Stump Preacher Guitars

The Stump Preachers

January 18, 1996 -- Perhaps one of the most innovated products at this winter's NAMM is the Stump Preacher guitar. Although composite guitars have been around for a while, and aluminum guitars are being made, this is somewhat different.

The Stump Preacher is the smallest full-scale guitar (24.75"), so it uses standard guitar strings, fretboards, and tuning heads. The nut and the bridge are solid brass, and the other components are machined. The patented bridge consists of five sets of rollers.

The one-piece body of this guitar begins with an internal core with properties similar to those of wood. This core is then wrapped with carbon fiber composite. The density can of this internal core can also be adjusted to produce different tone and sustain characteristics. The fingerboard is natural wood. The shape of the body can also be changed rather easily as well.

The graphic designs are actually molded into the body of the guitar between the composite and outermost layer so it won't just scratch off. Literally any graphic design can be used and customized. Once the design has been chosen, it can be reproduced consistently for an entire series of guitars.

Perhaps the most noticeable difference is the location of the tuning heads. Headless instruments are not uncommon, but here the tuning heads are on the body of the guitar. This may sound a little awkward, but it does place the tuning posts closer to the playing area. The posts are below the playing plane so that they won't be hit accidentally while playing. To access the strings and tuning posts, you simply remove the back cover. This leaves plenty of room to change your strings, as well as access the electrical wiring.

As wood becomes harder to come buy, there will be a larger need for alternatives to wood. This might be a big step to alternative methods and materials to produce guitars.

The Stump Preacher has an estimated street price of $980, currently ships with an EMG dual mode pickup. A full-scale bass with a reduced body is currently under development. The Stump Preacher is completely made in the US, with the exception of the Schaller tuning heads.

For more information, visit their web site at www.stumppreacher.com.