Scroll_line
2007 Rolf Spuler 'Paradis' Hybrid Electro-Acoustic
Rolf Spuler
We (you and us) are happy to welcome a new kind of guitar to America!

This instrument is not what it seems, at all.

It may look like a sexy electric guitar--but its purpose is to perform the duties of a natural sounding acoustic guitar! It succeeds. Here is an instrument that a guitarist can easily carry in the back of a car or on a plane. Plugging into a PA system delivers the most beautiful full range natural acoustic sound you or an audience could hope for. It is all done with pickups and electronics developed in 1984 in Switzerland, thanks to Master Luthier Rolf Spuler and electronics wizard Mathias Grob.

Believers in Spuler's work include 'Paradis' owners Bela Fleck, Al DiMiola, Andreas Vollenweider, and many more world class musicians who demand so much from their instruments. The steel string guitar shown here is complemented by a nylon string version that appeals strongly to Jazz and crossed-over classical players of all persuasions. This steel string guitar is made from a rare and vibrant block of flamed willow. The immediacy of response is snappier than from maple.

The base price of this guitar, $11,300, is figured on a body wood of Sipo mahogany. The basic electronics included in the basic guitar (same as on this willow instrument) will please and surprise most players. The 2 slider controls, beautifully integrated into the wooden bridge, are Master Volume and Poly-Bass.

Here is one of the surprises, and one of the main reasons you want to plug into a PA system: You can bring in as much accompaniment as you like from sub-bass frequencies that track the lowest string that you play among the 3rd, 4th, 5th, and 6th strings of the guitar. If you do alternating bass patterns or walking bass lines, or just want to fatten up your rhythm work, the Poly-Bass sub bass frequencies are pleasantly addictive!

This is an analog circuit that elegantly splits the guitar string's voice into two simultaneous voices. No digital signal here--so no tracking issues to worry about. The steel string 'Paradis,' developed over the last 20+ years, has a wonderful feel. More than a beautiful work of art that is a thrill to own--it is a pleasure to hold in next to your body. The shape is player-friendly. The nut width is about 1 3/4", and the neck on this one is a slim C-shape. We are asking Rolf Spuler to add a little beef to the back of the neck on our next one, to bring it to a medium C-shape. When you order one from FGC, you can choose your neck geometry, woods and features to your taste.

There is another surprise lurking on this instrument: Look closely at the photos at the nut area. You will notice two things. The 6th string has a 2-fret extension behind the nut! The small brass lever on the neck, adjacent to the 6th string, releases the 6th string into 'True Dropped D' tuning. You can switch into drop D with a flick of the thumb. Press the button behind the release mechanism and you are back in standard tuning--even in the middle of a song, if you choose. Options available, though not present on this willow sunburst available for purchase, includes a MIDI option and a body mic. The body mic, controlled by another slider, gives a player percussive performance options for tapping the guitar body.

I invite you to read more in depth about Rolf Spuler and his philosophy, along with more details about this instrument that is for sale. You can find this further information on the Spuler page in 'Guitars From Another Realm.' --Richard

NOTE: A maple version of this guitar can be found here.

(P.S. -- The PA Systems I have heard and enjoyed the Spuler Paradis through are SR Technology's Reso-Acoustic 400 Sound System available from The Blue Guitar and the FGC All-tube Class 'A' Acoustic Guitar PA available directly from us.

$12,797 (with metal, foam-lined flight case) - SOLD
    Current
    Selection
Photo Gallery