Looking for unique designs

[Occam]

I love classic shapes and styles but honestly if I'm going to spend big dollars on a boutique guitar I'd like it to have it's own personality....so what are some of your favorite small builders that are coming up with their own shapes and designs?

[abergdahl]

Chapin..

[JPF]

http://www.musikhistoriskmuseum.dk/birdfish.jpg

Ulrich Teuffel is designing some wild stuff in Germany. He let me play and compare a number of them - I've never played a guitar with so immediate and crisp an attack, yet so flexible in terms of switching combinations of tonewood bars, pickups, and placement. His artisrty can be found



Great stuff:dudehere (http://www.teuffelguitars.de/)

[Riscchip]

Koll & Reverend come to mind.

[Unburst]

If you want classic with a twist look no further than Koll.


http://www.kollguitars.com/pages/koll_glides.php

[dirk nixon]

Originally posted by abergdahl
Chapin..

Chapin? All I've ever seen are Strat's and Tele's. What other shapes does he have?

Saul Koll - Glide
Driskill - Diablo
MotorAve - McQueen
McInturff - Terrycaster

[59burst]

http://www.phiferdesigns.com/

[Jon Silberman]

Those are 4 great choices.

Now if you want unique and under $600 with gig bag and killer tones and playability, Reverend. :dude

http://www.reverenddirect.com/reverend/images/guitars_basses/workhorse_series/wh_sls_red.jpg

[DLDTEX]

These are built like none I have seen, hand crafted to the last detail. A neck the demands hours of playing. Tone that keeps the fire alive. Here are pics of my saturn Deluxes.


http://webpages.charter.net/guitarman/0.jpg


http://webpages.charter.net/guitarman/sat1.jpg

[big mike]

Originally posted by dirk nixon
Chapin? All I've ever seen are Strat's and Tele's. What other shapes does he have?

Bill's got a couple of original designs going. He's actually going to stop making S and T style very soon. The Hawk and Devil Dog are quite unique and lead to different percieved tones than the S and T style. Havent seen a Devil Dog up close yet, but the hawk is a nice twist on a Tele influenced Axe. Very cool guitars, and Bill is really a master at getting great tones, and many of them out of designs that look like they should fit a certain niche, but are more versitile than you would think.

I also think Driskill has a very unique look, as well as Koll, Soloway, McInturf and Mc Naught. I am very fond of Ron Thorn's designs, although a bit more traditional looking.

It is really a great time to be a guitar player, as there are so many options for a remarkable instrument to really fulfull your needs and dreams.

[dirk nixon]

I reckon the Stevens LJ oughta do ya.

http://stevensguitars.com/gallery/gallery-lj/images/ms-lj1.jpg

[DLDTEX]

Originally posted by splatt
they look nice!
..... but they also look cut directly from the PRS/Baker/McInturff/etc design paradigm, to me.
dt / spltrcl

I have had PRS CE's, Custom 22's, McCarty's, Single Cuts, Baker B1's and B1C's. I don't have them anymore and I aslo got rid of a few Tylers. Another guitar worth mentioning but similar to a strat like guitar. Looks are looks but it is third to sound and playability. Tyler and Briggs are the only thing I am going to play because they take care of the details.
James Tyler has a few folks working for him but Jack does everything by himself and he will exchange emails with you also.

[Stevo57]

I played a Teuffel exactly like that one at Philster's house on Saturday. What a cool guitar! The ultimate traveler. Chapins Devil Dog is a very cool design and scale. Can't wait to check out a finished one. Saul Koll is a man with a cool retro
design flair I really admire. Jim Soloway designed a long scale guitar that sings like a bird and is light as feather. A buddy has one of the Klein flying kidneys that is a joy to play. There are hundreds of cool designs that mix a lot of function with avant garde form.

[matte]

Originally posted by dirk nixon
I reckon the Stevens LJ oughta do ya.

http://stevensguitars.com/gallery/gallery-lj/images/ms-lj1.jpg Mike is an unbelievable luthier. I've had several of his guitars and they were all killing. These days I'm all about Johan Gustavsson. My Bruisemonster covers all the ground I need to cover in a guitfiddle. Trem, Strat control layout, Lester materials and construction, 25" scale length.

[blair]

I don't know anything about them but the Spalt's are gorgeous and very unique and intriging. Here's the site: www.totemguitars.com and look at the Hybrid's and Customs. Nice lookin' stuff. If they play like they look it could be 'wicked' in a good way!

I'd be very happy with a Heatley Quilt Hollowbody Traditional but, when finances allow. Two hurricanes here in DeLand FL in three weeks have waxed my new geetar fund! Grrrr.........

Hammer on.........Blair

[dirk nixon]

I'd never heard of Fano Guitars until Splatt's post. They have quite a few cool designs. I like this one a lot.

http://www.fanoguitars.com/images/er007.jpg

[rjmmusic]

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Driskill yet! :confused:

It is nice to see some new axes I've never run across before, though. This isn't my thread, but keep 'em coming!

[big mike]

Originally posted by rjmmusic
I'm surprised no one has mentioned Driskill yet! :confused:

It is nice to see some new axes I've never run across before, though. This isn't my thread, but keep 'em coming!

Read closer grasshopper. Joe's work is included. Just haven't posted a pic.

[big mike]

Here ya go. My fav. on Joe's site:

http://driskillguitars.com/hinkles1.JPG

[rjmmusic]

Originally posted by big mike blues
Read closer grasshopper. Joe's work is included. Just haven't posted a pic.

