Brad Nickerson Flat Top Cutaway Acoustic (1992) – Spruce/Rosewood, Handcrafted w/ OHSC

Brad Nickerson Flat Top Cutaway Acoustic (1992) – Spruce/Rosewood, Handcrafted w/ OHSC
**Description:**
This 1992 Nickerson flat top acoustic cutaway is an extraordinary example of small-shop American luthiery. Built by Brad Nickerson — a master craftsman known for his archtop work and a contributor to the Smithsonian's Chinery Blue Guitar Collection — this guitar stands out both tonally and historically.
It features Indian rosewood back and sides paired with a spruce top, delivering massive projection and note clarity that’s simply rare. The laminated walnut and maple neck is capped with an ebony headstock veneer, and the body is trimmed in elegant maple binding. The cutaway design offers easy access to higher frets without sacrificing tone.
Tonally, this guitar is a cannon. It projects with remarkable volume, and even more impressively, it offers crisp, piano-like note separation. Every note pops with clarity — whether fingerpicked or strummed — making it ideal for expressive solo playing as well as powerful rhythm work.
Two top cracks have been professionally repaired and are stable. The guitar plays great with low-to-medium action, and there’s room to bring it lower if desired. Fitted with a bone nut and saddle, and professionally set up in our shop, it's structurally solid and ready to inspire.
This guitar holds a special place in our shop’s heart — Brad Nickerson was a teacher and mentor to our head luthier, and we’d love to see this instrument appreciated for what it is: a lifelong companion from one of the finest independent builders in the country.
**Specs:**
- Year: 1992
- Top: Solid Spruce
- Back & Sides: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Laminated Walnut and Maple
- Headstock: Ebony veneer
- Binding: Maple
- Fingerboard & Bridge: Ebony
- Nut & Saddle: Bone
- Scale Length: 25.25"
- Nut Width: 1.71"
- Weight: 4 lbs 11 oz
- Condition: Two professionally repaired top cracks; overall excellent structural health
- Action: Low to medium; adjustable
- Case: Original hardshell case included
**About Mill River Music**
Every instrument we sell has been professionally checked over and setup by our in-house technician to ensure optimal playability. We take pride in our detailed listings, honest descriptions, and careful packing practices. Our small team is made up of gigging musicians, techs, and gearheads who love what we do and want to help you find the right instrument.
Questions? Message us directly or give us a call at (413) 505-0129 — we're always happy to help.
We ship promptly and securely and pack each instrument with the utmost care.
**International buyers:** Please contact us for a shipping quote before purchase.