Like many other Island Instruments builds, however, the craftsmanship and refined playability takes that concept to new heights. For one, the body thickness is about 1/2" thinner than a K161, landing at a sweet spot between the ES thinlines from Kalamazoo (330/335) and, say, and thicker archtop. The Spruce top provides equal amounts stiffness and acoustic energy of which this model seems to have and endless supply of. Coupled with a bolt-neck design that features Douglas Fir for the neck, the resonant qualities of this guitar are extremely impressive!

A pair of Mojo Kleenex single coil pickups are direct-mounted to the pickguard along with a simply control layout, keeping the minimalist approach at the forefront. The pickups may look like a dressed up P90 in a humbucker sized ring, but they have a distinct voice all their own - open, clear, and woody, with a unique treble response that it shares with the originals. They're super dynamic in this model, allowing the player to transition from smooth warm tones to bright, cutting bite with ease.

At a 26" scale length, there's an added clarity, focus, and fundamental snap that makes this guitar absolutely sing with single-note runs and complex chords. Still, it feels relaxed in a "vintage" way, meaning the extra string tension isn't felt but heard. A tough task to overcome, but Nic has done it quite gracefully with this model.

The DelAir Express occupies a special place amidst the boutique guitar landscape, offering something unlike other hollowbody electrics we've encountered.