Whoops. :o That's what I get for speed reading the posts. :)

Nice axe. Joe seems to have a way with really intense finish colors.

[eric102673]

I don't know if the uniqueness has worn off but I've always thought Ken Parker's design looked cool.

Of course I owned an early Fly Artist with the all spruce body and the DiMarzios in it. The HBs sounded thinner than a fly's wing and it sorta jabbed me with the corner of the upper horn. If it had been flat across the back instead of so scooped out I wonder if I'd have liked the design better from an ergonomic standpoint.
It also weighed like 4 lbs soaking wet. It resonated like mad and I thought the sans-spring trem system was pretty friggin neat.

Been curious about their introduction of more traditional woods and changed pickups. I think their bass is fugly.

-e.

[Jon Silberman]

Originally posted by splatt
koll: oh, yeah. (own & play 'em)
teuffel: oh, yeah. (own & play 'em)
klein electric: still have one.....
steinberger: still own prototype #1

pagelli: love the way they look; great designer.
andreas: very innerestin'
jerseygirl: hmmmm
fret-king: trev wilkinson designs
versoul: beeootifull
bolin: yup
gusguitars: uk futurism
godin
fano
tv jones
girlbrand!

etc etc etc.....
so many good choices!

splatt, curious - ever try a Reverend?

Kolls they ain't but they have their own unique charm if in a low-rent fashion.

[SouthernShred]

These look interesting:

http://www.flyingfinnguitars.com/fpohja.htm

[big mike]

Played a Reverend Slingshot, and it was Damn cool! Def. it's own tone, and not a stereotypical P90 sound.

[dzo]

Splatt had some good recommendations. I really like the www.pagelli.com designs. Below is a Pagelli:

http://www.pagelli.com/e/2instrum/image/klein/eg_ratocaster_vorne_k.jpg


www.bolinguitars.com will do anything you desire in addition to his standard designs.

[Jon Silberman]

Originally posted by splatt
i never tried one, but remain curious! (rent-rates don't interest me; i'm the guy what regularly recommends korean-made g&L's for modification.....)
i may exercise that curiousity, soon.....
you like the revs?
dt / spltrcl

I like them alot, particularly the older ones with the Eastpoint neck carve (it'll say Eastpoint on the neck). They have their own unique vibe, e.g., the soapbar Slingshot with its big open rout and 25 1/2" scale is significantly more "Stratty" than a Gibson.

Here's mine at an outdoor jam/party at John Bell's place:

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL326/682310/3240939/39736693.jpg

[matte]

Originally posted by splatt
and a pagelli that's not on their site:

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/1684866/5278865/67445482.jpg

dt / spltrcl Yeah, but where's the whambulator? ;) Luv the kinetic aesthetic.

[Jerrod]

Klein - got one
Girl Brand - got one
Teuffel - had one (still want a Birdfish)

Timtone - almost bought one but didn't get around to it
Trussart - want one

These other guys have mentioned good ones!

[drezdin]

Originally posted by splatt
and a pagelli that's not on their site:

http://pic14.picturetrail.com/VOL554/1684866/5278865/67445482.jpg

dt / spltrcl

that's awesome!

is that one of those alesis air processors in the upper horn?

[drezdin]

Originally posted by splatt
yes!
dt / spltrcl
Ha! i'm not as dumb as i look. :D

i'm trying to figure out how i can put a ribbon controller on a guitar so i can send voltage control messages to an eventide for real time parameter changes.
maybe i'll ask them for some advice.

[Dave Paetow]

Not commercially available, but it's different! I think the luthiers name was Andy Demetriou.
http://www.edenwaith.com/uliroth/images/music/destiny.jpg

How about the Ovation Breadwinner? The poor man's Klein.

[drezdin]

thanks for the links. i will check all of those out.

Originally posted by splatt

so:
which eventide (and parameters) are ya seeking to control?


i use the eventide eclipse. i would like to be able to control just about any parameter with it...i like to create strange little sounds. (i'm a kaiser and torn fan :p) the eclipse lets you assign a voltage control pedal to any parameter and i was hoping to use the ribbon controler in place of of the voltage control pedal. since they seem to work on the same 5v idea.
here is the ribbon i was hoping to use.
http://infusionsystems.com/catalog/product_info.php/cPath/24/products_id/46


you may like this splatt.

http://www.drezdin.com/33.jpg

it's a midi breath controller on a joystick. let's you send 4 different control change messages by blowing and moving it around.
the only bad thing is when i look down after using it for a while, i see all the spit that has shot out the side....yuck

btw:
my current koll guitars' pickguards are actually conductive copper, wired to a jack for theremin-ic like controls.....
what are you able to control with that?

[dookie]

Dave Paetow,

Isn't that Andy Demetriou made axe the infamous Ulrich Roth Sky Guitar???

[drezdin]

Originally posted by splatt

..... didn't realise those two went 'together'!
*-))


sorry, hope i didn't offend.
you don't...i meant just in the way you both inspire me to be creative and experiment.

[muddy]

hey scotty! if you had delved a little deeper, you would also have found this!

http://www.philgawen.com/images/Dcp_4064_copy.gif
http://www.philgawen.com/images/Dcp_4067_frcopy.gif

:)


ml

[dzo]

Jerrod or anyone else with a Girlbrand guitar.

