Michael DeTemple built the first DeTemple '56™ for himself back in 1995. As a master luthier he had been making, servicing and repairing guitars for over 40 years, but this variant was the first specifically created to mirror the nature and feel of his own favorite old Strats® (a '56 and a couple '58s).

As a professional player the original intent was not to start a new business, rather he was concerned about wear, potential damage or theft of of his valuable and irreplaceable originals. And an ongoing search for suitable, modern replacements with that same "magic" hadn't turned up anything to his liking. Apparently Michael wasn't the only player who felt this way. His "White Blonde '56" variant is now in high demand.

The downside of this creation is that it is not manufacturable -- especially in an assembly line, mass production sense.

When each component is mated and matched, one-to-one, the variable organic nature of the woods and finishes used gives each instrument its own voicing and feel. These instruments have a personality of their own, requiring an uncommonly high level of experience and hand craftsmanship that distances them from their manufactured counterparts.

When Michael builds a DeTemple '56™ for you, the guitar is shaped and crafted specifically and only for you. Timber selection, neck shape and radius, pickups, wiring, color and finish are only part of this process. One of the most important considerations is in the setup; to achieve this Michael endeavors to build the instrument around each player's style, attack and preferences.

Among the favorite features of a DeTemple guitar is that "played in" feel players often spend their lifetime searching for. Michael achieves this lush feel by applying proprietary techniques he has discovered over his many years at the trade.

Consequently, no two DeTemple '56™ models are exactly the same yet each is an uncommonly playable instrument.

For these reasons Michael is resigned to the fact that there will never be more than 5 or 6 (often less) made a month. Even then the California sun plays a key roll in how each guitar's finish is applied, so production can slow down considerably in the rainy season.

The DeTemple '56™ is a particularly excellent choice for players who do not want to place their vintage instruments at risk.

Why You should own a DeTemple '56

Your DeTemple '56™ is sculpted and setup, from start to finish, specifically for you and your playing style. It has an evolved level of craftsmanship, tone and feel not possible from either assembly-line or factory custom shop models.

Master luthier and musician Michael DeTemple personally nurtures each and every DeTemple '56™ into existence.

The DeTemple '56™ duplicates the best-of-breed characteristics of the 1950s models. Every single step along the way to crafting your guitar is directed towards the preservation of tone and comfort -- an experience seasoned players won’t fail to miss from the moment you pick up, hold and play a DeTemple Guitars™ instrument.

The quality of the DeTemple '56™ neck design, along with Michael's proprietary finishing and setup techniques, gives you the familiar played-in feel of a favored old neck. DeTemple necks have a vintage feel. Hand-shaped with a comfortable Soft-V profile (or your preference, of course), and a unique Reverse-Taper™ allowing a more relaxed access to the upper frets.

How to Get Yours

To discuss your preferences please call or email Michael DeTemple. He loves to talk about his work and handles all requests personally. And if you are not sure of the best way to go Michael can also help you with advice or recommendations.