The Lucem Paradox blends distinct retro styling and classic off-set design was originally offered as a limited-run ‘Old Nick’ model conceived for, and with, revered ex-Verve guitarist Nick McCabe.
In this latest ‘Deluxe’ offering aimed towards the boutique market; it features highly figured tonewoods, two finish options, and an innovative 5 pot controls scheme.
21 different settings are accessible from the controls plate via push/pull pots including various combinations of coil splits, ‘series/parallel’ and ‘out of phase’. A fifth knob; a master volume control gives the player opportunity to create swells without effecting the balance set at the neck/bridge volume and tone controls - a feature introduced by McCabe for his trademark “pinkie rolls”. Pulling the master volume pot will also engage a treble bleed circuit.
The 'Black Flame' hand rubbed black dye finish is available in high-gloss nitrocellulose lacquer, or alternatively natural, satin oil and wax finish.
Construction wise it is based around a quarter sawn maple through-neck format, this aids in transferring vibration evenly, across the whole frequency range, through the entire instrument. This helps increase sustain and eliminate dead spots. This also facilitates a virtually heel-less neck joint for unparalleled access to the upper registers.
In another interesting connection the Lucem logo; which will features on the new model has been designed by Brian Cannon from Microdot Creative; who was responsible for many iconic British album sleeve designs of the 1990’s.
Hand made in the English Lake District these instruments combine superior craftsmanship with innovative, left-field design, modern, high-end features and performance tied to a classic aesthetic.
Paradox Deluxe Specifications:
Body: Tulipwood core
Top: European Curly Maple (top and back)
Neck: Maple Through-neck
Fretboard: Indian Ebony or Indian Rosewood
Headstock overlay: European Curly Maple
Binding: Bound fretboard (matching)
Inlay: Pearloid side dots
Finish: Hand rubbed black dye, finished in either high gloss nitro OR oil and wax
Scratch Plate: 4-ply Red Imitation Tortoiseshell (options)
Scale Length: 25.5”
Fretboard Radius: Custom Compound
Nut Width: 42mm
Frets: 24
Bridge: Graphtec Wraparound
Pickups: Splittable 12-pole Alnico 5 (bridge), Alnico 3 (neck) - hand wound in Manchester by The Creamery
Switch:3-way toggle
Tuners: Schaller DaVinci
Case: Swanflight full flight case
Controls scheme: 5 x 500k CTS pots, 1x volume, 1 x tone for each pickup, plus and independent master volume control. This scheme provides 21 possible combinations;
All controls in down position - normal LP type controls config.
Neck volume up - neck humbucker coil split.
Bridge volume up - bridge humbucker coil split.
Neck tone up - neck and bridge in series.
Bridge tone up - neck and bridge out of phase.
Master volume up – engages treble bleed circuit.
These instruments are built to order with an approximate wait time of 20 weeks. There are many custom options and upgrades available which can be discussed. A non-refundable pre-build deposit is required.
Price: POA