I spent 5 years setting necks and fitting dovetails while working at The Santa Cruz Guitar Company. This is where and when the idea of incorporating a Japanese style neck joint came to me. And 10 years later it has come to reality.

In the new Katana model there is also a few other ideas implemented.

One piece solid body (Mahogany or Walnut)

One piece neck (Cocobolo or Paduk)

No truss rod

No glue or screws for neck attachment

No cavities

The neck is fretted, there is no fingerboard.

This guitar is about as bare bones as it comes. The idea of the body and neck interacting together and the reaction between them are really highlighted here. Using old air dried woods, quarter sawn and stable really provides a strong resonant musical platform you won’t see or hear in any other guitar.

The arch top style bridge matches with the neck angle and geometry of the guitar, given the player plenty of real-estate to really dig in to the strings. This really gives the player an unconscious freedom and expression with the right hand.

The Damascus steel tailpiece and pick guard give it a solid, “tuning fork” musical quality that really is unique to this guitar.

Other specs:

24 3/4 scale length

1 11/16″ nut width

Lollar “Johnny Smith” neck mount pickup

There is also Podcast #99 with The Fretboard Journal where we talk more about this model