Prairiewood Guitars

[57special]

Here's a prototype of a new model that will be called the "Midwesterner". I'm pretty happy with it. It's meant to be a no frills type instrument that doesn't compromise on tone, looks, or playability. Specs on this one are as follows;
Body
- two piece Butternut

Neck
- Honduras Mahogany. Medium large V neck similar to some 30's Gibsons.
- Indian Rosewood fretboard. 10" radius.
- medium sized frets. .092" x .048". Large enough to bend comfortably, but small enough to feel the wood as you go up the neck.
- 18th fret neck join.
- 25 1/2" scale on this one. Can be 24 9/16", 24 3/4", 25" also.

Hardware
- Goth open backed tuners.
- Gotoh lightweight nickel wrap tailpiece. Vintage style.
- Wolfetone low wind P90( 8K) in rear. Has a plastic riser to bring the pup closer to the strings for a hotter sound. Can be easily removed for a cleaner sound.
- Neck pup is a single coil similar to an old Dearmond pup. It has a nice, jazzy tone when played clean. Very warm and sweet. Not a "tame" pup by any means, just like the old ones. It's 10 K. It's the good cop to the P-90 bad cop.
- reverse tele knob and 3 way switch arrangement. Tone is in the middle.
- CTS pots. Older caps, usually Spragues, sometimes Gudemans, etc.. I find that they do make a difference.

Overall
- Finish is a thin, two tone Tobacco SB nitro. There is a bit of shrinkage, revealing the odd pore, but i'd rather have that than slather the stuff on.
- it's a lightweight. 6lbs. 8 oz..
- comes with HSC.
- I've never used Butternut before. I'm impressed! Not as meaty as Honduras Mahogany, but still warm, and has all sorts of overtones.
- The base model will be $1475. Brazilian Rosewood will be available at an upcharge( I try to be reasonable, but my costs vary on the stuff). Body can be made of all sorts of things including reclaimed lumber, BUT Honduras Mahogany would the wood of choice.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1248.jpg
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http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1300.jpg

[atquinn]

Beautiful.

-Austin

[todd richman]

Gorgeous guitar.

[jetattblue]

I'm usually only into very traditional S and T style guitars. But, this is a very good looking and well thought out guitar. I like the idea of the Dearmond type pickup in the neck. And, I would love to hear it in action. Excellent job.

And let me know if you need someone in Dallas to try out this design!

[57special]

Here's another new one. Tentative name is "PrairieFire"... whattya think of the name? Not too sure myself, sounds a bit contrived.
Specs;

Body
- German carved, Eastern Maple top. This is a one piece, but two piece would be the norm. (also available is traditional violin carve).
- 1 3/4" thick Honduras Mahogany.
- slight belly carve in the back.

Neck
- Honduras Mahogany neck. Rosewood fretboard( this one is Brazilian) with dots(other inlays available). No binding on this one, but binding available.
- medium sized frets (Stew mac #154. .1" x .050") similar in size to the late 50's Gibson frets.
- 24 9/16" scale.
- 10" fretboard radius.
- medium sized, round, late 50's style neck. Very nice player.
- 18th fret join for superior upper fret access.

Hardware
- lightweight Gotoh Tailpiece.
- TonePros Locking TOM.
- Wolfetone Dr. V pups.
- 3 way switch.
- Volume, tone, tone arrangement.
- Gotoh 510 tuners. Very nice!

General comments
-While it looks a bit different, the materials used for this guitar allow it to deliver traditional, full bodied tones. Neck pup is warm, but clear. Weight is 9lbs. 1 oz.. This model is also available in a single cut version, and in a traditional violin carve (not a Les Paul replica). Other control layouts can be devised, also. Base price (Indian Rosewood, two piece mildly flamed top, dots and no binding) is $1850.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1439.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1433.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1455.jpg

and a single cut with a 17th fret neck/body join.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_0784.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_0799.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_0759.jpg

[paintguy]

Really cool stuff!

