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Artists who play instruments by this builder: Henry Kaiser, John Cale

Special Offer: In response to the economic climate the owner of this wonderful series of guitars is offering a limited time 40% reduction to offer players a chance to own these very special limited edition guitars.

Just off a showing at the Museum of Making Music in Carlsbad, California. The Nouveau Series is a special project developed by author and musician Paul Schmidt and luthier Michael Spalt. A series of electric guitars that transcend the six string and blend it seemlessly with true art. The series was inspired by Art Nouveau and these instruments are at once art and the most serious of musical tools. Michael Spalt and Paul Schmidt spent several years developing the idea, finding artwork and artifacts, sketching, collaborating and finally building these exquisite gems.

The pieces are based on the Klein acoustic shape with inclusions of art nouveau artifacts, natural woods, bone and the finest hardware. Not only are these instruments stunning visual works of art, but they are ergonomic masterpieces as well. The bodies feel immediately familiar and the solid Rosewood necks, with there flat sheen, feel played for 50 years. The BoneTop pickups are extraordinary - Gorgeous hand crafted Bone bobbins died in a variety of colors with Alnico magnets for the Bridge and Ceramic for the Neck. They voice is stellar, clear and loud with other-worldly sustain. Each instrument also has it's own custom case that continues the guitars individual statement as well as a signed copy of the book 'The Nouveau Series' by Paul Schmidt.

'Boutet Corset'

"Henri Boutet's (1851-1919) original etching with drypoint entitled 'Le Corset' (ca. 1903, signed in the plate; catalogued: Maillard #202; this version is from 1907) is a powerfully alluring work of art. I kept this print where I could view it daily for two months to enjoy and marvel at the wonder of its delicacy and mood - I found it an exquisite example of womanhood in art. Boutet's ability to capture femininity earned him the nickname 'the Master of the corset' - and this image clearly substantiates the aptness of that moniker. This image is simultaneously candid and sensitive, just as many of his portrayals of pretty women using fine printing techniques epitomized the charm of Paris during the period."

"The Ebony and abalone corset-like pieces floating over Zebrawood are actually artifacts from Steve Klein's rosette construction - an insightful use of materials to echo the theme of the print. The ivory fingerboard inlays are also from Klein's acoustic guitar-making days, and reminisce of corset buttons. The shaping of the Walnut and crushed Maple portions of the top all suggest the curving loveliness of the female figure, as does the Klein-designed Macassar Ebony bridge surround. The drama of the black and milk coloured pickup covers evidences the etching's bold dark corset in contrast to the repose of the rest of the print. 1940s radio knobs and a Catalin switch finish the detail of the piece along with the diminutive purple Abalone piece in the upper bout."

Click here to read about the Nouveau Series on builder Michael Spalt's website.

Click Here to view the book 'The Nouveau Series' by Paul Schmidt.

Click Here to view photos from the Museum Showing at the Museum of Making Music.

Special Offer: In response to the economic climate the owner of this wonderful series of guitars is offering a limited time 40% reduction to offer players a chance to own these very special limited edition ...read full description

Artists who play instruments by this builder: Henry Kaiser, John Cale