I missed this introduction during the NAMM show in January, but Fano Guitars have created a new model called the GF6. You might notice that this model bears more than a slight resemblance to Fender’s Starcaster model from the 70s. In fact, the GF6 name is an homage to the designer of the Starcaster, Gene Fields. I really dig the look of this model, and it has a few features that set it apart from many of the semi-hollow body guitars on the market. Instead of the maple laminate construction of models like the ES-335, the GF6 features all solid-wood construction with a variety of wood options (alder, maple, mahogany, korina, and swamp ash). The back and sides are a carved out solid block of wood fitted with a carved solid top. Pickup options are P90s, humbuckers, or filtertrons. Additionally, one of the things that makes the GF6 so interesting to me is that it has a 25.5″ scale length unlike many of the Gibson-inspired semi-hollow guitars.
I haven’t played a Fano guitar before, but I’ve heard a lot of good things about them. They are handmade by a small team as part of the Premier Builders Guild in California. I’m not sure about the 7.25″-9.5″ compound radius, so I’m looking forward to playing one of these. They are just now shipping to dealers, so they are not very widely available yet. If you’ve played on of these or another Fano guitar before, I’d enjoy hearing your thoughts about it.
