Musical Instruments: Symphony in Steel

Kent Bancroft

12/01/2007

James Trussart was an accomplished violinist before he began crafting his own violins in the late 1970s. In 1980 he turned his attention away from woodwork, embarking upon a new challenge: metal-bodied electric guitars. The Parisian native now lives in Los Angeles, where he crafts some very unique electric guitars, basses, and violins. Trussart’s primary medium is steel, which gives his instruments a look, feel, and sound all their own.

Trussart has been collecting steel-bodied acoustic resonator guitars since he was in his 20s, so the transition from curator of his collection to master of his métier seemed only natural. "I always thought that there was some sort of magic in the sound of metal-bodied resonator guitars, and I wanted to take that magic further and apply it to electric guitars," he explains. "I had built hundreds of custom wood-bodied electric guitars in the past, and compared to them, my steel instruments sound more organic. You feel the tone and sustain more. My customers say that it makes them play differently, and they sound better."

Trussart currently offers four electric guitar body designs as well as one electric bass. Although the separate models take on several design cues from popular and iconic instruments, each one presents a distinctive extension of a classic form.

The SteelPhonic electric guitar ($4,618) attaches a metal "candy boutique" resonator to a transducer pickup, in order to capture the distinctive ringing, metallic tones of classic resophonic guitars. This unique flavor can be blended with the model’s two traditional magnetic pickups, creating an array of pleasing sounds that no other guitar can produce.

Designed for both guitar and bass models, the SteelCaster ($3,818) has the weathered appearance of a vintage instrument, but is fitted with custom detailing in full metal appointments. A Deluxe version ($4,178) is also available and is distinguished by the "f-hole" cutout in the body, reminiscent of the classic semi-hollowbody Fender Telecaster Thinline design.

Then there is the SteelDeville ($4,018), which has a classic single cutaway body, and a recessed steel headstock inlay that increases sustain, making the guitar aesthetically pleasing and functionally progressive.

The SteelTop model ($4,418) features a recessed steel top plate—one of Trussart’s many original inventions—and is the only Trussart guitar that combines a wood and metal body construction. Adding new comfort and styling elements, the steel fitment rests within a recessed area of the wood-bodied instrument, which keeps the edge of the metal plate away from the player’s hands.

Working with metal instead of wood allows for incredible precision during the shaping process of these exceptional instruments. While the neck of each guitar is made from rosewood or maple for proper tonality, the body is hollow steel—or wood and steel in the case of the SteelTop. This gives Trussart’s creations a similar weight distribution to that of a traditional electric guitar for full, prolonged notes on each strum.

Using steel also provides the opportunity to experiment with various distinct patterns and finishes. Engraved skulls, roses, and tribal patterns are some of the more common themes, but a few guitars have also featured alligator skin and leaf-like textures. Perforated metal, known as "Holey" metal, is an option for portions of the instrument’s body. The company recently unveiled a new paisley pattern, and when asked about what would be new for 2008, Trussart remarked, "I am working on new things everyday, all the time. There will be new looks and finishes as well as new engravings next year, and a few surprises."

In addition, there are a variety of finishes for the steel body and metal headstock inlay. Whether you desire a polished-chrome luster or distressed and tattered look, the options are only as limited as your imagination. Plain or painted, steel or chrome, even the mottled finish dubbed "rust-o-matic" by ZZ Top’s Billy Gibbons, are available on all models.

The list of professional musicians that play Trussart guitars is long and bridges a variety of genres. With country, blues, classic rock, and alternative artists all singing the praises of these exceptional instruments, combined with the fact that only about 300 instruments are produced each year, the value, collectibility and pedigree of the Trussart brand will certainly endure.

James Trussart Custom Guitars, 213.989.1554, www.jamestrussart.com