TIM BRAM GUITARS
TIM BRAM GUITARS
781-860-0049 | 165 MASS. AVE. LEXINGTON MA
CALL OR TEXT: 781-860-0049 | M-F: 11-5pm ~ SAT: 10-5pm ~ SUN: Closed
TIM BRAM GUITARS
Fans of jazz guitar have no doubt noticed more and more players moving towards smaller, easier to manage guitars, specifically the Fender Telecaster (the brilliant playing and tones of Bill Frisell and Julian Lage are certainly what's behind this "movement").
As much as we love our Telecasters and use/play them regularly, we have to admit there are times when the sound and feel of a great archtop are called for, either for the gig, session, or just purely for the enjoyment of making music on this classic style of guitar. But - and you could hear it coming - but...much like a great dreadnought, the physical stature and string tension of a traditional archtop can make these guitars quite difficult for new or even seasoned players to manage.
Enter Pasadena, MD-based luthier Tim Bram. We've been following Tim's work for a few years and marveling at his concept, design, and execution - and let's face it, these guitars are gorgeous. You've probably gathered what he's up to just based on the pics - it's a Tele shaped, and sized to some degree, archtop. Ie, a smaller, more manageable instrument that's a breeze to play and delivers classic archtop sounds.
Curly Maple back, sides, and neck
European Spruce top
14.5" Lower Bout
25" Scale
12" Radius Fretboard
1-11/16" Nut
2 1/2" deep body
Vintage Amber Nitro Cellulose Lacquer Finish
Mother of Pearl fretboard inlays
Floating Lollar Gold Foil pickup
Ebony Fretboard, tail piece, bridge, and finger rest
Martin Retro strings, 12-54
Curly Maple back, sides, and neck
European Spruce top
14.5" Lower Bout
25" Scale
12" Radius Fretboard
1-11/16" Nut
2" deep body
Vintage Amber Nitro Cellulose Lacquer Finish
Hand-wound Kent Armstrong PAF-style pickup
Ebony Fretboard, tail piece, bridge, and finger rest
Martin Retro strings, 12-54
Tim Lerch"Tim guitars are unique and visionary. He takes the shape that I love (the Amercian Telecaster) and crafts a beautiful handcarved archtop. The craftsmanship, woodworking and designs are rather remarkable. A joy to play and a beauty to behold."
Brent Mason"Tim's craftsmanhip on my archtop is just breathtaking. Not only aesthetically beautiful, but the playability and tone are just like magic. I'll enjoy this instrument for years to come."
Nashville Guitar Legend | Musician's Hall of Fame Inductee
Tom Lagana"Tim creates guitars for both the professional musician and the collector alike. Upon first glance, the physical beauty and craftsmanhip are apparent. It is only upon playing the instrument that the true beauty is revealed. There is a layer of both electric and acoustic quality present in every note. The fretboard is balanced and responsive across all the strings. There is a beautifully balanced mid-range that compliments both the high and low register. Played with a pick or just fingers, Tim's guitars offer a world of color and sound to the player. "
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Our showroom renovation is coming along nicely - we're all quite excited for you to see the transformation though we're still a few more weeks away from in person shopping.
Until then, we are still open online and available for order fulfillment, texts, emails, calls and limited in-person appointments.
Online orders will continue to ship per usual.