For years I’ve been closely watching the work of Tao Guitars.  To my eyes their deigns are fresh, european, clean yet retro/artsy at the same time.  I really wanted to become a dealer for them…but alas….I never seem to measure up…so I do what guys like me do….hunt and peck..   And bingo…just when you counted me out, I came across this piece fresh from 2017 NAMM.

The guitar took 3 years to create.  It was custom comissioned to be a 1-off artistic interpretation of the “Ghery” school of art.  The details, care, craftsmanship and special 1-off features make this literally museum-quality.

The Top & Back are literally carved by hand in 2 pieces then joined (hollow).  Cedar Back & Spruce Top (Carved back & top).  Spanish Cedar Neck with a nice asymetric profile that feels like a ’59 LP in a way.  24.75″ Scale, 1.70 Width.

Just 6lb-7 ounces and perfectly balanced.  Stephens Design pickups.  Hand created pickups covers. Hand created tuner tips.  Hand created backplates that are transparent with custom covers over components.

Even the case is superb.  Rolling hardshell form fit flight case.  You can see all the specs in the sheet attached (see pictures).

Tonally…think of a bubbly warm but snappy neck pickup.  Bridge…think of what you want in a vintage PAF.  This guitar hits Jimmy Page to George Benson.  I expected it to be a 1-trick pony…but it can cover almost any ground.

It was the 2017 NAMM piece for Tao then delivered to the owner.  As we all know, personal circumstances can change in 3 years; unfortunately, the buyer could not keep the piece and sold it to me without using it.  You can acquire this spectacular heirloom without wait and for less than what Tao would charge for a new one.

Still has a warranty so no worries.