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.

‘Loetz Gilded Serpent’

“The glass chosen for this instrument features contrasting iridescent to opaque golden hues and organic shapes expressing the vitality and boldness of nature’s pervading strength and wildness. This is some of the most strident art glass from the period. The serpent theme, derived from the shapes found in the glass, is consistent with Art Nouveau’s attentions to the power and mystery of nature. The symbology of the serpent is vast and was often used to represent the sacred primal energy of matter. It was an inspiring figure in the mythologies and rituals of Africa, Ancient China, and many cultures, most notably the Greek gods of poetry, music, healing, and divination. The obvious serpentine shapes in the glass invite the blonde flamed Maple serpent images for the body, which, though softer in colour than the golden and light green glass, speak through their size, shape, and historical reference. The earthen-toned spalted Maple that comprises much of the top offers a texture and vibrancy that enhances the vividness of both the serpents and the glass. Additional woods are Redwood burl, and Rosewood. The inlays are artfully rendered in silver and pearl, and the knobs and switch are resin and Catalin respectively. Perhaps the most aggressive instrument of the Nouveau Series brimming with boldness, gold, and more boldness.”

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.