compromising the instrument’s harmonic
riches. This quest led to Krusa’s take on an
offset-soundhole design—which allows more
of the soundboard to function tonally—but
finding a bracing aesthetic that worked with
this soundhole approach took some time.
After much experimentation, Krusa developed
a modified fan brace that he uses on every
instrument featuring an offset soundhole.
MODERN BUILDER VAULT
underneath the fretboard and beyond the
body joint. Krusa claims that using this method ensures a neck reset will never be necessary.
On a farm 20 miles west of Nashville,
Krusa’s shop is a one-man operation where
interested players are welcome to come by
and try out one of his creations.
Pricing and Availability
Krusa Guitars are custom-built to order. Krusa will discuss the specifics of the build with the client by touching on body shape
and depth, scale length, nut width, string spacing at the saddle, inlay, neck profile, and materials. Krusa also factors in a client’s
playing style, physical stature, and musical approach to help him define the instrument that will work best for each client.
The base price is $6,000 for all carved-top models, $4,000 for flattop models, and $3,800 for the Monarch. Krusa offers an
extensive menu of custom options and upgrades like abalone side-purfling for $1,000 to a Venetian cutaway for $900. The wait
time for a guitar is usually over a year, but Krusa has one spot remaining for the coming year. krusaguitars.com
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4. Trillium
With traditional soundhole placement and X-bracing, the Trillium bears a
striking resemblance to the Kyoto. However, closer inspection reveals that the
Trillium is slightly smaller, with a 15" body width, 4. 125" body depth, 19. 25"
body length, and 25. 25" scale length. Sonically, the Trillium is a little punchier
than big brother Kyoto, but not quite as full-bodied, making it a fine choice
for blues, ragtime, and styles that rely on note articulation. The Trillium model
shown here features a koa top to match the back and sides, but spruce, cedar, and sinker redwood are also available as soundboard options.
5. Monarch
The Monarch, inspired by the Weissenborn lap steel
guitars of the 1920s, offers lap players a warm and rich
alternative to the cutting sound of a Dobro-style guitar.
Utilizing Honduran mahogany for the back, sides, and top
on the base model, the Monarch pictured here has been
upgraded with koa. Krusa’s 18-fret Monarch is the only
model in his line that does not have an elevated fretboard.
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6. Kyoto
The Kyoto is Krusa’s most
traditional full-sized guitar with
its conventional X-bracing and
soundhole placement. With a
15.875" body width, 4. 125" body
depth, 20. 25" body length, and
a 25. 5" scale length, the Kyoto
is meant to feel equally at home
whether playing full open-chords,
flatpicked single-note melodies,
or contrapuntal fingerstyle arrangements that utilize the full
span of the neck. The Kyoto
pictured here features a raised
rosette, German spruce top, and
wenge for the back and sides.
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PREMIER GUITAR JUNE 2012 185