I've been very curious about these guitars lately. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

[Saul Koll]

Here is one by Tom Jones (TVJONES) It is the only one he has made since he moved to Poulsbo, WA from Whittier, CA. I am hopeful that he makes more!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Saul-Koll/guitar2.jpg

[Jerrod]

Originally posted by dzo
Jerrod or anyone else with a Girlbrand guitar.

I've been very curious about these guitars lately. Any opinions would be greatly appreciated.

I bought mine used from BryanT of this forum. It's called Electron Girl Revisited and has the PC board top. I'm sure some dork will be along any minute to say that it would sound better if it was PTP. :rolleyes:

In any case, it has the normal body w/ maple neck and ebony (I think) fretboard. The weight is pretty average electric guitar weight... maybe 7 pounds or so, but I'm guessing. It's pretty comfy, although it's worth noting that the piece of metal that wraps around the perimeter of the body could be uncomfortable for some, depending on your playing ergonomics.

I think the guitar sounds great. If you're really interested, let me know, and I could do some soundclips through a THD Flexi. The
Schecter pickups sound good and the 3-way toggles that interact with the onboard transformers are an interesting idea. I like using them to thin out/fatten up the sound. Playability is good. The neck on mine has an offset... the fattest part is offset to the high E side of the board a certain amount and fits my hand VERY well.

I would buy this one again in a heartbeat. The new ones have gotten crazy expensive, but you can still find them used for reasonable prices occasionally.

Three thumbs up!

Jerrod

[Sam Evans]

www.novaxguitars.com

[DLDTEX]

I may have misunderstood the spirit of the discussion when I offered Jack Briggs designs as unique. What I thought was unique about the Briggs was the quality and tone for the price. These are exceptional instruments.

The most unique design in the history of electric guitar in my opinion is Leo's stratocaster. The tone produced by Gibsons are very unique. I guess with Mr. Smith inovations in the early 80's it seems like everybody trying to create a do all and be all.

Look for quality and tone because there can be expense. Then look at it. Just my opinion and now I will be quite.

Thanks for the exposure to so many different luthiers.

[TieDyedDevil]

Ken Bebensee has some interesting designs.

http://kbguitars.com/

Unfortunately, his web site seems to be badly broken at the moment. :(

[mainsale]

Check out a Terry C. McInturff "Terrycaster" for something unique and different, but very toneful!

[dzo]

Jerrod - Thanks for the review. Have you seen the new GirlBrand amps?



http://gbase.com/guitar_pics/533/530600.jpg

[Dave Paetow]

Originally posted by dookie
Dave Paetow,

Isn't that Andy Demetriou made axe the infamous Ulrich Roth Sky Guitar???
Yes it is. It also has built in eq controls and boost from what I have been able to find out. John Oram (Trident mixing boards) built the electronics for it.

[dookie]

Off topic:

Dave Paetow,

What ever happened to the ex-Scorpion, father of all neo-classical guitar ripping anyway??? I saw him with his Electric Sun band way back in 85...

[dirk nixon]

Originally posted by dzo
[B]Jerrod - Thanks for the review. Have you seen the new GirlBrand amps?


It does have the same "fancy" binding but if it were a GirlBrand amp it would have something really cool painted on it. I think you're pullin' our leg. :p

[Fantom1]

Sounds better than it looks (is that possible?)
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/0703/fantom1/Gustavsson%20Bluesmaster/f8a42411.jpg

[Bassomatic]

Caught a bit of Steve Winwood's set on Sound Stage tonight. Jose Neto was playing a very elegant, rather original looking white guitar, and getting some really nice semi-acoustic and electric tones. Anyone know what it was?

[Dave Paetow]

Originally posted by dookie
Off topic:

Dave Paetow,

What ever happened to the ex-Scorpion, father of all neo-classical guitar ripping anyway??? I saw him with his Electric Sun band way back in 85...
He's still making records and is touring the USA right now.
http://www.ulijonroth.com/sky/main.htm

[Bassomatic]

Originally posted by splatt
hmmm..... can't remember who makes those.
(pretty sure i saw pino daniele playing one, though..... ?????)
dt / spltrcl

It had, like, pretty, curvy lines cut through the (quite thin) body on the top half, a headless design neck with an extended(?) low E. Sound the same?

[BattleAngel]

Jose is playing a Paradis Avalon- they use a totally, totally wild pickup system that was very expensive to produce. That guitar was built by a luthier for the Paradis electronics company, I think there were maybe 50-300 of them made, but not much more than that.

That white guitar has haunted my dreams for years. I would love to have one.

[Cheebatone]

Originally posted by Dave Paetow
Not commercially available, but it's different! I think the luthiers name was Andy Demetriou.
http://www.edenwaith.com/uliroth/images/music/destiny.jpg


He used to live just down the road from me! Great luthier and guitar tech.

Any idea where he is now?

[le_plastique]

He makes guitars too!

http://www.godfreybass.com

[eric102673]

I take it this is the Paradis guitar in question?

http://www.senzatempo.co.uk/assets/images/db_images/db_folkjn12.jpg

More I found in a quick search: http://www.matthias.grob.org/pParad/Parad.htm

-e.

[Bassomatic]

That's the one, eric.

[Gauge613]

i don't like to push my own work - not my style
but i have a double cutaway design that is a little different than some you've seen
its a carve top or a flat top
the carve top has a nice thick aggressvely carved top, and the flat top is anyway you like it (maple capped or not or with pickguard)
here's a lefty version of the flat top in the works
and i'd love to post a version of the carve top, but odn't know how to post pdfs (new pics of the carve tops are in the works - old pics were lost-sadly)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v198/Gauge613/3.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...13/e6690565.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v...13/26f8ef75.jpg

feel free to email me to get the pdf or some pics

[Old Fuzzface]

GUS and Teuffel already got mentioned.

Time to check out Brian Eastwood's creations....

Is that real? (http://www.brianeastwoodguitars.co.uk/)

[Saul Koll]

Check out Portland artist Phil Sylvester.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Saul-Koll/fract-scoot.jpg
he calls this one a "fracturecaster". I like to call it "strat descending a staircase."

[Scott French]

I hope it isn't considered spam, but this is the favorite of my 6 or so designs. I tried to get something different but not too silly or radical. So... there's something somewhat unique for you.

http://www.scottfrench.com/images/linked/SF3.jpg

[JPF]

I'm with Cutter - that is beautiful - clean, restrained and daring at the same time. Any chance to catch a glimpse of the headstock, Scott?

[908SSP]

Scott
I like that a lot. Looks well balanced comfortable and elegant. The simple designs are the hardest yours is very good. I would like to see the whole guitar with the head stock.

[Sam Evans]

That looks great Mr. French. Got a website?

Sam

[dirk nixon]

Thanks for the info on www.artguitars.com, Saul. I'm kind of an artsy fartsy guy so when I see stuff like this it just blows my mind.


THE FLEXINATOR
http://www.artguitars.com/photos-guitars/FlexinatorBody.jpg
THE SAD LITTLE AMP
http://www.artguitars.com/photos-amplifiers/SadLittleAmp.jpg
THE HAZEL MOTES
http://www.artguitars.com/photos-guitars/HazelMotes.jpg
THE PHEO SIX PACK
http://www.artguitars.com/photos-amplifiers/PheoSixPack.jpg
http://www.artguitars.com/photos-amplifiers/PheoSixPackRear.jpg

[Saul Koll]

Yeah, Dirk!

His stuff is really cool. Each has a unique voice. The amps are actually very functional and sound interesting. The guitars too.
Phil is a pretty interesting artist who plays guitar pretty well too and so his art guitars and amps have to work!
I don't have any of his instruments but I have one of his paintings. I would like one day to get one of his amps for my living room.

See you!

Saul

[cr8z4life]

http://www.rksguitars.com/


Here is one for you....all I can tell you is when I saw Dave Mason the tone he was pulling out of one of these was like nirvana.....he had unbelievable tone!!

[Testudo]

Wow! 6 pages and no one has mentioned our pal Zachary:
http://www.zacharyguitars.com/

actually, I think some of his designs are cool. Not crazy about the headstock or "speed holes" but I think he is making great progress. His ranting definitely sets him back a peg or two, however...
Check out #07199, made from pallet wood!

And of course, the IKEA guitar:
http://www.zacharyguitars.com/120300_13.JPG

[Doug Simms]

Originally posted by Unburst
If you want classic with a twist look no further than Koll.


http://www.kollguitars.com/pages/koll_glides.php

I checked out Saul's website. You gotta love a builder that uses this at the end of his Super Glide Almighty description: "The ultimate electric guitar. Bow down. Repent. Submit. Order."! I like it when confidence and a great sense of humor come together.

[Scott French]

CUTTER / JPF / 908SSP / Sam, Thanks for the replies. FYI my site is listed in my URL/Website button thing on this forum.

Here is a full shot of another SF3 and a bass headstock closeup.

http://www.scottfrench.com/Gallery/Customs/Spencer%20Seim,s%20SF3%20Guitar/08.jpg

http://www.scottfrench.com/Gallery/Customs/Ian%20Hill,s%20SF4%20Bass/04.jpg

[enharmonic]

Originally posted by Jon Silberman

http://pic10.picturetrail.com/VOL326/682310/3240939/39736693.jpg

Dude, how did Zappa get a Reverend? :eek:

;)

[Scott French]

I've been resisting posting unsolicited pics lately but I couldn't help but resurect this thread with a guitar I finished for a friend recently. It's one of the strangest guitars I've ever heard of and hopefully the weirdest I ever build.

http://www.scottfrench.com/Gallery/Customs/Spencer%20Seim,s%20SF0SS%20Guitar/04.jpg

http://www.scottfrench.com/Gallery/Customs/Spencer%20Seim,s%20SF0SS%20Guitar/03.jpg

• 2 Piece Alder Body
• Green Nitrocellulose Lacquer With Beard Hair
• 5 Piece Flame Maple/Wenge Neck
• Black/White Bound Ebony Fingerboard
• 24 Jumbo Frets
• Green Fiber Optic/LED Side Markers
• Pearl Face and Side Markers
• Green/Pearloid Sperzel Locking Tuners
• Black Corian Nut
• Tele Style String Thru Bridge with Individual Piezo Outputs
• Donor Tele Bridge Pickup from Spencer's Series 10 Backup
• B-Band Piezo Strip Installed as Nut Pickup
• Egg Shaker with Contact Mic mounted into a rear cavity
• Schaller Locking Strap Buttons
• Roland 13 Pin Connector to carry all the separate signals
• Donor Dunlop Bass Wah turned into custom breakout box
• Optional 1/4" Output for quick and dirty backyard rocking
• Color Matched Backplates

The signal chain goes Guitar -> 13-Pin Cord -> Breakout Box -> 12 Channel Mixer -> Pedals/Etc -> 2 Mesa Boogie Half stacks (stereo)

That way he can run each string to a separate spot in the stereo spectrum and put the tele pickup, nut pickup, and egg shaker down the middle or left/right.

