There are many composite elements on the Kamaitachi: Arm Rest The Armrest is meticulously designed and prototyped using a precise blend of Pet-G, a composite material that incorporates a customized 18% of carbon fiber content to ensure the armrest's structural integrity and solidity. Taking inspiration from the Kamaitachi, the armrest features a honeycomb pattern, serving the dual purpose of reducing weight and lending the guitar a tactical and aggressive appearance. The Kamaitachi, derived from old Japanese folklore, belongs to the class of supernatural entities and spirits, originally thought to be a corruption of the term "kamae tachi" (meaning "stance sword"). It is known as an animal spirit capable of swift movement in a cutting wind. The alignment of the armrest's design, the name "Vapor" for our initial model, and the Kamaitachi's natural attributes all form a legitimate connection between these elements. The armrest is securely fastened to the body with the use of aluminum bolts and titanium threaded inserts, which are firmly adhered with epoxy glue and affixed into the wood with screws. An additional noteworthy feature is that the armrest is designed in such a way that it can be conveniently used to hang the guitar on a standard wall-mounted guitar support. Fretboard Layers of high-quality engineered paper are infused with thermosetting resin before they are cut to length and laid up by hand. Richlite's signature surface texture comes from the natural variation in how the fibers lay within the paper. Each sheet is carefully stacked, alternating the direction of the paper for ultimate balance and stability. The stacks are pressed under heat and pressure, which bonds the layers of paper together and cures the product. The panels are then slowly cooled to produce a solid and stable sheet material. The whole process provides a perfect structure for the frets that will not suffer for moisture, humidity, climate change, avoiding fret sprouts. Pickguard The pickguard, a crucial component of our guitar design, is meticulously fashioned from a specialized material known as Acrylate. This choice was made with careful consideration, as Acrylate offers a unique combination of qualities that perfectly align with our purpose. Its natural state, when cut and shaped, presents an elegant, pristine white or black facade. However, what truly sets the Acrylate pickguard apart is its remarkable versatility. This material acts as a canvas for personal expression and creativity, as it can be custom-painted to harmonize with the broader aesthetics of the guitar. This level of personalization allows you to make your instrument uniquely yours, with the pickguard becoming a visual extension of your musical identity. The process of customizing your pickguard is a seamless one, effortlessly integrated into the overall experience of building your guitar through our online builder. So, whether you prefer the classic, untouched beauty of the white Acrylate or wish to explore the world of customized aesthetics, the choice is yours, and it's just a few clicks away on our online platform. This level of flexibility and attention to detail reflects our commitment to ensuring that your guitar becomes a true embodiment of your musical journey. Pickup Cover In our ongoing pursuit of enhancing the Kamaitachi experience, we are actively working on the development of brand-new pickups covers. These covers, meticulously crafted from High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS), promise to be a significant addition that not only complements the aesthetic appeal of the Kamaitachi but also elevates the overall playing and tonal experience. The choice of HIPS as the material brings its unique qualities to the table, promising both durability and a visually pleasing aspect. These covers are more than just functional components; they are designed to be an integral part of the guitar's personality, offering players an additional layer of customization and a tactile connection to their instrument. This exciting addition is part of our commitment to providing musicians with a holistic and immersive experience when they pick up a Kamaitachi. Stay tuned for more details as we continue to fine-tune and perfect these pickups covers for your musical journey. Cavity Cover Turning our attention to the pickup cover, we've remained steadfast in our choice of High Impact Polystyrene (HIPS) for our cavity covers, and for good reason. These covers are meticulously crafted with a 4mm thickness, resulting in a solid and snug fit that leaves no room for gaps or inconsistencies. Unlike wood covers, which can be prone to expansion and contraction due to varying environmental conditions, HIPS exhibits remarkable stability, eliminating the need to mill the cavity slightly larger than the cover itself. This inherent durability of the material ensures that your guitar maintains its precision and integrity over time. Furthermore, our commitment to aesthetics is evident in the design of the cavity cover. Much like the honeycomb grill pattern found on the armrest, we've extended this design element to the cavity cover to create a harmonious visual connection throughout the guitar. This meticulous attention to detail not only enhances the overall aesthetic appeal but also underscores our dedication to offering a truly unique and cohesive instrument. Whether it's the choice of materials, precision in design, or the incorporation of patterns and colors, every facet of our guitars is thoughtfully considered to ensure a holistic and fulfilling musical experience for players and enthusiasts alike.
Composite Materials
Multiscale
Since the introduction of our first Vapor model in 2019, we made a deliberate choice to embrace a multiscale approach for our headless guitars. Is multiscale suitable for everyone? In our experience, the answer is a resounding yes. For our 6 and 7-string models, we employ a 1.5-inch differential between the two scales, with the parallel fret positioned at the 9th. This design guarantees a more consistent tension across the strings, leading to enhanced clarity and playability on the lower strings, particularly when utilizing drop tunings. Simultaneously, the higher strings maintain the comfort of a standard scale while benefiting from carefully tailored tensions. As for our 8-string models, we implement a 2-inch scale difference with the parallel fret situated at the 9th.
