The Details
What You're Getting With Each Instrument
Hardware. Woods. Construction.
All you need to know about why I do the things I do.
Made-To-Order
While I might have a few stock instruments going at all times, the main focus for my work is building-to-order.
There are tons of options to choose from even between just the two production models. I am always open to suggestions and ideas, so feel free to express any custom options you would like.
Guitar Dimensions
Body thickness: (with or without a top)
43mm for the Daedalus
40mm for the Icarus
Weight: This depends a lot on the chosen woods, but usually around 2.5-3.5kg
Neck: Slim D shape, 20mm at the 1st fret, 23mm at the 15th fret, unless otherwise specified
Scale lengths:
24.75" or 25.5" on 6-strings
26.5" or 27" on 7-strings
Neck width: (Nut & End of the fretboard)
43mm to 57mm on 6-strings
48mm to 68mm on 7-strings
Wood
My main goal is to primarily use domestic woods, but if I can source it responsibly I won't object to using it.
Some woods I will commonly use: Birch, Karelian Birch, Flamed Birch, Maple, Flamed Maple, European Ash, Alder, Ebony, Walnut, Mahogany.
If there is something specific you are looking for, I will hear you out and let you know if I can get it or am willing to use it.
All the wood that I use must be properly dried, before being turned into an instrument. This might affect what woods I will agree to use.
Necks
I am a fan of slim and comfortable necks. As such my standard neck will be something akin to a slim D profile. Every neck is carved by hand until I am satisfied with how it feels or until I feel it is perfect or what was requested for.
My necks are usually multi-laminate necks made of three or more pieces glued together. This allows for a strong, sturdy neck that will also counter any twists that may occur as the wood ages and moves (a natural thing that happens with anything made of wood.)
I also do not use any carbon fiber rods in my necks, as I don't see how they can improve a neck if it has already been made well. The rods might even go as far as to "deaden" the natural resonance of the neck. A dual action truss rod is more than enough to keep your neck straight and true.
Set-Neck
I join my necks to the bodies via set-neck construction. This is mostly due to what I am most comfortable in making, but also due to some key advantages.
A set-neck joint allows for a solid connection between the body and neck. What this means is that there is no loss of energy caused by the strings' vibration. The resonance won't be obstructed by any screws in the neck or possible gaps in the connection.
Plus also... you know, sustain for days.
Blind Fret Slots
As the wood in your instrument ages and undoubtedly moves, the fretboard might shrink and expose fretends that bite into your hand.
This is why I will always make blind fret slots. And also because it just looks badass!
Every fretboard will be bound to hide the slots cut into the fretboard, while also giving that small added detail in design.
Nuts
I love brass nuts. They always look phenomenal, but they also provide a great added tonality to an instrument.
A bright, crystal clear tone and made of a material that is as resilient as you could possibly ask for.
While it might not be for everyone, I do have some alternatives that can be discussed when designing an instrument for you.
Finishes
I do not believe in a thick coat of plastic covering your guitar. It just doesn't do it for me and often it just ends up leaving the instrument sounding a little "dead".
Most of the time I will use an oil finish as it feels nice to the touch, looks superb, but also because it lets the wood breathe.
Other times I will opt for an acrylic spray finish that is sprayed on lightly.
Both of these finishes have the same ideology: wood that breathes and resonates as it should.
Things I Won't Do
Replicas and copies
There are so many luthiers out there that will do this for you. I am not your guy, it doesn't interest me.
Free guitar
Only if you pay me ;)
Your own designs
Okay, I will hear you out, but it will be VERY rare for me to actually do this
Your own inlay design though, BY ALL MEANS!
Plastic pickguard/binding/nut
There are so many far better (and sustainable) materials out there for this