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Discover the enchanting balance between age-old techniques and modern creativity. Christopher Bonham Guitars stand as living testaments to the enduring beauty of tradition while embracing the future of artistic expression.
MEET THE MAKER
Chris is a woodworking Master Craftsman who graduated from Sturt School for Wood in 1996 and went on to complete the French Polishing Trade. As an emerging artist of unique timber instruments, Chris now incorporates his experience and passion in fine woodworking and disappearing French polishing techniques into his bespoke electric guitars. Using rare and exotic reclaimed timbers and veneers from antique pianos and local historic buildings, Chris brings together his passion for unique one-off guitars which are breathtaking to look at, sensuous to hold and captivating to play.
Chris grew up in a musical family surrounded by a father and friends who all played guitars, before having his first guitar lesson at eight years old. With an appreciation of not only guitar sound but the beauty of the instrument itself, Chris restored his first vintage guitar at age fifteen. Now a master craftsman and luthier, Chris’ work preserves the rare and disappearing skills of woodworking and French polishing.
A DAY WITH BRETT KINGMAN
Professional Guitarist and YouTube Pioneer.
Since Starting his career at the age of 12, Brett has toured the world working & recording with such Australian icons as James Reyne, Daryl Braithwaithe, Ross Wilson, Renee Geyer, Jenny Morris and shared the stage with the likes of Tina Turner and Robert Palmer, just to name a few.
When he was keen to try out our guitars we jumped at the chance and this is the ‘short’ version of the morning spend jamming and chatting with the man himself.
Watch the ‘long’ version here:
Brett Kingman - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Dctvd1ZaVmM
'When Brett Kingman himself plays and reviews your guitars, it's a great day' - Chris Bonham
EMILY
Unleash dirty Texan hot-rod blues with this one-of-a-kind T Style guitar.
Crafted from my great-grandmother’s (Emily) kitchen door, it proudly wears its original green paint - a true piece of history.
The neck made from a 140-year-old piano, delivers a warm resonant character, while the aged hardware and a 50's style single bridge humbucker captures that classic vibe.
Hand shaped copper bridge, control and scratch plates finish the look, every detail using the Bonham hand method.
This guitar is as storied and soulful as the legend who inspired it.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
Imagine holding a bass guitar crafted from Douglas Fir harvested in 1850.
The maker has preserved the timeworn markings, proudly showcasing the nail holes and wear marks, each one a testament to the woods storied past and character, giving it a unique look that can never be reproduced.
The body of this instrument, shaped from such a timeworn timber, carries a unique resonance that only age can bring.
The centuries-old wood, seasoned and stable, vibrates with a richness and depth that modern materials often fail to replicate.
The neck, meticulously quarter-sawn, offers superior stability and a consistent grain that enhances the instruments sustain and playability.
Equipped with handwound Bonham Galaxie vintage style Bass pickups, giving it that classic 50's warm, punchy and full bodied rich tone. Handcrafted using the same methods that defined the golden era of electric basses, this Douglas Fir bass is not just an instrument—it’s a piece of living history, resonating with a tone that’s as deep and soulful as the wood itself.
NO. 14 - BASS
SLOANE STREET ‘S’
A vintage S Type masterpiece forged from Old Growth Douglas Fir salvaged from the demolition site of a 125 year old home in Goulburn NSW. With a hand applied shellac finish that highlights its natural grain, this instrument is the storied sibling to it’s T Style counterpart, both sharing the same treasured timber.
It boasts Alnico 3 Pickups in neck and middle position for for warm soulful tones and a Alnico 5 in the bridge for that extra punch - all meticulously chosen to deliver a dynamic vintage sound.
A heartfelt tribute to a legendary S Type player who's innovative spirit redefine rock.
The Douglas Fir legacy encapsulated timeless craftmanship and raw musical energy for those who crave classic rocks enduring magic.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
THE REDBACK
Crafted from reclaimed old-growth fir with a stunning fiddleback red gum droptop sourced from a specialist saw mill in Southern NSW. This guitar embodies vintage soul and artisan craftmanship.
The seasoned Australian scented rosewood neck timber has been with the maker for over 30 years, awaiting that special project. The camphor laurel fretboard offers rich resonance and smooth playability.
