Octave Guitars
The latest chapter in
the Less Tall saga began November of 2007. I was debating what project I wanted to take
on next, and was thinking Id like to make something bigger and fully
functional/playable this time, but still not full-size. Then, out of the blue, I was
contacted by Matte Henderson, a highly respected guitarist who, as luck would have it,
lives just 20 minutes from me. He had heard of my work, and was looking for someone to
build him a Les Paul style octave guitar, for use on-stage, and in the studio.
The timing was perfect, and so was the project. Thus was born the Less Tall Octave guitar.
In two months time, we went from concept, to (almost) playable guitar. I say almost, because at that point I was still waiting for some hardware to arrive that was on backorder. Otherwise, the construction was completed on the prototype, except for the finish. Fast forward to June of 2008, and I have completed construction on three octave guitars (one of which still needs staining/finishing), with more underway. The guitars all feature a Honduran mahogany back and neck (long tenon, of course), figured maple cap and Brazilian rosewood fingerboard (with vintage style celluloid inlays).
And, for those of you who may not be familiar with what an octave guitar is, its a smallish guitar with a short fret scale (in my case approx. 14 inches) and a normal width fingerboard, thats tuned one full octave higher than a normal guitar.
Oh, and by the way, these guitars really do work! Here are some comments from people whove played them:
Jimmy Murray (Les Paul collector and publisher/star of the Jimmy Murray 10 Minute Method DVD): I have seen and played this awesome bit of craftsmanship. It is very cool and very well made. Plays beautifully. Despite Frank's humble nature, These are as fine as any Les Paul I've seen. Nick Morgan made the Octave just scream at the April (Greensboro) Jam. Kudos Frank!!!!
Nick Morgan (guitar builder and player extraordinaire): Having played this guitar, I can testify that it is more than just good looks. I've been thinking about this guitar ever since I played it. It has a really unique sound, which is very different from other octave guitars.
Matte Henderson (highly respected session guitarist and guitar collector): Frank is madd cool and the guitar is brilliant. His work is exceptional.
Here are some photos of the octave guitars that have been completed to date at various stages of completion:
