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After showing his CSL guitars to Mario Maccaferri in N.Y. in 1975, Mario formed a favourable opinion of the quality of Kiso Suzuki and started designing a new model, keeping more with his ideas. In 1979 the two men launched a new "Maccaferri" model with D-shaped soundhole and 12 frets to body, produced by Ibanez. The guitars were approved and endorsed by Mario Maccaferri who personally signed every label. This guitar is one of about 440 ever made, before Mario broke off his collaboration
With Japanese after a few years, and refused to sign the labels, despite the market demands. Due to a minor heart attack in 60es he decided to quit his business in 1981, handing over his French American Reed Company to his wife Maria, who is still a head of the company. Maccaferi died on the 16th of April 1993. This guitar bears a ser.#279, dated July '83, and signed by Mario Maccaferri. Neck is 49mm on nut, D-shaped with adjustable truss-rod and extremely good action. This guitar has incredible sustain, sounds rich and at least as good as many $ 3000.oo Maccaferri replicas from todays "noted" luthiers. The bridge has a professionally routed slot, prepared for undersaddle pickup and the saddle is bone with compensated strings. Guitar is all solid with solid rosewood sides and 2-piece back.
The text and photos courtesy of Carlos Juan, the former guitar owner, and current owner of American Guitar Center in Stuttgart, Germary.