For players looking to reduce weight without sacrificing tone, a hollow-body construction is an excellent choice. In this design, the weight savings balance out the slightly heavier wide-range humbuckers, ensuring the guitar remains comfortable without compromising its sound. Beyond weight reduction, hollowing out the body enhances resonance, producing a fuller, more dynamic tone. Sustain is carefully managed, as Karl has incorporated fixing blocks to provide solid mounting points for the pickups and hardware, while the air chamber beneath the top allows the instrument to breathe and sing. After crafting the first T16 Hollow, it was clear that incorporating this concept into the T16 '71 version was a natural evolution. The benefits of a hollow-body build, such as increased warmth and openness, translate beautifully into this version.

Tonewoods & Sound

The T16 '71 Hollow features a Korina hollow body with a Swamp Ash top, finished in a high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer. The neck is made from flame maple, available with either an oil or lacquer finish, and includes a traditional truss rod. The Indian rosewood fretboard is fitted with Jescar fret wire and Mother of Pearl dot inlays. The maple neck provides stability and top-end brightness, while the rosewood fretboard balances out the frequencies for a rich, even tone. The ‘71 version of the T16 uses a tremolo style bridge to add tonal and playing versatility.

The chamber is created using a mix of routers and hand tools to create the space and fixing blocks, with a piece of Swamp Ash selected for its aesthetic and tonal properties for the top. Additional refinements, such as a rolled fretboard, a slightly roomier lower cutaway, and a chamfered armrest, enhance overall playing comfort. The threaded bolt construction ensures a precise and tight neck joint, delivering resonance similar to a glued-in neck while maintaining the maintenance benefits of a two-piece system.The Wide Range humbucker we use has a warmer mid range compared to a single coils. Sharing all the benefits of a standard humbucker, but a little warmer and they have a sweet brightness to them. The small details add up and that's why we use Paper In Oil Caps, CTS Pots and Switchcraft Jack and control switch.

From: £3560

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