FANO Boutique Alt De Facto ML6 - Set Neck - 6.9lbs - Huge Bargain

The listing

Fano Alt de Facto ML6 - All 100% Mahogany. Launched originally at the NAMM show, the ML6 is the latest addition to the Pennsylvania/Nashville luthier Dennis Fano's Alt de Facto range. Fano says the ML6 was "discovered on the road somewhere between Kalamazoo and Fullerton", representing "the missing link between the working man's slab guitar from the 50s and the refined contours of an early 60s SG/LP." Fender and Gibson influences aside, the ML6's symmetrical double-cutaway outline is also reminiscent of the Epiphone Wilshire circa 1959 to '62 and it's a resemblance that's given further credence here by the presence of a pair of P-90s, a tune-o-matic bridge and stud tailpiece. "Our absolute favorite Fano necks are those that have had much of the lacquer removed to simulate heavy play wear" As ever, Fano's relationship with the past is a pragmatic one. The bridge and tailpiece are contemporary TonePros locking units while the guitar's fingerboard has an on-trend 254 to 406mm compound radius that, in combination with the set neck join (which is the ONLY Set Neck Fano Guitar) and generous cutaways, makes for a highly playable experience even in the highest registers. The guitar's 22 neatly installed frets are quoted in the official spec as "Jescar 6105", which, given that 6105 is Dunlop nomenclature, means that the fretwire is most likely Jescar 55090, which shares the 6105-gauge wire's 2.29mm width and 1.4mm crown height. It's the same nickel-silver alloy wire found on Gibson USA instruments and as such will make for a familiar ride for most players, as will the late-50s 'round-back' neck shape that fattens out to 24.6mm at the 12th fret. It's reassuringly chunky in the palm rather than being a monster. The spec sheet lists the level of finish distress on display here as "Medium", and the ageing seems accurate to Fano's definition of the distress given the presence of dings, wear and hardware ageing. The gloss nitrocellulose on the back of the neck is removed in keeping with our absolute favorite Fano necks are those that simulate heavy play wear, such as that of the 50's era Gibson's with an old, lived-in feel here that's instantly appealing. Though artificial ageing is still an issue that may be an acquired taste, aside from any aesthetic concerns, I believe it has huge play ability benefits when done thoughtfully. In any case, Fano will make you an ML6 by Special Order. When it comes to the pickups that he selects for his instruments, Dennis Fano has very good taste indeed. Options for the ML6 the Fralin P-90s installed here. "Straight off the bat, this ML6 screams Live At Leeds through our revved-up tweed combo" Straight off the bat, this ML6 screams Live At Leeds through our revved-up tweed combo. Although there's a little less midrange push than you'd expect from an all- mahogany 50s or 60s Gibson, there's no shortage of raunch for vintage R&B, Brit-rock and Americana. Step on a drive pedal or two at volume and it's easy to summon musical feedback, but happily proceedings can get wild without collapsing into a mess. This is a guitar you want to gig and no mistake! Clean things up and a quality pair of P-90s in a well-built chassis again proves to be imminently useful. I was initially a little skeptical of the ML6's ability to deliver on Fano's 'missing link' promise as the instrument is steeped so heavily in Gibson and Epiphone styling cues, especially in this twin-P-90 and hardtail configuration. Mid-rich dirt brings out the SG/Les Paul Special leanings of the instrument, while cleanliness and spring reverb ushers a little southern Californian flavor into this fine blend. It isn't cheap, of course, but the quality of build and tone on offer from Fano is consistent with Team Built Fender Custom Shop and Gibson Custom instruments that are similarly priced in store, while the sheer number of options on offer allows you to tailor the instrument to your specific requirements. Keywords: SG, Les Paul, Boutique, Hand Made, Light W