Oldschool electric guitar 52-11 Leonard
Description
Important, notes about the price and delivery options are located at the end of the description.
Oldschool electric guitar 52-11 „Leonard”
6-string electric guitar, serial number 52-11, nicknamed „Leonard”, handmade in Poland by Tomasz Wojtowicz. One of the 25 guitars in the collection „25 guitars collection – handmade by Tomasz Wojtowicz”. The guitar was completed in January 2021, last polishing in July, while the start of work on this instrument was dated at October 2007. The guitar was creating over 15 years. Why so long time? Because each guitar in the Collection is created in special moments without rush. A typical tools were used to make the guitar, as well as a few neat fingers and a bit of brain. Leonard is an oldschool guitar crafted to play, not to watch. Only fine quality classical wood species were used, seasoned long time in different climate conditions, selected to harmonize together. This is an unique instrument, with own character. The sound is powerful and aggressive, but warm, fat, mahogany type, very rich in harmonic components, long sustaining. The design of the instrument, wood used and parts suggest the use in music genres such as heavy metal, hard rock, classic rock, punk rock and related genres. This does not mean, however, that you can’t play other music on this guitar, as blues or jazz. It depends on the type of amp, settings, and preferences. Humbuckers are deliberately used without the ability to split coils, to keep simplicity, but with a preference to high sound qualities and wild smile. This is a quite-fat-neck guitar, equipped with high-class accessories and finished with old soft poliurethane lacquer, coated with hard polyester. Leonard is the fourth guitar launched in the “25 guitars collection” family, birth so far had: Bernard, Winston and Theodore. The first plug in revealed the true nature of the instrument. It turned out to be... completely different than it was supposed to be. And this has probably become the norm in this collection, and this in turn is consistent with the fact that each instrument in the series has its own unique character. So what did Leonard say the first time? He did not say anything, the signal wire was soldered in the wrong place. But second time... a thick voice said: “I’m Leonardo, I like anything rough, although my face is cleanly shaved”. Leonard is not quite ... normal, nor is his creator, as some say.
Please, find below some general details and specification:
Body
2 – piece African mahogany Khaya ivorensis, medium density, thickness 39mm, length 425mm, width 333mm. The front of body is flat, a typical edge carving profile is well noticable (oval carving). The back of body is flat, edge carving profile is well noticable (oval carving). There is no additional top, facing, nor binding. It is impossible not to notice that the shape of the body refers to the classic model of the legendary guitar manufacturer. It only refers, does not copy, so the upper half of the body is slightly forwarded, the neck is set in a completelly different way, potentiometers cavity is custom shaped, the switch is not front-mounted. Most of the bases of bodies in the „25 guitars collection” are 1-piece, this time the rule was broken, intuition said „in this case make 2-piece”... so I did, it’s worth listening to your intuition.
Neck
2 – piece Honduras mahogany Swietenia macrophylla, medium density, quarter sawn, and 1 piece 1,5mm maple center-lined. Neck is glued-in (joint angle 2,5 deg., and 0,5 deg. cross angle, the neck is low-seted, it is glued in 2mm lower than typically), thickness at I fret 21mm, thickness at XII fret 23mm, width at nut 42.5mm, width at XXIV fret 56.6mm, fat C/D profile around the I fret, fat D profile around the XII fret. The headstock is angled 14 deg., facing is made of bare black African ebony, just sanded and impregnated with light oil. The top surface of the headstock should be impregnated every 6 months with a lemon oil, the same oil which is used for cleaning and impregnating fingerboards. The shape of headstock is my own project and is used in every guitar in the „25 guitars collection”. The neck construction is reinforced with 2 carbon rods (cross section 4mm x 4mm) for even better stiffnes and stability.
Handmade truss rod is based on Martin type construction – one action, steel rod in U-shape aluminium profile. Additional vibration damping material was used. Note, do not use too much force when adjusting the neck relief. Adjustment should be done in very small steps, with sensitivity and caution, the neck reacts with some delay to screwing and unscrewing the truss rod nut. Both the rod and the adjusting nut are made of high strength stainless steel.
