Touch Guitars launches its first U8 series electric 8-string guitar

Based in Gütersloh, Germany, Touch Guitars is all set to launch its debut model in Autumn 2009. The U8 series high-end eight-string guitar has been developed by German touch-style instrumentalist-cum-instructing extraordinaire Markus Reuter — half of experimental rock duo Tuner (together with King Crimson’s Pat Mastelotto). Reuter called upon the talents of Austin, Texas-based master luthier Ed Reynolds to technically assist in making reality his long-held vision of creating an innovative instrument specifically for the two-handed-tapping technique of playing at which he excels. The U8 sets new standards by elegantly combining traditional guitar-building methods with proven performance practice with its carefully contoured and balanced body falling into the perfect playing position by design. Explains Reuter: “It was important for me that the U8 offers ideal features to both pros and beginners, and that its design is based on traditional values.” 12 months on from the initial prototype that yielded consistently high praise by both peers and audiences alike during Reuter’s extensive road-testing trips, commercial U8s are being hand-built to exacting standards in the USA (by Reynolds and his team in close collaboration with Reuter) and also a second European production facility (in Germany). U8 features include a 34-inch scale length mahogany body and optimised-shaped neck with precision five-bolt joint; ebony headstock veneer with mother of pearl inlay; ebony fretboard; through-body strings; Sperzel locking tuners; custom aluminium bridge and brass saddles; tilted custom Bartolini pickups designed for perfect default bass/treble balance; recessed controls, including pickup blend, three-band EQ with mid-band selector, and volume; tilted strap buttons (to keep the guitar belt straight on the body); and a specially designed upper horn to avoid bending the right wrist (or for resting the wrist upon during certain playing techniques). Available colour options are Gibson Red (as per Reuter’s original prototype), Sunburst (Dark Orange and Black), Sonic Blue, Sea Foam Green, and Fiesta Red - the latter three all being solid colours. Touch Guitars plans to offer a number of quality custom accessories, including gig bags. Touch Guitars will be launching its second model, the 10-string U10, in 2010.