Q: Why a "talkocaster"? There are hundreds of builders out there.
I don't try to please everyone but,.. look around, maybe you'll see something that inspires your imagination.
Design and finishing philosophy:
I final shape my necks by hand.
I roll my fingerboard edges by hand.
I apply thin coats of nitrocellulose lacquer directly to the wood for a thin finish rather than loading the body up and sanding flat. The least amount of finish is always my goal. I expect my body finishes to sink into the grain slightly over the first year.
I shield the electronics, pickups, controls and pickguard with copper and connect the grounds with the star ground pattern.
I fit the neck to the neck pocket by hand.
I cut, shape and file the string nuts by hand.
I level and polish the frets by hand.
I assemble and fit all components by hand.
I adjust pickups, set the neck relief and adjust the truss rod several times as the neck takes the string tension, I set neck angle and the correct saddle height for the best string down-pull across the saddles. My set up process may take days,.. every guitar has to please me first.
s. talkovich necks and bodies are from trusted Made in the USA suppliers which ensures the tightest specifications and correct curing. Necks and bodies are acclimated in my shop for further curing before finishing.
I build one or two guitars at a time, I have no quota, i take my time with each project and offer the occasional guitar for sale. Half of my guitars are played by artists in the Atlanta area. Many are roots, blues and country players who also spend time on acoustic guitars. I value their input and it's rewarding to see and hear the products of my experience and labor in the hands of gifted musicians who make 'em talk.