[empty71]

Wow!!! The "PrairieFire" looks beautiful!!! Reminds me of cross between a Tele, Les Paul and a Rickenbacker 350 ;)

[57special]

ya, the Burst is more Rick than Gibson.

[57special]

a slightly different take on a familiar theme...
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1364.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1376.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1378.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1355.jpg

Body
- One piece Honduras Mahogany.
- traditional 1959 type layout.
- Gotoh lightweight wrap tailpiece.
- two low wind Wolfetone p-90's - about 8 K.
- V, V, T, T layout + 3 way switch.

Neck
- one piece Honduras Mahogany.
- medium sized, 59' profile neck. Very playable, IMO.
- Brazilian Rosewood 10" radius fretboard.
- Stew Mac #154 frets (.1" x .05"). Same as late 50's Gibsons (or at least very close).
- Gotoh open backed nickel tuners.

General comments
- finish is black nitro. It looks very rich and deep in person. Any specks seen on the photos are dirt or dust from the lawn, not the finish- have to vacuum it next time!
- guitar is a light/medium weight 7 lbs. 5 oz.
- screws on the backplate will be changed to black- ran out, but more are on the way.
- guitar sounds fantastic, IMO. Can get rude, but also has a very nice clean tone. Pair it up with a basic Fender amp, keep your fingers on the volume knob, and you're good to go for jazz, blues, or rock.
- basic price for this model is $1475. This one is a bit more due to the Brazilian fretboard.

[jetattblue]

That looks great!

[todd richman]

Your work and that of John Mayes Bombshell Guitars in keeping the spirit of the old Gibson Mahoghany plank style guitars is breathtaking and very inspiring. I so want to pull the trigger on a double cut Jr but finished in the same color as the Midwesterner. I bet those Wolfetone P-90's sound incredible as well.

[WesKuhnley]

Want to trade an amp for a guitar? That 1959 looks amazing!

[diamonddavewv]

What's the headstock angle on these bad boys?

[57special]

Want to trade an amp for a guitar? That 1959 looks amazing!

Wes,
thanks for the offer, and good luck with you amp line. Unfortunately, i value my testicles more than ANY amp, and i will be missing said part of my anatomy if my wife sees another gizmo box come in the house in the house in lieu of cash.
See you soon, though, hopefully?

[57special]

What's the headstock angle on these bad boys?

Same as vintage 50's. I made my neck template off of my 57.

[WesKuhnley]

Wes,
thanks for the offer, and good luck with you amp line. Unfortunately, i value my testicles more than ANY amp, and i will be missing said part of my anatomy if my wife sees another gizmo box come in the house in the house in lieu of cash.
See you soon, though, hopefully?

My wife is exactly the same...I just hide new toys at my buddies studio until it's safe!

Maybe I'll be able to save up for one of your Jrs...They look fantastic!

[57special]

some "old school" axes, done with the expected ingredients. Honduras, Brazilian, Hide Glue, etc..
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1414.jpg

[andygio]

Sweet guitars! Here's the same pic, but Photoshopped a bit...

http://www.cyclopsmouse.com/pics/img1414.jpg

[57special]

Hi-

Another prototype finished (finally). It will be called the Prairiewood Fox. Specs on this one are ;

Body
- one piece Honduras Mahogany.
- German or "deck carve".


Neck

- medium sized, very round neck.
- 24 9/16" scale.
- dot markers.
- Brazilian Rosewood fretboard (upgrade)
- Stew Mac #154 fret. A small jumbo (.050" x .100")
- 10" radius.
- glued in, VERY long tenon (covered by pickguard). One of the advantages of using the Biscuit style pup is that it just sits on top of the guitar, so the neck joint is left intact.
- Bone nut. Does anyone use plastic anymore, and if so, why?

Electronics/hardware

- Wolfetone low wind Dogear P 90. Custom neck pup similar to old Dearmonds found on Harmonys.etc.
- Gotoh open backed tuners.
- Gotoh featherweight vintage styled wraparound bridge/tailpiece.
- CTS pots/ NOS caps.
- 3 way switch.
- Volume, tone, tone control setup.

