Victor Baker in May, 2016 when he staretd to think about planning a Special Edition Model 17 Archtop for buiding his 400th guitar:
I started planning out the summer run of instruments here at the shop, gathering specs and acquiring some needed materials etc (more on those guitars soon!), and I realized that we are going to hit serial No. 400 with this batch. I try to do some special features for every 50th guitar we do (100, 200, 250, 300). Soooo… the brainstorming begins. I know I want to do an L5-size Model 17 with a floating full size humbucker. I’ve really enjoyed doing interpretations of Alphonse Mucha’s art nouveau paintings on the headstocks, so another one of those is in order. Also I have a new Deco style crown inlay theme I want to install. Finish-wise I am thinking a deep wineburst like I did on NO. 333, but instead of Maple binding I would use Koa. Antique gold hardware, ebony fretboard, bridge and tail. Maybe with some sort of engraving. Man! I cant wait to start!!!
Here is the final result of this process. It is now a Model 16 and not all the planned features have been transposed. Nevertheless this is an exceptional guitar, built with great care.
Serial No 400
Model 16
High gloss vintage amber finish
Deluxe grained ivoroid binding package
Custom designed Koa crown inlay theme
Aged Euro Cello maple back
Special Bearclaw top
Master grade birdseye neck