Finishes
Extensive experimentation and meticulous consideration have been invested painting technics, reflecting our steadfast commitment to innovation and aesthetics. In our relentless pursuit of artistic expression and individuality, we have expanded the conventional finishes. Beyond the customary satin, matte, or gloss finishes, we have ventured into the realm of textures , such as Dragon Skin, Leather Feel, Granular, Raw Metal, Brushed Bronze, Hammered, and Polystyrene, to name but a few. These finishes offer a rich tapestry of textures and visual experiences, allowing each instrument to be truly unique. Moreover, we recognize that the spectrum of colors is where artistic horizons truly open up. Marble, gold leaf, fades, textured finishes, bursts, alien floral motifs, and an array of innovative options await, transcending mere words in their capacity to describe the boundless possibilities for customization and personalization. These options empower musicians to craft an instrument that is not only acoustically exceptional but also a one-of-a-kind artistic statement.
We're firmly rooted in the realm of wooden guitars for a multitude of compelling reasons. While we're actively exploring the development of a fully composite guitar, there are certain challenges to consider, with the foremost being the neck. Crafting a composite neck to precise custom specifications, particularly in terms of thickness and overall shape, poses significant difficulties. Therefore, we've opted for hard rock maple as the material for our necks. We start with a 20mm thickness, with minimal shoulders, especially on our 7 and 8-string models. The Kamaitachi necks prioritize speed and effortless access, yet we're more than willing to incorporate your personal preferences into the shape. To bolster the neck's durability, we integrate carbon fiber rods and a double-action truss rod, ensuring a long-lasting performance. When it comes to the body of the Kamaitachi, our selection process is meticulous to maintain our stringent weight standards. We source a limited quantity of basswood and white limba bodies, which have been carefully air-dried for over 40 years. These woods are locally acquired and handpicked from a century-old, reputable wood company in our town, backed by specific certifications that validate their quality.
Woods
When it comes to headless guitars, the hardware is an absolutely pivotal component, and we've poured extensive experience and care into ensuring it meets the highest standards. Our choice of proprietary hardware, which has been successfully featured in our Vapor model, has been time-tested and trusted. In fact, it has been seamlessly incorporated into approximately 60 guitars, offering a track record devoid of any concerns or issues. This unwavering reliability is a testament to the quality and craftsmanship that defines our hardware selection. One of the hardware standouts is the bridge, a component known for its exceptional durability and reliability. Its user-friendly design ensures that players can effortlessly fine-tune their guitars, and it's recognized for its impressive longevity. The tuners, another crucial piece of the hardware puzzle, are celebrated for their exceptional smoothness when turning—a rare find in the headless guitar market. These tuners are equipped with springs at the bottom and Teflon rings to provide a seamless turning experience when adjusting intonation. Additionally, we offer the flexibility to customize the tuning pegs, allowing you to align them with your preferred aesthetic through our online builder. Moving to the headpiece, we've opted for titanium with aluminum 5mm grub screws, a choice that showcases our commitment to quality and precision. This headpiece has not only found its place on our headless guitars but is also seamlessly integrated into our tremolo versions. One consistent feature that stands out is the impeccable intonation, ensuring that your guitar maintains its tonal precision, even during intense performances. Furthermore, like the other hardware elements, the headpiece can be personalized to match the broader aesthetics of your guitar. This level of customization extends to every facet of our instruments, ensuring that you not only get a finely crafted, reliable guitar but also one that resonates with your individual style and artistic preferences. When delving into the world of pickups, we find ourselves navigating a subjective realm influenced by our personal preferences and musical tastes. Within our offerings, tailored for 6, 7, and 8-string instruments, you'll find our OEM pickups. What sets them apart, as gleaned from invaluable feedback, is their distinctive character that defies easy comparison to any other pickups. These are known for their inclination towards darker, more sonorous tones and a medium-to-high output. We highly recommend giving them a try, as we're confident you'll discover intriguing voices that resonate with your musical sensibilities. However, should you have a specific sonic vision in mind or if you're uncertain, we also provide the option to choose pickups from two other esteemed brands: Bare Knuckle Pickups and the boutique Italian craftsmanship of Gorilla Pickups. If you've already decided on your pickups before your order reaches us, simply specify your preference using the designated box at the end of the order form, and we'll ensure they are installed with our custom plate. Additionally, if you ever plan to modify your pickups in the future, just drop us an email, and we'll send you a replacement base plate, allowing you to install virtually any pickups available on the market. We're pleased to offer these base pickups without any additional charges; you'll only need to cover the shipping costs.