About Us
I first started experimenting with musical instruments as an architecture student as a way to see in practice the transition from concept to design and construction as well as a way to experiment with the materials and ergonomics of the electric guitar and bass.
The main design influence in Dedelevee instruments are guitars of the 50’s, 60’s and 70’s, mainly those of unusual European and Japanese brands. Great emphasis is put in ease of playing, quality of materials and parts and experimentation in form and sounds / wiring. |
How we go about it
We prefer to make our instruments customized to order by the musician. We usually suggest that the client first takes a look at our Models gallery to decide which instrument most suits her/his needs and taste.
As soon as they have found something they like, we proceed to decide on the instruments tonewoods as well as the hardware, pickups and wiring options. When these parameters are decided, we proceed to make a first cost estimate. If the client agrees, we then ask for a down payment and are set to go.
From that point on it usually takes one or two months to complete the instrument.
As soon as they have found something they like, we proceed to decide on the instruments tonewoods as well as the hardware, pickups and wiring options. When these parameters are decided, we proceed to make a first cost estimate. If the client agrees, we then ask for a down payment and are set to go.
From that point on it usually takes one or two months to complete the instrument.
Tonewoods, Hardware and Pickups
Our woods are bought locally and are mostly of European and African origin. We make sure they are properly aged and dried to ensure maximum stability and longevity.
We use high quality hardware of various well known brands and are always happy to use the ones the musician commissioning the instrument prefers. However, we avoid using tremolos which demand a back route such as a Floyd Rose or a typical Strat style trem, mostly for reasons of aesthetics though. The pickups we use are mainly Seymour Duncan, unless otherwise specified. |
Finishes and paintings
We really like the aesthetic result of bare wood contrasting against chromed hardware and our aluminium or tortoiseshell pickguards. Therefore our instruments are finished in a thin layer (about a dozen coats) of Tru-Oil.
Quite rarely we also stain the wood before finishing it, but then again only in colors that look natural on wood. You won't find any green or blue stains on our guitars and basses. Besides our natural finishes we offer the choice of having a guitar handpainted by some of our artist friends. In that case, the artwork and artists fee are agreed upon directly between the artist and the client and we have an extra waiting period. |