Frank Brothers Arcade – Sonic Blue Nitro, Swamp Ash, TV Jones T-Armonds
Available now at Southern Guitars
An exquisite example of Canadian craftsmanship, this Frank Brothers Arcade is nothing short of breathtaking. Built with obsessive attention to detail and an artistic eye for design, the Arcade delivers both boutique build quality and an unmistakable visual presence.
This particular model features a Sonic Blue Nitrocellulose finish over a maple top with swamp ash back and sides—a classic combination that’s resonant, lightweight, and stunning in person. The B5 Bigsby vibrato tailpiece adds vintage-inspired expression, while a set of TV Jones T-Armond pickups delivers a dynamic, articulate tone with exceptional clarity. These replaced the original Lollar set (Firebird neck / Vintage T bridge) in a professional upgrade that truly unlocks the guitar’s voice.
Condition is excellent, with only light finish checking on the back—an expected hallmark of thin nitro lacquer that adds character without compromising integrity. Slight amount of color bleed from the tortoise pickup ring just around the corner edge of neck pickup.
Full Specs:
Neck
- Headstock: Spotted Tortoise
- Fretboard: Indian Rosewood
- Neck: Roasted Maple
- 1st/12th Fret Thickness: 0.9” – 1.0”
- Shape: Large C/V
- Nut Width: 1 11/16”
- Radius: 12”
- Scale Length: 25”
- Inlays: Mother of Pearl Dots
- Binding: Solid Off-White
Body
- Top: Maple
- Core: Swamp Ash
- Back: Swamp Ash
- Binding: Solid Off-White
Finish
- Lacquer: Nitro Gloss Top / Satin Back, Sides, Neck
- Top: Sonic Blue
- Core: Color-Matched Maple
- Back: Color-Matched Maple
- Neck: Natural
- Headstock: Natural
Hardware
- Tuners: Kluson Deluxe
- Nut: Bone
- Fret Wire: Jescar 51108
- Bridge: ABR-1
- Tailpiece: B5 Bigsby
- Pickup Rings & Pickguard: Spotted Tortoise
- Knobs: Knurled Barrel
Electronics
- Bridge Pickup: TV Jones T-Armond (originally Lollar Vintage T)
- Neck Pickup: TV Jones T-Armond (originally Lollar Firebird)
- Pots: CTS 250K
- Capacitors: NOS 0.0115mf
- Controls: Master Volume, Master Tone
Other
- Weight: 7.9 lbs
- Case: G&G Brown Tolex
The Frank Brothers Arcade is already a modern classic among boutique guitar aficionados—and with its upgraded electronics, stunning finish, and impeccable playability, this one stands out as something truly special.