GUITAR OF THE MONTH
Specimen Products Maxwell Custom
The Maxwell, by Specimen Products, found its
original inspiration in a rough-hewn guitar made
from construction lumber discovered in a state
of neglect by luthier Ian Schneller in 1986 at the
old Maxwell Street Market in Chicago [see inset].
Although the prototype’s rudimentary nature
made it essentially unplayable, its creativity motivated Schneller to resolve the design problems to
produce a viable, high-quality guitar.
The basic Maxwell design has been rendered into
many special models, including a Silvertone-style
example currently played by Alexander Kapranos
of Franz Ferdinand. This Maxwell Custom in
sunburst finish pays homage to the celebrated
Fender Telecaster Custom, and features a double-bound basswood body with a 25" scale-length
bolt-on neck, rosewood fretboard, chrome
Schaller flat-plate roller bridge, Kluson-style tuners, laminated mint green pickguard, and a humbucking pickup with single volume control.
specimenproducts.com
