This guitar was designed as a collaboration with the player, and conceptually an extension of the Alembic/Irwin/Lieber guitar family. This project was so enjoyable to make and inspired me so much it is now being offered as a model.
The laminated hardwood body and neck construction yields cutting tone and endless sustain. The design on Owsley #1 took cues from the player’s early Alembic, that featured an amazing Rick Tuner inlay motif. The backplate was inspired by the late Rick Griffin as well as 60’s era Jerry Garcia.
In leui of a headstock logo, I crafted a handcast Sterling Silver Eagle skull inspired by the OG Irwin logo and Owsley Stanley’s now famous belt buckles. Up and down the fretboard is hand inlayed esoteric imagery.
The electronics/pickups can be custom tailored to the player. Owsley #1 features a Scott Walker buffer/booster which combines an Alembic “blaster” style circuit and a Garcia style buffer, both accessible with the flip of a switch.
I made this guitar as a symbol of and a respectful nod to the Grateful Dead family of artists and craftspeople that are a constant source of inspiration and still going strong after all these years.
Starting at $6,500.
Specs
- 25 inch Scale Length
- Figured Walnut, Koa or Flame Maple Top with Contrasting Lamination
- Chambered Ash Body
- 5 Piece, Laminated Neck-through Construction
- Hand inlayed Ebony Fingerboard with Gold EVO Alloy Fret Wire
- Custom Electronics Package including Onboard Preamp
- Nitro-cellulose lacquer
ALL DELUIS GUITARS ARE MADE TO ORDER AND CUSTOMIZED TO THE INDIVIDUAL. PAYMENTS ARE BROKEN INTO THREE PARTS UPON FINALIZATION OF PROJECT PLANS. PLEASE CONTACT FOR PURCHASING THROUGH EMAIL OR PHONE.
E: gregdeluis@gmail.com or P: (310) 924-9216