Kauffmann S-model

Kauffmann regards the S-model kinda like the swiss knife in guitars. You can do almost anything on it. It was an innovative design when it first came out. So we pay tribute to that heritage. And we build upon it.

Our S-models all have that well played worn in feeling. It’s like putting on a pair of old faded jeans. Nowhere on a guitar is that feeling more distinct than on its neck. So we carefully roll the edges of the fingerboard, we take the finish of the back of the neck and we make sure the fretwork is right on the mark.

All our S-models come with a 9,5″ radius with 6105 fretwire. So you still have the vintage vibe feel to the neck but with the playability of a much flatter fingerboard. Our 50’s models have a maple fingerboard and our 60′ models have a rosewood fingerboard.

Our finishes and ageing process give the guitar it’s distinct look. We use either period correct vintage colors or Dupont car colors of the 60’s. And every once in a while we come with something new. Like our Monroe Red for example. We determine the level of aging while building the guitar. And we make sure that the aging is realistic and balanced. So we match the aging of the hardware with the aging of the body. Details matter.

On board you will find our Kauffmann pickups when it is single coil. They are best described as a creamy bluesy sound without losing that vintage transparency. We use CTS pots, vintage wire and we put in a treble bleed. To give you more tonal options we also include a blendable mid pickup. This gives the opportunity to dial in the mid pick up with any other pick-up selection. On the HS models we combine a Kauffmann bridge pickup with an Amber humbucker. And we add a coil split.