Comments

- Same neck joint as the Midwesterner.
- It weighs 6 lbs. 14 oz.
- The Honduras Mahogany and short scale make for a thicker sound than the Midwesterner. Sustains like crazy.
- neck pup has a warm, sweet clean sound that sounds magnificent through a big clean amp like a Twin for jazzy tones, and gets a toney sort of whine when going into distortion.
- Ballsy, barking rear pup sound. Blues /rock heaven.
- comes with HSC.

The Fox will be a bit more than the Midwesterner at $1575 . This particular example will be $50 more due to the Brazilian Rosewood fingerboard. Other material, pups, hardware and color can be changed, but body and headstock shape will be a constant.Most guitars that I build will be to order, so I can vary specs to suit the individual.
Wanna V neck? No problem.
Tiny frets, or 16" fingerboard? Sure!
Different pups or hardware? OK!
Pink? YES. I WANT to to do a pink guitar!

There are some things I won't do. Usually it's because I think they won't work.
PM or email me if you have any questions. We can always talk on the phone, if you're more comfortable that way. A website is in the works.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_1507.jpg
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[todd richman]

That is defintely foxy! I love the look of that guitar and bet it sounds versatile.

[Dave Orban]

Schwinnnggg!!!

[skydog]

I love my Prairiewood!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/skydog653/100_0971.jpg

[todd richman]

I just realized that the Fox would look amazing with a firestripe tortoise guard. Cold that be done?

[57special]

Todd,
Just about anything can be done, as long as the same body shape and headstock stays the same. I was actually thinking about using Creme plastic and a pearloid guard to further tart up the Fox, but i'm happy with it the way it is.


Corey,
Wolfe is done your P-90, and will be sending it out early next week. I've got the other bits already, and will send them out to you as soon as i receive the pup.

[theanalogdream]

The red DC above is now MINE! I got it in the mail today and man....a review with pics is soon to come!

[Last Nerve]

57-
What about a price on the single pick-up version (I always forget if it is a Special, or Jr.)?

I think that's what I "NEED" next to go with the strat and tele. :)

[57special]

57-
What about a price on the single pick-up version (I always forget if it is a Special, or Jr.)?

I think that's what I "NEED" next to go with the strat and tele. :)

$2-300 less, depending on which model. PM or email for a more specific quote.

[WesKuhnley]

I'm seriously lusting after one of your specials...

[desceneisvals]

Hey there, wow. Didn't know all these options existed! And I bought a guitar from you that wasn't made by you.

These are amazing. I'm keeping you in mind for my next purchase, whenever that is.

[BattleAngel]

Sir, you are driving me INSANE with GAS!!

[ssdeluxe]

Rob, I can say, you are 1 of 2 builders that I have seen in the last 15yrs that's really exciting me and inspiring me with your builds !@! I love them//// all of them..

I'm going to have to "prep" my wife for this !!!

[dorfmeister]

I'm in the process of putting together the ideal Midwesterner for me. What are some options you selected for yours? Anybody try Primavera for body?

[dorfmeister]

I've just ordered one of these in Tobacco Sunburst, Honduran Mahogony body and neck, and a huge neck.

Damn, I am excited. I like how this guitar has an old school feel but it isn't trying to be a strat or a tele, or a Les Paul Special. It has its own vibe and seems possibly to have some possible inspiration from things like old non-fender, non-gibson guitars. I mean how often do you see a contemporary builder use something like the DeArmond style single coil pickup for the neck position? I like the willingness to go a bit off the beaten track.

[VictorNoel]

How's this Midwesterner sound? I dig everything about this model, especially the pickups & pickguard on this particular guitar.

http://www.prairiewoodguitars.com/wp-content/gallery/midwesterner/img_2246.jpg

[TobyManhattan]

This might just be my new favourite guitar company. I love all the P90s, definitely going to have to order one soon. Do you also sell HSCs for them?

