The Electra Forums

This is the first batch of prototypes that I have going.
I did a little updating on some of the models. 3 knobs, cut the heels off some models, etc. The plan is to do a limited reissue of one model each year.
I still have to determine colors and hardware. I like the way the TonePros wrap around looks and sounds and may put it on a couple of models.
TonePros also owns the rights to Kluson and has made some nice improvements to them.
You can tell I had a lot of Mahogany in the shop !

Here is an Omega Standard and I want to do a Custom also (multiply binding, flame top etc.) It is a little bit thinner and has a belly cut.



Notice how the heel has been cut off.



This is a set neck Workingman. I put a drop top on it and it also has the heel cut away with a belly cut. The Vulcan will be the Custom version of this shape with multiply binding, carved top and maybe some flame or quilt tops.







Here’s the Outlaw. It has neck through construction. I am thinking about seeing what it will look like with out the pickguard. I would also like to do a Custom version with binding top and back. Maybe an “F” hole? I see a 12 string in the future….
Watch out Rickenbacker!! )





I will have a booth at the Winter NAMM show.
We are starting to run out of time to get samples!
Let me know your thoughts on what I’ve got going so far.
Thanks, Ben

I like the 'wave' at the end of the fretboard on the workingman, nice touch. Headstocks look nice too, I've never chimed in, but I associate the wave headstock with the golden years of Electra production.

I like the heel on the workingman better than the omega prototype (personally...). The Outlaw looks very authentic, and it looks like you're going for a standard wiring option there. I have to say the 1 and a half cutaway body style (Vulcan, Endorser, Invicta, etc.) is my favorite... traditional, yet original. Good luck Ben.

P.S. Some players prefer a stop tailpiece to a wraparound...

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Electra Guitar Videos ===> http://www.youtube.com/user/mjm33mjm?feature=watch

Holy s&%t Batman!

Beautiful!!!!!

I have always thought that the Outlaw and Workingman models and those after 1976 are what the Electra brand truly evolved into; good job!

Please keep the updates coming.

RCSBlues

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RCSBlues

Haha, jeez, I'd buy the prototype!

I do wish you'd have gone for a full control setup like the original Workingman (in that case), but i'm guessing Gibson would probably complain so all things considered, beautiful job!

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Addicted to Matsumoku.

Got no complaints from me, those are real beauties! Can't wait to see what else you've got in store.

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Who needs a Fender Jazz when you can get a perfectly good Spectrum bass for $50?

I like. Any idea how much these would retail for when finished?

...

Fully adjustable Tonepros wraparound, Tonepros/Klusons, and Duncan phatcats. How much?

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Free Your Mind and Your A$$ Will Follow......

Very true..personally i don'tl ike the aesthetic either.

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Addicted to Matsumoku.

Oohh, mate - lovely stuff! Liking the idea of an Outlaw 12....

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"... and on the eighth day, God created New Zealanders.

Because even the Australians need heroes."

Just lovely! Good job with the heel, that's a really wonderful detail of these guitars!

I'd expect a handmade custom shop guitar like this to go for... hm, 3 to 5k? With the amount of work and attention to detail, I can't imagine one going for much less!

... and the heel design gets my vote too; good job!

RCSBlues

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RCSBlues

I really like the heal on these and I like the outlaw model also. These will be a work of art when your done and should play and sound awesome. I believe that the new models will open up a new generation of Electra players and keep the original high quality and standards of the vintage Electra models as well. Great job and nice work.

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Always give thanks for everyday, It may be your last so Rock On Semper Fi!!

I like all three. The color and logo will look great I'm sure. Any chance of a tree of life proto or an MPC making it to the NAMM show? Maybe an inlay across the fret board "ELECTRA".

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SlmGuy

Definitely like the heels, and I'm on the 12 string bandwagon too. That would just be too sweet..

Nice looking protos so far.

Oh yeah, I'll second (or fourth or whatever) a vote against wraparound tailpieces. Stopbar or possibly even through body with TOM gets my vote.

Did we already discuss some tremolo models? (my memory isn't so good)

I think the Outlaw and Workingman need some spiff electronics though too. I mean that's what kinda set them apart. At least the tone spectrum circuit...or did we discuss that already...(my memory isn't too good )