The Fat Bottom Guitars Blog

Roger Sadowsky’s journey from a young New York repair tech to one of the most respected names in boutique guitar and bass building is a masterclass in craftsmanship and vision. Best known for his active Jazz Basses and refined Fender-style builds, Sadowsky bridged the gap between vintage tone and modern reliability—earning the trust of top-tier players like Marcus Miller, Will Lee, and Jim Hall. This post explores his career, design innovations, and lasting impact on the world of high-end instruments.

The Fender Telecaster’s early “dark circuit” wiring offered a radically different tone from what players know today — a bass-heavy, treble-rolled sound designed to mimic an electric bass. In this post, we explore the origins, functionality, and eventual evolution of this unique circuit, shedding light on a fascinating chapter in Telecaster history.

Once dismissed as one of Fender’s strangest finishes, the “Antigua” burst began as a clever workaround for flawed wood — but evolved into a cult classic. From Coronado roots to rare Strat and Tele releases, we explore how this polarising finish earned its place in Fender history.

Burns Guitars has carved out a bold and uniquely British place in electric guitar history. From the futuristic Flyte to the iconic Bison, Jim Burns’ designs blended innovation with flair—attracting legendary players like Hank Marvin and Brian May. This post explores the brand’s rollercoaster journey through decades of design, decline, and revival.

From pioneering the world’s first electric guitar to shaping the sound of The Beatles, Rickenbacker has carved a unique place in music history. This post traces the evolution of Rickenbacker instruments — including iconic models like the 325, 360/12, and 4001 — and celebrates the artists who brought their signature chime and punch to stages worldwide.

Alex Lifeson’s guitar journey mirrors the sonic evolution of Rush itself. From the soaring tones of his Gibson ES-355 in the 1970s to the modern edge of his custom Lerxst models, this deep dive explores the guitars that defined Lifeson’s progressive and ever-adventurous playing style.

From the revolutionary StingRay bass to cutting-edge signature guitars, Ernie Ball Music Man has shaped the sound of modern music. Explore the brand’s rich legacy, its most iconic models, and the legendary players who helped define its voice.

From humble beginnings at Rudy’s Music in NYC to crafting guitars for legends like Mark Knopfler and Mateus Asato, Suhr Guitars has become a benchmark for boutique quality, blending vintage feel with modern innovation. Discover the story behind the brand, its evolution, and the players who helped shape its legacy.

Nacho Guitars, led by Spanish luthier Ignacio “Nacho” Baños, has earned legendary status in the boutique guitar world for recreating vintage Fender-style guitars with jaw-dropping authenticity. From the famed Nachocaster to the newer Nachoburst line, these instruments are cherished by tone connoisseurs and pros like Julian Lage. This blog dives into the models, craftsmanship, and players that define Nacho’s legacy.