Hi Chris, I've just purchased a 'Blackie' Springfield K-Line guitar from Tonedoctor in Peterborough, UK. All I can say is Wow! I played it a few times before purchasing it but when I couldn't get to sleep at night thinking about it I just knew I wouldn't get any rest until I did, so today I did, aah, peace at last. Keep up the good work Chris and I wish you all the very best, all players should try your wonderful guitars! Dale Hi Chris, The Texola arrived, from Sound Pure, last night. You are really doing it right! First thing that struck me is the guitar is pretty light, but very solid. The neck is fantastic. The detail is best I've ever seen - fret ends are smooth, edges of the board feels great. Neck does play like its broken in. ave owned, at various times, Anderson, Fender CS, PRS, Guild, Grosh -- this one beats them. My #1 is a PRS Swamp Ash (maple bolt on with rosewood board) which I've played the heck out of for the last 7 years. Yours feels that good. I think the Kleins are going to be great. Neck (Firebird) seems like it will actually be very useable for rhythm. All three positions very workable. In terms of looks -- you really got the "aging" right. The guitar does not look like it's "trying too hard". It just looks and feels right. Personally, wouldn't ever find myself playing a "relic", just don't get it. Again, you've truly figured out how to do it in a way that is natural and doesn't scream, or even suggest, "Hey, look at me! I'm old!". Anyway, yes, am in the halo state. But, there are guitars that show up and after 10 minutes of playing, you know if it's going to work out or not. Definitely a keeper. Finally, Ross at Sound Pure provided outstanding service. Am certain I'll be back for a Springfield. Thanks for all of your help! Mike Hi Chris, I just want to send you a note about the guitar. Since I got it, I have not been able to put it down. I don't know what kind of magic you used to make the guitar but it sounded great and a pure joy to play. I don't think I've played my guitar like that since I was 12, which was when I started learning guitar. The guitar has a great tone and sustain. It just sounded like everything is resonating nicely together even when the guitar is not plugged in. I usually play through a lot of pedals but I found myself wanting to hear the clean sound of the guitar instead. This made me realize why I use so many pedals to begin with. It's because I feel like the guitar won't sound as good without them. It wasn't until I played the K-Line that I realize I don't need to use all the effects if the guitar sounded good to begin with. I might pair down my pedals to just overdrive and delay. I also really like the firebird pickups...thanks for the suggestion! Another thing I want to point out is the intonation. Remember how I told you that I tune my guitar in 5th's with a low C and you told me that the San Bernardino might not be the right guitar for the tuning? For the very first time, I was able to get the perfect intonation for the low C. I only had to move the saddle back a few millimeters and there's still plenty of room. The highest string for my tuning is a G (above guitar high E). Normally the string just sounded thin and weak because it's stretched to its maximum capacity. Since the guitar is so resonant, the high G string sound as full as the lower strings. The San B can definitely handle weird tunings. It could probably be tuned to low B without a problem. All in all, I'm very happy with the guitar. The search is over, K-Line is definitely "it" for me. When I find something good, I usually get two of them. So I'm already thinking about getting another K-Line...just as soon as I decide what color I want. Thank you again for being kind enough to build me the guitar. I'll be in touch for another one. Terry T. Okay Chris, be afraid, be VERY afraid. You just might have created a monster here! I cannot begin to tell you how much I love my new K-Line!!! I have a dozen other guitars and have been playing for over 25 years. And, this is it. This guitar is perfect for me!! I really want to thank you for being so flexible when it came to the exact specs I was after. And, I can't tell you how impressed I am with your craftsmanship. I really couldn't be happier! :-) I am certain that this won't be my last K-Line! Thanks so much again. Stuart D. Hi Chris, Well, it's been nearly two years and I should have sent this letter much sooner...talk about procrastination. Anyway, I have to say that I still can't find a guitar that I like better than the "T-Style" you built for me. You nailed it - just absolutely nailed every detail I asked for. The bone nut on this thing is nothing short of amazing - never ever a single tuning issue and I don't bother putting any type of lube on it. I've been playing since the mid "70's" and I've never seen anything like it. The playability has spoiled me terribly. I can't seem to get a guitar set up this well no matter what I try. It's held up extremely well, no adjustments needed whatsoever, no fret sprout, no