The Duane Denison Chessie stands as a testament to innovation and bespoke craftsmanship within the realm of electrical guitar companies. Born from a collaboration between master luthiers and the renowned guitarist Duane Denison, celebrated for his work with The Jesus Lizard and Tomahawk, this instrument is far more than just a guitar; it’s a meticulously engineered tool designed to meet the exacting demands of a singular musical voice. The core philosophy behind the Chessie was to create an instrument that was both exceptionally lightweight and sonically resonant, leading to a groundbreaking design centered around an all-aluminum construction.
One of the most striking features of the Chessie is its commitment to lightweight design. Weighing in at under 8.5 pounds, every element of this guitar was carefully considered to minimize weight without sacrificing structural integrity or tonal richness. This pursuit of lightness is immediately apparent in the revolutionary “Denison” neck. Kevin, the visionary behind this design, engineered a two-piece aluminum neck where the majority of the material is expertly channeled out and then capped with another aluminum piece. This ingenious method not only dramatically reduces the neck’s weight but also imbues it with incredible strength and a unique resonant quality. The Denison neck boasts substantial dimensions, measuring 1.75 inches wide at the nut and 2.25 inches at the 22nd fret, with a thickness of .75 inches at the nut and .85 inches at the 20th fret, providing a substantial feel while remaining remarkably light.
The body of the Chessie continues this theme of innovative design. Duane Denison himself conceived the symmetrical double cutaway body shape, further enhancing playability and balance. Distinctive “cat eye” F-holes are incorporated, contributing to the guitar’s airy resonance and unique aesthetic. An off-the-body 3-ply black pickguard adds a touch of classic visual appeal while protecting the guitar’s finish. The choice of Gibson Burstbucker pickups ensures a powerful and articulate tone, offering a wide sonic palette controlled by independent volume and tone knobs and a versatile 3-way switch. A 3-degree neck angle further optimizes playability and string response. The inclusion of a Schaller roller bridge paired with a Bigsby B-5 Tremolo system provides expressive vibrato capabilities, adding another layer of sonic texture to this exceptional instrument. It is worth noting for left-handed players that due to the increased complexity of incorporating a left-handed Bigsby, this model carries a slightly higher price for left-handed configurations.
Available in a polished finish or a selection of powder coat colors, the Duane Denison Chessie allows for personal expression in aesthetics as well as sound. The combination of its lightweight nature and resonant F-hole body gives this guitar an exceptional level of projection and a distinctive voice that sets it apart. Starting at a price of $3,200.00, the Duane Denison Chessie represents a significant investment in a truly unique and meticulously crafted instrument, showcasing the pinnacle of design and engineering from a forward-thinking Electrical Guitar Company.
