Stunning OM-30 by Howard Klepper
 

I was really impressed by the sound and drop-dead gorgeous looks of the OM-33 Howard had at Schoenberg. I mean REALLY impressed. Tone just poured out of that guitar. And the style 30 purflings Howard MADE BY HIMSELF were incredibly stunning.

So naturally, my interest was piqued when Howard mentioned he was going to be supplying a similar instrument to Schoenberg, a European spruce and pernambuco OM-30. I can't wait to head up to Schoenberg to give it a try, but for now I'll just have to drool over the photos. The good people at Schoenberg just recently posted them. Enjoy!

And for those of you in the Bay Area, the trip to Schoenberg is always worth the drive - and even more so now.

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-001.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-002.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-003.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-004.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-005.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-006.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-007.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-008.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-009.jpg

http://jus-tone.com/misc/klepper/Klepper_OM-30-010.jpg

That's a real beauty. Howard's guitars always have a great aesthetic, and great wood. I'd love to get my hands on that guitar.

Is that an ivroid headstock veneer?

Yes it is. There is a description on the Schoenberg website.

I think Howard has a talent that allows him to blend colors and materials in a very unique way. To me, this guitar presents a yellowish look from the front (spruce and peghead veneer coloring), and an orange back and side, and a neck of contrasting color, and somehow it looks fantastic. I don't think there are a lot of builders who can pull that off. I think anyone who commissions a Klepper guitar should give Howard full control over the entire aesthetic design.

This is a very nice looking guitar. I really like the colors and the edge material.

Agreed. . .

VERY SPECIAL... love it!

I do like the smaller hm klepper logo on this guitar. More of a vintage look.

I personally don't like when a builder has put his name is giant letters across the top of the headstock. I think it can take away from all of the other beautiful aesthetics of the instrument. .... Sometimes less is more as they say.

I agree...very nice and a vintage touch.

Bold headstock!

Nice purf, Howard!
Pink Ivory and Yellowheart?

Hans,
Somehow I knew you wouldn't be commenting that orange wood is your favorite. :D

Thanks to all for the kind comments. I want to say that the color on the ivoroid headstock and the guitar's top is actually very even. The light in the photo makes parts go more white.

Hans, there is neither pink ivory nor yellowheart. The natural colored woods are maple and primavera (next to each other in the light area). The rest are dyed. It's hard to see in detail. This purfling is the center part from the "Z" purfling I made for my "OM-33," below. As you know, Hans, it's hard to find a good pink that captures the pastel color of a faded 100-year-old purfling. Most look too hot.

http://pic40.picturetrail.com/VOL362.../407196752.jpg

You are right Chuck, not much for orange backs...
Thanks Howard, you must be using "rust and orange" dyed veneers in the dark part. Sure looks like pink ivory on my screen.
Very nice work!