I've been loosely following the L.A. artist/luthier Totem Guitars and the like for a while, and really like the fact that not only is the guy is an artist, but that can take thin pieces of trash lumber and junk and encapsulate it in a functional space for a usable canvas. Certainly in the same vibe as Girl Guitars, although Spalts are less standardized in general design other than body shapes and stuff. May not be everyone's cup of tea, but he seems to have the formula down for gaudy displays that still have sufficient resonance and playability, and for that he at least deserves a hearty golf clap.
Michale Spalt wrote:
Common to all guitars in this section is the "resintop", a unique process marrying a tonewood back with a clear resin coating on the top into which decorations and inclusions can be applied. after experimenting with various types of resin I developed this process, allowing me to assemble objects and assorted bric-a-brac into a homogenous guitar body. the resin is formulated to accommodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the wood and it is sonically transparent.
The wood used for the back supplies the basic tonal characteristics and structural stability while the wood choices for the neck allow me to dial in the coloration of the sound. the resin adds sustain and its tonal effect is similar to a "maple cap over mahogany body" effect - sparkle and transparency in the upper frequency ranges. as with a conventional guitar the choice of hardware and pickups also plays a large role in determining the sound of the instrument.
[youtube][/youtube]
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:39 am
by Haze
Okay, i've looked at this thread half a dozen times and i can only come to one conclusion - im not liking the "one half this-one half that" style of the bodies.
The finishes are interesting but not for me.
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:28 pm
by paul_
Why do recycled and/or environmentally sustainable instruments always have to rub it in your face by looking like Buffalo Bill in his girlsuit?
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 1:49 pm
by Bacchus
I like the second one with the big scrolly pieces of wood that look like f-holes.
EDIT: Just realised that's a violin neck cleft in twain.
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 2:59 pm
by hotrodperlmutter
i love these. very cool. FUTURE
if the tele styled ones were offset, i'd say they're well on the way to becoming a new desire.
EDIT: shit, the first one is! do liek.
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 3:26 pm
by izodiak
the first one and last one is amazing.
really cool
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 9:55 pm
by Haze
Did anyone else notice a certain something behind the bridge? shits epic
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:11 pm
by hotrodperlmutter
if it was on a cool guitar, it would be epic. needs refin baddddd
Posted: Wed Mar 24, 2010 10:12 pm
by ultratwin
Haze wrote:
Did anyone else notice a certain something behind the bridge? shits epic
Holy Thurston, Batman!
As one can guess, it's a lipstick tube for behind-the-bridge goodies. Wah probe, Fernandes Sustainer, the thing could easily become a Bellamy booster if needed. The introduction to the thing starts at about 1:00:
[youtube][/youtube]
Posted: Fri Mar 26, 2010 11:05 am
by Marc
Gotta admit some of his guitars are insanely cool, check out his 2006 "Aurelia" : awesome body, brilliant fretboard.
(By the way : Hi there ! 1st message on this forum - will post photos of my '76 Mustang soon !)
