Montreux | Tausch Guitars
– The world’s first Oversized T-style guitars have seen the light of day. And the light is shining beautiful and bright.
Rainer Tausch, hailing from the beautiful region of Bavaria in Germany, is not just a luthier but a true mastermind when it comes to crafting exquisite guitars. With a career spanning an impressive 25 years, Rainer has honed his skills and expertise to become a highly respected figure in the world of guitar craftsmanship. His creations, proudly bearing the name Tausch Guitars, are a testament to his dedication, passion, and unwavering commitment to producing instruments of exceptional quality.
Drawing inspiration from the rich legacy of classic guitar designs, Rainer infuses his creations with a touch of contemporary innovation, resulting in instruments that seamlessly blend tradition and modernity. His extensive experience has allowed him to master the art of crafting guitars in the iconic styles of S, T, and LP, paying homage to the time-honored forms that have shaped the guitar landscape for generations. However, Rainer’s brilliance lies in his ability to elevate these classic designs with his own unique enhancements and refinements, offering players a fresh and exciting take on beloved instrument archetypes.
Recently, in the month of December, Rainer generously sent us one of his latest creations—the breathtaking Montreux model—for us to thoroughly examine and experience. This particular guitar exemplifies the craftsmanship and attention to detail that has become synonymous with Tausch Guitars. From the moment we laid eyes on it, we were captivated by its stunning aesthetics and undeniable allure.
The Montreux model, like all of Rainer’s instruments, showcases his unwavering commitment to quality. The selection of tonewoods used in its construction is nothing short of exceptional. The body, meticulously carved and flawlessly contoured, provides a foundation for the guitar’s sonic character. The choice of top-quality tonewoods ensures that the instrument resonates with remarkable clarity, warmth, and sustain, captivating players and listeners alike.
In addition to its impeccable construction, the Montreux model boasts a host of innovative features that set it apart from its counterparts. Rainer’s keen eye for detail and relentless pursuit of perfection are evident in every aspect of this guitar’s design. From the smooth and comfortable neck profile to the expertly crafted fretwork, each element has been carefully considered to enhance playability and facilitate effortless expression.
The electronics of the Montreux model are a testament to Rainer’s commitment to providing players with a versatile and inspiring sonic palette. Meticulously chosen pickups, thoughtfully wired controls, and superior wiring harnesses work harmoniously to deliver a range of tones that are both dynamic and expressive. Whether you crave searing leads, punchy rhythms, or sparkling cleans, the Montreux model is capable of delivering a remarkable array of sounds, allowing players to effortlessly explore their musical horizons.
Having had the privilege of experiencing the Montreux model firsthand, we can confidently attest to the exceptional craftsmanship and artistry that define Tausch Guitars. Rainer’s unwavering dedication to his craft shines through in every aspect of this instrument, and it is clear that he pours his heart and soul into each guitar he creates. From the flawless finishes to the impeccable attention to detail, it is evident that Rainer’s passion for his work is the driving force behind Tausch Guitars’ reputation for excellence.
In conclusion, Rainer Tausch stands as a true luminary in the world of guitar craftsmanship. With his profound understanding of classic guitar designs and his innovative approach to incorporating modern features, he has carved a niche for himself as a builder of exceptional instruments. The Montreux model, a testament to Rainer’s ingenuity and skill, showcases the pinnacle of his craftsmanship, captivating players and collectors alike. Tausch Guitars is a name that resonates with quality, innovation, and a deep-rooted love for the art of guitar making.
.
See the demo by Henrik & Nicolai from V&R below. The guitar is also for sale by Rainer Tausch through his V&R Shop here
.
.
The Montreux model can best be described as an oversized T-style equipped with humbucker pickups from Häussel Pickups and finished in a two-tone sunburst reminiscent of the late ’50s and early 60´s sunburst Gibson finish. We think the choice of the two-tone Tobacco finish looks beautiful on this guitar. Upsizing the classic Tele shape is a great idea, and we found it to also works great ergonomically.
.
From a built quality perspective, it is top-notch, and we can’t say anything other than superb!
.
The hardware is of the highest quality, pickups sound stellar, and the general feel is wonderful. The little details make a lot of difference. For instance, the Häussel pickups screw in through the top of the pickup like a P-90, getting rid of the need for tabs on either side of the humbuckers and giving the guitar an overall cleaner look than regular humbucker mounting methods. The headstock is slightly oversized along with the body, giving you that little bit of extra mass for more string-energy transfer and sustain. The Montreux has Trim Lok tuners, another concession to modern standards.
.
.
From a player’s perspective, we found it a very inspiring guitar to play, and “play” is the operative word here. It instantly gave us the confidence to play freely, both using a pick and fingers in the right hand, and in both cases, we found it to be a very responsive instrument with great sustain and superb tone. The Tauschbuckers are a calibrated ‘slightly hotter than vintage’ set with the bridge pickup just a hair more powerful than the neck and asymmetrical coils in each. (If you’re unfamiliar with this term, it’s when a humbucking pickup is made with two different coils rather than two identical ones, and the result is usually a more nuanced sound, often with more focus on specific frequencies as the characteristics of each coil contribute to the overall tone).
.
The 12” fingerboard radius is flatter than a traditional Telecaster, giving you more freedom to bend strings and dance across the fretboard, while the neck is a comfortable C-Profile.
.
The Montreux feels smooth, and the body, even though more extensive than a regular Telecaster, feels comfortable because of its thinner profile and ergonomic contours.
.
It’s a blues machine, it’s a fusion player, it’s a rock’n’roll devil, and perhaps even a heavy monster. In other words, it’s a very versatile guitar, built with a focus on superb quality and intriguing looks.
We will with no doubt recommend this to anyone who’s looking for a Tele-type guitar with a significant twist.
.
Montreux specs
Neck: Maple | Fretboard: PlumwoodNut: Bone | Radius: “12.” | Tuners: Sperzel Trim Lok | The shape of Neck: C-Profile | Neck Width: Nut 42mm / 12th 51,5mm | Neck Thickness: 1st 21,6mm; 12th 23,6mm Frets: 22 Medium Jumbo (Wagner No. 9684) | Scale: 648mm / 25.5 Inch | Core: Chestnut | Finish: Tobacco Burst / Polyurethane | Pickups: Set Häussel “Tauschbucker” Neck 9KOhm(5,54k Ohm + 3,46k Ohm) / Bridge 10,7k Ohm(6,43k Ohm + 4,27k Ohm) Controls: 2x Volume, 2x Tone (Push-Pull), 3-way Toggle Switch | Bridge: T-Tune Bridge / short Version with String Compensated Brass Saddles Hardware: Nickel/aged | Weight: 3,9 kg | Lefthand Option: Yes | Price: € 4000.- incl. German VAT 19%.
.
This guitar is for sale by Tausch Guitars on V&R here
.
.
The Montreux was also used in a recent video for a demo of the PlexiRanger pedal by Carl Martin.
.
.
Written by our buddy, Peter Hodgson, from Iheartguitar and Nicolai & Henrik from V&R
V&R on social media:
YouTube
.
