The company has a slew of ambitiously unique designs (check the nine-string baritone Ninja 300-PRO) and a bold move to focus manufacturing in the U.S. to back up what they deem a “passionate” approach. “Founded by veteran musicians tired of seeing finishes and components considered new developments, Legator Guitars teamed up with professional touring and studio musicians alike,” says Romine. As such, the team has already amassed a collection of semi-hollow bodies, sleek electrics, and basses (with lines of dreadnaught acoustics, concert acoustics, and amplifiers promised for 2014).
“Passion is the biggest difference between these major manufacturers and smaller niche companies. When we build a guitar, we think about how to maximize its performance, not its profits. Legator, like most smaller niche guitar brands, was founded by players searching for the perfect guitar.”
As such, Legator has followed the advice of greats like Eddie Van Halen and Jimmy Page – let the necks breathe. All three current guitar lines that Legator offers feature exposed wood grain or satin finish necks, designed for maximum warmth and resonation. “This may be commonplace among high-end guitars, but we are the only company offering this feature on entry level guitars,” says Romine. The limited edition 400 Series guitar necks are handcrafted, so each one comes out utterly unique. The company says their PRO 300 Series is the only neck-through construction available at their price point
Legator itself enjoys the extra advantage of partnering with factories that have been connected with larger U.S. brands since the ‘70s, which Romine says offers them facilities set up for capacities of upwards of 20,000 guitars a month.
Looking ahead, Romine says the company seeks to further solidify itself as a “true American” company, this year shifting the entire production of its Limited Edition 400 Series guitar line to a factory in Burbank, California. This means everything from the hand-shaped neck and wax coating to the body-neck construction, surfacing, in-house painting, and precision assembly and setting will be taking place in the U.S.
