Im curious--- doesnt this
just sound like.......
well
this
or this
or any dueal humbuckler guitar--------- how does the Von HErndon EL Especial' sound like a tele with no "tele" esque bits and bobs (read pickups) ????
eh Bobby boy?
Good questions!!!
My intent was to blend a familiar body shape with Les Paul style, 3-piece (maple/mahogany/maple) construction, set neck, 1958 style neck profile and 24.75" scale length. Getting away from the usual shrill Telecaster tones was of huge importance to me. Even the bridge coil tap doesn't give you the shrillness of a Tele, but Instead, has a much sweeter tone.
Perhaps they are simply just a novelty along the lines of Fulton's Folly???
We made 23 of these and sold 21 in short order. Ive been thus far quite pleased with the feedback that has been received. We still have two of them on hand, which I am holding on to, while seeking a promotional opportunity for them.
To be honest, designing a headstock, securing copyrights, and putting these guitars together/working with a sub-contractor was all a very positive experience for me, although some have told me it was "foolish," since a humbucker Telecaster is old-news. But, for me it was a creative opportunity, a lesson in Luthier practices, wiring, shielding, and a sense of accomplishment. It was also - very much so - a family project, with wifey and kids helping me out and working with me all along the way.
Admittedly, encountering so much negativity and opposition was disheartening at times, but - as the saying goes - nothing ventured - nothing gained.
Selling at around $1,400.00 each, (more with custom appointments) the StageCrafter venture made a somewhat modest profit and the proceeds were quickly invested into my custom double neck, a retaining wall and labor for the backyard project and the acquisition of more musical equipment.
Although some (original) custom body designs were drawn up, nothing really caught my eye, so, the Tele-style was chosen. Unfortunately, along with that decision, came a barrage of negativity and discouragement...not at all what I expected when I embarked on this project, but a risk one takes when sharing ideas in a public forum.
My only regret is the amount of time this venture distracted me from going out and playing more.
At the very least, we saw the venture through to completion, recouped a profit and got to see the guitars being played and enjoyed...