The neck belong to so-called massive, fat, D-profiled. It can be not so comfortable to play for small-hand and short-finger persons. The profile of the neck does not belong to the speed-play profiles, some will appreciate it, some won't. Anyway, the neck makes sound so amazing, this is the most importand.
As with any guitar in which the neck is angled- headstock construction, keep in mind that the neck/headstock point is the least mechanically resistant place in the instrument. There is a thick ebony veneer and carbon reinforcements at this location to make the point stronger, but when the guitar fall on the floor, the probability of breaking the headstock is very high. Always set the guitar (every guitar!) in a guitar stand or place it securely in the case, even if it's just for a while.
Note, Swietenia macrophylla is listed on the CITES list. If the wood is used in an instrument, the export permit is required when leaving the European Union. This can also make it more difficult to move quickly with the instrument in the future when traveling between different countries of the world.
Fingerboard
1 – piece naturally black Gabon Ebony Diospyros crassiflora, 1-ply cream binding applied at side edges, scale 24 3/4” (628,65mm), radius 12” (305mm). The top surface of fingerboard is mat sanded, than polished, and impregnated with light oil. It needs cleaning and impregnating with lemon oil from time to time.
The following components are mounted in the fingerboard:
- 24 frets Jim Dunlop Jumbo 6130 Hard, crown high 0,91mm
- front markers – gold MOP 3mm dots
- side markers – black MOP 1,5mm dots
- nut made of Black Tusq XL Graph Tech
Notes:
Any slight deepening of string slots in the nut should be performed no sooner than after approximately 200 hours of playing the instrument.
The nut was inserted into the fingerboard before the lacquering process of the instrument. When replacing worn frets in the future, frets with a crown height of no more than 0,91mm should be used. This way, you will avoid the complicated and expensive replacement of the nut with the refilling of the lacquer coating.
Pickups
- neck pickup – Seymour Duncan Whole Lotta SH – SSH18N black, 8,2kOhm, 4-conductor lead wire, Alnico 5, modified PAF, full, little compressed and aggresive sound, medium output, reversed 180 deg.
- bridge pickup – Seymour Duncan ’59 / Custom Hybrid SH 16 black, 4-conductor lead wire, 11,2kOhm, Alnico 5, Hybrid: one coil of ’59 model and one coil of Custom model, low tight bass, a lot of harmonics, really rough but nice sounding, medium output
The pickups are fixed in low gold plated metal frames. Both Whole Lotta and ‘59/Custom Hybrid have quite high output that may seem to be too powerful for some guitarists who are accustomed to classic vintage tones. However, the quality of the electronics allows you to freely adjust the volume of the instrument to the lowest levels without losing the quality of the sound. Thanks to this, the guitar is more universal, and will work well in sharp and aggressive music, as well as in calm and delicate. In addition, the tone potentiometer slightly turned, from fully open position to about 9-8, will slightly remove some treble from the sound.
Like any character of the sound and applied parts, the pickups are subject to the player's assessment and are associated with his or her habits and preferences. In the case of incompatibility of the sound character of the fixed pickups, please do not decide whether to replace the pickups too fast. 200 hours of play is a necessary minimum time to learn the capabilities of the instrument, get used to its character, find the right settings in amplifier and effects. Beyond that, please always keep in mind that Leonard does not like changes. it's best to like Leonard as he is.
Electronics
- 2 x volume potentiometer CTS 500k Audio + filter based on Orange Drop polypropylene capacitor, preventing loss of high tones while volume decreasing
- 2 x tone potentiometer CTS 500k Linear + Orange Drop polypropylene capacitor
- 3-position gold coated toggle switch MEC model 80040
- gold plated cylindrical MEC output jack, model 50113 fixed in hand made b/w/b/w jack plate
The control pocket cover is handmade of tortoise . Attention, one screw over the output jack should be shorter than the other ones!
