Totem / RESINTOPS

totemguitars

totem-X series

nouveau series

gate guitars

flaguitar series

 

Common to all guitars in this section is the "ResinTop", a unique process marrying a tonewood back with a clear resin coating on the top into which decorations and inclusions can be applied.  After experimenting with various types of resin I developed this process, allowing me to assemble objects and assorted bric-a-brac into a homogenous guitar body.  The resin is formulated to accomodate the thermal expansion and contraction of the wood and it is sonically transparent.

 

The wood used for the back supplies the basic tonal characterstics and structural stability, while the wood choices for the neck allow me to dial in the coloration of the sound.  The resin adds sustain and its tonal effect is similar to a "Maple cap over Mahogany body" effect - sparkle and transparency in the upper frequency ranges.  As with a conventional guitar the choice of hardware and pickups also plays a large role in determining the sound of the instrument.

 

The first totemguitar dates to 1997: " G 9701 - California Special".  Over the years it has acquired a slight amber cast, comparable to the aging of nitrocellulose lacquer.   Since then I have built more than 400 ResinTop guitars.

 

Each guitar is a unique instrument, both tonally and aesthetically.