New Equinox Electric Guitar Models Launched

Complimenting the groundbreaking Viridis acoustic/electric guitar, the 25.5” scale length Vermont-made Equinox guitars from DeMars Guitars have steadily gained acceptance in the world of high-end boutique guitars. The Equinox line was launched with two models: the H (two hand-wound coil-splittable humbuckers, Grover keystone tuners) and the S (three single-coil pickups integrated into pickguard). The line now includes:

• T: butterscotch finish; two single-coil pickups, Tele®-style tailpiece
• X: opaque black finish; all black hardware; EMG 81/85 pickups
• B: translucent orange finish; two TV Jones® pickups; Bigsby® vibrato tailpiece
• R: opaque black finish, three Lollar “Broiler” pickups; white two-level pickguard; Bigsby® vibrato tailpiece
• 12-string: two coil-splittable Duncan P-Rail pickups; 1.75” nut width
• Jazz: two Benedetto B6 single coil jazz pickups; fancy trapeze tailpiece; Grover Imperial tuners
• Baritone: opaque seafoam green finish, 28.6” scale length; three Duncan single-coil “lipstick” pickups

Company head Dan DeMars explains the evolution: “The Equinox electric guitars were developed in response to guitarists who really loved our initial line of Viridis chambered solid-body acoustic electric guitars that were introduced at the 2006 NAMM Show. They asked why we didn’t make electrics – it was a great question! After a lot of thought and numerous discussions with guitarists (of all playing styles), instruments techs, producers, component and amp manufacturers and retailers, we designed and produced a line of distinctive electric guitars that reflect and honor the best of respected vintage instruments, yet are built with the finest of today’s materials and components. Equinox guitars deliver a unique identity for players who are comfortable with the feel and playability of classic instruments but who seek something just a bit different.”

The Equinox guitars have chambered solid-bodies of basswood, mahogany or alder, with an optional flame maple top. A crowded electric guitar market demands that successful lines deliver innovation and performance; the DeMars Equinox line features the Earvana® Compensated Tuning System ensuring precise intonation along the entire fingerboard. The neck attachment design is central to the sonic character of all DeMars instruments. “Most ‘bolt-on neck’ guitars made by other firms aren’t bolt-on at all,” says DeMars, “but rather a relatively archaic ‘woodscrew-straight-into-neck-heel’ design. DeMars 3-piece quartersawn rock maple necks are attached to the body by four aircraft-grade black oxide hex-head bolts that mesh into precision-threaded brass inserts epoxied into the neck heel.” The result: structural rigidity, more sustain and optimal tonal delivery through both the neck and body. The Equinox models are available in a variety of translucent and opaque finishes, including a clearcoat finish over a carbon/Kevlar top.

What about the sound? The Equinox electric guitars sport pickups from Seymour Duncan, Lollar, Benedetto, EMG and TV Jones, providing the guitarist a myriad of tonal possibilities. Typical electronics include a master volume, master tone (switchable pot to activate the middle pickup on 3-pickup models) and Switchcraft 3-way pickup selector. “Our Equinox guitars really deliver when plugged into any amplifier; they particularly shine with high-end tube amps.” Additionally, all Equinox guitars can be fitted with GraphTech® Ghost™ bridge saddles to deliver acoustic timbres though a “smart” stereo output jack.

The Vermont-made Equinox guitar has an MSRP of $4400. Upgrades include:

• Bookmatched koa top $400
• AAAAA-grade maple top * $300
• Piezo bridge saddles** $200
• Carbon/Kevlar top $200
• Anvil-style road case $100

* translucent finish included

** with onboard GraphTech Ghost preamp