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Red Rocket Guitars

Red Rocket Guitars

In the world of custom shop guitars there are many new boutique builders out there re-creating classic designs with modern improvements to satisfy the trend of guitarists looking to the past for the sounds and styles they like.  Red Rocket Guitars is a custom shop that, like other small builders enjoys the icons of the golden years but knows that players, while searching for that vintage tone, are also seeking something new and bold.  That’s why each and every Red Rocket is made to order.  There is no standard “line” from Red Rocket, just pure custom guitars built to the specs the customer demands.

Each and every Red Rocket guitar is built using the highest quality Private Reserve level woods.  This ensures the absolute best tonal qualities and harmonic content from every instrument.  As a throwback to classic tone, every guitar is loaded with custom wound pickups and vintage tone caps that keep the historical sounds we all love captured in the functionality of the present.

Inspired by the taillights of a ’59 Caddy or the two-tone paint of a ’51 Indian Chief, Matt Norwicki carefully builds each and every guitar to an almost ridiculous level of quality with classic appointments such as body binding and purfling that just scream 1959, custom branded neck plates, and unique pickguards that take classic aesthetics to a new level.  All Red Rocket Guitars are also built with modern accoutrements that greatly improve on vintage design such as machine bolts mounting the neck/body, stainless steel frets, compound radius fingerboards, TonePros hardware and Sperzel locking tuners.  All this adds up to a sought-after vintage tonality that stays in tune, increases resonance, and plays better than any vintage instrument.

The guitar of your dreams awaits at Red Rocket Guitars.  Either check out our Atomic Six models or call to place an order for your fantasy guitar.  Red Rocket is there for you, the player.

K-Line Truxton

K-Line Truxton

The K-Line Truxton is based on the classic American single cut guitar that inspired country and rock players around the world.  Known for its signature twang and warm rhythm sounds, this guitar was one of the first electrics to go into production and the design has withstood the test of time to still be as popular today as it was 60 years ago. 

Enter the K-Line Truxton.  The Truxton takes everything that was great about the Tele and makes it legendary.  Using select woods that are mated in perfect tonal harmony, the K-Line Truxton builds on the classic T with some modern appointments that improve playability, tone, and intonation.  The K-Line Truxton comes standard with a select alder or ash body, specifically chosen for its tonal qualities that is then finished in a thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that is allowed to set into the grain resulting in the full tonality and resonance of the wood to come through.  The neck is painstakingly crafted with hand-rolled fretboard edges and an aged finish that gives it a well worn feel.  The contour is a perfectly balanced .860” “U” shape that is reminiscent of the 51 Nocaster without being too meaty for the average sized hand.  K-Line then uses a flatter 10” radius to remove note-choking on string bends and Jescar medium fretwire for a vintage feel. 

To address the problem of intonation, the K-Line Truxton features a custom spec’d bridge made of a heavy stamped plate that is thicker than one would expect for superb sustain.  This bridge plate is mated to a set of rolled brass compensated saddles that are warm and twangy.  The rolled brass eliminates any harsh high end artifacts and false harmonic overtones while retaining the signature twang and allowing for perfect vibration on the string.  Each K-Line Truxton is fitted with Lollar or Klein pickups and available in two versions: Vintage or Special.  The Vintage model features the bridge outlined above with T-style pickups.  The Special model is loaded with P-90’s and features a Hipshot hard-tail bridge.  All electronics include CTS pots, CRL switches, Switchcraft jacks, and Orange Drop capacitors for unparalleled balance and dimension to the overall sound.

The K-Line Truxton will please twangers and rockers alike with a time honored classic design that has been updated to meet the needs of the modern guitarist.

K-Line San Bernardino

K-Line San Bernardino

The classic offset body style of the Jaguar and Jazzmaster made their mark with their unique look and tonal capabilities.  These two legendary models are time-honored and revered around the world.  Using this body style as a platform, the K-Line San Bernardino pays homage to these instruments while offering a modern alternative to the original design.

