1964 Levin 335 - Sunburst | Ace - Skunk Anansie Collection

In collaboration with Ace from UK alt-rock band Skunk Anansie, ATB Guitars are proud to offer for sale some of the iconic instruments used throughout his career. 
Formed in 1994, Skunk Anansie have become one of the biggest rock bands in Europe with over 6 million physical sales and over 25 million Spotify streams per year not to mention the numerous awards acquired along the way. Their blend of alternative rock, punk, and metal, with powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics gained them significant attention from the outset with the release of their debut album "Paranoid & Sunburnt" in 1995 followed by "Stoosh" a year later. Skunk Anansie continued to evolve their sound with subsequent albums "Post Orgasmic Chill" (1999), "Wonderlustre" (2010), and "Anarchytecture" (2016), and throughout their career they have been praised for their dynamic live performances and outspoken stance on issues like politics, sexuality, and racism. Guitarist, songwriter and founder member Ace played a crucial role in shaping the band's distinctive sound - his heavy riffs, melodic hooks, and dynamic solos contributing to the band's energetic and impactful music. 
During their career Skunk Anansie have shared stages with with such bands as Metallica, Rammstein, Muse, U2, The Rod Hot Chilli Peppers, Lenny Kravitz, Foo Fighters, Bon Jovi, David Bowie and the Sex Pistols. They continue to play sell out shows and release new music under their own independent label. This longevity and influence on the rock scene has cemented their status as one of the most iconic and enduring bands in British rock history. Coinciding with their 30th anniversary Ace has partnered with ATB Guitars to offer for sale some of the iconic instruments he used during his career. 
This is a charming Levin 335 Archtop guitar, made in Sweden in 1964. The Levin company of Sweden was founded by luthier Herman Karlsson Levin in 1900, and the first guitar and mandolin factory was set up in Gothenburg, Sweden. Prior to establishing the factory, Levin had a shop in Manhattan. Levin was purchased in the early 1970s by the Martin Guitar company. The last Levin guitars were made in 1977. The Model 335 was introduced in 1957, produced throughout the 60’s, and was a very popular model in the UK and in Europe. The 335 was offered as a fully acoustic instrument or as the single Pickup M1 and the twin Pickup M2.
The Model 335 has a comfortable, compact body, 16.5” across the lower bout with a depth of 3”. It features a solid, hand carved Spruce top, Maple back and sides with a laminate Mahogany neck with adjustable truss rod. Dark Rosewood fingerboard with large pearl position inlays. Appointments include a bound top and back with unbound fingerboard and headstock. The headstock features a pearl Levin Logo and Star motif paired with the enamel painted Trussrod cover.  The pickguard is single bound tortoiseshell. The Bridge is a recent replacement. This instrument left the factory as a purely acoustic instrument but has been subsequently fitted with a removable pickup that mounts in the same vein as the Dearmond Rhythm Chief type pickup but is possibly a Fuma made part. Still featuring its original open geared tuners, the guitar plays wonderfully thanks to a new nut and a re-fret. The original Sunburst finish looks great with only minor wear. There are a few small areas of touch up evident under Blacklight and a small, well executed repair to the lower bout.  The guitar playas great, the neck has a comfortable mid-to-slim C profile with a 43.41mm wide nut. 
This guitar was part of Ace's private collection.