Yanuziello Washi Paper Series #3/10

Here's Joe's inspiration for this particular Washi (in Joe Yanuziello's words):

A few years ago, I thought applying a paisley wallpaper to the top of one of my electric guitars would be interesting; a tribute to the late '60s Paisley Telecaster. I wasn't having much luck finding something that would do justice to the idea, and then I remembered the Japanese paper place in Toronto. They have a fantastic selection of handmade, hand-printed paper, including a paisley version, which ended up on this Gold Paisley Washi Deluxe Electric.

This one ticks a few boxes for me. The gold paisley over the mahogany body and neck is a tribute to the iconic gold top Les Paul, and the paisley pattern is a tribute to the late '60's Paisley Tele, which was the seed for this Washi series.

This new Yanuziello Washi has so many levels of greatness it is challenging to know where to start. You're probably as thrilled as I am by how it looks, so let me begin with how it excels as an instrument.

I'm struck by its lively, articulate sound and its impressive tonal range. This guitar oozes character with a wide sonic range. The three pickups are terrific. They're Curtis Novak's fantastic take on the old Japanese Guyatone single-coil pickups from the '60s. It's a guitar that supports the player's artistry with its vintage voice and modern playability. As a session musician, this would be part of my guitar arsenal, a guitar that would add a touch of tonal magic dust no matter what the musical style called upon.

Then there's its incredible visual impact. Joe's eye for the nuances of great design is everywhere on this instrument, all inspired by the stunning Washi paper design. Like all of Yanuziello's instruments, the fit, finish, and playability are of the highest order. The Yanuziello Washi is a stunning combination of art, artistry, and guitar-building of the highest order. (Joe is one of the reasons I love Canadian builders.)

It's number three of ten Washi guitars Joe is planning on creating. All will feature washi paper of different designs. It's a great instrument, and I'd love to tell you more about it.

If you'd like to find out more about this item, just call or e-mail me. It would be my pleasure to talk to you about it.

ABOUT YANUZIELLO INSTRUMENTS
It certainly doesn't take a genius to realize that guitar builder Joseph Yanuziello is the real deal. What's "the real deal" you say? When it comes to luthiers, it means someone who has built a meaningful full-time career over a long period of time, developed the craft/art/voodoo of instrument building to the highest level, carved out their own niche in an overcrowded sea of brand names, you know, the real deal! There is something about a Yanuziello that is both plain-and-simple and somehow luxurious at the same time. In fact, Yanuziello's background in design and wood/metal fabrication has served him well in producing what he would describe as "modern vintage instruments." His interest in many musical genres is reflected in the different electric and acoustic instruments he produces. "The challenge is to keep it fresh and new and a continuous learning experience...the players have a lot to do with this." - JY