TOE TO TOE
It takes an enormous amount of respect, admiration and good, old-fashioned
gumption to take a classic piece of gear for your inspiration and then build
something that stands up not as a copy, but as an equal. When we see gear
that rivals its archetype in quality, tone, and playability, we think that should
be saluted. For those that stand up to their icons, look them in the eye and
command respect, we introduce our Premier Gear Toe-to-Toe Award.
Hahn Model 228
Chihoe Hahn’s Model 228 brings the
Tele to a whole new, hand-built level.
Every component is spec’ed to the
highest degree; every detail—from
the partially cut bridge a la Danny
Gatton to the stainless-steel . 10” thick
neck plate—helped vault this guitar to
Tele perfection. The 228 falls squarely
in vintage territory, with Lollar pickups, classic tuners, old-school knobs
and a thin nitro finish. This award
goes directly to Hahn, who screws
every screw and solders every point
himself.
“This is one of the best Teles I’ve ever played.”
– John Bohlinger, October ’08, online
DeTemple Guitars Spirit Series
Michael De Temple has built a Strat exactly the way he
wants it with the Spirit Series. It features De Temple-designed pickups, trem, and truss rod, and is built
by Michael himself. Luckily, the Strat Michael wants is
pretty damn amazing. Reviewer Adam Hunt called the
guitar [November ‘08], “quite possibly the best Strat-style guitar built today.” The guitar improves upon the
Strat model with increased sustain, a bit more beef
from the pickups, and clarity with distortion. If you’ve
got the cash, we’d venture to say it’s worth the wait.
