Irresistible builds from both sides of the pond
CREAM T CROSSFIRE
Cream T started off as just pickup makers, but its guitars – made by the new-venture UK Guitar Builders in York – are attracting attention, too, especially since they feature pickup-swapping technology, licensed from Relish Guitars in Switzerland. First off we got the Aurora, co-designed by Billy Gibbons, while this Crossfire offset swaps the style, notably with its lightweight obeche body. But it’s the unfussy craft that most impresses: a beautifully made boutique-level guitar with some of the best necks in production anywhere in the world. Add in those swappable Cream T (or, indeed, other brand) pickups and you have a hugely versatile proposition.
Price: From £1,799 Website: www.creamtpickupsdirect.com
GIBSON SG STANDARD ’61 FADED MAESTRO VIBROLA
The return of Gibson’s Faded series was a bit of a surprise this year, but the new trio – a50s and 60s Les Paul, and this SG – certainly impressed with their virtual lack of finish and prices that are reduced by almost 10 per cent over the current gloss‐finished models. Finish aside, there are no changes to the current specifications, but with its ultra-thin cherry stained finish it was this SG that got us really excited: very cleanly made, lightweight and really good-sounding. It’s raw, vibrant and quintessentially rock ’n’ roll. “The SG has earned its stripes on countless stages and classic recordings,” we said, “and this one is a beaut.”
Price: £1,899 Website: www.gibson.com
PJD CAREY APPRENTICE
Classed by PJD as a “streamlined” version of its best-selling Carey model, the Apprentice could also be described as a boutique-level, bolt-on ‘Junior’. It’s also PJD’s first single-pickup guitar and the first to use obeche for its solid body. Originally a 12-piece limited run in either 3 Tone Tear Drop Burst (as pictured) or Butterscotch, the second wave is available in Soda, Berry, Black and Forest Green, limited to 12 of each col
