The actual point of balance is very important. The Merlin's weight-reduced headstock aids balance, and the hollowed body, which is roughly the same size as a Les Paul, means that the guitar is well balance and fairly light. The weight of the guitar averages around 3-4 kilos, which is about medium weight.

All the electronic parts are American made - the pickups are American-made, and they vary from Seymour Duncan to Tom Holmes pickups, or even Gibson pickups. Some of the hardware is Gotoh made.

Generally I've been using straight nitro-cellulose for finishes, although I've been experimenting with acid-catalysed nitro-cellulose, with good results.

Frank Grubisa