S2 | Six String Production Guitar

PHOTO: S2 production guitar is an integrated system designed for professional recording, performance, and touring (above). TOONE & TOWNSEND anodized precision hardware including Exoskeleton™ machined neck. Stainless steel Kickstand™ protects tuners against drops. 3-D controls set a new standard for user friendly (both hand) access.

When we met for our guitar critique session, Chris Buono mentioned the L.A. Amp Show and asked if I was going to attend. Great idea, but other commitments for me this past weekend. He sparked a thought, however, and the fuse lit...

Why not send a guitar to the show?
Hell, why not send the new production prototype guitar to the show?

No matter it was just an outline in swamp ash and components were in machining. Bart Townsend mentioned he was up for the challenge. Bill Goldy said okay. Steve Darabos. Laura Masi.

Okay, team. Go.

PHOTOS: Ultimate Support Systems guitar stand with hanging system. The headstock on the guitar rests securely on neoprene. Stainless steel bottle opener provides instant access to your favorite craft brews (below).

PHOTOS: SKB I-Series lightweight waterproof ATA case (above). Fitted to both S2 guitar and Ultimate stand. TSA locks. Recessed wheels for airport terminal hiking. Made in USA.

Bart Townsend and I have always envisioned this entire guitar development venture to be centered on creating a no-compromise system for tuning and intonation. Aerospace precision.

That same philosophy extends into the production instruments, and accessories. The professional musicians and guitar techs I talk to are always seeking to simplify their equipment. They (you) need reliable equipment with studio quality sound that is plug-and-play ready to record and travel.

Two of the challenges I asked our group to meet included developing an application specific guitar stand and MIL-SPEC case protection. Bill Goldy designed and fabricated the stand. Laura Masi made the case materialize via Cases By Source.

PHOTOS: Consolidated 3-D controls provide simple access for field service under backstage touring conditions. Stellartone passive studio-grade tone modification (below).

PHOTOS: Some assembly required. Beautiful aerospace-precision machined components used in the TOONE & TOWNSEND tuning system (above) gleam stainless steel, bearing bronze, brass. Machinist and bass player Dave Harney milled the stainless bridge mounts.

This S2 guitar shape has also been about an integrated playing experience. Systematically, I've focused on solving the issues that make traditional electric guitars a challenge to play.

Now, instead, balance is perfect: seated or standing. Light weight. Compact. Both hand access to controls. Rapid tool-free string changes using any commercial string. Full spectrum frequency response, extended into both bass and upper harmonic registers. Humbucker punch with hum-free single-coil bite. Incredible note sustain. The most comfortable neck you will ever experience — if the responses I'm hearing from players is any clear indication.

I can accept limited orders for these guitars. Six string only at this time. Email for details.

I don't know anything about the artistry of guitar making, but I do think this is one badass looking guitar. I want to play it.

— Corinne Amadeo
Fractal Audio | Facebook

PHOTO: Alexis Goldy (shipping & receiving) models the guitar's standing position balance before sending it to the L.A. Amp Show this past weekend. Black anodize hardware with 'driftwood' finish resonant swamp ash body. Fits like your favorite pair of jeans. Total tone machine.

Comments

[Douglas]

Ok Rick. I take it back. You win. That is one slick looking package!

[Roger]

Rick, every time you go back and get more "stuff" together, the guitar looks more awe-inspiring than before. I'm really excited to own an S2 six string. Thank you and ALL of the crew (staff and test musicians alike) for the inspired work, critical feedback, and willingness to communicate with customers/fans/lurkers. Let's flip the switch on that assembly line!

[Justin]

Rick, super excited to be on the waitlist. This is pretty much how I would have designed my own guitar. We still shooting for Q1 2013? Can we get some shots from classical position? Specs settled on yet? Hoping for some of the distressed finishes. And the fact that the case and the stand are all an integrated package, just slick.

[JeremyB]

Seriously beautiful work, I love your creations Rick! I dare say it's well out of my price range, but how much are the production models?

[Andrew Woolley]

I literally dream about this guitar and the time I spent playing it. I really want to hold out for a 7-string, though I'm not so sure I can take the wait! That neck is nothing short of the word "revolutionary," and the guitar in whole is just the be-all, end-all in what any prominent player needs in an instrument. Fantastic work Rick!