I have completed pics but the color isn't as good as these so I just posted the step before strings.

[drezdin]

The guitar looks great, but.... beard hair???? gross.

[bek]

Scott, that green thing is not totally offensive, but it sure is different. Some of those features are real strange == egg shaker and bass wah built-in!?! Fascinating. That said, time for my Lindert Skyliner to show up:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/bek1a/LindertwP90.jpg

[bek]

A different execution of a classic design, by Industrial Guitars:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v350/bek1a/Industrial.jpg

[Pete2]

Originally posted by drezdin
The guitar looks great, but.... beard hair???? gross.

Yeah, cool guitar, but that's kind of skanky! What's the story?

Pete

[Jon Silberman]

Originally posted by Scott French
I hope it isn't considered spam, but this is the favorite of my 6 or so designs. I tried to get something different but not too silly or radical. So... there's something somewhat unique for you.

http://www.scottfrench.com/images/Scott_French_Electric_Guitar_SF-3G.jpg

I REALLY like your design, Scott. I can't even explain in words why, it just makes me feel shivery in a good way.

[Jon Silberman]

Originally posted by enharmonic
Dude, how did Zappa get a Reverend? :eek:

;)

LOL!

More people tell me I look like Jim Croce, actually.

[dirk nixon]

Scott, do you have a website?

[Scott French]

The beard hair... hmm... I dunno Spencer is just a crazy guy and has a thing for his beard, I don't know why. We had met in the middle and comprimised on so many things that when it came to that time I just stopped arguing and went for it. That would be the first thing to go if I had the chance though. It was not fun to work with.

Thanks, Jon. I'm glad you like it, hopefully I'll get to build some more carve tops like that one soon.

Dirk, I posted it on page 6. It's just my name .com and it's also on my profile thing.

[gitman]

here is a guitar by a very interesting artist from Bacelona, Spain. His nameis Jose Melo. wonderful stuff ....http://www.meloguitars.com/instruments_em1.htm Jose Melo

can't post a pic ... her'es the website :
http://www.meloguitars.com/

[JPF]

Here's another Spanish luthier I'm having a guitar made by:

Diego Pons (http://www.arrakis.es/~crazze/maderaexotica/maderas_exoticas.htm)

[BattleAngel]

That Trio of Kleins is rediculous. I would gladly cleave off a nad to have even one of those guitars.

[BattleAngel]

I've got to say, I usually favor very sleek, well executed "traditional" designs for acoustic guitars; but even then, I'm talking about guitars like Petros, Kathy Wingert's or Tony Vine's, not Merril OMs. But ever since seeing one of Steve Kauffman's guitars, I've been so turned on by the more exotic. Looking at those Klein's, it's like I can feel the music they'd inspire me to make. One day... who knows :-)

[Stevo57]

I stop in to Klein's from time to time in my work travels. They always have a great selection of unusual instruments on sale and display.

[Stevo57]

I stop in to Klein's from time to time in my work travels. They always have a great selection of unusual instruments on sale and display.

[oddguitar]

Hi All,

I am a new here, but am thrilled to find a forum with so many other members who have a taste for modern design and technical innovation in guitar building. I had resigned myself to the idea that people with this kind of taste are few and far between. To get my fix I've been going to the steinbergerworld, kleinelectricguitar and parkerguitars yahoo forums, as well as perusing harmony-central and usenet, but nothing compares to this!
:dude

As to myself I either own, have owned or plan to own guitars from the following companies:

Teuffel, Klein, Steinberger, Parker, Andreas, Bolin NS, Gittler, Gittler/Barrashi wooden guitar, Pagelli, Auerswald, Floyd Rose Redmond Series, Lace Helix, Novax, Basslab, Gus, Woody Phifer, Kubicki, Burrell, RKS, Spalt, MJ, Little Guitar Works, Chrysalis, Ritter, and some others.

I'm also glad to see how many music industry insiders as well as smaller builders post here.

As soon as I figure out how, I will post some pictures.

Cheers,

Oddguitar

[BattleAngel]

Welcome, oddguitar! There are a lot of traditionalists here on the forum, but fortunately also indeed a lot of people with adventerous taste. I respect and often lust after the prime specimens of classic guitar design, but nothing gets me going like a guitar with a bold new design, so long as it has the classic elements of great design. In my head, all I'm playing is amazingly unique guitars... problem is, I don't know how to bring the amps up to that level of newness! =( ...other problem is, it's going to cost a small fortune and probably a bunch of years making my guitar fantasy a reality, considering I haven't even picked a luthier yet. So do you own a Pagelli? Have you played one? What was the experience like?

[drjenkins]

Damn Scott, those guitars are SICK!! Some extremely cool looking designs you have there! I just stumbled onto this post and my jaw dropped when I got to your guitars. Once I get done with my whole home buying loveliness that Im dealing with, I may have to contact you about a custom piece. Once again, killer work. Anyone that would make a Fluoro green bass with beard hair in the finish is okay by me :)

[drjenkins]

Also guys, check out www.lgmguitars.com for some 6,7,& 8 string coolness. Shredder guitars for the most part, but some neat body designs and finishes.
Been contemplating pulling the trigger on one of these for a while now.

