2014 TK Smith Special 003 TK Smith

When we received an email from TK and Jill Smith asking if we would be interested in becoming New York’s showcase for TK Smith guitars we couldn’t have been more excited.  TK Smith is a rare breed who strives for perfection in every detail of his building.  We are more than pleased to be the first dealer for his instruments.  Until now unless you lived near Joshua Tree it was not easy to see a TK Smith guitar.  His stellar reputation certainly made its way to New York sometime ago. Knowing the reputation TK has we eagerly awaited delivery of the Smith Special 003.   Nothing is overlooked in the design or craftsmanship of this guitar.  The Special is inspired by the guitar Paul Bigsby built for Jimmy Bryant/Billy Byrd, the first double cutaway model he made.  The guitar features a chambered maple body,Birds Eye maple top and back, neck through construction, 25.5″ scale length, rosewood fingerboard with 12″ radius, 1.72″ nut width, vintage frets, c neck profile, white and gold MOP inlays, C.A.R. pickups, Smith Vibrato with Smith Arm, cast aluminum bridge, nitrocellulose lacquer finish, and Waverly tuners.  Just about every bit of the guitar is designed and crafted by TK.  His skill working in variety of mediums, wood, metal, pearl, and finish is stunning.  A such well thought out and crafted instrument form an individual maker is a rare thing.  It hits all the notes; design, style, uniqueness, musicality, well-made, gorgeous, inspiring.  The sound of the hand made pickups is unlike any other and oh so musical.  Fat hollow bass notes lay in the mix like a string bass.  The highs sing in a way that begs you to play pretty melodies.  We plugged it in to a variety of vintage tube amps and found a surprisingly wide pallet of useful tones.  Naturally the first thing I did was fumble though Cannon Ball Rag to honor the man who inspired the electric guitar as we know it.  Of course the Smith Special excels in replicating the sounds of so many classic 50s recordings.  It is equally at home playing jazz, rock, country, or just about any style that allows for clean guitar tone.  In many ways it reminded me of a great 1938 ES-150 in the neck position.  Great acoustic quality to the electric sound.  Of course TK being a one man shop and skilled craftsman, has also built a beautiful custom case with matching serial number 003.  Also included is a custom made strap with clips to attach to the custom strap hooks. Every bit of this guitar oozes quality and coolness.