[57special]

TobyM,
All my guitars come with a HSC unless other arrangements are made.

Victor,
I'm very happy with the sounds available. The pups were made with the old Dearmond floating pups in mind. Course, i stuck them on a soldibody and screwed everything up. I find them to have sweet, rich cleans, and smooth, full OD sounds . The rear position has enough twang for country. I love the pups, and can vary the winds and type of wire on them to further tailor them to a player's needs. Being single coils they aren't quiet. I can get a "silent" version, but am suspicious . Sounds to good to be true.

[skydog]

Prairiewood P-90 goodness!!
http://i36.photobucket.com/albums/e41/skydog653/Prairiewood/000_1415.jpg

[57special]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2337.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2334.jpg

[TREV FLINT]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2337.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2334.jpg

:drool Very, very nice. Wow!

[57special]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2265.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2264.jpg

[fyrwyr]

Nice looking guitars!!!

[Sam Evans]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2265.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2264.jpg

That looks AMAZING. I had the pleasure of seeing these guitars up-close in Montreal, and they are fantastic.

[57special]

thanks, guys.

[dorfmeister]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2337.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2334.jpg

Beautiful!

[ssdeluxe]

I have to comment on these gtrs.

I had the pleasure of playing 4 of Rob's guitars today.

In a nutshell: the man knows "TONE", I know that word is used WAY too much, but in this case, its bang on.

The necks on all these gtrs, while different, felt immediately comfortable to the player. It became very obvious very quickly that these are crafted for the player, by a player and by someone who "get's it".

Its hard to get a sense of these until you hold them in your hands: you can really feel the care that Rob puts into these, they are unique and have there own tone/response that I honestly say sounds like no other gtr. Alive comes to mind.

The biscuit pups are truly a surprise, I didn't think they would do anything for me, and turned out the runaway winner. These pu's are only limited by what you put in them, they change their attitude depending on how you play. Very special.

ok.......time to get my specs together, Rob will most definately be making me a gtr.

I really don't like "reviews", and "gear love fests" so just know that I don't own one of these yet, but had the pleasure to play 4 of them, and simply put, most inspiring "new" non-vintage gtr I have ever played. that's it !

[dorfmeister]

Rob has finished my guitar! He is going to ship soon. I am excited!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs665.snc4/60585_1622135920163_1439400303_31641711_6624472_n. jpg

[Stratclaw]

Very nice. I like the vibe of his guitars.

[ssdeluxe]

Rob has finished my guitar! He is going to ship soon. I am excited!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs665.snc4/60585_1622135920163_1439400303_31641711_6624472_n. jpg



dorfmeister, that looks just awesome! I love the appointments you chose, understated beauty, you are in for a treat !

question: what kind of fretboard wood did you pick ?

[dorfmeister]

dorfmeister, that looks just awesome! I love the appointments you chose, understated beauty, you are in for a treat !

question: what kind of fretboard wood did you pick ?

Thanks, Stephen.

I tried to keep it pretty basic. I did choose the mahogany body....Tobacco Sunburst....didn't want to mess with Rob's basic formula....He clearly knows what he is doing.

The fretboard wood is Indian Rosewood.

Bryan

[ssdeluxe]

Thanks for the note Bryan! you are in for a treat ! I recently got to play 4 of his fine works, and they are stunning players with a very tastefull understated beauty about them.

make sure you chime in when the honeymoon is over ;) and give us your feelings.

so true about Rob, he knows a great deal about woods . resonance, and tone...., well all aspects, and the cool part about his gtrs that isn't as obvious on internet pics is, they are beautifully crafted and play gorgeous !

congrats again, that is a beaut !

[masonwilson13]

beautiful

[dorfmeister]

Rob has finished my guitar! He is going to ship soon. I am excited!

http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc4/hs665.snc4/60585_1622135920163_1439400303_31641711_6624472_n. jpg

Received the guitar yesterday. I am really loving it. I will attempt a more thorough discussion of my impressions when I am in front of a computer. I hate typing on a phone.

