Diablo, the 3rd guitar Virgil built was created using "Grafted Walnut". Franquette Walnut is an ancient variety from Persia. Starting in the 1800's, for commercial Walnut production in the Pacific NW, it was grafted to Claro Walnut rootstock. About 70 years ago, newer hybrid Walnuts were introduced and Franquette was replaced. The last of these old grove trees are now dying and soon there will be no more of this unique wood. Both Claro and Franquette have excellent tonal qualities, exquisite colors and contrast. Just below the bridge you get to see this amazing graft from so long ago... This guitar was purchased by our dealer in Japan and was sold in May 2015 to an unknown customer in Tokyo.
Serial#: 0003 /Sold to a customer in Tokyo, Japan
Birthdate: 8/19/2012
Style: SW Series Carved-top
Fingerboard:22 frets, 25" scale, 12" radius
Tuners: Gold Gotoh's
Neck: Curly Maple
Fingerboard: E. Indian Rosewood/ 12" Radius
Frets: Medium Higher Fretwire
Fingerboard Inlays: Paua Abalone dots
Body Inlays: Ebony, Purpleheart & Walnut Skunk Strip; Gold Mother-of-pearl skull/ hand etched with orange/white recon stone flames; Purpleheart flames coming off pickups & bridge
Nut:Handmade Bone Nut
Electronics cavity cover: Matching Walnut & brass
Trussrod Cover: Burmese Blackwood with Abalone "3" inlaid
Finish: Eggplant purple on back & sides; clearcoat polyester finish.
Pickups: DiMarzio PAF® 36th Anniversary DP103Gotoh
Bridge: DiMarzio Tone Zone™ DP155
Electronics: Custom Vol & Tone knobs made from African Tamboti wood.
3-way Toggle 2 mini DP switches (For coil tap)
Bridge: TonePros Gold AVT2 Wraparound
Finishing: Moecolors
This guitar has an amazing balance of tone & feel and is only 1 of 2 "Wide Rides" made by Virgil Guitars, and the ONLY carved top Wide Ride. It was named "Diablo" as a result of an online contest and the name fit because of the "Horns" that are carved into the horns of the guitar. After the contest, Virgil couldn't resist and deciced to put the skull & flames inlay into what was meant to be a "Simple" guitar.
Because of the "Diablo" theme, Virgil also decided to install a DiMarzio Tone Zone into the bridge for a slightly "Hotter" sound than the Air Nortons he has been putting into his other builds. This guitar is capable of a full spectrum of sounds from clean to downright nasty with just a simple flip of the switches. In between the walnut chambered body, the set neck and TonePros wraparound bridge, most people will be envious of the sustain.
This guitar included a DVD that features a photo slide show with narration by Virgil explaining the build, a demo video covering the tones and features of the guitar and a music video featuring instrumental rock guitarist Todd Grubbs & Certificate of Authenticity.