[oddguitar]

BattleAngel,

Don't own a Pagelli, but have tried them out at MusikMesse shows in Germany. Very cool designs, especially the Avantair and the Splash Bass. I only wish he would make a series of instruments instead of basically making individualized custom instruments. Nothing against customization, but if you want to achieve immortality in the guitar business you have to make instruments in series in addition to making your own hardware. His Instruments are fantastic none the less and I hope to possess one someday.

Cheers,

Oddguitar

[Scott French]

Thanks, drjenkins. I'm glad you like 'em! For the record that finish stuff was a battle to get me to do. It turned out neat but if I had a choice from the start I probably would have vetoed it. ;)

[gitman]

in case it's been overlooked : here is a builder from germany who has been around for a while. nothing outlandish, not overpriced and he has some cool design ideas that are NOT based on pretty wood but on ergonomics, functionality and cost-effectiveness :
http://www.duesenberg.de/

[drjenkins]

Originally posted by Scott French
Thanks, drjenkins. I'm glad you like 'em! For the record that finish stuff was a battle to get me to do. It turned out neat but if I had a choice from the start I probably would have vetoed it. ;)
Yeah, I dont care how good a friend, or how much money I was paid, Id be hard pressed to do that myself :) Yet again , killer designs, I put some pics on my desktop here at work and photoshopped them a bit, just so I can periodically drool ;)

[JingleJungle]

http://www.jjm.ch/images/guits/bolt3.jpg

;)

As radical as it gets (after Teuffel and Spalt/Totem)...

JingleJungle

[Jose Luis Garci]

here is a guitar by a very interesting artist from Bacelona, Spain. His nameis Jose Melo. wonderful stuff ....http://www.meloguitars.com/instruments_em1.htm Jose Melo

can't post a pic ... her'es the website :
http://www.meloguitars.com/

Superior instruments in many aspects ...



http://www.meloguitars.com/archives/photos/gallery_instruments_em3_birdseye/em3birdseye_2_l.jpghttp://www.meloguitars.com/archives/photos/gallery_instruments_jm2/jm2_12_l.jpg


Incredible inspiring instruments.

[enharmonic]

Here is one by Tom Jones (TVJONES) It is the only one he has made since he moved to Poulsbo, WA from Whittier, CA. I am hopeful that he makes more!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Saul-Koll/guitar2.jpg

Any additional info on this one Saul? I don't see anything on Tom's site about it. Looks gorgeous...and if it's even half as nice as his pickups, it would be a winner for sure. :)

[Saul Koll]

Any additional info on this one Saul? I don't see anything on Tom's site about it. Looks gorgeous...and if it's even half as nice as his pickups, it would be a winner for sure. :)


Pickups or guitars, Tom's work is pretty amazing. He has been concentrating and building his pickup business for the last few years. He misses making guitars and hopes to get something working eventually.
He made this red guitar a little while back to donate to his son's little league fundraising auction. For him it was a great "excuse" to work with wood and lacquer for a bit.
Since then he made one more similar to this which he had at the winter NAMM back in January. I'm don't know of any shots of that one. He used it to demo his new Powertron+ pickups with new satin finish. The guitar went to a close friend (Maki, at TROY LEE DESIGN) after the show.

I'm quite sure he'll be building on a more regular basis in years to come, as I know he really misses it.

cheers,

Saul

[cmatthes]

JJ beat me to it!

The coolest (and most comfortable guitar out there)!!
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v75/cmatthes/red_thunderbolt_-_Rick.jpg

[7String Thing]

hmm id say parker or alembic, at alembic you can draw your own shape if you want

[Antroid]

Flaxwood, made of linen fibre: http://www.flaxwood.com/main.site?action=siteupdate/view&id=11

[hawkeyeinexile]

Bill's got a couple of original designs going. He's actually going to stop making S and T style very soon. The Hawk and Devil Dog are quite unique and lead to different percieved tones than the S and T style. Havent seen a Devil Dog up close yet, but the hawk is a nice twist on a Tele influenced Axe. Very cool guitars, and Bill is really a master at getting great tones, and many of them out of designs that look like they should fit a certain niche, but are more versitile than you would think.....

i also see some SG in the Chapin Hawk (easy for me, since mine is mahogany & black limba) with the pointier cutaway.

since i've got the only Chapin debil dawg so far, i'm also looking forward to what players commission in the future (25.5" scale swamp ash w/S-style p'up setup w/mesquite fingerboard?), etc. :eek:

i also like the Stevens, Gustavsson, Koll, and Rick Turner designs (and there're some other real eye-catchers here, too)

:cool:

[Chrome Dinette]

I really like the looks of these:

http://www.burnsguitars.com/sites/burnsguitarsv1.3/graphic_design/jetsonic/jetsonicblue.jpg

I know Burns is a large manufacturer, but it was designed by boutique builder Pagelli.

[flexshock55]

In my opinion:

Heatley (http://www.heatleyguitars.com/)
RKS (http://rksguitars.com/new/products.php)
Moser Custom Shop (http://www.mosercustomshop.com/models.html)
Light Body Guitars (http://www.pick-uptheworld.com/LBG.htm)

Can't say any of these suit my fancy, 'cept Heatleys, but unique nonetheless.

[n.j.]

Might as well keep this going:

Lentz DL90 and Soloway for body shape/design.
Trussart and Girl Brand for sheer ingenuity.

[koamarlin]

What about garage-made creations?:)


http://img224.imageshack.us/img224/3664/2dndq8.jpg

http://img118.imageshack.us/img118/2402/mahogany2ag1.jpg

[Ian Anderson]

Check out Portland artist Phil Sylvester.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Saul-Koll/fract-scoot.jpg
he calls this one a "fracturecaster". I like to call it "strat descending a staircase."

