Totem Guitars? (Spaltinstruments)

[hey_day]

Anybody know about spalt totem guitars? they look amazing and so different. all their harmonycentral reviews are raving id love to talk to someone about one if they have owned or tried one. they look amazing and a fairly priced. if you have no idea what im talking about check out http://www.spaltbasses.com/ they make all sorts of crazy guitars. the Nouveau series is my favorite, i love the shape and the pickups.

[Antero]

Duuuuuude... coooooool.

[r9player]

Pretty cool, one of the Flag guitars was on Ebay recently.
If you like that .. check out these guys ..
http://www.geocities.jp/jerseygirlhg/

[KRosser]

I have one of his S&S line of guitars:

[IMG][/IMG]


Koa top, chambered swamp ash body, solid rosewood neck, Lindy Fralin Humbuckers

[Ron Thorn]

I too own one, similar to the above but with a quilted mahogany top over swamp ash and P-90s.
Michael is a very talented builded, great visions, and the quality is top notch.

Ron

[hey_day]

anyone have any of the resin top ones?

[KRosser]

I don't own one of those (the resin top ones - mine's right above) - my friend Woody Aplanalp, currently playing w/Trilok Gurtu, does...I've played many of those over at Michael's shop as well as Woody's, they're all very cool and sound great.

Originally Posted by KRosser

I have one of his S&S line of guitars:

[IMG][/IMG]


Koa top, chambered swamp ash body, solid rosewood neck, Lindy Fralin Humbuckers

Very sweet! How does the swamp ash/koa combo sound?

Srini

[redgold]

Here's my Spalt, Reverse T:





Rosewood neck, redwood back, fralin alnico. Very sweet and smooth sounding. His fret work and set-up is top notch.

Photo credit to Mr. Spalt.

[KRosser]

Originally Posted by Srini

Very sweet! How does the swamp ash/koa combo sound?

Srini

I like it; the solid rosewood neck definitely adds to the overall character as well. How does it sound? It's hard to describe, other than: I like it. It's very warm sounding, and the Fralin 'buckers have a nice chimy top end to them that suits this guitar very well. Not crunchy/punchy like a Les or twangy as a Fender Tele - I really don't know much I could compare it to. "Warm and chimey" is the only thing that comes to mind...

The neck is a little fatter and rounder than I normally like, sorta like an SRV-type contour. It doesn't get as much play these days compared to some of my others for that reason. You know how it is, you experiment with different things over the years for different reasons. Anyway - a great guitar. One that I don't use a lot these days but I still hang onto it, at least for now. Maybe I'll get a different neck on it sometime in the future...

[Mike Dresch]

I think it says something about the guy's work if Ron owns one. At least to me it does.

[hey_day]

dont know trilok gurtu (sweet name though) what guitar does he play. im dying to see one of these guitars in person because i really want to sell my rick turner and buyone. i love them but gotta see it in person, sound wise everyone says they are amazing though

[EunosFD]

I've always been curious about these guitars, but rarely see anything about them. They definitely have their own unique look to them that's for sure.

Redgold, that P-90 powered guitar of yours is fascinating. I've been jonesing for a P-90 equipped guitar as of late & that would fit the bill 100%. How does that finish sound in the tone department? I always thought they might end up being a bit bright. What are the prices like on these pieces?

[redgold]

Originally Posted by EunosFD

I've always been curious about these guitars, but rarely see anything about them. They definitely have their own unique look to them that's for sure.

Redgold, that P-90 powered guitar of yours is fascinating. I've been jonesing for a P-90 equipped guitar as of late & that would fit the bill 100%. How does that finish sound in the tone department? I always thought they might end up being a bit bright. What are the prices like on these pieces?

Well, I supplied the neck from USACG, and Michael cut the heastock, nut, and did the finish work, so I'm not sure what a price would be for a fiddle with his neck... but I remember his prices being very reasonable. Give him an email. He is very responsive and good to deal with.

Reverse T is on the brighter side, but the pickups I choose are not trad P-90's... they have more of a jazzmaster character. It has a strong fundamental with few overtones... sounds great with dirt or gain. If you're looking for a Jr sounding guitar, stick with an all wood mahogany guitar tho... I'm sure Michael could spec one out for you, traditional P-90 or not.

[hey_day]

thats what im talking about, i love that guitar. how does the top look in person? i live in chicago and cant first hand them at all. they look amazing but want to see one in person. i love the resin tops. im a guitarist, my girlfriend is an artist, its a perfect match. is the body comfortable on it? what about the jack location?