Bridge
6 fixed monobridges, bases made of solid bell brass, gold plated ABM 3210g, custom modified for the Leonard project, top quality brass saddles. Fine designed and performed, tested for years, adjusting a compensation and a height for each string separately, saddle blocking system applied. The bridges are fixed to the body with long screws for even better vibration transmission.
Tuning keys
Traditional, fine quality, gold plated Grover keys with modern tulip buttons, 14:1 gear ratio, Gibson PMMH-025 version.
Other hardware
- strap buttons – Schaller S-lock, gold plated (be sure and periodically check if the nuts fastening the mounting on the strap are firmly tightened and the locking screws are screwed in!)
- knobs – 4 Gibson PRMK-020, black with gold inserts… changed to standard old school plastic knobs, black + gold top inserts + gold digits, they suit Leonard much better
- rough gold metal pointers for potentiometers/knobs, Gibson Historic
Strings
Gibson Humbucker 009-042 standard set, amazing strings liked by Leonard
Finish
The surface of the instrument was finished by hand and spray gun with a soft clear glossy polyurethane lacquer, then with a hard 3-C poliester. The finishing process consisted of the following stages:
- wood staining with red nitro tint (only body)
- pre-coating with tinted lacquer by brush (it caused stains, runs and discolorations)
- re-coating with tinted lacquer
- sanding
- lacquering with tinted hard lacquer
- 4-leyer lacquering with hard lacquer
- 3-week lacquer stabilization
- sanding the applied lacquer layers
- spray lacquering with tinted soft lacquer
- 5-layer soft spray lacquering
- 2-year maturing process
- multi-stage wet sanding
- 1-year hardening process
- not polished, not buffed (it wouldn’t make much sense in the case of soft coat)… yet
- dry sanding
- 2 coats lacquering with 3-C poliester
- wet sanding
- dry buffing
After finishing process, a gloss and transparency was achieved, which will probably lose quite quickly… or not. Due to the light falling for 3 years on the guitar, the red colour of the body took the desired orange-brick hue. Owing to the characteristics of the lacquers and the relatively thin coating applied, the penetration of the lacquer into the wood structure can be noticeable over time. As a result, looking closely at a distance and at some angles will be visible delicate, minor and major bumps directly above the wood pores. The smooth surface can get some porous-like structure.
The applied lacquers deepen the oldschool character of the instrument, protects the wood from moisture and dirt. It is not resistant to point strokes with hard objects, it is not resistant to scratches caused by sharp objects. As a result of the specific surface finishing method, the lacquer coating of the instrument has minor irregularities, indentations, collapses, abrasions, mottling, straight and circular scratches and micro scratches that are visible from a close distance at certain angles to the illumination. The intention is to make the new instrument, which is Leonard, to look like a guitar that has been used for years, but well-kept.
Ultimately, the coating was to be subjected to a brutal aging process, but the idea was abandoned. It will be better when it impairs itself, it will be more natural and more real. Here is Leonard. Nasty to some, wonderful to others.
Weight
Bare guitar weight is 2,9 kg. Total weight of the guitar with all fixed hardware is 3,9 kg.
Accesories
- hex wrench 5mm for truss rod adjusting
- hex wrench 1,5mm for adjusting the height of saddles in the bridge, for locking saddles
- Vileda soft mikrofibre cloth for cleaning and for supporting the guitar body in the case
- Epiphone hard shell case for SG, basic class
Very important tip! To keep the guitar in the case firmly and securely supported at every point, before inserting guitar into the case, first place the attatched Vileda cloth (composed in 4-6 leyers) in point near the bottom of the back side of the guitar body.
Adjusments
The guitar is initially adjusted and ready to play. Any additional adjustments, according to your preferences, are to be made by you or by person servicing your instruments. To achieve extremely low string action, any micro leveling of the frets should be performed no sooner than after approximately 200 hours of playing the instrument. After a long term of time (a year, or two, three after the first stringing) probably the last 2, 3, maybe 4 frets (at the body side) will need to be very slightly sanded, which is result of the self-arrangement of the neck. This is a typical symptom related to the construction of the guitar/neck, it is not a defect of the instrument, nothing to be afraid of. These types of adjustments and corrections are a normal process for many guitars and basses, regardless of price or class.
