Flashback

Yeah, that’s me, more than 20 years ago. That’s the first guitar that I built when I was in high school almost 30 years ago. The body is reminiscent of the Gibson Explorer blended with the Ibanez Iceman. I love the balance and feel of this guitar. The neck has a unique  23.5 inch scale (shorter than a Gibson Les Paul) with 24 frets, making it very easy to play lead. The tremolo was handcrafted, milled from solid brass and gold plated. It can bend up 6 semitones and down until the strings are loose; it’s a locking trem with perfect center return. Back then, I’ve seen locking floyd rose trems only in magazines. I had to build a locking trem myself.

The guitar is equipped with a Seymour Duncan PU at the bridge and a Dimarzio at the neck (can’t recall which models). Don’t go telling me I can’t combine these pickups! I think outside the box, remember? I’m never constrained with preconceived notions of what should and what should not be done.

Alas, this guitar was stolen. Now, what’s left are a just couple of pictures and memories. What’s important though is the experience I had building the guitar. Since then, there’s this lingering urge to build instruments that reflect my soul. This guitar is like no other and has its totally unique sound – its signature.

Now, everyone wants a Stratocaster. Bah!