Los Angeles-based James Trussart is the type of builder we here at TME love. A 'think outside the box' builder who began his career in the 70s as a working musician before turning to instrument making in the 80s. What makes James' guitars so special is his choice of materials - namely, steel - and his finishes which can vary wildly from guitar to guitar. 

This well cared for 2008 Trussart SteelTop has the look and feel of a vintage instrument, while also featuring a Trussart original invention: a recessed steel top plate. The metal plate sits in a recessed area on the face of the instrument, which keeps the edge of the metal plate covered, adding comfort as well as styling.

In addition to the recessed steel top plate, the chambered wooden body and custom metal appointments are beautiful to look at as well as being functional. For instance, the recessed steel head cap adds mass to the headstock and increases sustain. The steel, while also being the perfect medium to display the beautiful Trussart custom finishes and engraving, also has tonal advantages. The SteelTop tone is a uniquely classic sound that, combined with the resonant qualities of the chambered body and steel top, can range from sweet thick classic tones to the heaviest lead tones.

Condition: Excellent save for some normal, light wear - a small indentation on the side of the body (south of the knobs), some and finish imperfections on the side of the fingerboard around the 19th-24th frets. No fret wear, excellent setup. 

Trussart guitars have found their way into the hands of many guitarists including Rich Robinson of the Black Crows, Pete Stroud of the Sheryl Crow Band, Kirk Douglas of The Roots and Brian Ray of the Paul McCartney Band to name just a few.

• Chambered Mahogany Body with a recessed Metal top
  
• Bolt-On Maple Neck with Recessed Steel Head Cap, Mahogany Neck is also an option. Set Necks are an option.
• Neck Shape- '59 Standard, '60 available upon request
• Rosewood or Maple Fingerboard, Ebony is also available as an option
• 24-3/4" Scale
• 1-5/8" Wide Nut
• 10" Radius
• Frets #6130 (Medium Jumbo)
• Tune-O-Matic Standard (TonePros)
• Controls- Volume, Volume, Tone and a 3-Way
• Arcane Humbuckers
• Made In America
• Patent Pending
• Includes a James Trussart signed Certificate of Authenticity
• Hard Case 
• SN 07196
• 8lbs 14oz