A few more words about Leonard
The instrument was performing for a very long time. After each cutting, routing or profiling any wooden element, it was set aside for several months to stabilize and any occurred deformation was corrected. This procedure has provided the natural, very high structural stability of all components of the ready instrument and any future deformation, in normal use and in typical housing, studio or stage conditions is unlikely.
The sound of the guitar is typical for mahogany bodies with a set-in/glued-in mahogany neck. It is fat, massive, warm but selective and rich in harmonics. The combination of African and Hondurian mahogany works very well here, as well as a D-profile neck. The volume of the wood matters. The ebony fingerboard adds expected contour to the sound and requires precision in playing. Leonard does not cheat, he will show all imperfections in playing, there are no shortcuts.
As with the rest of the guitars in the collection, Leonardo’s creation was a long process. Over the years, all the accompanying emotions have penetrated the molecular structure of the wood. This is how the soul was born in this instrument. In addition, there were 2 extraordinary people involved in the 2 important stages of creating the guitar, at the very beginning and at the very end, and this is also of great importance in shaping Leonard's personality.
For whom is this instrument
For a person who does not need great logo on the headstock, and more importantly is the sound and the uniqueness of the hand-made instrument. For a person who does not put a guitar in a glass-case to look at a glass-mirror thick colourful finish. For a person who plays the instrument a few hours a day, likes oldschool instruments, mahogany, ebony, a set-in constructions and custom solutions. For a person who does not mind the fact that the guitar wears out of use, loses some of the glow and flash of the gilt parts. For the person who cares for the instrument, periodically impregnates exposed wooden components, puts the guitar on a guitar stand so it does not fall down. For a person with an open mind, for a real good human.
What words did people say who tried the instrument
“This is unbelivable, so beautiful rich sound genereted in so thin body”
“Sounds fat and warm, and spicy and rich at the same time. The whole universe is here”…
“Well, it's not the most comfortable to play for me, but I already know why it costs so much”…
“It roars like a lion on a bridge pickup, it is quite modern. And the neck pickup moves to another era. The years ’60, ’70? ... but with own modern character”…
“Why don't you finally start making a logo on the headstock so it's known that it's yours?”…
“I prefer strings 10, but the 9 also sounds fat”…
“The neck is really fat. Not too fat, but quite fat. Good, this is the reason that a sound is so good”…
“I like ebony, black ebony”…
“I think I would have to get used to everything here, but in this case it's worth it”…
“In fact, I lower the tones a little, the volume a little and I have a classic rock”…
“Sounds great on treble strings. Amazing sound”…
“I like it in solo playing”…
“Yyyy, overall it's one of the best guitars I've ever played in my life”…
“And when will you do something typical for fast heavy metal? Sound is perfect, I'm just losing my fingers a little”…
“I really like this neck, it is shaped not as a standard, but it is very comfortable for me. I love this guitar, it is awesome”...
“I never liked your guitars, but I liked this one”…
“It’s alive!”…
“How to tune a guitar?”…
“Genuine guitar, really genuine”…
52-11 Leonard was priced at 3900 EUR – the price is valid until 31 December 2023r.
If Leonard does not find a happy buyer in a given year, in each subsequent year its price will increase by 11,1%.
52-11 Leonard's price for all year 2024 is set at level 3900 EUR – the price is valid until 31 December 2024r.
52-11 Leonard's price for all year 2025 is set at level 4333 EUR – the price is valid until 31 December 2025r.
52-11 Leonard's price for all year 2026 is set at level 4814 EUR – the price is valid until 31 December 2026r.
This instrument is subject to a 24-month limited guarantee. The guarantee does not cover the wear and tear during typical use of components such as strings, frets, nut, lacquer surfaces. The guarantee does not cover mechanical damage resulting from misuse.
