Custom guitar builder for Klein style guitar

[Super Locrian]

I'd like to get a custom guitar built, along the lines of this design by Klein:

http://www.kleinelectricguitars.com/Klein/main.jpg

It is my understanding that the actual Klein guitars cost from $4,000 upwards, which is at least twice my budget.

Any suggestions for guitar makers who would be willing and able to do something like this?

[Unburst]

I'd like to get a custom guitar built, along the lines of this design by Klein:

It is my understanding that the actual Klein guitars cost from $4,000 upwards, which is at least twice my budget.

Any suggestions for guitar makers who would be willing and able to do something like this?

The price is not the main problem with getting a new Klein, it's the wait, which at the moment seems indefinite.

I think $2,000 is maybe a small budget for a guitar as unusual as a Klein style, but there are a couple of builders that can make you one.

First choice would be Saul Koll:
http://www.kollguitars.com/pages/koll_custom.php

He has made a few Klein-style guitars, I'm sure he'd make you a killer solid body.

Another option is the UK-based builder, KGB guitars
http://www.kgb-music.co.uk/gallery.htm

He's made some headless guitars and has a good rep. amongst people who've bought from him.

[Robertito]

I'd just like to throw this idea out, not that it would necessarily work for you:


Several years ago, when Steve Klein was still making the electrics, I called and asked him how much a body would be. By chance he had a few that had less than perfect finishes, and he'd sell me one for 125.00 (bear in mind, it was a while ago). I got a pickguard with it, and found a used Steinberger M guitar with Transtrem for 275.00; the guitar is still finding its way onto session tracks, and for not much money, either. Good luck!

By the way, there was nothing I could see that was wrong with the paint.

[Crunchyriff]

I was going to say the transtrem may be a bit difficult to find.

(I Shoulda kept my Steinberger... Cool guitar.)

Good luck on your quest!

[Adam Spencer]

I was going to say the transtrem may be a bit difficult to find.

Surely Ed Roman could help with that
:rolleyes:

[george4908]

Save some dough and get one of these:

http://ace-equals-god.com/shotfullofrock/images/84_1_s.jpg

[Super Locrian]

I got in touch with Saul Koll, and he has accepted my commission. Very nice guy, friendly and knowledgeable. It won't be a blueprint copy of the Klein design - I'll leave a lot of leeway for my luthier of choice to make the best instrument possible from this starting point. So thanks a lot to Unburst for getting me on the right track!

[stevo57]

Whats the model/name of that little Ovation?

[aint life hell?]

Hey Super Locrian,
I have wanted a Klein since the early 90's and almost ordered one last March, but heard LG was sort of backed up...
Anyway, are you doing a solid body Koll or is it a carved top?
I would love some details, as I am going to commission a Koll soon too...
Best,
MG

[KRosser]

You went to the right man; Saul Koll is amazing

[Jerrod]

Whats the model/name of that little Ovation?
The Breadwinner, I believe.

[Unburst]

I got in touch with Saul Koll, and he has accepted my commission. Very nice guy, friendly and knowledgeable. It won't be a blueprint copy of the Klein design - I'll leave a lot of leeway for my luthier of choice to make the best instrument possible from this starting point. So thanks a lot to Unburst for getting me on the right track!

That's awesome!

Please let us know how it turns out.

[Unburst]

Hey Super Locrian,
I have wanted a Klein since the early 90's and almost ordered one last March, but heard LG was sort of backed up...

I would love some details, as I am going to commission a Koll soon too...
Best,
MG

Without going into any details here, I'm sure you're doing the right thing going with Koll.
To say LG was backed would imply that he is still delivering instruments...which afaik, is not the case for the moment, or for some time.

I just moved to Portland and a Koll is high on my list of priorities once I decide what exactly I need.

[Super Locrian]

Somebody sent me an e-mail asking about my budget, which made me realize that I should mention that I decided to increase it somewhat before I got in touch with mr. Koll. But nevertheless I definitely feel that I am getting a lot of guitar for my money! He told me the guitar would hopefully be finished by the end of this year. As mentioned, it won't be a blueprint copy of the Klein. It will be a solidbody, but with tone chambers.

[garyrogue]

I agree, Saul would bring that design and whatever tweaks to life. He'll bring anything to life.

Gary