My designs are rooted in the traditions of the great 20th century guitar builders. I strive to build instruments with complex, rich voices using the finest woods available to me. Each instrument is hand-carved in my Brooklyn, New York workshop, and is tuned to develop the unique sonic characteristics and optimal voice of each individual top and back.
Figure Zero David Blake Signature ModelThis Figure Zero was designed in collaboration with New York City-based jazz guitarist David Blake. We took the flagship 16” model and added some features that make it ideal for the modern jazz guitarist.
It features curved, ergonomic heel that allows the player unparalleled access to the upper register. The Engelmann spruce top gives it a warm, round tone with thick highs and clear, defined lows. It comes in an autumn burst nitrocellulose lacquer finish, with curly koa binding, gold mother of pearl inlays, and David’s signature bonsai tree headstock inlay in abalone and koa.
Specifications:
Lower bout: 16”
Side depth: 2 3/4”
Scale length: 24 3/4”
Nut width: 1 3/4”
Top: Engelmann spruce
Back and sides: European maple
Fingerboard: African ebony
Bracing: X-braced
Pickup: Lindy Fralin Pure PAF humbucker
Figure Zero
This guitar was conceived as a model to fulfill the needs of the working musician and encapsulate the aesthetic principles James D’Aquisto established as a benchmark for guitar design.
It features a 16” lower bout and a mounted or floating pickup. Its comfortable size for the gigging musician and its modern tone give the Figure Zero a powerful presence on stage while amplified, and a sweet, clear acoustic tone that will seduce audiences.
Specifications:
Lower bout: 16”
Side depth: 2 3/4”
Scale length: 24 3/4”
Nut width: 1 3/4”
Top: Master grade European or North American spruce, best available
Back and sides: European or North American figured maple, best available
Fingerboard: Macassar or African ebony
Bracing: X-braced with 20+ year seasoned sitka or Adirondack spruce
Director
The Director is my full-sized jazz box, designed for players that love the blend of modern and traditional styles that define the Figure Zero, but desire a larger size and bigger sound.
It features a 17” lower bout and the sides are deeper at 3 1/4”, giving it the power to project to the back of the room even without amplification. Whether you’re playing with a trio or in a big band, the Director will produce a rich and assertive tone that you’ll love.
Specifications:
Lower bout: 17”
Side depth: 3 1/4”
Scale length: 24 3/4”
Nut width: 1 3/4”
Top: Master grade European or North American spruce, best available
Back and sides: European or North American figured maple, best available
Fingerboard: Macassar or African ebony
Bracing: X-braced with 20+ year seasoned sitka or Adirondack spruce
Little Zero
The Little Zero was designed in collaboration with legendary studio musician and guitar dealer Craig Snyder. This compact, fully hollow guitar is ideal for musicians that want the versatility, comfortability and convenience of a smaller guitar with the uncompromising, full-sized tone of a true archtop. With an astonishingly loud acoustic presence and the responsiveness of a hand-carved instrument, the Little Zero is a delight to play.
It features a 14” lower bout and a neck joint at the 16th fret, allowing complete access to the highest register. Don’t be fooled by its small stature; the Little Zero is a powerhouse with remarkable range.
Specifications:
Lower bout: 14”
Side depth: 2 1/2”
Scale length: 24 3/4”
Nut width: 1 3/4”
Top: Master grade European or North American spruce, best available
Back and sides: European or North American figured maple, best available
Fingerboard: Macassar or African ebony
Bracing: X-braced with 20+ year seasoned sitka or Adirondack spruce