Inspired by the LP Junior, it features hand wound vintage P90 pickups and a vintage style tailpiece for raw dynamic tone.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
ALBERT FAHR ‘S’
This one-of-a-kind instrument started life as an Albert Fahr upright Piano Circa 1880. A stalwart of Zeitz Germany, where Fahr’s finely crafted piano’s once graced imperial courts with their robust tone and impeccable design.
Now, reborn as an up-cycled electric guitar it melds vintage German precision with rock ‘n’ roll flair.
The front features Burr Walnut veneer and the back Walnut veneer. The brass piano brand is inlayed as a nod to Albert Fahr. The maker has restored the original French Polish which finishes the guitar body and retains the original patina of the piano.
Turning a piece of musical history into a bold statement of innovation.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
ALBERT FAHR ‘T’
The sister instrument to the Albert Fahr ‘S’ - a striking T Style guitar sharing a storied lineage with it's upcycled counterpart.
Both instruments were made from the same Albert Fahr upright piano from Zeitz, Germany, and stand as siblings in musical innovation.
While one channels vintage German precision with a bold rock ‘n’ roll spirit , the T style delivers a modern twist on classic craftmanship.
Together, they harmonise’ a rich heritage with contemporary sound, proving that history and innovation can truly be family.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
A stunning vintage electric built in a classic T Style design. Crafted from Black Ash Timber salvaged from the case of a 1900 Princeton Pianola. It’s slim thin line body melds historic character with modern playability.
The yellow pine fretboard displays the “823” stamp from the pianola - a unique signature of it storied origin. Hand wound Alnico 3 pickups deliver an unmistakable aged vintage tone that echoes the raw soul of rock ‘n’ roll.
Completing this masterpiece are meticulously hand-crafted Bonham style components - a brass bridge, scratch plate and control plate.
As the sister instrument to two other rare guitars born of the same pianola, the Gracie thin line stands as a tribute to heritage, innovative craftsmanship and the untamed spirit of rock.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
GRACIE - PIANOCASTER
FUSHION
Introducing a one-of-a-kind left-handed T-style guitar that’s a true fusion of musical history and artisan craftsmanship.
The neck and fretboard are expertly fashioned from the back beam of a Albert Fahr upright piano circa 1880, infusing the instrument with a rich storied character.
Its body is carved from old growth Douglas Fir salvaged from a Goulburn NSW building site. Its natural resonance and rugged charm perfectly complementing the vintage vibe.
Unique fret markers repurposed from ebony piano keys add an elegant nod to it’s piano heritage. Vintage hand wound Alnico 5 pickups in both the neck and bridge delivering warm, articulate tones.
The hand applied orange shellac finishes the instrument beautifully.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
HAWTHORN
This junior style electric guitar began life as a Gors & Kallmann upright piano, handcrafted in Berlin around 1890 collected from a Family in Hawthorn Melbourne. Over a century later, its richly aged timber - seasoned by time and music - was salvaged and reborn into a strikingly resonant instrument.
The timber and veneer from the piano’s case retains a visual and tonal depth that only decades of vibration and patina can produce.
With a stripped-back single-pickup design echoing the raw simplicity of the original style, the guitar channels the soul of its past into every note.
It’s not just an instrument; it’s a reincarnation - one that sings with the ghosts of sonatas and symphonies, now reimagined in gritty blues and electric howl.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
COLE STREET
The "Cole Street" Guitar is a masterpiece that transcends time. Crafted from the reclaimed Old Growth Fir beam discovered in a horse stable's roof, dating back to 1882, this guitar's story is etched into every fibre of its being.
The body shape draws inspiration from the legendary Mike Bloomfield's iconic modified '63 Telecaster, evoking an era of musical innovation. It's not just a guitar; it's a portal to the past, a tribute to craftsmanship and sound.
The Old Growth Fir, long seasoned in the embrace of time, bestows upon each note a resonance that only decades of maturation can impart.
