Australian Handcrafted Electric Guitars

Whilst each RNS electric guitar is unique, including ones with familiar styles such as the Les Paul, Telecaster or Rickenbacker, the RNS Siren is my original design (at least, of the hundreds of designs that have been dreamed up since the electric guitar came about, I haven't seen one exactly the same) and forms the basis of a number of variations to suit different preferences.

RNS Siren Semi-Hollow Thinline Guitar Features

The unique, semi-hollow body is designed to provide a lightweight, resonant natural acoustic tone whilst limiting feedback issues usually associated with semi-hollow electric guitars.

Each guitar features carefully selected solid timbers for soundboards, backs, sides, pickup surrounds, rear control plate, bridge and tailpiece.

Body design

The body of the RNS Siren semi-hollow thinline guitar has been designed to offer something a little different without being radical. Larger than a Les Paul, smaller than a 335, it is lightweight (approximately 2.8-2.9kgs or 6.2-6.4 lbs).

Each guitar is constructed with all solid timbers and includes separate soundboard, back and bent sides.

Internally a partial centre block is placed between the pickups with 2 soundposts located near the bridge. This allows the main part of the guitar soundboard to resonate but limits the excessive resonance that can cause feedback issues.

Necks

Necks are designed for comfort, with a medium dimension C meets D neck profile aimed at providing excellent playability for a broad range of guitar player’s needs. Playability is further enhanced with a very smooth oiled finish. Fretboards feature 22 medium jumbo frets, 12 inch radius and pau dot or mother of pearl inlays.

Solid neck construction usually includes a 2 piece Rock Maple ‘sandwich’ with a feature centre strip such as Blackwood or Rosewood, although other timbers are used, such as Australian Blackwood and Mahogany. Each neck includes as an adjustable truss rod. Stability is ensured with a tight fitting set neck/body joint.

Headstocks are also designed for strength with a scarf joint, reinforced with side laminations and a feature timber headstock veneer. The adjustable truss rod nut is located under a matching feature timber cover.

Eack neck includes a handcut bone nut and quality Gotoh tuners.

Timbers/Finish

Each guitar features solid timbers, carefully selected for both tonal qualities and appearance. All timber parts are made in house from larger timber stock.

(Above left) Select timbers used to make guitar parts (above right) Rock Maple sides cut from larger slab

Some of the timbers used for pickup surrounds include Huon Pine, Indonesian Rosewood and Rock Maple, with headstock veneers and inlays being made with feature timbers such as Coastal Banksia, Tiger Myrtle and Figured Blackwood. Bindings are usually Rock Maple, with some featuring double binding using contrasting timbers such as Indonesian Rosewood or Australian Red Cedar.

(Above) Rock Maple binding cut from larger timber stock

Indian or Indonesian Rosewood or Rock Maple is generally used for fretboards but other select timbers such as Australian Gidgee are also used.

(Above top) Rock Maple fretboard (above lower) Australian Gidgee fretboard

The colours you see on the guitars are all natural, with no stains used. These natural colours are brought to life on the soundboard and headstock veneer with acrylic lacquer and on the body back and sides, neck and fretboard with a smooth, oiled finish. All finishes are applied thinly, sufficient to provide protection without impacting on tone.

For current guitars available to buy, please click on the 'For Sale' tab on the Menu bar.