electronics issues, nothing. Most importantly, it rocks while still maintaining that T-Style flavor! I have nine guitars here in my room. They're all over the place in various stands, cases, etc. but this one is sitting right next to me within arm's reach where it always is and has been for nearly two years now. Thanks for doing such an awesome job on it. Regards, Keith Hi Chris, sorry for the late reply- Just wanted to say thank you so much for the new guitar, it is everything I hoped for. The build is amazing and the tone just sings. The blend control between the bridge and neck pickups works really well (thanks for your suggestion on this). Having only gigged it a couple of times it is getting great reviews and interest from other players. I'm already thinking about the next project and will call you in the future. Many, many thanks. David M. Hey Chris! After playing my new guitar so much I almost forgot to write you and tell you I had actually received it and to thank you for your great guitars! This thing is amazing. The guitar just resonates so well acoustically. It almost sounds like an acoustic guitar. The balance and weight is perfect, just an all around great guitar! Thanks again and I'm sure we'll be talking again in the future! Best, David I let it sit one day and BAMMM!!! The guitar was tuned, action low, ringing and singing for several hrs straight! Its amazing how a new guitar can spark new cool riffs and decent ideas for songs...Too bad I could not record, by tomorrow it will all be forgotten..Anyway Chris, the alder and maple was a perfect balanced for what I wanted. Enjoy the season with love ones and will talk next year. Paul And good lord Chris...what a beauty. you absolutely NAILED the color. Nailed it. With a little white showing...just a tad of checking..the wear is authentic. Gorgeous. Amazing. and the color of the neck-exactly what I wanted. It's a thing of beauty. plays, sounds and looks like exactly what I had in mind. Better than any CS Fender I've ever played, thats for sure. Thank you so much for making me my new number one. I am a K-line fan and supporter here on the west coast and will do my best to get you whatever business I can. You rule. Adam Dear Mr. Kroenlein, This past week I traded in my beloved Throbak Classic combo (only 28 ever made!) for one of your strats. I had visited Garret Park guitars a couple months back and could not put your guitar down. After much deliberation, I decided I must have it. I've gotta say, I am absolutely thrilled I did. I am amazed at this tone monster. The neck is perfect, and after a quick string change (I play .008's), I have never felt more comfortable playing. I'm really astounded at the quality and attention to detail. Perfection! I used to play an hour a day, but now I just can't put it down. I've literally had 30+ strats and always had to do some modifying to get them playable. I've had to do nothing to this guitar. I'm so impressed. I really can't wait to get another. Quite fine work, sir. Jeff K. Chrest Chris, this guitar is sick. The neck is massive and the whole thing sounds like a tree with strings on it. I've a/b'd it with several teles already, including a Chad Underwood, a 4k Masterbuilt Tele, and a couple of others. They all sounded plinky compared to this... the K-line just has that WOOD sound to it... a certain body/girth to all the notes (the high ones are fat, the low ones are woody and punchy, not plinky). The difference is there whether it's plugged or unplugged. Great job with this thing. Mark Hi Chris, I just received the guitar. Just one word: stunning! Now I see why your guitars are so highly regarded, it's really a pleasure to look at and most of all to play. It's not unlikely that I will soon get in touch again, maybe for another :-) Thank you very much. Sergio Hey Chris, Just want to thank you for making an awesome guitar. The ash body with a killer rosewood neck is not only spanky, but also has some serious warm tones... Wonderful “angelic chimes” from the 4th and 2nd position...Man, since I bought this guitar, I can't seem to put it down. This guitar has inspired me to play more and is perfect/ versatile for all types of music...... More and more, I find myself just plugging straight in and letting the K-Line ring and sing; No effects needed, just the sound of a true 60's guitar. Now, I am just waiting for my second K-Line to be built. I am excited!! Thanks! Paul G Hi, Got a chance to play the tele with my band today, I.e. I got a feeling for how it actually performs. I believe that you only get this when you play in a live situation. So, here's the verdict: First of all, the K-Line is way better than any regular Fender tele. In order to get something like this from Fender, you'd have to pick the best stuff from Fender Custom Shop, but they can't deliver according to my desired specs. I own other high end guitars, a PRS Single cut, a PRS SC245 and a Ruokangas v.s.o.p, and soundwise the K-line stands up to all of these guitars. I.e I get a rich, dynamic sound, with beautiful