Janis Ian Custom D’Aquisto Guitar Available for Auction

D’Addario and the D’Addario Foundation presented the Janis Ian custom-made D’Aquisto “Spring Song” acoustic guitar, generously donated to the Foundation by the singer-songer herself.Ordered to replace her missing D-18, the D’Aquisto “Spring Song” acoustic was custom-made for singer-songwriter Janis Ian in 1978 and completed in 1981. As 2016 marks fifty years since Janis wrote and recorded “Society’s Child,” this guitar has an equally rich history, having been recorded on some 13 albums and played on countless tours. This year, Janis received her tenth Grammy nomination for the self-funded audiobook Patience and Sarah, co-narrated by Jean Smart.

Each year, D’Addario donates as much as 10% of its net profits to support music education – 100% of all contributions made to the foundation go to supporting music education programs, primarily in underprivileged areas. A huge advocate for education in the arts, Janis generously donated this masterpiece to the Foundation where the funds from the sale of the guitar will go directly toward funding the more than 125 music education programs supported by the D’Addario Foundation and the D’Addario Family.

In addition to donating this legendary instrument, Janis’ Pearl Foundation has raised and provided nearly one million dollars in funding for scholarships. Like the D’Addario family, Janis and her partner Pat believe strongly that education can change people’s lives, and the work she has done and continues to do is a testament to that mission.

D’Aquisto flat top guitars are a group of 16 acoustic guitars made completely by James D’Aquisto, the master himself, between 1973 and 1984. His flat tops are unique and carry influences from Dr. Michael Kasha and Richard Schnieder as well as his mentor, John D’Angelico. D’Aquisto made two types of guitars: a grand auditorium and a dreadnought, both of which are deep guitars with a large oval soundhole which he believed produced greater projection than the typical round soundhole. They have a strong bass and midrange along with the clarity expected from a D’Aquisto.

The D’Aquisto “Spring Song” is a custom flat top acoustic and is the only flattop made by D’Aquisto in this body shape and size – 15” wide with maple back sides and neck and a spruce top. The guitar is in excellent original condition with no cracks or repairs, and it travels in a Mark Leaf heavy road case. The ownership and use by Janis Ian, for whom the guitar was originally made, significantly adds to the value of the instrument.

If interested, please contact Rudy or Gordon at Rudy’s Music at (212) 625-2557 and reference lot #112.