The Guitar Player's Resource
Teye makes his luxury boutique guitars in several different series. Each has its own level of sophistication in adornment and some features. However, the vision behind them is the same. They were built according to a long American and European stringed instrument tradition, with total emphasis on tone and feel. Time and time again, Teye’s guitars emerge the victor in direct comparison with the most prized vintage classics.
If Ronnie Wood swapping licks and cigarettes with Keith Richards while playing a pearl-topped, singlecut solidbody is inspiring, a Teye Emperor Series Knight’s Templar Model might cause a shiver. Putting aside the remarkable story of the Knights Templars is impossible, given the degree of ornamentation on the Teye, hand built in the Nashville Custom Shop.
The mosaic of Bright white mother-of-pearl that covers the top is quartered by synthetic coral in the shape of a Templar cross. Teye’s signature artwork etched on the aluminum metalwork refer to the legendary warrior-monks with symbols, Latin inscriptions, and a vision of hard-charging knights, bannered lances aimed at the enemy.
Every piece of pearl is figured, and every detail from the headpiece with custom tuner buttons to the ornate pickup bezels rings like steel on steel. The wasp-waisted body and set neck are carved of korina, aka limba or Terminalia Superba, a legendary solidbody tonewood. Korina is lightweight, resonant, and conducive to carving and machining.
