This Tao Disco Volante doesn’t just look forward, it reimagines the lineage of the electric guitar for a new era.

Tao Guitars, built by John and Serge in Brussels, has earned a cult following for instruments that blend avant-garde design with vintage soul. This “Fordy-Nine” Disco Volante is the 15th example of their semi-hollow model, inspired by the Ford Forty-Nine concept car, with silver hardware and a sleek, satin Nitro finish that feels as smooth as it looks (this thing just screams Billy Gibbons, no?).

The guitar features a maple top on a Spanish cedar body, weighing in at just 7lbs 3oz. The pickups - custom Johnny Blades wound by Benedetti - are dual-output blade-style P90s, each with its own push-pull volume. In low-output mode, they offer articulate, midrange-rich tones that get you into Fender-land with ease. Pull the knobs, and they heat up for more bite and dynamic punch - great for pushing an amp or pairing with fuzz. The middle position is hum-cancelling and incredibly versatile, ideal for fingerpicking or rhythm work.

The Cedro neck is lightweight yet stiff, with a two-way truss rod and a smartly placed adjustment access point between the final two frets (a custom adjustment tool is included). Fretwork is exceptionally clean, and the setup is low and fast - effortless to play and endlessly inspiring.

(car photo credit: cnet.com)