GPOTD 03.01.2024

Peen Simmons

Let’s Get Obtuse!
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Available is the latest instrument by Tao Guitars. This is their Sutorato model Ser # 3 with an ABM 2-Point Trem and Tao’s “Trem-Stop” function. This machined metal piece slides in and out; allowing for either a fully floating trem or only downward movement with the Trem-Stop engaged.



John and Serge nicknamed this guitar U-A-M, named after the Union For Modern Artists; who were a 20th-century collective challenging traditional art norms, promoting innovation, and influencing modern art through diverse mediums and collaborations.



You can see the UAM inspiration behind this particular composition in its color scheme and details. The body has an incredible feeling silk-like matte finish and traditional satin neck finish.



The body is made from light weight Swamp Ash, while the neck is built from 1/4” sawn European Rock Maple with beautiful flame figure and a dark slab Rosewood board. The Sutorato is very well balanced seated or standing with its ergonomic, offset contoured body. This guitar is also extremely lively and acoustically resonant even before plugging in.



The electronics in the Sutorato are unique to this model and bring a new level of versatility to the world of electric guitars. With so much of the same out there, this design is truly a breath of fresh air. It’s like having two guitars in one (electronically / tonally speaking)



The bridge and middle pickups have a dedicated mini toggle switch that puts them in series with each other for a fat hum-bucking tone. While in normal / ‘parallel’ operation, there is a mix potentiometer in between the volume and tone controls for the same two pickups. It has a notch in the middle so that you can tell when both pickups are fully on. When all the way clockwise you get the bridge pickup alone as a single coil while fully counter clockwise you get the middle single coil pickup. All in-between Strat-type positions and more are available when you incorporate the bleed pot with the main 3-way switch.



The Trancestor is a medium output single coil which has both Strat and Gold Foil DNA, while leaning more towards the “Fullerton” side of the spectrum. They sound open and clear with a crystalline response (think Strat or Jazzmaster tones with a bit more air / openness) The pickups have metal sides like a Fender Jaguar for reduced noise in single pickup operation, as well as a way to change the pickups magnetic field; for a more focused tone with plenty of bite when you dig in.



The Sutorato has a 25 1/2” scale, 1 & 11/16” hand-cut bone nut. New Tao-Wound pickups and unique switching capabilities give you every pickup combination possible and all in an intuitive, easy to access layout.

Strung with 10-46 gauge strings and professionally setup by Tao Guitars. This is not a piece to be missed. Incredibly inspiring and built to the highest quality standards.



Specs::



  • Model Sutorato
  • Color Lincoln Green
  • Scale 25 1/2”
  • Nut Width 1 11/16”
  • Fingerboard Radius 12”
  • Neck Profile Med C .084"-.096”
  • Body Lightweight Swamp Ash
  • Neck 1/4” Sawn Rock Maple w/ flame figure & Satin finish
  • Body Finish, Matte Open Pore
  • 3 X Trancestor pickups (Tao-Wound) Read desc for switching options
  • ABM 5200 2-Point Tremolo w/ upgrared “Trem-Stop” & Rosewood arm tip
  • Weight: 7lbs 6.8oz
  • Case: Mono M-80 Vertigo protective gig-bag (black)
  • COA & custom Rosewood Truss Rod tool included
 
It makes me sad.

Anderson's Pea Soup in Buellton closed in January after nearly 100 years in business.
 
Looks like the Japanese/Italian guitars that could be had in thrift shops in the 90s. Those were usually about $75.
 
Are those the best pics they can post for a $6K plus guitar? they look rendered.
Aesthetically, it's fine...I like the nod to Dan Armstrong.
 
I love Tao guitars, but I traded mine for the Thorn I have now. They're amazing guitars, incredibly light, sound & play great and other than the Thorn, I've never had a guitar with so much attention to detail (mine was more of a tele type). But it was one of those situations where I would be really afraid to take it out somewhere incase something happened to it. Honestly, this thing was like acoustic guitar light.
 
Silly money, some dodgy visuals, but there are some interesting ideas there that I'd happily try out on a guitar.
 
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