The finish speaks of age, a testament to the timber's journey through time. The echoes of history are visible in the nail holes, the whispers of wear and tear, all embraced as part of this guitar's soul. "Heritage Resonance" isn't just an instrument; it's a conversation between the past and the present, between wood and melody. Discover the harmonious blend of vintage aesthetics and timeless sound. "Cole Street" celebrates the legacy of Old Growth Fir, the echoes of 1882, and the music that unites generations. Prepare to be swept away as you play a melody that reverberates with history and sings with your touch.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
CHARLES
“Charles", a masterpiece that pays homage to a great-grandfather's legacy, entwining history with harmonies. Inspired by the remarkable journey of a bricklayer who wandered among building sites, this instrument echoes with the soulful tales of generations past.
The heart of "Charles" carries a piece of history the neck; crafted from a recycled Kauri pine board once part of an aged staircase. This very timber that witnessed the travels of the great-grandfather now resonates with melodies that bridge the ages. Radiating with a 1920's aura, this Kauri pine establishes a tangible link to the past.
The body, fashioned from old growth fir sourced from the same workbench, stands as a testament to the passage of time. Proudly displaying the marks of wear and the faint imprints of ancient insect life, it embraces its history with poise.
Aged finish adorns "Charles”, showcasing the French polishing finesse mastered by the maker. The hardware, intentionally aged, mimics the delicate aging process of metal components in the furniture of yesteryear's. This guitar isn't just an instrument—it's a time capsule of age-old techniques, a reverberation of heritage, a masterpiece of legacy.
Elevate your musical voyage with “Charles", an embodiment of history and craftsmanship. Let its chords transport you through eras gone by and awaken melodies that pay tribute to a great-grandfather's journey. In every note, rediscover the essence of a harmonious past.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
THE 823 - PIANOCASTER
"The 823" Guitar, a masterpiece woven from the storied legacy of the Princeton Piano Company of New York. This instrument carries the whispers of a pianola that traversed eras, now resounding with new melodies. Elegance meets craftsmanship as "The 823" Guitar is crafted from the very essence of a cherished pianola. Acquired second hand by the makers grandmother in the late 1930s, this instrument holds the essence of the Princeton Pianola Company's artistry, dating back to around 1910—a testament to enduring quality.
The body, a fusion of solid old growth fir, resonates with the warmth of a century's stories. Adorning the front, sides, and back, the Birds Eye Maple Veneer was once concealed within the pianola's case and was stamped by the manufacturer with the numbers 8 2 3. Every note is a tribute to the piano's rich history, infused with echoes of a bygone age. The headstock, proudly dressed in Birds Eye Maple Veneer, bears witness to the piano's grandeur. The new AAAA Birds Eye Maple neck, graced the instrument with a South American Pau Ferro fretboard.
"The 823" Guitar isn't merely an instrument; it's a bridge to history's harmonies. The old timber, seasoned by years, delivers resonances that captivate the soul. The aged finish and hardware carry the torch of authenticity, allowing "The 823" to sing.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
THE PRINCETON - PIANOCASTER
Brother of “The 823" Guitar, "The Princeton" Guitar stands as a resonant and heartfelt tribute to the past. "The Princeton" is not just a brother; it's a kindred spirit, sharing the same lineage with its predecessor. Born from the same wellspring of the revered Princeton Piano Company, it seamlessly continues the legacy. As with "The 823," the timber and veneer are sourced from the same pianola, creating an authentic connection that's both inspiring and enchanting.
Crafted from old growth fir, "The Princeton" retains the warmth and depth that defines its heritage. However, the veneer on the front, sides, and back distinguishes it with its mahogany richness—a nod to the elegance that characterized pianolas of its era. The neck's American Black Ash construction and the spruce fingerboard, reminiscent of the pianola's soundboard, contribute to its unique personality. The meticulous aged lacquer enhances its vintage appeal. But perhaps the most remarkable quality is its resonance. Just like its sibling, "The Princeton" reverberates with a quality that only aged instrument timber can deliver, producing melodies that truly move the heart. What strikes me most is "The Princeton's" dedication to preserving history, craftsmanship, and sustainability. By adopting the legacy of the Princeton Piano, it transforms into more than a guitar—it's a living testament to the past, a melody that unites history and the present. For those who value the harmonious blend of heritage and innovation, "The Princeton" offers a heartfelt invitation to be a part of a timeless journey.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
THE STABLE
"The Stable" Guitar has been a journey into musical history, where every note plucked resonates with a legacy that spans centuries. Crafted from an Old Growth Fir beam that once crowned the roof of an 1882 horse stable, this instrument weaves melodies from the fabric of time itself. The standout feature of "The Stable" is the unity of its body, neck, and fingerboard, all originating from the same venerable fir beam. This singular source of material lends a remarkable resonance to each chord played, evoking a symphony of heritage that carries echoes from ages past.
