From the elegantly presented woods to the impeccable fit and finish (check out the neck joint!), and the exceptional playability and tones, the Orca '59 is a stunning expression of a master luthier’s vision of what an LP-style guitar can be.
Nik Huber's Orca '59 is a remarkable reinterpretation of the classic Les Paul model, and at first glance, you'd be forgiven for thinking it's "just another LP-style guitar". It does, after all, feature a gorgeous maple top, a mahogany body and neck, set neck construction, and dual humbuckers ('59 Haussel in this case).
However, the moment you pick this Orca '59 up, you realize there’s something extraordinary at play that's not immediately obvious. The build quality is exceptional and modern-leaning, showcasing Huber's clean and precise construction that works to highlight the stunning materials in use. Simply stated, every aspect of a Les Paul has been refined to its purest form, resulting in a visually and sonically stunning instrument.
This is an incredibly resonant and loud guitar when played acoustically. The semi-gloss finish on the top and the subtle finish on the back of the body and neck provide an amazing tactile experience - this finish style fosters an easy connection with the guitar. The neck carve, while fat, feels slightly narrow and well-shaped, never becoming overbearing or fatiguing. Like all Huber instruments, the playability, fretwork, and overall feel are exceptional.
Plugged in, the Orca '59 combines the best of Les Paul and Telecaster characteristics, with the "in between" 25" scale adding a beautiful snap and clarity to the traditional Les Paul punch and heft. The humbucker coil tap (accesseed via the neck pickup's tone control) introduces surprisingly Tele-like tones when engaged. While this guitar won’t replace your Tele, it offers a wealth of very usable F-style tones, making it a really versatile guitar for players who need a range of useable tones.
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