[dorfmeister]

So I've got my guitar and I have just had it for about 18 hours but I have already played it for about 5 hours...Actually woke up in the middle of the night a couple of times to play it. I think the first thing I notice about it is that it is very touch sensitive and responsive. I am sure the type of bridge has something to do with that, the wood, the pickups...but I have never played a guitar that was so dynamic and responsive. Excellent cleans through the little Red Iron amp I have been playing it through. Very thick tones as it overdrives.

Very comfortable and light...big neck which feels great...range of tones that I need to experiment with more. The controls have a great deal of range. This is a guitar that responds when you turn the volume and tone controls. I have had so many guitars in the past where there wasn't much subtlety as you turn the controls. This has it.....not so great at reviews.....and I need to get back to playing it. This is a really satisfying guitar to play.....it really seems to be outpacing my Warmoth Strat w/Lollars in the tone and responsiveness department by quite a bit.

I know about all the honeymoon stuff but I am going to play this guitar a lot in the near future. I am pretty much a one electric type of person so that guitar becomes my main instrument and I don't really keep any other guitars around.

I like the no frills design and look....I think the reverse tele control arrangement where the pickup switcher is down and out of the way is a great idea.

[lespauldoc]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2337.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2334.jpg

Not to brag..... but this one is mine. You wouldn't believe the clean tones on this one! I knew for sure this would be a rocker, but I've been playing more mellow tones-- more bluesy with slight dirt and clean, acoustic-type rhythms with a hint of delay. Love this guitar!! I've never played anything like it; it truly is its own thing!

[57special]

Here's a trio of Midwesterner's that have left here in the past little while.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2744.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2779.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2796.jpg

also a shot of some Eastern Maple tops that are going to be made into Hardtops. I'm happy to be working with Birdseye Maple, which is one of my fav all time woods.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2767.jpg

[Stratclaw]

These Prairiewoods have a very appealing design. I like 'em. Your hardtops look they will be beasts!

[57special]

coupla Hardtops. Really liking the Porter pups.
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2858.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2864.jpg
http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2871.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2855.jpg

[brads]

Beautiful work as always Rob.

[dyer_maker]

Either one of those hardtops for sale?

[57special]

the one with doublewhites is going to Chris at the Amphouse. Give him a call- good, honest, guy.

[57special]

Beautiful work as always Rob.

Brad,

thanks for turning me on to the the Porters.

[Dana Olsen]

Wow Rob -

That's some 'freakin gorgeous guitar wood there, lad! Really beautiful work - I bet they sound and play great too!

Any chance of clips (GRIN - SOMEBODY had to ask!)

Thanks, Dana O.

[57special]

Dana,

no clips unless some kind person takes pity on me and does some. I do believe that making a good sounding recording is an art in itself, and bad clips can make good gear sound bad and vice versa.

Same with the player, I guess.



Always good to hear from you. I know you can play anything, but i always figured you more for a tele type guy. I've got a Prairiecaster almost done that you might find fun- or at least weird. I call it the "Avocado Guitar".

[57special]

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2880.jpghttp://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2883.jpg

[Mark Kane]

That looks great Robert!! Very cool!

[57special]

Thanks, Mark. Hope you're keeping well.

[Mark Kane]

I'm keeping on, keeping on!!!:rotflmao Ya, that top is hyp-mo-tizing!! What maple is that if ya don't mind me asking?

[57special]

Mark,

Certainly keeping more than a little bit busy with the amps, it looks like?

Top is Eastern Maple. That's all i use for these types of guitars. One of those tops that looks completely different depending on the angle/lighting,etc.

http://i22.photobucket.com/albums/b334/dixon321/IMG_2885.jpg

[Mark Kane]

I love the sheen of some of that eastern maple when it's cut just right. That's really a cool guitar.

Amp stuff is crazy, really never slowed down thru the recession and repairs have gone through roof. I keep saying I'm going to take a few months off and do some new stuff for myself I've been thinking about for a long time, but I never do!!:rotflmao