FM Guitars?

[chipchappy]

Sorry if this has already been posted about. I'm seeing a number of people post these guitars on social media. Anyone have any experience with them?

https://www.fmguitars.com/

They seem to be centered around double neck tapping. Claim to be made in LA, and their prices are pretty reasonable. Was thinking of having one made, but wanted to check here first. Thoughts?

 

[spudmunkey]

I'm amused that Felix Martin (the FM in FM Guitars...and no, I don't believe the "it's because of the F minor chord" thing they claim in the FAQ) lists himself last on the "Players" tab.

From the FAQ:
"Why the guitars are so affordable for what they are?

As of right now, we just want you guys to play them, they will get more expensive soon."




"What kind of hardware do you use?

We use our own hardware. Mostly hipshot and tan bridges for tuners."

"Will I get free photography and videography services if I own a FM Guitar?

Yes if you are in LA and are very talented."



"Who makes these guitars?

Each guitar is made by Felix Martin in collaboration with several luthiers around the world depending on the model and options."
"


Does it say elsewhere that they are made in the US?

 

[CanserDYI]

I'm pretty sure they are Korean made in WMI IIRC. I know he had kiesel build a few but looks like that didn't last too long.

 

[chipchappy]

oh yeah I guess thats what I was thinking - I heard they had something to do with Kiesel in CA, but like you said @spudmunkey their FAQ sounds kinds suspect/off.

What an odd brand

 

[spudmunkey]

oh yeah I guess thats what I was thinking - I heard they had something to do with Kiesel in CA

Only that Jeff made Felix two guitars, and then he launched his own brand.

 

[chipchappy]

gotcha. That would explain the non-made-USA price tag. I'm sorta tempted cuz they look pretty sweet, but we all know that doesn't count for shit.

 

[Dayn]

I don't suppose anyone here has actually bought one? I'm also pretty interested to get one for the hell of it, but I'm not going to be the poor sap to take the gamble on it.

 

[chipchappy]

I don't suppose anyone here has actually bought one? I'm also pretty interested to get one for the hell of it, but I'm not going to be the poor sap to take the gamble on it.

yeah I guess that's mostly what im interested in. I've seen plenty of pics but nothing really in depth, besides this one youtube video:



But yeah, if anyone on here has gotten their hands on one, thoughts please!

 

[Nag]

With an FAQ like that I'd rather keep my money.

 

[bostjan]

Thanks for posting. That FAQ was far more entertaining than I expected!

Chapman stick / warr guitar?

Those are not guitars / basses. Those are called "touch style” instruments. They have different specifications. The FM guitars are just like a standard guitar or bass, except they're ergonomically designed for tapping.

Paraphrasing heavily for comic effect, but same gist:

Isn't this just a Warr Guitar?

No. A Warr Guitar is not a guitar, it is an, umm, instrument, but designed to be played touchstyle.

Our product is just a regular guitar, except it's completely redesigned so that you play it touchstyle instead.

 

[TheBlackBard]

We need another section on here after Extended Range and call it "Gimmicks."

 

[Tree]

All I know is that Felix is a beast at what he does. I really hope he’s not risking his reputation on some shoddy product.

It kinda seems like they want to follow the Kiesel model of: get this in the hands of as many talented players as we can for recognition ASAP…but we can’t afford to cut them a deal like Kiesel. So, they’re affordable…for now.

 

[The Blue Ghost]

While I'm a rather pessimistic individual (see my other comments haha) I like the idea of someone starting a company based on their unique playing style and making those instruments more available to the public.

I'm so tired of all the Chapman and Solar type brands doing "classic models modernised with Fishman Fluence's and Evertune's done at world music" so I'm all for someone doing something different.

From what I've seen it's also Felix himself doing the email correspondence which seems he has genuine interest in the company and product. This might also explain some of the FAQ and alike being a bit shaky since he is mainly a player and not a PR guy.

However I have no first hand experience with the actual guitar or how the company operates so it still seems we will have to wait for some one who got one of these guitars to tell their opinion of it.

I just feel like it's cool to see more different kinds of guitars than the "modern" tele and whatnot but won't hold my breath for companies screwing up (say Etherial for example)

 

[Hollowway]

While I'm a rather pessimistic individual (see my other comments haha) I like the idea of someone starting a company based on their unique playing style and making those instruments more available to the public.

I'm so tired of all the Chapman and Solar type brands doing "classic models modernised with Fishman Fluence's and Evertune's done at world music" so I'm all for someone doing something different.

From what I've seen it's also Felix himself doing the email correspondence which seems he has genuine interest in the company and product. This might also explain some of the FAQ and alike being a bit shaky since he is mainly a player and not a PR guy.

However I have no first hand experience with the actual guitar or how the company operates so it still seems we will have to wait for some one who got one of these guitars to tell their opinion of it.

I just feel like it's cool to see more different kinds of guitars than the "modern" tele and whatnot but won't hold my breath for companies screwing up (say Etherial for example)

Totally agree. When I make that point, it's usually met with, "there are far more people buying traditional shapes, so it makes economic sense to cater to them." Which is true, but I am also one to want to see more niche instruments. I don't two hand tap, so these instruments don't appeal to me particularly, but I swear that if the necks were closer together I'd get one just to have a big ass single course ERG.

 

[ArtDecade]

Just use the neck on the lower side and tune the open strings on the other neck to whatever floats your boat - now its a metal lute.

 

[chipchappy]

We need another section on here after Extended Range and call it "Gimmicks."

they said that about 7 strings at one point yknow

 

[Hollowway]

Just use the neck on the lower side and tune the open strings on the other neck to whatever floats your boat - now its a metal lute.

Actually, that's not a bad idea. You could make it a harp guitar with a string change.

 

[bostjan]

Actually, that's not a bad idea. You could make it a harp guitar with a string change.

throw a couple drone strings in between the two fretboards or fill the gap with epoxy and level it out for fretless action, then just install extra saddles and individual screw head pieces, a piezo, and there you go. If you end up going 16+3, you'd have 19 strings to play with. You could tune them all a whole step apart and still have as much range as an 8 string tuned in fourths. All for the price of your typical upper tier Agile with mods.

 

[TheBlackBard]

they said that about 7 strings at one point yknow

Bold of you to assume I like 7 string guitars.

 

[The Blue Ghost]

Bold of you to assume I like 7 string guitars.

Who doesn't?