Class of 2013: Metalin’ Guitars – More Than a Clever Name

“Since its inception in 2010, Metalin’ Guitars has strived to produce a high performance aluminum bodied guitar,” says the company’s lead designer, Dave Bast.  Indeed, Metalin’ Guitars is doing just that, custom crafting highly distinctive instruments for a discerning clientele. Instead of looking to expand their production and reach, Metalin’ is, in fact, striving to be more of a niche operation.  “We are a custom shop,” it says on their site.  “You think it. We machine it.”

A subsidiary of Wolfert Tool and Machine Co., Inc. in St. James, Mo., Metalin’ Guitars doesn’t plate or “cover” a standard, wooden guitar with metal.  Instead, the instruments are crafted from solid blocks of aluminum weighing in at over 40 pounds.

“In the past few years, Metalin’ Guitars has met the ever-changing needs in the fret market by concentrating on making their instruments even more customized than they did at the start of their business,” explains Bast.  “Custom artwork has found its way onto the face of the guitars and Metalin’ Guitars can create any ‘themed’ guitar the musician wants.”

The approach seems to resonate with dealers.  Bast says, “Retailers are excited to offer our customizing and creations to their customers. Because of our individualization, musicians can have the lightweight aggressive instrument they have created.  This individualization has led to us unveiling our 2014 design.  We start with two basic models – the TOC SS Standard and the TOC HH Standard.  These two new designs have changed drastically and meet Ken Wolfert’s vision of making a guitar using a material other than wood that would deplete natural resources.  He has successfully created an aluminum bodied guitar with a graphite neck that is lightweight and offers a superior sound.”                                      www.metalinguitars.com