The K-Line San Bernardino uses the comfortable, over-sized body to its full potential with select woods that are mated together in perfect tonal harmony.  These woods are finished in a thin nitro finish that is allowed to seep into the grain allowing the best qualities of the wood to shine through in the tone.  Other features of the K-Line San Bernardino are sort of a melting pot of great ideas taken from both past and present guitar designs.  Starting with a Gotoh TOM bridge and tailpiece the San Bernardino is stable with accurate intonation and gorgeous resonance and sustain.  Pickup combinations include dual P90’s, dual Firebird, dual mini buckers, and dual full sized humbuckers.  Pickups are selected from one of two top boutique manufacturers, Klein or Lollar.  The electronics and wiring are flawless featuring CTS pots, CRL switches, and Switchcraft jacks topped off with an Orange Drop tone capacitor for getting the most of the pickups. 

Like all of their guitars, the K-Line San Bernardino features a painstakingly made neck.  A flatter 10” radius is standard along with Jescar medium fretwire (other radius and fretwire available) and a 1.650” bone nut.  Each neck is hand finished with rolled edges and a comfortable .860” “U” shape that is big and satisfying while not being too meaty for smaller hands.  The fretwork is meticulous and the slightly aged finish is smooth resulting in a worn in feel and smooth note acquisition throughout the range.  These unique necks allow for low action with no buzzing and the flatter radius keeps the bends from choking out.

The K-Line San Bernardino is a satisfying experience from beginning to end.  This is an instrument built to inspire and invoke passionate playing for any guitarist no matter if it’s in the studio, on the stage, or in the basement.

K-Line Guitars

K-Line Guitars

In the never-ending search that most guitarists face there is finally an oasis of qualities that most players seek in a guitar.  That oasis is K-Line Guitars.  The professional craftsmen at K-Line dedicate themselves whole-heartedly to providing the modern guitarist with an instrument of unparalleled quality with features that allow the modern guitarist to enjoy the vintage tone they crave without the drawbacks of a vintage instrument.  Each and every K-Line guitar is painstakingly assembled and set up by Chris Kroenlein himself who is known for his meticulous quality control ensuring the best possible playing experience right out of the box. 

Keeping with the appeal of a vintage aesthetic, all K-Line Guitars are finished in a thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish that is allowed to settle into the grain for a period correct vibe that allows the tonal qualities and resonance of the wood to come through.  This truly highlights the select wood choices made when building an instrument and insures that no guitar they build has any artificial tonal qualities.  All finishes offered are historically accurate colors and K-Line refuses to finish any guitar with a urethane undercoat.  Each guitar is available in one of two finish packages, the Closet Klassic which is a lightly aged appearance and the Time Kapsule which has the appearance of having sat in the case for 50 years but is not aged.  The Time Kapsule provides a stunning look of an old, perfect finish with shiny new hardware.  Heavy aging is available by special order as well. 

In order to provide the ultimate playing experience, each K-Line guitar features upgraded hardware, from custom stamped ashtray bridges with compensated brass saddles on the T-style instruments to Gotoh TOM and Wilkinson vintage tremolos depending on the model.  Each guitar is also fitted with top of the line, boutique pickups from either Lollar or Klein for a truly vintage tone and all electronics are CTS, CRL, and Switchcraft components.  Orange Drop capacitors are standard throughout the line to insure smooth roll-off and perfect tone every time.

K-Line Guitars is one of those companies that cannot be recommended enough for the vintage enthusiast.  The moderate price-point puts them in a place to be affordable to a huge demographic, unlike some of the “dream guitars” that use exotic woods and build techniques.  K-Line guitars are built in the tradition of the instruments that have withstood the test time and are still revered to this day by discerning guitarists around the world. 

Grosh Guitars

Grosh Guitars

Grosh Guitars hasn’t always been located in Colorado.  Don Grosh Custom Guitars actually started out in a 3 car garage at Don’s parent’s house in Santa Clarita, California in 1993.  Spending his formative years working for his father building sets for Hollywood productions, Don developed the skills, vision, and expert craftsmanship that would eventually lead to Grosh Guitars.  In 1985, Don migrated over to Valley Arts in North Hollywood and became the Shop Foreman.  He worked with particular clients like Steve Lukather and Larry Carlton.  Don eventually was ready to branch out on his own and Grosh Guitars was born.

