Gittler Instruments

Gittler Instruments is a company that manufactures and sells Gittler brand guitars, including a bass guitar and a violin model in production. The business is located at 150 Remington Blvd, Ronkonkoma, NY 11779, and can be reached via the toll-free number 1-888-GITTLER or the direct line 631-342-0685. They offer a Limited Lifetime Warranty for original purchasers who register within 30 days of buying a new instrument directly from them or an authorized dealer.

The Gittler Guitar features a central rod or 'spine' where the thumb glides up and down, a design inspired by classical and Flamenco guitarists. This unique structure allows players to center their thumb behind the first finger, enabling maximum finger technique and a natural playing feel. Some reviewers note that players who tend to clutch or drag their hand over the neck will have a small learning curve adapting to this method.

The instrument is constructed entirely from 6AL-4V aircraft grade Titanium, specifically a high purity Grade 23 alloy. This material is chosen for its high tensile strength, corrosion resistance, and the ability to transfer acoustic energy efficiently through its close-packed hexagonal grain structure. The titanium body weighs 42% less than steel while being notoriously difficult to machine, reflecting a no-compromise approach to the instrument's vision.

The guitar features a fretless design with 31 frets and includes an individual pickup for each string. Because there is no traditional fretboard, players rely on muscle memory developed through practice to avoid fingers falling between strings. This lack of a fretboard allows for greater freedom in bending strings downward and sideways, improving tactile command of pitch.

Gittler Instruments is currently in the final production phase for a Gittler bass guitar, offering both a standard electric 4-string (34″ scale) and a 5-string (35″ scale) model. Additionally, they are actively working on producing a violin model. For the bass, the EUB 4-string variant will feature a 40″ scale length, and interested buyers can be added to a waiting list by contacting the company.

The company claims their patented electronic design offers the best MIDI tracking currently available on the market, making it ideal for synth players. This electronic capability is the result of hundreds of hours of research and labor invested into the instrument's development. The website highlights that synth players love the Gittler Guitar specifically because of this superior MIDI tracking performance.

The Gittler Guitar is described as having a striking minimalist design with rounded cylindrical and ergonomic features. It contains 31 frets and is manufactured entirely of aircraft grade titanium. The website states that the instrument is designed to provide players with the utmost in versatility through this minimalistic aesthetic and construction.

The business has a Trustburn rating of 4.1 out of 5 based on 11 reviews posted between March 2022 and October 2023. The rating split includes multiple 5-star and 4-star reviews praising sound and craftsmanship, alongside a few 3-star reviews that also highlight positive attributes like unique design and tone. The most recent feedback comes from October 2023.

Reviewers frequently praise the exceptional sound quality, top-notch build quality, and the attention to detail in the craftsmanship. Many describe the instrument as a true work of art or a game-changer that exceeds expectations. The tone is often described as pure, rich, vibrant, and incredible, with playability noted as unmatched and superb.

The Gittler Guitar is marketed as suitable for classical and Flamenco guitarists due to its thumb-centering design, but it may require a small learning curve for those who typically clutch or drag their hand over the neck. It is also recommended for synth players who value superior MIDI tracking. The instrument appeals to musicians seeking a unique, minimalist design with high versatility.

To validate the Limited Lifetime Warranty, customers must complete the registration form within thirty days of purchase or register online at www.gittlerinstruments.com. Proof of purchase, such as the original sales receipt or e-mailed order confirmation, must be retained. The warranty covers defects in materials and workmanship for the life of the original owner if used under normal operating conditions.

The warranty is not transferable and applies only to instruments purchased as new from an authorized Gittler dealer or directly from the factory. Items not covered include those purchased second-hand, customized by unauthorized parties, or those with missing or altered serial numbers. Normal wear and tear, damage from misuse, and subjective tonal issues are also excluded from coverage.

Gittler Instruments states that the instrument is designed to be a part of the player, feeling natural and substantial despite its minimalist appearance. The central spine allows the thumb to glide automatically, facilitating a legitimate classical position. The company believes the advantages of this positioning outweigh the small effort required to adapt to the instrument.

The company references President Kennedy's 1962 speech in Houston, TX, to illustrate their philosophy of choosing a difficult material because it was the only choice for their vision. They selected Grade 23 Titanium for its superior damage tolerance and strength-to-density ratio. This challenging material choice reflects their commitment to a no-compromise approach in realizing their vision for the instrument.

You can reach Gittler Instruments by e-mail at [email protected].