitar

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The Atkin The Thirty Six – L36 Kingfisher is a graceful homage to the golden era of acoustic guitars, born from the vision of Alister Atkin, whose work has become a benchmark in blending tradition with artistry. This instrument draws upon the spirit of the early Gibson L-series guitars while bearing Atkin’s unmistakable touch, offering a voice that is as distinctive as it is inspiring. With the L36 Kingfisher, he has created an instrument that celebrates the intimate beauty of small-bodied guitars, yet carries a strength and clarity that exceeds its size.

At the heart of the guitar lies a baked Sitka spruce top, carefully treated to evoke the openness and maturity of wood that has aged over decades. It pairs beautifully with flame maple back and sides that shimmer with natural light and lend the guitar both visual brilliance and tonal sparkle. The pre-war scalloped bracing within allows the top to resonate freely, producing a sound that is crisp, balanced, and full of nuance. Whether played gently with the fingers or driven with a pick, the L36 Kingfisher responds with agility and warmth.

Alister Atkin’s attention to detail reveals itself in every aspect of the design. The mahogany neck provides strength and stability, its two-way truss rod accessible through the soundhole. A maple headstock overlay carries the Atkin and Kingfisher decal, a distinctive mark that sets this model apart. The Indian rosewood fretboard and bridge add depth and richness to the tonal palette while offering a smooth and natural feel under the hands. Mother-of-pearl dots grace the fretboard, complemented by cream celluloid side markers for clarity without distraction.

Visually, the guitar carries the understated elegance of the classics while bearing its own character. The body is bound in tortoise shell, a perfect match to the engraved and hand-painted tortoise shell celluloid pickguard that gives the L36 Kingfisher its unique personality. The single-ply cream rosette is simple and timeless, allowing the beauty of the woods to shine. Finished in an age-toned relic gloss of nitrocellulose lacquer, the guitar has the look and feel of an instrument that has already lived a life of music. Nickel Kluson tuners complete the headstock with vintage authenticity, while the ebony nut and bone saddle provide clarity and resonance at every note.

The proportions of the L36 Kingfisher invite the player into a world of intimacy and expression. With a body length of 19 inches, a depth of 4 3/8 inches, and a lower bout width of 14 3/4 inches, it is compact and comfortable, yet full of projection. The 24 7/8-inch scale length and 16-inch fingerboard radius balance playability with precision, and the 45mm nut width provides ample room for both chords and melodic lines. At just 3 pounds 13 ounces, it feels feather-light in the hands, ready to become an extension of the player’s voice.

The Atkin The Thirty Six – L36 Kingfisher arrives in its black Atkin case, carrying with it the legacy of early American small-bodied guitars and the refinement of Alister Atkin’s craft. It is an instrument that shines with character, alive with the stories it will help to tell, and destined to become a trusted companion for the musician who embraces it.

Other specifications of the L36 Kingfisher include: