The Fat Bottom Guitars Blog

From vintage Hawaiian acoustics to some of the most prestigious custom-built electric guitars ever produced, koa has earned its place amongst the world’s most desirable tonewoods. Renowned for its stunning figured grain, rich golden hues and distinctive tonal character, Hawaiian koa offers a unique blend of beauty, rarity and musicality. In this article, we explore the history of koa in guitar building, its tonal properties and why it continues to be one of the most sought-after woods in the modern guitar world.

Kluson may not be as famous as Gibson or Fender, but its tuning machines helped define the golden age of guitar manufacturing. Explore the history of the company whose hardware appeared on countless vintage classics, from Les Pauls and Stratocasters to Martins and Rickenbackers.

Robben Ford’s tone is one of the most celebrated in modern guitar history. From vintage Fender Telecasters and Gibson semi-hollows to his legendary relationship with Dumble amplifiers, Ford has spent decades refining a sound that blends blues, jazz and fusion with remarkable sophistication. In this article, we explore the guitars, amps, pedals and studio techniques that helped shape the unmistakable voice of one of guitar’s greatest players.

Jimmy Bryant was one of the first true electric guitar virtuosos, combining lightning-fast technique with groundbreaking Fender tone in the early 1950s. From traditional archtops to pioneering Fender Broadcasters and Telecasters, Bryant’s guitars played a vital role in shaping the sound of modern country and electric guitar music.

From Leo Fender’s post-Fender innovations to iconic artist collaborations with players like Eddie Van Halen, John Petrucci, and Steve Lukather, Music Man guitars have become synonymous with premium craftsmanship and forward-thinking design. In this article, we explore the history of Music Man guitars, their groundbreaking features, and the lasting impact they’ve had on modern electric guitar design.

From the legendary Mark I to the modern Mark VII, discover the history of Mesa/Boogie’s iconic Mark Series amplifiers, the famous guitarists who made them legendary, and the albums that defined generations of guitar tone.

The Gibson Les Paul Deluxe became one of the defining guitars of the 1970s thanks to its unique mini-humbucker tone, Norlin-era styling, and legendary players such as Pete Townshend, Scott Gorham, and Ace Frehley. In this article, we explore the origins, evolution, and lasting legacy of one of Gibson’s most underrated and characterful electric guitars.

First introduced in 1960, the Fender Jazz Bass quickly became one of the most influential electric basses in music history. With its slim neck, offset body, and versatile dual-pickup design, the Jazz Bass helped shape the sound of jazz, funk, rock, fusion, and beyond. In this article, we explore the origins, evolution, famous players, and enduring legacy of Fender’s iconic low-end masterpiece.

From vintage semi-hollow electrics to highly advanced custom instruments, Bob Weir’s guitar collection reflects a lifetime of musical experimentation and innovation. In this article, we explore the guitars that shaped Weir’s unique rhythm style and helped define the sound of the Grateful Dead across six decades of live performance and improvisation.