Description

In the3rd and last (but not least) of our 3-Part Lexington Series #1, we explore the beauty of our exclusive Retrograde solidbody electrics with this Lexington model inHoney Amberfinish!

For those unfamiliar, the RetrogradeLexington model is a single-cutaway solidbody electric with handwound Retrograde P90 pickups, hand applied finish, and an aesthetic true to the unique design of Glenn’s fabulous instruments.

The 2021 Lexington Series #1 representsthe final revision of our exclusive model, featuring a tighter radius above the waist on the upper bass side bout with a slightly up-angled cutaway on the treble side. A redesigned pickguard follows suit, trading in curvy for a more striking angular shape. We’re absolutely in love with these changes, and we’re sure Glenn would agree that they perfectly suit the style of this model.

With the slight change in body shape, we’re picking up a whole new vibe, with nods to the 1950s Danelectro U2 model as well as that old slab body “special” from Kalamazoo.But let’s move on from comparisons for a bit and focus on how special these instruments truly are.

This Lexington is rocking a pair of ‘Old Soul’ P90s handwound by Glenn himself, whohas quickly become an incredible pickup winder in his own rite. Using Alnico 3 magnets with non-reverse wind / reverse polarity configuration (non-RWRP), we’re awarded with a warm, rounded low end response and a beautifully chimey and sweet top end. This guitar excels at clean tones, offering great clarity and a natural compression that is nothing short of addictive for those who live for nuance and responsiveness. Don’t be fooled though – add some gain into the mix or crank up the amp, kick it into middle position, and listen to both pickups uninhibitedly come alive with harmonic bloom, sweet sustain, and great openness that lets the guitars character shine bright. This is a Blues, Motown, and R&B machine that is also equally capable of playing in the Punk/Indie/Southern Rock sandbox.

A comfortable medium profile neck with a smooth taper makes playability a breeze, with the slightly thinner slab body lending itself to quite a comfortable lapped or strapped guitar. The neck and body are exquisitely finished, which is no surprise given Glenn’s background in finish work. The luster ofa masterfully applied varnish finish adds a level of depth and dimension to theequally alluring tonewoods often seen in the world of high end violin, mandolin, and archtop building.

From a distance or in your hands, there’s no denying how special these instruments truly are. We feel lucky to be able to work witha builder astalentedas Glenn Nichols – someone who continuesto push the boundaries of guitar design in unique fashion while also harnessing the familiarity of an old classic instrument.

Catalog looks, top tier tones, and a fit and finish that rivals any small shop builder around. This Lexington’s got it.

Price includes hardshell case.

Specs

• Honey Amber Varnish finish
• Body:Pine Body w/Flame Maple Top
• Neck: Roasted FlameMaple
• Fingerboard: Granadillo w/ dots and 6105 frets
• Neck Profile: Classic C, 0.840-0.920
• Headstock:Genie Bottle
• Scale Length: 25
• Nut Width: 1 11/16
• GoldPearloid Pickguard and matching truss rod cover
• Waverly Tuners with ivoroid buttons
• GotohBridge
• Pickups: Retrograde ‘Old Soul’ Handwound Alnico 3 P90s (non RWRP) with cream butyrate covers
• Electronics: Volume, Tone, 3-way Toggle Switch
• DAddario .11-.49 Strings
• Weight: 7lb 6oz