"I wanted to explore a more experimental side of Deimel's capabilities and dream up a guitar that is incredibly versatile but also well suited for those who like to delve into a shoegaze repertoire. With a dedicated behind the bridge pickup, a Pickup LesLee system, and some smart wiring from Deimel, this Bluestar allows the player the ability to quickly switch between traditional and more experimental sounds on the fly, making this a very powerful tool for sonic exploration." - Diego Espinoza / TME Electrics

The handwound Deimel pickups - a JM-V in the neck, S-90 in the middle, and a TwoTone in the bridge - cover an impressive range of tones in their own rite. In the traditional sense, you've got sweet and clear neck pickup tones and fat but clear humbucker bridge pickup. The S-90 in the middle position brings some Strattitude into the fold, albeit with a touch more authority thanks to the P90 construction. It's when you start to introduce the JAG pickup behind the bridge, activate the onboard Pickup LesLee circuit, and switch on the internally mounted body piezo disc that things start to get much more interesting. This is the calling card of a Deimel...

With the flip of a couple of slider switches, you can combine some of the most unique and inspiring tonal variations we've ever encountered in an electric guitar. The Pickup LesLee circuit on its own is worth the price of admission - lush, 3-dimensional Hammond B3 like warble unlike any effects pedal out there. The two thumbwheels control LesLee Speed and Middle pickup volume, respectively. Once you get the LesLee going, it's tough to turn off!

Opposite of the LesLee circuit you'll find the 5-way pickup selector switch and a trio of slider switches. The upper slider switches the LesLee circuit between Mono/Stereo mode, the middle slider toggles the bridge pickup and the behind-the-bridge pickup, and the lower slider splits the TwoTone humbucker for single-coil function. Below the switch array, you've got a Master Volume and a Master Tone. The tone control is a push/pull that activates the body piezo. For those swimming in experimental waters, you'll find these options wildly inspiring. Kicking the piezo in with an overdrive or fuzz and a louder amp yields some incredible harmonic feedback and resonant activity, while the JAG pickup allows for some great sympathetic tonal action behind the bridge.

If you've handled the likes of a Huber, Ronin, or Koll, the playability will feel right at home. These guitars are incredibly well dialed-in, with expert fretwork and neck shaping along with a truly remarkable level of fit and finish. The 2-tone Sunburst finish is shot with a tight dark perimeter that transitions into an ambered yellow, exciting all of the gorgeous flame in the figured Maple top. It contrasts very well against the more natural hue of the one-piece Honduran Mahogany body. Top shelf hardware (Mastery, Gotoh) and high quality electronics (CTS, Bourns) also help maintain that high level of playing experience and function. No stone is left unturned with these guitars.

Even with an electric inventory as diverse and expansive as ours, Deimels stand in rarified air as perhaps the most forward-thinking and artisanal. If you can imagine it, Deimel can build it. This guitar is one of many ways they continue to prove that statement.