It’s not easy to make a new name for yourself in the archtop, electric world, but we think Tyler Wells of LHT Guitars has what it takes. This 2020 Rose Burl Fugue is nothing short of a work of functional art. Curvaceous yet comfortable, stands apart from the crowd yet at the same time approachable and familiar. This guitar feels effortless in hand, from the multiscale setup (24.7-25.7”) to the lightweight build and cutaway ergonomics. The neck and body are perfectly balanced to play off your leg when seated, and Tyler’s handsomely executed single bass offset soundhole broadcasts cleanly straight into the player’s ear. Acoustically, the Fugue has impressive presence and range, and would record very well on that level alone. When amplified with a Parallelogram Kent Armstrong humbucker (volume and tone under the Burl pickguard), the tone rolls out fat and round with fingers, and responds beautifully with added crispness and punch under a flatpick attack.
The body is Flame Maple, here paired with a carved Sitka Spruce top and a 4-piece Flame Maple neck with carbon fiber reinforcement. Black ABS bindings, and Bodega Bay driftwood burl appointments throughout give this Fugue its “Burl” designation (with a gorgeous, gorgeous red Nitro burst for the “Rose”).
The LHT Fugue is what successful modern lutherie looks like: pushing the envelope without forgetting its roots, exploring contemporary aesthetics with an eye for ease of play and an ear for dynamics.

Other keywords: kent parker, arched top, jazz guitar, fan fret, fanned fret, 3007, ska, flamed maple, duane simpson