By Mitch Rice
Novo Guitars has quickly earned a spot as one of the most esteemed and sought-after boutique electric guitar makers. Founded by famous luthier Dennis Fano, Novo combines a vintage appearance with modern craftsmanship and innovative design to create instruments that are as visually stunning as they are sonically praiseworthy.
While a number of electric guitar brands focus on either mass production or on copying classic designs, Novo sets itself apart in several significant ways: its truly distinctive philosophy of instrument design, its high-altitude craftsmanship, an unparalleled playability factor, and its signature tonal character.
Unique Design Philosophy
Novo guitars immediately stand out due to their truly remarkable body shapes and finish. The bodies are constructed to create a lightweight and comfy guitar that’s easy to wear for long gigs. Their ergonomic contours mean they settle snugly against the torso. Novo also employs an understated combination of binding and top carving that makes for a nice visual transition from face to side without calling too much attention to itself.
Unparalleled Craftsmanship
In contrast to electric guitars churned out by the thousands, Novo instruments are meticulously handcrafted in Nashville, Tennessee, by a small team of skilled luthiers. Every aspect of the build, from wood selection to fretwork and final setup – is executed to ensure precision and quality.
One of Novo’s standout attributes is its use of tempered (torrefied) woods, which are treated with heat to simulate a century’s worth of aging. This not only enhances the stability of the guitar but also gives it a more resonant voice and an old-school, just-broken-in tone. Not all electric guitar brands place a lot of emphasis on craftsmanship.
However, Novo guitars are built with a meticulous attention to detail that is evident in every facet of their construction. The guitars have perfect fretwork and necks expertly shaped for maximum comfort. Their hardware is chosen with an eye toward both aesthetics and functionality, such that the guitars function faithfully. All of this combines to make each Novo guitar feel like a beloved vintage instrument right out of the box.
Superior Playability and Comfort
Novo guitars are crafted for playability. Their lightweight bodies and well-balanced designs make them comfortable to play for long stretches. The necks have a silky, natural feel that a lot of musicians find appealing.
Their hardware has the same high-quality vibe as the guitars themselves. The bridges are Mastery units, and the tuners are top-notch as well. Both contribute mightily to the tuning stability and intonation.
Unmistakable Tonal Character
Guitarists are drawn to Novo for many reasons, but one of the main ones is their tonal excellence. Using pickups from the top-tier brands, Novo fits its guitars with high-end electrics that give the instruments a dynamic and expressive sonic palette more akin to that of a much more expensive guitar.
It’s no secret that the clear and articulate voice of Novo guitars makes them ideal for a variety of musical applications.
Learn for Yourself why Novo Guitars Are Among the Elite Electric Guitar Brands
Novo has made a name for itself in the electric guitar market by taking its vintage inspirations and blending them with modern innovations. The company is committed to what seems like a long-forgotten ideal: high-quality craftsmanship, unique design choices, and a superior playability that makes you want to pick up the instrument and keep strumming.
Data and information are provided for informational purposes only, and are not intended for investment or other purposes.