overtones. Most important, I get all this without loosing clearity, which is what I believe separates high end from low end guitars. I'm also impressed with the neck - my low action doesn't make the strings rattle at any fret. The only thing that worries me is that it's possible to get such a great guitar for reasonable money, hopefully I can raise money to get another before everyone else discovers K-Line and the prices go up ,-) Cheers Kris Hey Chris, I have had a few days to play the guitar you built for me and I have to say I am really impressed with this guitar, it sounds fantastic and is really easy to play. The neck is perfect and this thing sounds amazing plugged into my Mesa Boogie Lonestar Special. I have owned a few Fenders in my day and this is even better than my EJ strat that I currently have. Great job! Thanks! Chris C. Hi Chris, I got the K Line yesterday. Let's just say I am having a hard time putting it down. It plays so well. I have owned a lot of guitars over the years and this one stands alone at the top for me. It's as close to perfect as it can be. I just wanted to thank you for building an affordable yet amazing guitar for those of us who can't shell out a couple of grand for a lightly aged guitar. It was a pleasure doing business with you. It probably won't be the last time. I am a fan. I will spread the word about your guitars. Jon W. Hey Chris, I love the guitar. The 3 tone burst is beautiful in the closet classic finish. I love the neck. I can get the action lower than factory specs without any fret buzz or degradation of tone. The lollar pickups are absolutely killer. Incredible glassy tones from the blonde neck and almost humbuckerish attack and tone from the special in the bridge. The tremolo is set up perfect at the perfect height for playing Beckish style licks. I own Custom Suhr guitars and high end Fender Strats and I have to say that the first guitar I go to is the K-Line. Oh and by the way Chris is really easy to talk to and very humble. Any custom guitar builder must have the knack for creating a guitar to compliment the individuals style and tone. Chris has got it down right to the last detail!!!!! Fantastic job Chris!!!! I will be talking to you in the future about another with a mini-humbucker in the neck. : ) Bill C. Chris! WOW! I am totally blown away at how nice this guitar sounds and plays.. I love the physical weight of it and its got great quack and a killer neck... Thanks you so much... Steve Steve P. Hey Chris, I got the guitar on friday and haven't put it down since! It's exactly what I was looking for. The neck is flawless and the guitar is super light, just perfect! It feels like an old friend I've known for 20 years. Thanks so much! Evan G. Chris, got the new guitar today. This guitar is unbelievable!! Don't get me wrong, I expected this guitar to be incredible. However, it far exceeded any previously concieved expectations I had. Thank you so much for helping me with this instrument and the extraordinary build. I can't believe how well you interpreted my ideas and thoughts into the design and build of this instrument down to every last detail. This is by far, one the best electric guitars I have ever played or owned!!! It fits me like a glove. It's perfect. Thank You. Stevie J. Hi Chris; I just have to tell you yet again how pleased I am with my guitar you made for me. I remember that you were concerned about the stability of a highly flamed neck when I requested that as part of thebuild. The neck has been fine all this time and the guitar holds intonation extremely well. I use the trem kinda like Jeff Beck. Not dive bombs so much as a bit of vibrato on my passages. That includes pulling up and going down. I get to practicing or warming up for recording and realize sometimes I play hard for 30-40 minutes non stop. The gtr just won't go out of tune. I'm sure part of that is the 11-50 strings I use, but this is the most stable one I've ever had. And the tone is breath taking. I continue to be very happy about this guitar. I know you've seen my posts about this gtr, but thank you. Thank you. Thank you! From the bottom of my now 56 year old heart. Ha! Have a great 2009 and keep ‘em coming! Roger Irwin The twanger got here yesterday afternoon. My expectations have been exceeded. I will send a longer note after I have spent more time with the guitar. This is THE guitar I wanted. Thank you so much Chris. Jonathan L At this point I've played enough guitars to be beyond the typical honeymoon syndrome, so when I say this is the best guitar I've ever owned, I really mean it. The build quality is perfect, playability is great, trem is smooth - tone is so glassy - perfet strat bell tones! I'm glad I got the blend, really adds some versatility to the guitar. The silent plate allows me to use this guitar with a lot of gain without the noise, very happy with it. Did you weigh it? Seems very light. Also, the neck is perfect - I've been searching for something like this for the last 10 years - huge and round with a dark board. The aging is