Koll "Thin" Junior Glide Prototype w/TK Smith & Kent Armstrong

Description

"I didn't want to make Telecasters or Stratocasters or Les Paul copies, I wanted to do my own thing. Because these are original shapes, I had the flexibility to do anything I wanted." -Saul Koll

It's no secret that we're huge fans of Saul Koll's guitars. We're in awe of the fact that he can build anything from avant guard archtops (RE Model - which is unbelievably great, btw) to this "Thin" Junior Glide Prototype (Saul's nod to "student model" Gibsons - Les Paul Juniors, Specials, and Melody Makers). It's not that he simply has the woodworking chops to build these wildly different styles of guitars, it's that he's got the depth of knowledge to nail the feel that each of these styles should embody - no small thing to be sure! 

This thinner bodied Junior Glide prototype nails the DNA of those aforementioned Gibsons and even throws in some Danelectro for good measure. The overall feel, medium C neck carve, 6lb 3oz weight, the looks, and the sound put you squarely in that "plug in and rock" headspace.

On the surface it exudes a back-to-basics vibe, but there's a ton of really cool details when you start looking under the hood. Note the way the TK Smith Summertone pickup's black cover pairs beautifully with the black guard...the way the 5-ply guard's alternating black and white theme is picked up by the volume and tone knobs....the pearl fingerboard dots bring a slightly more refined vibe....and the TV Yellow / chrome / black theme simply looks awesome. With a guitar like this, that's the whole point, right? Badass looks, vibe, and tone. Done. 

Speaking of pickups, the TK Smith / Kent Armstrong combo yield fantastic results. The TK bridge pickup has elements of a P90 but isn't as hot or aggressive. The round, Strat-like Kent Armstrong lipstick pickup is perfect for lead work. And like the great student guitars we've been referencing, the middle position holds some serious mojo. Twangy, muscular, killer midrange. We're sold! 

In short, take the best Melody Maker and LP Junior you've encountered, then have one of the best builders working today put their own spin on that formula and elevate the quality and you'll end up with this guitar. Hard to sum up in a few paragraphs, but it's really, really cool and would be right at home in any old-school rocker's arms. Priced with G&G Deluxe Hardshell case.