AXL Lucite Stratocaster c.1973

AXL Lucite Stratocaster c.1973

In New York around 1968, Ampeg manufactured some Dan Armstrong-designed guitars carved out of a strong transparent thermoplastic material known as Lucite. In the hands of Keith Richards and others these Lucite guitars, featuring Bill Lawrence pickups, attracted so much  attention that several replica versions of the concept emerged, including this example from AXL Guitars. Based in Hayward California, AXL specialised in assembling guitars from US and Japanese parts for the US market. Unlike the Ampeg original, this Plexiglas AXL has standard Strat features: 3 single coil pickups, one vol/two tone knobs, a 5-way switch and Strat bridge with tremolo system. The maple neck with Rosewood fretboard is a comfy 42mm nut width with full C profile, frets are 80% and the guitar plays well. However, the solid Plexiglas makes for a hefty 5.2kg (11lb) weight. This rare and eye catching see-thru Strat comes with a gig bag.