way beyond my expectations, you could not have done a more tasteful job. Not sure what else to say other than thank you so much for building me such a great guitar for such a reasonable price. Lou V Unbelievable. Very soulful. Best guitar I've ever owned by far. Jack Z. I have two K-Lines. Both are quite possibly the best playing guitars I own right now. Chris is certainly very talented at the art of crafting guitars. First, the setup is impeccable. It has a comfortable neck up and down the fretboard and his attention to detail there makes it an easy playing instrument. The finish is some of the best nitro and relic work I've seen. Chris just has a knack for seeing what wear looks and feels natural. He has obviously spent time around vintage guitars. Chris' formula of wood and Lollar pickups are a definite winner in my book and anyone who has played a ton of strats off the wall (Custom Shop or not) and one of Chris' K-Lines, will notice a difference in feel and in sound. They simply do not compare most of the time. The bottom line is that Chris' custom guitars represent a ridiculous value and I couldn't be happier with the way my custom guitars came out. Lynn C. WTF ? How could you deliver such an instrument to my door step? How dare you craft such an amazing guitar that it almost brought me to tears! You should be ashamed! Seriously, the guitar is off the map. I got it today on my day off and played it unplugged for an hour then drove to our rehersal space and played it another 4. I a-b it with my other guitars... The neck is just perfect! I love the fret size the rosewood the tint of the maple headstock. The neck is a little fatter than my other guitars and is just sooo right! Every thing about it is right! Your guitar has become one of my most prized possesions! I may not be rich or famous, but today I am really happy! That black guitar is going to give me a lot of joy! Please keep my exact specs on file because I need to order a blonde backup soon! Also , I have an different guitar in mind, that I think You would have fun with. So I plan on two more!!! Mike S. Chris - just wanted to let you know how much i REALLY dig the k-line guitar that i recently picked up - seriously one if the absolute best I have ever played/owned - great work! David C. I just want to say THANKS! and give you my first impressions. The sunburst is spot on. The painter really knew what he was doing. 3TSB is classic with a rosewood board. The finish is 'played' but not too worn. The neck size is perfect for my hands. The guitar weights about the same as my MIM Cray Strat (hardtail). Somewhere between 6.5 - 7 lbs. I raised the action up, a bit. Feels and plays incredible! Played it acoustically, for about an hour, and just had a big smile on my face the whole time :-) Rings like a bell! I will crank it up at the first opportunity, but I am sure it will sound awesome. You did good my friend. I think you have a future in guitar building. Shall I post a few pics on TGP Steve E. The guitar is sweet Chris. The 4-way is killer as always. This guitar replaced a Melancon tele which was a great guitar, just not quite a traditional enough tele sound for me. Your tele is perfecto for that. I have a Gries 40watt Blackface-type amp and a Soultone 18/20 watt Marshall clone in an A/B/Y set up and the tele sounds GREAT through the rig. I also have one of your Daphne blue from a TGP member that I really love as well. Best I've ever played to tell you the truth. It is better than the custom shop. Seriously. I mean, I hear the differences between the ash and alder, and the rosewood vs maple, but those differences aside, it sounds better. The blondes are just a touch fatter and sweeter than the tweeds, the whole package kills for cleans, and the overdrive is amazing. The ageing is exactly what I wanted. The trem is great. The look, the feel, the tone, everything about it is beyond my expectations. Expect a very good review over the weekend (after I ship to the guy who bought my custom shop ;-)) Thank you so much Chris! John D. Stunning, the set up could not be more perfect, the neck feels great. Outstanding, Chris– look forward to buying from you in the future. Nathan S. Hello Chris, Ive just gotten over the honeymoon period with my shell pink k-line. Well I just gotta say... you did a great job. I love the guitar... great neck, love the lollars, shell pink is spot on..... the spare Maple neck is gorgeous... very nice flames. Chan M. Chris, This K-Line kills! It's a thrill ride! It's exactly what I hoped it would be. It's aggressive and delicate at the same time. Sounds great clean or dirty. Mad sustain. Flutey sounding neck pickup. Plenty of grunt in the middle and bridge positions. You can almost get an acoustic sound using the blender circuit. I've played real deal 50s and 60s Strats and recent team built Custom Shop Strats and this one stands right there with them. Mike F. K-Line Guitars Home | About Us | Contact Us | Guitars | Dealers | Gallery | Media © Copyright 2005-2012 K-Line Guitars, LLC. All Rights Reserved.