"I didn't want to make Telecasters or Stratocasters or Les Paul copies, I wanted to do my own thing. Because these were original shapes, I had a little flexibility to do anything I wanted."
~ Saul Koll
Founded by Saul Koll in 1986 and based in Portland, Oregon, Koll Guitar Co. has spent nearly four decades building some of the most distinctive electric guitars in the country.
Saul came to lutherie through sculpture (he holds a BA in sculpture from San Diego State), and the art-school sensibility runs through everything that leaves the bench - starting with the Glide body shape he developed over thirty years ago, which has anchored the catalog ever since.
The lineup includes the Duo Glide and Super Glide Almighty, the stripped-down Junior Glide, the Superior, Troubadour, Super Cub, and Tornado, alongside collaborative and one-off builds for players like David Torn, Lee Ranaldo, Isaac Brock, Peter Holmstrom, and Elliot Sharp. Bodies use FSC-certified sustainably harvested woods and locally sourced Oregon big leaf maple tops, with USA-made pickups and hardware throughout. After a stretch with Premier Builders Guild that ended in 2016, all Koll production returned home to Saul's Portland shop, where the work continues at a pace of roughly 100 guitars a year.
The Music Emporium has carried Koll Guitar Co. for around a decade. Saul rarely repeats himself, which means the Kolls that land here tend to be one-of-one in some respect.
(Photo: Bill Purcell)
Versatility
Whether it’s a Super Glide or a Duo Glide, the magic is in how these guitars play and sound. Koll guitars possess a huge tonal range and a mid‑century vibe that works for everything from jazz to rock to experimental.
Artful design
Saul is what we call a “luthier’s luthier.” He rarely repeats himself, instead using his original Glide body shape as a canvas for guitars that range from black‑tie elegant to punk rock bold. Each Koll guitar feels like a unique work of art rather than a cookie‑cutter clone
Attention to detail
Every Koll we’ve received shows meticulous build quality and musicality. The “Old Black” Super Glide, for example, packed everything we value: the Glide body, perfect feel, impeccable detail and a punchy voice that made us want to crank the amp for hours.
Koll Guitar Co. FAQ
Common questions about Koll Guitar Co. - the builder, the models, the players, and where to find one.
Where can I buy a Koll guitar near Boston?
The Music Emporium is an authorized Koll Guitar Co. dealer and has carried Saul's instruments for around a decade. We keep a selection at our Lexington, Massachusetts showroom near Boston, and because Saul rarely repeats himself, the Kolls that land here tend to be one-of-one in some respect - worth reaching out to see what's currently in stock.
Who is Saul Koll and what is his background?
Saul Koll founded Koll Guitar Co. in Portland, Oregon in 1986. He came to lutherie through sculpture - he holds a BA in sculpture from San Diego State - and that art-school sensibility runs through every guitar that leaves his shop. Today, building around 100 guitars a year out of his Portland workshop, Saul uses FSC-certified sustainably harvested woods and locally sourced Oregon big leaf maple tops, with USA-made pickups and hardware throughout.
What makes Koll guitars different from other boutique electrics?
Saul didn't want to build Telecasters, Stratocasters, or Les Paul copies - he wanted to do his own thing. The Glide body shape he developed over thirty years ago anchors the catalog and serves as a canvas for guitars that range from black-tie elegant to punk rock bold. Each Koll feels like a unique work of art rather than a production piece, with a huge tonal range and a mid-century vibe that works from jazz to rock to experimental.
What Koll models does The Music Emporium carry?
The Koll lineup includes the Duo Glide and Super Glide Almighty, the stripped-down Junior Glide, the Superior, Troubadour, Super Cub, and Tornado - alongside collaborative and one-off builds. As an authorized dealer, our selection reflects what Saul has most recently completed; reaching out is the best way to see what's currently on hand.
Who plays Koll guitars?
Players including David Torn, Lee Ranaldo, Isaac Brock, Peter Holmstrom, and Elliot Sharp have played Koll guitars as part of their working rigs - a list that reflects the brand's particular pull among experimental, jazz-adjacent, and forward-thinking players.