Don Grosh has a unique talent and vision when it comes to guitars.  His vision of Grosh Guitars was to build hand-crafted instruments from the ground up that delivered the best possible combination of tone, playability, and functionality for the discerning guitarist.  Although historic guitar references can be seen in Grosh Guitars, each and every guitar is a unique design from an original concept and built from the ground up.  From the familiar lines of the Grosh Retro Classic to the unique inspiration behind the Grosh ElectraJet, each and every instrument holds Don’s inspiring vision close to its heart and will inspire new levels of creativity in any guitarist.

Today Grosh Guitars offers several models including the ElectraJet, the Retro Classic, and the Set Neck.  Each of these instruments draws its inspiration from classic American guitars but has the unique Grosh design behind every one to bring out the most of the instruments features and tone.  Each Grosh Guitar is built from select, tone-tapped woods, has an ultra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish, and custom wound Grosh pickups for a unique experience from guitar to guitar.

Grosh ElectraJet

Grosh ElectraJet

The Grosh ElectraJet has become one of the most popular models offered by Grosh Guitars.  This unique instrument is a throwback to several classic designs and is available in a wide variety of pickup configurations for maximum versatility.  The Grosh ElectraJet is a perfect example of the extraordinary vision and unique talent exhibited by Don Grosh in designing an instrument that is the perfect blend of vintage/modern aesthetic and tone.  Every aspect of the ElectraJet was designed from the ground up to deliver the tone and features that today’s working guitarist needs in an instrument.

The Grosh ElectraJet has many faces from the punchy grind of triple P90’s to the classic dual humbucker rock machine.  There’s also a tribute to the classic S-style guitars with three S-style pickups custom designed and wound by Grosh for that classic quack and bell-like tone.  The Grosh ElectraJet VT pays homage to the vintage T-style guitar with an ashtray style bridge, compensated brass saddles and pickups wound by Grosh specifically to get that old school twang and warm jazzy tone one would expect from the classic American T-style guitar.  This combination of pickups and the select woods yields a slightly meatier, thicker tone that smooths out the sometimes too crisp highs for a smooth twang and adds extra dimension to the in-between and rhythm tone of the VT.

The Grosh ElectraJet is a truly inspiring instrument that will prepare any guitarist form maximum creativity.  Each and every one is built from the ground up to provide the best possible playing experience with modern features like a 10” neck radius and a choice of frets, from tall and narrow 6105’s to the more medium jumbo style 6150 or even optional stainless steel frets for a liquid smooth feel and a fret that will last forever.  Anything a guitarist can imagine in a guitar, there is an ElectraJet that will fit the bill.

Wampler Pedals

Wampler Pedals

A self-proclaimed gear geek, Brian Wampler of Wampler Pedals got his start modding effects pedals and building a library of mod sheets for every effect he could get his hands on.  Starting with a guitarist in his brother’s high school band playing a Gibson V and jamming “Don’t Tell Me You Love Me” over and over, Brian started his love of electric guitar and guitar effects in 1981.  From there he got into modifying pedals after hearing the astounding difference in one of his own pedals modded by Paul Weller of FiremanFX.  This led to a fascination for modding pedals and Brian started researching and modifying any and all effects he could find while simultaneously building a library of “mod sheets” for different effects.  A large positive response from the folks at Harmony Central and requests from famous musicians to mod their pedals kept him busy for a while until he started manufacturing his own designs and Wampler Pedals was born.

Wampler Pedals are all hand-made effects, built right here in the USA using high quality components and road-tough, thru-hole PCB’s.  This means that not only is the tone amazing but each and every Wampler pedal is made to withstand the rigors of the touring musician.  In fact, Wampler is so sure of their products, that they back all of their effects with a 5-year, transferrable warranty that is unheard of in the boutique effects world.

No matter the sound that any guitarist is after, Wampler has a pedal for you.  From the incredibly realistic tape delay of the Faux Tape Echo, to the crushing JCM800 tone of the Plextortion, Wampler Pedals deliver the classic tones that guitarists crave.

