Klein headless guitars discussion.

GuyBoden

Roland said:

GuyBoden said:

... I could probably build this kit in a few hours.

No chance. If it’s anything like my kit then the parts won’t fit.

Yes, if the parts don't fit, I won't be assembling it in a few hours.

Jody Fisher plays a Klein very well indeed. I like fingerstyle playing, Mick Goodrick was a fingerstyle player too.

west

Roland said:

The Klein has always fascinated me because of its minimalist approach to body profile. To understand what it would feel like I mocked up an mdf template from here and clamped on a 22 fret neck from a previous project. 

First thing I realised is that it needs a 24 fret neck, or a modified body shape. You can also see that it is going to hang several inches to the left of a “normal” guitar.

I never liked the Klein asthetic but i had one of these steinberger gm series with the phenolic neck and it was a peach ... i loved it had it for a decade and couldnt give it away when i decided to move it on ( sold for £750 ) i really regret selling it ;(

Dominic

GuyBoden said:

Roland said:

GuyBoden said:

... I could probably build this kit in a few hours.

No chance. If it’s anything like my kit then the parts won’t fit.

Yes, if the parts don't fit, I won't be assembling it in a few hours.

Jody Fisher plays a Klein very well indeed. I like fingerstyle playing, Mick Goodrick was a fingerstyle player too.

He is a superb player and Berklee Jazz Tutor

Roland

The Klein shape lends itself to that style of music. The neck is at an ideal angle and position for mid neck, thumb behind playing, where all notes are equally accessible. I like the way that you can hold the body under your right arm to keep it stable.

Did you notice Jody Fisher holding the pick in his mouth? I’m always afraid that I’ll swallow and choke on it.

GuyBoden

I can only find this original, actual Steve Klein guitar template:

Then there are these Klein copy plans by Eric Old:

https://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/Eric-Olds/Klein-Electric-Guitar-Copy-Plan.pdf

axisus

I like headless guitars generally, but I really can't get on with those body shapes at all. Not for me.

octatonic

GuyBoden said:

I can only find this original, actual Steve Klein guitar template:

Then there are these Klein copy plans by Eric Old:

https://buildingtheergonomicguitar.com/wp-content/uploads/Eric-Olds/Klein-Electric-Guitar-Copy-Plan.pdf

I had these printed at 1:1 scale.
It isn't hugely useful though.

Roland

octatonic said:

I wonder if the J Custom hardware fits in it?

Tempting. 22 fret neck in this mock-up, so the J Custom is moved back from the marked position. What pickups would you put in it?

octatonic

Roland said:

octatonic said:

I wonder if the J Custom hardware fits in it?

Tempting. 22 fret neck in this mock-up, so the J Custom is moved back from the marked position. What pickups would you put in it?

I wouldn't go for EMG's, like a lot of them had.

The other popular choices were Harmonic Designs Z90's (P90 in humbucker size) or Joe Barden's (HSS usually).
I'd put in something more traditional- Loller are good, the El Rayo is a fabulous pickup.
Or some Fralin humbuckers, or Bareknuckles.
I don't want super hifi tones along with the ergonomic playing position.

althy

octatonic said:

Roland said:

octatonic said:

I wonder if the J Custom hardware fits in it?

Tempting. 22 fret neck in this mock-up, so the J Custom is moved back from the marked position. What pickups would you put in it?

I wouldn't go for EMG's, like a lot of them had.

The other popular choices were Harmonic Designs Z90's (P90 in humbucker size) or Joe Barden's (HSS usually).
I'd put in something more traditional- Loller are good, the El Rayo is a fabulous pickup.
Or some Fralin humbuckers, or Bareknuckles.
I don't want super hifi tones along with the ergonomic playing position.

I swapped the SD pickups it came with for BK  Mississippi queens on mine ( jet black covers). Sounded fantastic and looked super neat.

Jackobean

Some good Klein content - 

octatonic

^^^ That is a Klein with Harmonic Designs Z90's.
They are excellent pickups- I have them in one of my Telecasters.

jonnyburgo

They look a bit rum, unless its Kajagoogoo or summert. They aren't a jeans n t-shirt guitar, you have to be a bit Ooh la la  to pull it off.

althy

this must be the best looking klein I have seen

Roland

Certainly the best played. I got fed up with so many people playing plinky plinky demos that I went off the Klein idea for a while.

DrBob

Roland said:

Certainly the best played. I got fed up with so many people playing plinky plinky demos that I went off the Klein idea for a while.

I know for a fact that Henry Kaiser has at least one Klein. If I find a video of him playing one I reckon that will totally kill it for you 

althy

Also Frisell and Tim Miller both used to play on them for quite some time

octatonic

My favourite Klein player is David Torn, although he has moved on from the Kleins a long time ago and is now playing Ronin.

GuyBoden

I think this might be the most stunning Klein inspired guitar I've seen yet.

http://www.sankeyguitars.com/magmatic

Roland

GuyBoden said:

I think this might be the most stunning Klein inspired guitar I've seen yet.

http://www.sankeyguitars.com/magmatic 

It’s that Peregrine which gets me: