STEVE KLEIN – Interview Date: April 29, 2007

Steve Klein is a guitar luthier’s luthier! As a pioneer and innovator in the methods and tools of guitar building and designer, Steve has maintained focus on the elements of his craft which has driven his passion since he was a teenager. He refers to his guitars as “friends” and looks after them as such, respecting the unique sound each of them produces. As a designer Steve has given us electric guitars and even acoustic basses which he co-created with Bob Taylor. Over the years he has shared his ideas and methods with new generations of luthiers. He is always looking forward to how he can help improve the quality of handmade guitars and thus continue the tradition. The mentor approach to luthier is nothing new; in fact, it is that tradition which Steve seems happy to continue”.

A picture of a man playing the guitar

STEVE KAUFFMAN PARLOR GUITAR

Guitar: 2015 Steve Kauffman Parlor

Review by: Teja Gerken

A stunning small-body steel-string with innovative high-tech construction and great sound.

August 03, 2015

LARRY ROBINSON INLAY ARTIST

Dream Guitars Interview with Inlay Artist Larry Robinson

Published on Jul 21, 2015

Paul Heumiller of Dream Guitars interviews Inlay Artist Larry Robinson at the 2015 Memphis Acoustic Guitar Festival.

1976 KLEIN L45.7 BRAZILIAN/SPRUCE

Published on Feb 29, 2016

This is one of the earliest Klein guitars I’ve played. It has the characteristic big bass and focused trebles his guitars are known for and it’s very stripped down and simply decorated. A classic for sure. I don’t know of any other maker whose bass notes are so fundamentally sonorous and total as Klein’s. Even with light-gage strings, this guitar has such depth of tone that it feels like my ear is pressed up against the top; it vibrates through me.

2003 KLEIN M-43 CUTAWAY EAST INDIAN/SPRUCE

Published on Feb 29, 2016

A great example of the Klein aesthetic with the addition of a cutaway. This is one of the better ones I’ve played. You can speak any guitar language with this M43–Jazz, Blues, Fingerstyle, Percussive Taps–and the result is mesmerizing. I wish there were more builders today like Steve.

2003 KLEIN DECO 426 BRAZILIAN/SITKA

Published on Sep 22, 2015

A classic Klein instrument with huge low end and balanced mids and highs. In all the world, there are only five guitars like this 2003 Deco from Steve Klein, Steve Kauffman, and Paul Schmidt. Of those five, this is the second to come through our doors. It’s an honor to have the good fortune of offering another of these intensely unique and exuberantly voiced guitars in the shop. When you play a tune on this guitar, it becomes a total-body experience: the tone will vibrate right through you. Sadly, Steve is no longer practicing lutherie, but his legend lives on in originality of his designs and the innovations that make this Deco such a visually and acoustically distinctive instrument.

1997 KLEIN M-43 INDIAN/SITKA

Published on Dec 9, 2014

One of the better Kleins I’ve played. It’s beautifully designed and extremely clear in its tone. This guitar has something really special. I expected a huge, booming voice, but instead it’s clear with a brightness and strong midrange that really make it stand out. This is a great guitar for cutting through a mix, or playing fingerstyle pieces where you want extreme clarity and expression. I have always loved the Klein neck shape, it feels more like an electric guitar

2000 KLEIN M-43 INDIAN/SITKA CALTON & HIGHLANDER

Published on Apr 21, 2014

One of the better Kleins I’ve played. It’s beautifully designed and extremely clear in its tone. This guitar has something really special. I expected a huge, booming voice, but instead it’s clear with a brightness and strong midrange that really make it stand out. This is a great guitar for cutting through a mix, or playing fingerstyle pieces where you want extremely clarity and expression. I have always loved the Klein neck shape, it feels more like an electric guitar

2004 KLEIN DECO BRAZILIAN/SITKA #1 OF 5

Published on Dec 5, 2013

A real museum piece if I ever saw one. It’s like holding a piece of history An original voice. This is an instrument full of character from shape to sound. The clarity and power of each individual string is extraordinary as is the sustain. One strum and you are hooked. The bass response is superb, rivaling some of the Baritones we sell, but they blend beautifully with the shimmering treble strings. The Deco is a versatile guitar that enjoys being strummed or fingerpicked. You won’t find finer craftsmanship or more exhilarating design ideas. We are thrilled to offer this part of guitar history and we are including a copy of the book ‘Art That Sings, the life and times of luthier Steve Klein’. This is special

1996 KLEIN L-45.7 BRAZILIAN/SPRUCE OWNED BY ANDY SUMMERS

Published on Dec 5, 2013

Klein guitars are as much a work of art as they are a musical instrument. This one is no exception. From its mother of pearl stylized nut to the Klein designed fan bridge, it’s just unlike any other guitar out there. And it’s pretty cool to be able to play a guitar that was custom made for Andy Summers of The Police. It’s a true joy to hold and play this Klein guitar knowing it belonged to Andy Summers of the Police, a guitarist I have spent many hours listening to. This Klein is the slightly smaller L-45.7 body with a WEDGE design and I love the way it performs, energetic and balanced. The Klein sound is very unique and makes this a perfect instrument for those with many guitars. Unless you already own a Klein, nothing in your arsenal sounds like this. Treat yourself to something original and beautiful.

2001 KLEIN M-43 INDIAN/SITKA

Published on Dec 3, 2013

This is the best sounding Klein I’ve played to date. It’s also beautiful to behold. What a guitar! The voice is truly complex and big, I love it. Few guitars have the kind of power that the trebles do on this one. Whether I strum or fingerpick it sounds glorious. I’m a big fan of Klein neck, they have a feel that is very comfortable and they always play accurately and easily. Steve Klein only made a few M.43 models, so this is a rare treat

2010 KLEIN INSPIRED 12 STRING MAHOGANY/SPRUCE

Published on Dec 3, 2013

One for the collectors, this instrument is unique in so many ways and is a real art piece. This is a very special 12 string. The best 12s have large bodies and this one, at 17.5″” makes for a wondrous voice. The Klein design, crafted by Jason Harshbarger, creates a beautifully unique voice that is clear and resonant. This is a great 12 for single lines and Celtic pieces and would make a great color for recordings as well. Collectible indeed, but very playable and enjoyable as well…

2010 KLEIN INSPIRED PINK IVORY MOON PINK IVORY/SPRUCE

Published on Dec 3, 2013

I love the design features on this guitar. The woods and inlays are really special and it would be great in a collection of true art pieces. The tone is typical of the Klein sound and lends itself to a variety of styles. Paul Schmidt is himself a true artist with a unique sense of design and true appreciation for the art of guitar making. In this Pink Ivory Moon project, he was inspired by a finished top by his friend Steve Klein and then enlisted an array of fine luthiers and craftsmen to create a wondrous instrument that he himself has played on stage. The amount of work and rare materials in this guitar is mind boggling and it really is special. The voice has the thunderous bass Klein is known for and crisp clean highs as well. I love the feel of the Rosewood neck and it plays itself thanks to the zero fret and great setup. Pink Ivory wood, real Silver and real Ivory combine for a work of art that does indeed sing…

NOUVEAU SERIES GUITARS

Published on Mar 27, 2012

Paul Schmidt speaks about the creation of the Nouveau Series Guitars.

RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS – ROAD TRIPPIN’ [Official Music Video]

Uploaded on Oct 26, 2009

© 2006 WMG

Instrument: AB-1

Bassist: Flea

Song: “Road Trippin'” by Red Hot Chili Peppers from ‘Californication,’ available now.

HENRY KAISER

Henry Kaiser describes and demonstrates his signature looping technique, using square-wave modulation, originally devised in the 1970s.
Instrument: Swamp Angel Prototype 2×4 Headstock SK Series
Song/Title: Square Wave Modulation of Clock Rate of Long Delay Times

A video on Joni Mitchell plays I Ching

JONI MITCHELL PLAYS I CHING

Instrument: Acoustic Guitar

Song: Come In From The Cold from the album Night Ride Home [1991]

CODERED LIVE @ CONSTABLE JACKS

Guitarist: JOHN MORRIS

Instrument: MK GUITAR

Song: Come To Me

THE LONELY WILD

Instrument: Acoustic Bass AB-1

Song, “Everything You Need”

GREAT WHITE BUFFALO

Song: “Teeth”

Instrument: Acoustic Bass AB-3

Palettetar – Designed by Steve Klein

DAVID TORN, MICK KARN

MITCH MALLOY, OUR LOVE WILL NEVER DIE The Tonight Show with Jay Leno

Featuring Lee Sklar on K-Bass:

STING & DOMINIC MILLER – ‘SHAPE OF MY HEART’ ON THE UK JONATHAN ROSS TV SHOW –

Featuring Sting on Acoustic Bass.

DEEPENING / A (TAIGA MOTOYOSHI QUARTET) 2011.12.17, LIVE AT POCOTAN IN TOKYO

Featuring Taiga Motoyoshi on guitar: Composed by TaigaMotoyoshi

CODERED LIVE @ CONSTABLE JACKS – Home Tonight – Featuring John Morris on MK250

AHMAD MANSOUR TRIO, GENEVA 2006 Modern Jazz Trio – “Free Speech” Concept

Featuring Stomu Takeishi on bass

SCOTT STENTEN KLEIN DOUBLENECK GUITAR EuropaFeaturing Scott Stenten

KISO KLEIN OMK-1 www.guitargallery.com Featuring Lance Allen

http://www.guitargal.com/content/kiso-klein-guitar

ANDY SUMMERS S-39.6 – Featuring from www.guitargallery.com

http://www.guitargal.com/content/steve-klein-guitar-model-s-39-6

1996 KLEIN L-45.7

http://www.dreamguitars.com/detail/2024-klein_s4_048/

2010 FERN 12-STRINGS Featuring Al Petteway from www.dreamguitars.com

http://www.dreamguitars.com/detail/3259-klein_12_string_3312013/

2010 PINK IVORY MOONFeaturing Al Petteway from www.dreamguitars.com

http://www.dreamguitars.com/detail/3260-klein_pink_ivory_moon_2010/

2004 KLEIN DECO – Custom Limited EditionFeaturing AlPetteway from www.dreamguitars.com

http://www.dreamguitars.com/detail/1446-klein_deco_426/

MEETING GUITAR MAKER STEVE KLEIN:

Amy Wigton Published on Jun 21, 2013

Steve Klein brought some very unique guitars to a recent show of mine. One was a one of a kind individual and so was his self-tuning acoustic guitar called a Transperformance Performer”.