Paradox Deluxe

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