Housing a single bridge pickup equipped with Alnico 3 magnets for a mellower sound. "The Stable" delivers clean tones that evoke nostalgia. The hand-applied Blonde Shellac finish pays homage to age-old craftsmanship, while the meticulously hand-cut control plate and scratch plate add an artisanal touch.
Playing "The Stable" is akin to beckoning melodies from bygone eras. Its nuanced tones invite musicians to explore their compositions with a sense of history and depth. This guitar isn't just an instrument; it's a connection to the past, a tribute to enduring materials, and a testament to skilled hands. In an era where mass-produced instruments are the norm, "The Stable" Guitar stands as an emblem of uniqueness and tradition. It carries the spirit of the stable it was born from, resonating with the power to bridge generations through music. For those who value heritage and craftsmanship, "The Stable" is a treasure trove of sound waiting to be explored.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
SLOANE STREET
The "Sloane Street" Guitar has been nothing short of enchanting, a journey into the past where echoes of the 1920s come to life. Crafted from timber salvaged from a home undergoing renovation, this instrument carries a piece of history that's both tangible and melodic.
The allure of the "Sloane Street" lies in its unique construction—a vintage instrument made from the very wall studs of the past. This extraordinary choice of material bestows upon the guitar a resonance that speaks of the home's legacy, allowing each note to carry a melody intertwined with history. The "Sloane Street" Guitar's authenticity shines through in its original looks paired with hot pickups. It's a marriage of classic aesthetics and modern power, yielding a harmonious blend of style and substance. This instrument embodies the essence of an era while catering to the demands of contemporary musicianship.
Playing the "Sloane Street" Guitar feels like conjuring the soul of a bygone era. The tones that emanate, rich and nostalgic, beckon the spirit of the 1920s, inviting musicians to explore new dimensions in their compositions. This guitar is more than just an instrument; it's a conduit through time, allowing melodies to flow effortlessly from history to the present.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
THE WORKBENCH
“The Workbench" Guitar has been a journey into the heart of craftsmanship and resonance, a tribute to the past that resonates with the present. Crafted from the maker's great-grandfather's workbench, this instrument serves as a harmonious bridge between eras. The defining essence of "The Workbench" lies in its origin—the makers great-grandfather's workbench itself. The body, lovingly hewn from Old Fir, carries with it the character that only years of dedication can imbue. This wood, a silent witness to countless projects, infuses each chord with a resonance that's nothing short of mesmerizing.
The Kauri Pine neck and fingerboard, reimagined from an old staircase stringer, pay homage to ingenuity and resourcefulness. This material connection to the past is not just a design choice; it's a testament to the maker's bond with their ancestry, a tangible link that breathes life into every note played. The inclusion of Lipstick pickups and a hand-cut metal scratch plate adds a contemporary twist to this instrument's vintage soul. This juxtaposition of eras encapsulated within "The Workbench" is a harmonious tribute to the passage of time and the evolution of music.
Playing "The Workbench" Guitar feels like engaging in a conversation across generations. The tones it produces are more than just musical notes; they're a symphony of legacy and innovation, resonating with the echoes of hands that once worked at the very bench it was born from.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
HOOP PINECASTER
Crafted with precision and a nod to history, this electric he “Hoop Pinecaster” electric guitar features an antique hoop pine body, offering a unique resonance from a century of weathering.
The aged wood's distinct grain patterns tell a silent story, making each note a connection to the past. The 100-year-old Kauri Pine neck adds strength and stability, while the mango wood veneer top introduces an eye-catching visual element and enhances the instrument's sonic palette.
This guitar is a harmonious blend of antiquity and innovation, showcasing the artistry of luthiers who weave together history, craftsmanship, and materials to create a timeless instrument.
Timeless Timber - Timeless Sound
Contact Us.
Email: bonhamguitars@hotmail.com
Intstagram: @bonhamguitars
Facebook: Christopher Bonham Guitars
