Motivated by a deep admiration for pre- and early post-war Martin mahogany guitars, Boswell launched a limited run of 11 instruments in 2010 that combined the vintage character of those classics with his own innovations in bracing and construction. One model in particular—the “0-14M-3S”—caught the eye of Rudy himself, who then introduced it to longtime friend Mark Knopfler. That guitar went on to become the acoustic of choice on Knopfler’s album One Deep River.
In 2024, Butch, Mark and Rudy collaborated to release a new series of guitars, crafted as faithful replicas of the original. They all feature the signature “Three Sisters” inlay at the 12th fret, a tribute to Butch's Oregon heritage. Each instrument is made from exceptional tonewoods, like the famous Tunnel redwood tops, reclaimed wood from an old train tunnel in southern Oregon. Quality Honduran mahogany back and sides are a great choice for this smaller sized guitar as well, with Adirondack bracing and an all lacquer finish. Serial #19/24 comes with a deluxe hardshell case and a Certificate of Authenticity signed by the builder, Mark Knopfler and Rudy Pensa.
Specs:
Top: Tunnel Redwood
Back & sides: Honduran mahogany
Fingerboard: Brazilian rosewood
Bridge: Brazilian rosewood
Bracing: Adirondack spruce, forward shifted and scalloped X-bracing
Peghead: Brazilian rosewood overlay
Finish: Nitro lacquer, satin back/sides/neck, gloss finished-top
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ABOUT THE BUILDER
Butch worked for Rudy as a repair tech over 20 years ago at the original Rudy's Music Stop on 48th Street. After relocating to the West Coast, Butch has been building guitars for the past 20 years and has, in our minds, perfected the craft. A self-proclaimed "wood junky," Butch is constantly searching for old-growth tonewoods and even sources them himself during intense mountaineering expeditions. In addition to the Boswell guitars we stock in our shop, we also take custom orders.
In Butch's words:
"Each instrument is built completely by hand, sourcing only the highest quality, old growth materials possible, and put together with the highest attention to detail. Hide glue is the primary adhesive used, and every instrument is finished in 100% pure, un-catalyzed nitrocellulose lacquer.
Every guitar I make is essentially a 'Custom Shop' instrument, meaning, there is no ‘standard’ model. Each one is tailor made. The process requires a solid understanding of what each player is after, and in turn becomes a personal experience for both myself and the customer. Models, options, and wood selection are all just the basic starting point."
