Blackbird Guitars was founded by Joe Luttwak,
Kyle Wolfe and fellow designer Troy Stevens. After years searching for a
compact guitar worth bringing along for the ride, all they could find was
thin sounding & fragile. Eventually they realized that none of the
established companies would tackle this problem so they decided to do it
themselves. It started innocently enough with the typical design process:
produce as many ideas as possible and prototype them. It helped having all
the latest tools such as three-dimensional CAD (computer-aided design),
computer controlled laser cutters and routers as well as advanced materials
such as carbon-fiber, and structural foams. Also being based in the San
Francisco Bay Area meant access to many of world's great steel-string
luthiers who consulted and encouraged the project along so
development continued. It quickly became clear that their non-traditional
backgrounds were resulting in radically new directions. The final prototype
was part mountain dulcimer & part F1 race car that harmoniously balanced
technology with traditional craftsmanship.
What is so special
about Blackbird guitars?
The first model, the Rider is an acoustic guitar with a
full-bodied sound in a highly portable package, is nearly indestructible not to
mention super light and easy to play. Put another way, it will remind you of
that fancy steel-string you leave at home except you can easily bring it
everywhere.
What does it sound
like?
The Blackbird Rider's proportions, materials, and hollow unibody
construction result in a strong, clear and distinctive voice a bit reminiscent
of a Dobro only with unparalleled sustain.
What is that unusual
material it is made of?
The guitar is made of carbon fiber, which is generally used as
the structural skin of the most advanced planes, bikes, race cars and even
fishing rods. We chose it because it sounds great, is bomb-proof and allows us
to break out of the two-dimensional constraints of designing out of wood.
What is so great
about the all-hollow design?
The main benefit of the hollow body, neck and head design is
that the entire guitar becomes the sound box contributing to its loud and
full-bodied tone. Secondary benefits are that it is light, around 3 lbs, and is
not neck-heavy- a problem with conventional small-bodied guitars.
How durable is it
really?
You can play in a tropical rain storm and Rider will be fine.
Just like a Rainsong Guitar. It can withstand a
fall on a concrete floor without breaking (not recommended of course). The
finish is much more durable and scratch resistant than a standard guitar which
means it can lay around the house without a worry and taken on day trips without
a case, (depends on how protective you are!) but you will want to keep it in the
gig bag when bush-whacking.
Why does it cost more
than some other smaller guitars?
The people at Blackbird Guitars all have surmised that
folks buy high performance laptops, bikes, & cameras to enhance their lives so
guitarists should have the same option available to them. No one was ever sorry
they bought something of high quality. Most anything made from carbon
fiber costs more because the materials and processes have been nearly
monopolized by the military/aviation industries for use in their most critical
applications.
Is
it wise to bring this valuable instrument out into the wild world?
The hand-built carbon fiber construction results in a
bomb-proof and beautiful instrument ready to ride with you anywhere. The
rider may look small but it sounds almost as full as a standard steel string-
that puts it in a category of its own.
Will the airlines let
me bring the Rider on the plane as a carry-on?
Airlines all tend to have different policies regarding carry-on
luggage & policies are in constant flux. It does fit easily in the overhead bin
due to its diminutive size so you should able to get it on in most instances. Ed
Roman has been bringing his carbon fiber LSR Guitars
onboard planes for more than 20 years.
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fretboard, tuners,
etc. added to that main component. Forming the main component in one-piece
eliminates the weak and sound-absorbing joints associated with standard guitars.
This patent-pending construction relies on the incredibly strong and stiff
properties of carbon fiber as well as plenty of unique design features to create
the strongest, most resonant small-bodied guitar available anywhere.