Description

Please join us in welcoming the first in our 3-Part Lexington Series #1, where we explore the beauty of our exclusive Retrograde solidbody electrics with this Lexington model in Tobacco Sunburst Varnish finish!

For those unfamiliar, the Retrograde Lexington model is a single-cutaway solidbody electric with handwound Retrograde P90 pickups, hand applied finish, and an aesthetic true to the unique design of Glenn's fabulous instruments.

The 2021 Lexington Series #1 represents the final revision of our exclusive model, featuring a tighter radius above the waist on the upper bass side bout with a slightly up-angled cutaway on the treble side. A redesigned pickguard follows suit, trading in curvy for a more striking angular shape. We're absolutely in love with these changes, and we're sure Glenn would agree that they perfectly suit the style of this model.

With the slight change in body shape, we're picking up a whole new vibe, with nods to the 1950s Danelectro U2 model as well as that old slab body "special" from Kalamazoo. But let's move on from comparisons for a bit and focus on how special these instruments truly are.

This Lexington is rocking a pair of 'Mothership' P90s handwound by Glenn himself, who has quickly become an incredible pickup winder in his own rite. Using Alnico 5 magnets with non-reverse wind / reverse polarity configuration (non-RWRP), we're quickly reminded of how fantastic a great pair of A5 winds can be. Neck position is tight with strong fundamental attack and response, lean but present midrange, and a full and rounded treble with great body. Bridge pickup is instant rock tone, with a fat and punchy midrange, low end growl, and some zing in the high end. This guitar gets you into Steve Marriott (Humble Pie) and Malcolm Young (AC/DC) territory with ease, while also being able to match the brilliance and bite of those tasty Mike Campbell lead lines. If that wasn't enough for you, kick it into the middle position for some beefed up jangle reminiscent of Johnny Marr and Jeff Buckley. Glenn's ear for tone is spot on, and his pickups prove that.

A comfortable medium profile neck with a smooth taper makes playability a breeze, with the slightly thinner slab body lending itself to quite a comfortable lapped or strapped guitar. The neck and body are exquisitely finished, which is no surprise given Glenn's background in finish work. The luster of a masterfully applied varnish finish adds a level of depth and dimension to the equally alluring tonewoods often seen in the world of high end violin, mandolin, and archtop building. The Tobacco Sunburst finish does a wonderful job of highlighting the grain structure in the figured maple, while the black plastics maintain a sleek and streamlined look. It's hard to call shop favorites singling out any one Retrograde, but this Lexington is quite the standout.

From a distance or in your hands, there's no denying how special these instruments truly are. We feel lucky to be able to work with a builder as talented as Glenn Nichols - someone who continues to push the boundaries of guitar design in unique fashion while also harnessing the familiarity of an old classic instrument. 

Catalog looks, top tier tones, and a fit and finish that rivals any small shop builder around. This Lexington's got it.

Price includes hardshell case.

Specs

• Tobacco Sunburst Varnish finish
• Body: Pine Body w/ Flame Maple Top
• Neck: Roasted Flame Maple
  
• Fingerboard: Granadillo w/ dots and 6105 frets
• Neck Profile: Classic C, 0.840-0.920
• Headstock: Genie Bottle
• Scale Length: 25”
• Nut Width: 1 11/16”
• White Pearloid Pickguard
• Waverly Tuners with ivoroid buttons
• Gotoh Bridge
• Pickups: Retrograde 'Mothership' Handwound Alnico 5 P90s (non-RWRP) w/ black covers
• Electronics: Volume, Tone, 3-way Toggle Switch
• D’Addario .11-.49 Strings
• Weight: 8lb 1oz