One man's art = another man thinking he needs to put a lock on the dumpster. ;)

[koamarlin]

One man's art = another man thinking he needs to put a lock on the dumpster. ;)

Fred Flintstone´s Relic Strat!!:rotflmao

[Saul Koll]

One man's art = another man thinking he needs to put a lock on the dumpster. ;)

lock the dumpster? No way! what would Fred Flintstone play?!
here is one for Barney Rubble:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Saul-Koll/futur-jeep.jpg

[drezdin]

lock the dumpster? No way! what would Fred Flintstone play?!
here is one for Barney Rubble:
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v207/Saul-Koll/futur-jeep.jpg

What a cool design! Is that one of yours?

[Saul Koll]

No, my friend Phil Sylvester makes this stuff:
http://www.artguitars.com/

[phantasm]

Scott French makes great things!

Here's mine in progress.

<img src="http://www.scottfrench.com/Gallery/In%20Progress/Jeff%20Schreckengost,s%20SF3%20Guitar/10.jpg">

[Jim Soloway]

Phantasm, HTML doesn't work here. I'm sure there are some instructions on the site somewhere, but in the meantime, here's your photo and welcome to the Gear Page.

http://www.scottfrench.com/Gallery/In%20Progress/Jeff%20Schreckengost,s%20SF3%20Guitar/10.jpg

[phantasm]

Howdy- thanks for posting that one.

[BrandonT]

this body shape was a dyslexic exercise .... really think mr.french's work is cool.

http://www.liquidguitars.com/LG_redR001.jpg

[Chrome Dinette]

Scott French makes great things!

Here's mine in progress.

<img src="http://www.scottfrench.com/Gallery/In%20Progress/Jeff%20Schreckengost,s%20SF3%20Guitar/10.jpg">

Hi, Jeff.

[dotlikeimpact]

I've got one of Mr. French's awesome instruments on order.

http://www.scottfrench.com/?m=Gallery&s=In%20Progress&t=Page%20Laubheimer,s%20SF3%20Guitar

Hi Phantasm. I've been voyeuristic and watching the progress of yours, too. It's looking awesome.

[Chrome Dinette]

This guitar has been posted elsewhere on TGP, but since talk has turned toward Scott French, here's mine:

http://www.scottfrench.com/?m=Gallery&s=Customs&t=Dave%20Kuzy,s%20SF3%20Singlecut%20Guitar

[phantasm]

Hi dave & Mr. Impact.


I'm glad i got a chance to check out the guitar that Scott made for Dave, it really helped me make the plunge. So great and so unusual in so many ways.

I gave Scott very few specs on the guitar (neck size & fretboard wood) and just let him do what he wanted. The wood for the top was originally supposed to be the back of the guitar, but it really struck me.

[dotlikeimpact]

Yeah, I plunged totally blind into it. I've also given him ogita with detailed specs. He probably hates me by now...

[axestronomer]

www.frankinsteinguitarworks.com

[Scott French]

Page and Jeff and Dave all in one spot, with Raj floating around too. The internet sure is a small place!

Page, how could I hate someone that ordered one of my guitars sight unseen?! I'm pretty sure that puts you in the top percentile of coolness. :cool:

[dotlikeimpact]

Hey Scott!
Me, cool? <bats eyes>...
Seriously, though, all the stuff you're making now looks awesome. Everytime you update the site, I make my poor girlfriend and roommate come look at them. I'm really excited about the guitar. I don't know how people deal with the wait for Thorns/Gustavsons/whatever. It's only been two months, and I'm already feeling the wait. Lucky it's not that long in this instance...

[Chris Rice]

I like John Page's new design, would love to play one:
http://i82.photobucket.com/albums/j250/cubado/NewPageGuitar.jpg

Rich Rice designed these, I think they're fairly unique:


http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/dabluzeguy/HollowTele/HollowTele6.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/dabluzeguy/Strele/hybrid1.jpg
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/dabluzeguy/greensurf.jpg

This one was designed with/for a TGP member:
http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/dabluzeguy/JustinThinline/justin3.jpg

The silhouettes are familiar, but that's where the similarities end.

[BrandonT]

looks like a redwood top? hows the sound...

[spokenwar]

I have a question:

Anybody out there have an idea what a Bolin NS is worth?

[7String Thing]

I reckon the Stevens LJ oughta do ya.

http://stevensguitars.com/gallery/gallery-lj/images/ms-lj1.jpg

WHO PUT THE LES PAUL IN THE MICROWAVE AGAIN?!

I think that the Parker Fly is pretty radically different.
I also agree with the Scott French designs
Teuffel is pretty rad shit
Also Alembic does some very cool stuff

PRS was pretty damn original back in the 80s when the first came out, that was surely never seen before. Then all of the mutations thereafter, like Driskill, McNaught, and to some extent, although not heavily, Thorn.

All of these guitars are great instruments though.

[Chris Rice]

Holy resurrected thread, Batman!

[Tone Disciple]

Take a look at the Collings 360!

http://www.themusicemporium.com/product-detail/asetid/22/product/collings-360-red-flame.html

[mrfjones]

www.gaugeguitars.com. great prices, great guitars and one heck of a nice guy.

[dzo]

I have a question:

Anybody out there have an idea what a Bolin NS is worth?

Describe the one in question. They are usually a great deal used.

