The Features
Breaking the tradition
I've found that in my instruments there are features which aren't something you'd find in a mainstream guitars. They might be out of the ordinary, but for me they just make perfect sense in everyway. I guess what has driven me to this direction are explained by the instruments maintainability, ethics, reliability, uniqueness and of course the sound (=responsiveness). Here are few features explained open.
Bolt-on neck joint
a Sensible solution
How to attach two pieces of wood together which you most likely will take off at some point in instruments lifespan? The only sensible way I came to figure are bolts. Glue joint is the traditional way but the detaching can be a struggle and has a chance to damage the instrument.
In acoustic tradition the bolt on neck joint is usually considered inferior when compared to dovetail glue joint.
I prefer to use it because the tonal difference is hardly recognizable (if it's even there) and the overall benefits of bolt on neck joint is far superior compared to the traditional glued joints. A well executed bolt on neck joint gives the guitar longevity and is much easier (and for the sake of the owner, cheaper) to maintain.
Compensated nut
When the tonality actually matters
Guitar is an instrument that doesn't play in perfect tune. That is a fact that we must live with but some times it can become a real factor and painful problem when you need the instrument play in tune throughout the fretboard.
When I tried my first guitar (the mandalorian) with a compensated nut my mind was baffled. I like to play from the higher frets while same time using the opens strings. The intonation was spot on! I played a gig with the guitar and held my tuner on for the whole show while once in a while casually checked the tuner light which was blinking green through the show. I couldn't help smirking.
As a musician when you know your gear works flawlessly it helps the performer really to concentrate to the task at hand.
Scalloped fretboard edges
Thumbs up for the upgrade
Before I got to building my own guitars, I bought my own very first custom guitar from finnish guitar builder Anders Liljeström who had made this customization to the guitar neck. A fairly small feature but for players who like to use thumb when fretting notes it is a must have add-on. It takes the sharp edge away and gives you few millimeters extra reach. When it comes to comfortability few millimeters matter a lot!
Celluloid top
The Showstopper
This is a feature currently not that commonly used. Made famous by finnish guitar builder Matti Nevalainen. Celluloid top makes an instrument really pop.
While my main focus lies in the acoustics there comes times once in a while I release one of these beauties to the world. At the moment I've built few of these celluloid flat top guitars and I love the glamorous feel they have. While my main focus is on the acoustic guitars I still yearn to create and develop a celluloid top line-up for players who really wants that distinctive look that makes your eyes widen.
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