Shipping to a country belonging to the European Union
The price is valid if sales and shipping goes to a country in the EU. Shipping cost is 98 EUR maximum and It depends on the country where the shipment takes place. Shipping takes place within 14 working days of receipt of payment, it is necessary time to exchange strings, pre-adjustment and settings.
Shipping to a country not belonging to the European Union
The guitar can be sold and shipped only to the European Union countries.
Please, contact me for more information,
Tomasz Wojtowicz
Tel. +48/ 602671930
e-mail: woodforguitar@gmail.com
Ostrzeżenia i bezpieczeństwo związane z produktem
Product warnings and safety
Oferowany produkt jest instrumentem muzycznym przeznaczonym do długotrwałego użytkowania. Nazwa sugeruje, że jest to instrument elektryczny, jednak sam w sobie nie stanowi zagrożenia porażenia prądem, można przyjąć, że przetworniki zamieniające drgania strun na sygnał elektryczny nie generują większego napięcia, niż 10 mV. Uwaga, gitarę należy podłączać tylko i wyłącznie do atestowanych dedykowanych urządzeń wzmacniających i przetwarzających wysyłany z instrumentu sygnał.
Reakcje alergiczne – mogą wystąpić różne reakcje alergiczne, w przypadkach szczególnych należy zgłosić się po poradę medyczną.
Ryzyko zranienia – zachować szczególną ostrożność, obcięte końcówki strun przy stroikach są ostre i mogą zranić. Instrument waży ponad 3 kg, przy upadku np. na nieosłoniętą stopę może zranić. Wystające elementy instrumentu mogą zranić przy nagłym kontakcie.
Dzieci – przedmiot nie jest przeznaczony do zabawy, użytkowanie przez dzieci jest dozwolone tylko pod nadzorem osoby dorosłej.
Uzależnienie i wpływ na stan psychiczny/fizyczny człowieka – charakter produktu może uzależniać, czego efektem jest np. poświęcanie zbyt dużej ilości czasu na użytkowanie produktu. Wielogodzinna gra na instrumencie może powodować m.in. nadmierne napięcie poszczególnych mięśni, należy regularnie przeprowadzać przerwy w grze oraz wykonywać ćwiczenia gimnastyczne ukierunkowane na poprawę funkcjonowania obciążonych partii ciała.
Przechowywanie – przechowywać w suchym miejscu w warunkach domowych-pokojowych, w dedykowanym stojaku lub futerale w pozycji stojącej, z dala od bezpośrednich źródeł ciepła.
The product is a musical instrument intended for long-term use. The name suggests that it is an electric instrument, but it does not pose a risk of electric shock; it can be assumed that the pickups that convert string vibrations into an electrical signal do not generate a voltage greater than 10 mV. Please note: the guitar should only be connected to certified, dedicated devices that amplify and process the signal sent from the instrument.
Allergic reactions – various allergic reactions may occur; in exceptional cases, seek medical advice.
Injury hazard – exercise extreme caution; the cut ends of the strings near the tuning machines are sharp and may cause injury. The instrument weighs over 3 kg and could cause injury if dropped, for example, on an exposed foot. The instrument's protruding parts may cause injury upon sudden contact.
Children – this item is not intended for play; children should only use it under adult supervision. Addiction and impact on a person's mental/physical state – the nature of the product may be addictive, resulting in, for example, spending too much time using the product. Playing an instrument for many hours can cause, among other things, excessive muscle tension; it is important to take regular breaks from playing and perform exercises aimed at improving the functioning of the affected body parts.
Storage – store in a dry place at home, in a dedicated stand or case, in an upright position, away from direct heat sources.
Producent/odpowiedzialność za produkt
Manufacturer/product liability
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TOMASHEK Tomasz Wojtowicz
Legionów Polskich 137/37
41-310 Dąbrowa Górnicza
Polska
Tomasz Wojtowicz
Tel. +48/ 882803692
woodforguitar@gmail.com