Fano Guitars

Fano Guitars

In a world where the vintage appeal is coming back to the fore in both tone and aesthetic, the cutting edge of modern design is being overlooked by an abundance of guitarists in favor of hand-wired amps and effects and instruments with a classic vibe and feel.  Fano Guitars has addressed this ever-expanding market with vintage style instruments that capture the look and feel of a classic design that has never been seen before.  The Alt de Facto line from Fano Guitars is a new take on the vintage appeal and tone with a blend of classic designs taking the best features of classic American electric guitars and putting them together in one instrument.  Have you ever wanted a Firebird with P90’s?  How about an LP Junior with a Tele bridge and pickup?  Even something as simple as a Tele with a TV Jones neck pickup is available from Fano Guitars.  These classically styled instruments may have never been seen before but still uphold the vintage aesthetic that keeps guitarists begging for more.  Along with the looks and feel, Fano Guitars have modern features that increase playability and function to keep the guitarist focused on his/her playing instead of trying to keep their guitar in tune or working around the quirks that a true vintage instrument might exhibit.  The Fano Alt de Facto series features custom wound Lindy Fralin pickups for the classic tone but also house such modern features as a compound neck radius (7.25”-9.5”), 6105 fretwire, and updated hardware.  These features on top of the blend of vintage instruments result in a distinct look and sound that will appeal to any vintage enthusiast or working musician looking for a guitar that will deliver a classic tone.

Divided by 13

Divided by 13

Beginning with input from several notable guitar players, Fred Taccone of Divided by 13 Amplifiers started building amps.  A longtime tech and tinkerer, Fred was inspired by the phrase “I wish I had an amp that would…”  From there Divided by Thirteen was born.  Beginning with custom created amplifiers that were built to satisfy the individual needs of Los Angeles studio guitarists, Divided by 13 soon came into a life of its own with a couple of standard models.  Taking the best features of classic amps and spending time in studios microscopically testing each and every aspect of the design, Fred started building amps that fulfilled the needs of the “I wish my amp would…” crowd.  By seamlessly blending the most desirable qualities of different tube amplifiers (Fender and Vox for example) Fred has been able to create some very unique designs with sonic qualities that are extremely desirable by today’s guitarists.  The unique designs of Divided by 13 Amplifiers keep the boutique world on its toes with the notion that not everything has to be a copy of a sought-after vintage amp.  These refreshing designs are soulful and useful with every nuance checked before production.  Speaking of production, Fred still builds all his amps by hand, one at a time.  This means that each and every Divided by 13 Amplifier is personalized to an extent and built with the care and attention to detail that only a proud designer can have.

Nobels ODR-1

Nobels ODR-1

The Nobels ODR-1 is here.  This little green screaming machine is now available exclusively at ProGuitarShop.com for a screaming deal.  While bearing some aesthetic resemblance to the mighty Tube Screamer, the Nobels ODR-1 is anything but.  Transparent and rich, the Nobels ODR-1 brings a true, amp-like overdrive to the table that has none of the midrange boost or low-end cut associated with the TS style circuit.  The Gain knob will go from totally clean to saturated sustain and provides a nice standalone overdrive or a great addition to an already overdriven amp.  When driven about halfway, the Nobels ODR-1 provides a touch-sensitive overdrive that cleans up with pick attack and volume knob adjustment and provides that classic Nashville Tele crunch that will make your double stops come to life.  The Spectrum control is unique in the fact that it not only rolls off or adds highs (12 o’clock being transparent) but it also alters the low midrange spectrum as well.  This allows the ODR-1 to go from a nice saggy low end, perfect for blues, to a tight low end with singing highs and a cutting tone for more modern rock styles. 

Many have tried to compare the ODR-1 to other pedals but the simple fact is, it’s not other pedals.  This is a unique design by the German Nobels Electronics company.  It shares looks and features with its brethren overdrive pedals but the tone is all Nobels.  Jerry Donahue of the Hellecasters never leaves home without his Nobels.  Many of Nashville’s top studio guitarists swear by it.  Other companies have tried to re-create it and, while doing a good job, they just aren’t the same.  Many like to mod the ODR-1 for true bypass but just one listen will make you realize that the buffered bypass and input/output impedances are the perfect, transparent combination providing a perfect bypassed tone and even fighting against cable length signal degradation.  If you haven’t tried a Nobels ODR-1, you owe it to yourself to do so.  At $99 and with ProGuitarShop’s 60 Satisfaction Guarantee there’s no risk and it very well could end your search for the perfect overdrive like it has for so many others.