Planet-Friendly Player
Adapting to ever-changing CITES regulations, Tom Bartlett updates his Retrospec model with the Retro Mk2.
BY DAVE HUNTER
PHOTOS COURTESY OF TOM BARTLETT
SUCH IS THE difficulty of establishing an original new guitar design that many otherwise talented builders abandon the effort altogether and simply re-create their own version of the Stratocaster, Jazzmaster or Les Paul. Contrary to this, Canadian luthier Tom Bartlett made a new classic in grand style a few years back when he teamed up with Kim LaFleur of Historic Makeovers and Swedish designer Magnus Melkersson to develop the Retrospec model [reviewed in GP, July 2014]. Previously known for his high-end, detail-perfect guitars created through fastidious research of original ’Bursts, Bartlett packaged the essential ingredients and proportions of a vintage-style Les Paul into the Retrospec’s uniquely stylized body and immediately won plaudits from players who normally wouldn’t touch anything but a guitar shaped exactly like the real thing.
Now Bartlett has ported the unique asymmetrical, rounded-dual-horned body and offset-peaked headstock shapes into the Retro Mk2. While retaining the general dimensions, electronics and neck feel of a good ’Burst, the new model changes up the formula with some wood substitutions and more playfully colorful top finishes to dress up a guitar that has no top flames to display.