[Kalalau Hiker]

I'm looking forward to getting one of these - only one on ebay right now is in New Zealand! :mad:

Burns Jet sonic
http://www.burnsguitars.com/images/detailjetsonic.jpg

[ptgold]

McNaughts definitely! I have a Single Cut on the way and they have a very modern LP look to them.

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/jaytor15/100_5886.jpg

If you want to go for a very "different" design check out their Phoenix model....very cool

http://i481.photobucket.com/albums/rr179/jaytor15/100_1075m.jpg

[GovernorSilver]

The New Dream, by Fred Carlson:

http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDfront.JPG

Can you see the RMC hex pickups under the 6 main strings and the bass strings?

http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDbridge.JPG

The bass strings have individual moveable capos

http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDheads.JPG

Treble harp strings have half-step levers:
http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDtrebl2.JPG

No pics of the 12 sympathetic strings that run through the neck. They can be muted and there is a "trap door" in the back for easy access.

[Chris Rice]

That is badass.

[RvChevron]

I'm looking forward to getting one of these - only one on ebay right now is in New Zealand! :mad:

Burns Jet sonic
http://www.burnsguitars.com/images/detailjetsonic.jpg

Pagelli's designs are most definitely unique.

What bridge is that???

[aarondavis]

Saul Koll = Glide
Soloway = Swan (these guitars are plain sick...)
Parker
Paul Gilbert (well he's not a luthier but the backwards Iceman he had Ibanez build is flippin cool) http://dimarzio.com/site/#/pickups/

[Kalalau Hiker]

Pagelli's designs are most definitely unique.

What bridge is that???

not sure. might be info on the site

[baimun]

Hip shot and a couple other builders make individual saddles that are individually bolted to the guitar for the spacing and stagger that you need. That's the bridge you're seeing above.

Strings can anchor at the end of each saddle or feed through the body.

https://store.hipshotproducts.com/secure/images/categories/577.jpg

[RvChevron]

Hip shot and a couple other builders make individual saddles that are individually bolted to the guitar for the spacing and stagger that you need. That's the bridge you're seeing above.

Strings can anchor at the end of each saddle or feed through the body.

https://store.hipshotproducts.com/secure/images/categories/577.jpg

Cool! Thanks for the info.

[markom89]

I'm working on building a pretty unique guitar, though it'll incorporate design aspects from two "well known" guitars. A blender :) Hey, I might call it that! I'll post when I'm done.

Oh, after this one's done, I'd like to design my own body and neck/headstock.

[spokenwar]

Describe the one in question. They are usually a great deal used.

It is just like the one in the middle - but green:

file:///C:/Users/dawkquie/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpgfile:///C:/Users/dawkquie/AppData/Local/Temp/moz-screenshot-1.jpghttp://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/bolin2.html

Seymour Duncan's...

I don't know how to add an image to theis, but if you follow this -

http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/bolin2.html

it is the middle one (I hope i didn't make too much of a mess on this page)...

[spokenwar]

http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/images/builder/bolin/bolin_guitar1.jpg

[swimrunner]

The New Dream, by Fred Carlson:

http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDfront.JPG

Can you see the RMC hex pickups under the 6 main strings and the bass strings?

http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDbridge.JPG

The bass strings have individual moveable capos

http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDheads.JPG

Treble harp strings have half-step levers:
http://www.beyondthetrees.com/NDtrebl2.JPG

No pics of the 12 sympathetic strings that run through the neck. They can be muted and there is a "trap door" in the back for easy access.I would love to hear Pat Metheny on one of these. Or any other number of players, but he sprang to mind first. Setup and tuning must take a while though.

[RvChevron]

http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/images/builder/bolin/bolin_strap2.jpg


Now that's totally useful I think, especially for SG's and Tele's.

[GovernorSilver]

I would love to hear Pat Metheny on one of these. Or any other number of players, but he sprang to mind first. Setup and tuning must take a while though.

Alex De Grassi did a demo on video (http://www.acguitar.com/video/playvideo.aspx?videoname=Healdsburg07/HGF_2007_de_Grassi_Demo).

Yeah, my guess is the tasks of maintaining this beast is daunting, but anybody who orders one and plays it regularly must have had the cojones in the first place. :)

[dzo]

http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/images/builder/bolin/bolin_strap2.jpg


Now that's totally useful I think, especially for SG's and Tele's.

That's just on the NS basses. The guitars don't have one.

[dzo]

http://www.luthiersaccessgroup.com/images/builder/bolin/bolin_guitar1.jpg

I own one like the one photographed here. The used prices are pretty low based on what I've seen on ebay. We're talking in the $900 range which is a great buy. I love that guitar!

[Chris Rice]

Keeping up the blender/hybrid ideas,

http://i5.photobucket.com/albums/y168/dabluzeguy/Works%20in%20Progress/IMG_5394.jpg

[hawkeyeinexile]

A unique design: Chapin Devil Dog prototype (& only known copy in the wild). This one has the secret sauce neck pocket, 24" scale, apx 5.5 lbs, Spanish cedar body and neck, mahogany top, rosewood 'board, Steinberger tuners, neck p'up: Chapin Beelzebucker, bridge p'up: WCR Fillmore. neck p'up tappable via pull on the tone knob.

http://www.rjsanders.com/pix/DevilDogProto.jpg

i've had this little honey for coming-on 3 years now, i think, and it's my usual grab&go and most-played guitar in that time. can sound like an old LP Custom (one of my original specs) through a range of other sounds, some straining effability

:cool: