Danny Koentopp Koencaster

Danny Koentopp brings the same meticulous care and attention to his small number of electric guitars as he does to his celebrated archtops. I waited three years for this masterpiece, and it was worth every moment. This might be one of the most elegant T-style guitars I've played. Everything speaks to masterful craftsmanship—from the elegant F-hole to the choice of Ron Ellis pickups to that roasted maple neck with its beautifully carved heel transition.

The floating neck-through construction is unconventional and refined. That carved heel transition flows naturally into the body, eliminating the abrupt joint you'd find on production instruments. It's the kind of detail that reveals Danny's background working alongside master violin maker Michael Darnton—precision work where every transition matters.

The wood choices create a tonal foundation that's both warm and articulate. Taku Sakashta mahogany paired with salvaged Lake Superior maple provide character and resonance, while the roasted maple neck adds stability and a touch of vintage warmth. The unadorned rosewood fingerboard keeps the focus where it belongs—on feel and playability. That .85" to .95" taper sits in a sweet spot between vintage comfort and modern performance.

Those Ron Ellis pickups are the perfect match for Danny's building philosophy. The Bette humbucker at the neck delivers woody, articulate tones with remarkable clarity, while the 50/60 single coil at the bridge provides classic snap and bite. This isn't about chasing vintage specs for their own sake—it's about creating a guitar that responds to your touch.

The elegant F-hole adds just enough acoustic resonance to make this guitar feel alive in your hands before you even plug in. Amplified, this guitar sings. The notes are transparent and sustain beautifully. The T-style pickup combination covers all the bases—it's a guitar I could imagine in Andy Timmons', Vince Gill's, Robben Ford's, or Mike Stern's hands. To my ears, it covers all the musical bases beautifully.

I love the warmth and vibe of the oil varnish finish — it lets the wood breathe and develop character over time while adding a tactile pleasure that lacquer finishes can't match.

This Koencaster reflects Danny's belief that each guitar should be a transparent conduit for musical expression. There's no unnecessary flash or ornamentation here—just superb craftsmanship in service of tone and playability. This is a very special guitar for someone who appreciates the refinements that make a classic design simply exquisite. As Nigel would say, this guitar goes to 11.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.