Premier Guitar features affiliate links to help support our content. We may earn a commission on any affiliated purchases.

J. Backlund Design

Space age designs from John Backlund

J. Backlund Design appears to be the brainchild of Spacely Sprockets and George Jetson, but it all started with a chance encounter on a Harmony Central forum. Luthier Bruce Bennett—from Warrior Guitars and Bruce Bennett Music Labs—was blown away by artist/designer John Backlund’s flying car-like guitar drawings. ā€œWhen I saw John’s drawings they hit me like a bolt of lighting…it was something I wanted to see in a guitar store,ā€ says Bennett. ā€œThey invigorated and inspired me as a builder because of their unique designs—I instantly wanted to build them.ā€

And it turns out Bennett wasn’t the only one excited by these retro-futuristic guitars. ā€œJohn had 15-20 pages of comments from people asking where they could buy these guitars, says Bennett. ā€œThat didn’t hurt.ā€

For Bennett, this new, out-of-the-box project takes him back to a simpler, but more creative time. ā€œI grew up in the ’60s watching The Jetsons and Frankenstein, Jr. and The Impossibles so I always thought I’d see flying cars,ā€ says Bennett. ā€œI love the challenge of keeping John’s state-of-the- art designs intact, yet making them work as comfortable, functioning guitars.ā€

Like any creative project, taking something from paper to production always has its bumps. ā€œWe’ve had to scratch guitars John couldn’t recognize as his original design,ā€ declares Bennett, who builds all of the instruments by hand. ā€œI just really want to celebrate John’s skills and brilliance as an artist and designer. That’s why I put his name on the headstock and not mine.ā€

And as far as Backlund running out of new, viable guitar designs any time soon—fat chance. ā€œThere are about 90 more of John’s designs to see the light of day,ā€ laughs Bennett. ā€œI’ve got plenty to do.ā€



JBD-100

Not only does the JBD-100 provide full access to the 24th fret, it offers a primo carve on the treble bout giving your hand a natural place to rest during those high-octane shredding solos. The bass side’s curved arm scarf provides a comfortable spot for your picking arm and lets you comfortably balance the guitar while playing it. The JBD-100 features a mahogany body, a set mahogany neck with rosewood fretboard, Lace Alumitones—a bridge-position humbucker and neck single-coil—a Hipshot Baby Grand bridge, and all US-made electronics. Another cool standard feature is the recessed Electrosocket jack mount.



JBD-200

The JBD-200 has a familiar look, but with a Jetsonian twist showcasing topographical peaks and valleys. Constructed with a two-piece mahogany body, the guitar boasts an integrated 10-screw steel-plated pickguard and tailpiece that emphasize the instrument’s contours and different sections. Also, it features a bolt-on mahogany neck with a figured maple fretboard with ebony inlays, and Lace Alumitones—a bridge humbucker and neck single-coil.



JBD-800

A futuristic guitar with a Jazzmaster-like look, the JBD-800 features some of the bodylines found on the Fender model, but with the power and definition of ’50s tail fins on a Cadillac Eldorado. This souped-up 800 features a korina body, a bolt-on maple neck with a bird’s-eye maple fretboard, and is complete with three Lace Alumitone single-coils.

Pricing and Availability
J. Backlund Design’s standard JBD-800 starts at $1995, the JBD- 200 starts at $2795, and the JBD-100 starts at $2995. Custom options include numerous color combinations, several wood alternatives, a N-Tune onboard chromatic tuner, and the choice of different pickup configurations, including Seymour Duncan or DiMarzio models. Each guitar comes with a custom TKL hardshell case and an Ultimate Support GS-100 stand. Currently, Bruce’s hands are the only pair building these guitars, so there’s a waiting period of 90–120 days.

jbacklund.com
johnbacklunddesign.com

Vox’s Valvenergy Tone Sculptor

Two new pedals from the Valvenergy series use a Nutube valve to generate unique dynamics and tone ranges that can be used to radical ends.

When tracking in a studio or DAW, you’re likely to use compression and EQ on most things. Many enduringly amazing and powerful records were made using little else. And though many musicians regard both effects as a bit unglamorous and utilitarian, EQs and comps are as capable of radical sounds as more overtly ā€œweirdā€ effects—particularly when they are used in tandem.

Read MoreShow less
- YouTube

Alongside Nicolas Jaar’s electronics, Harrington creates epic sagas of sound with a team of fine-tuned pedalboards.

Read MoreShow less

This story’s author played this Belltone B-Classic 3 and found its neck instantly appealing, the tremolo capable of taking abuse and staying in tune, and the Filter’Tron pickups possessed of hi-fi clarity. Also, the sky burst metallic finish is pure eye candy.

Custom designing an instrument and its appointments from a menu of options makes ordering a new axe easy. Four manufacturers share their process.

It’s never been easier for any player to get a guitar made to their liking, and without being an expert, or even an educated amateur in wood, wiring, and other aspects of lutherie. Sure, you can find a builder who will spec out a guitar for you from tree to neck radius to electronics, but for most of us, we’re looking for something easier, less costly, and, often, more familiar.

Read MoreShow less

Well-designed pickups. Extremely comfortable contours. Smooth, playable neck.

Middle position could use a bit more mids. Price could scare off some.

$2,999

Ernie Ball Music Man StingRay II

music-man.com

4.5
5
5
4

A surprise 6-string collaboration with Cory Wong moves effortlessly between ’70s George Benson and Blink-182 tones.


Read MoreShow less