Finishes

Hardwax OIl

Is an ultra thin finish which enhances the natural beauty of the wood. It provides a very attractive open pore wood structure, lovely coloring, and natural smooth feel. The oil component penetrates the wood, strengthening it while also making it resistant to dirt, water and other liquids while the hardwax component provides a protective layer on top. In our opinion the best option for a vibrant and responsive instrument with very attractive natural look.

Compared to the typical polyester or polyurethane spray finishes, which are often highly toxic, hardwax oil is predominantly made from natural resources and is applied by hand. This method avoids the excessive vapors typically associated with spray finishes, making it a safer and more environmentally friendly option.

  • Ultra-thin open pore finish that enhances the instrument's natural beauty and responsiveness of the instrument.

  • Offers a range of finishes, from satin to high gloss.

  • Although we use an extremely hard filler as a protective layer, hard wax oil finishes tend not to be as hard as e.g. polyurethane or polyester finishes

  • Simple to touch up, repair, or refresh.

  • While offering many benefits, it may be sensitive to aggressive cleaning liquids or chemicals

SATIN & High Gloss LaCquer

Lacquer finishes are particularly suitable for dyed maple tops or opaque and metallic finishes, where they create great depth and intensity that almost seems alive.

Compared to hardwax oil finishes, lacquer finishes are usually harder and more resistant against wear, water, sweat and other substances. They are usually applied a bit thicker to achieve their full effect.

To minimize the environmental impact, we use water-based acrylic lacquers, which are applied in several layers.

  • Offers a range of satin to high gloss almost mirror like finishes

  • Ideal choice for dyed maple tops or opaque and metallic finishes

  • Finishes provide a great depth and intensity

  • Harder and more resistant than hardwax oil finishes

LACQUER ToP / Hardwax Back

Combines the natural aesthetics of hardwax oil finishes with the advantages of regular lacquer finishes, making it an ideal option for guitarists who prefer a very natural playing feel while the guitar rests against the body or on the lap, without having to forego the beautiful aesthetics of high-gloss tops.

Kallisto Guitar Necks

Construction

All of our guitar necks are constructed with the goal of being exceptionally resistant to external influences such as changes in temperature or humidity, while simultaneously showcasing the full beauty of the chosen wood. Each neck is reinforced with carbon fiber rods from the factory, which not only significantly enhances the neck's stability but also supports its vibration behavior and sustain.

For fretboard material, we standardly recommend Richlite, which, unlike some types of wood, is not only incredibly resistant to wear but also shows no tendency for fret sprout. It is an ideal alternative to the coveted but unfortunately endangered ebony.

NECK FINISH

We use hard wax oil as the finish for all of our necks. Compared to lacquer, which often feels like a plastic coating, this finish makes the necks feel very grippy and pleasant. Additionally, if desired by the player, the finish can be very easily renewed. Usually, a simple treatment with hardwax oil suffices, which can be performed cost-effectively by local guitar technicians.

Frets

In line with our goal of building an instrument with the longest possible durability, we use hard stainless steel as the material of choice for all our frets, making them nearly impervious to wear and thus able to last nearly the entire life of the instrument. However, upon request, we can also install frets made from a nickel-silver alloy.

Default Fret Dimensions:

  • Narrow Jumbo Frets: Hight - 1,4mm (.090”) / Width - 2,3mm (.100”)

  • Jumbo Frets: Hight - 1,4mm (.090”) / Width 2,8mm (.110”)

OUR Neck Shape

Our neck shape was designed with the idea in mind to give the most comfortable playing feel whether you’re strumming chords or playing blazing solos in the upper fret positions. At the top, near the nut, we have chosen a classic "C" shape which is well-loved for its ergonomic fit to the natural contour of your hand. As your hand slides down towards the saddle, the neck gradually transitions into a "D" shape that provides a comfortable grip in the higher fret area, especially suitable for solo playing and intricate fretwork, giving you the perfect blend of stability and playability.

As fingerboard radius, we are using a 12" radius which ideally supports the ergonomics of the Kallisto neck profile.

While the Kallisto Comfy Neck is our standard recommendation for all guitars, we also offer a thinner version for everyone who prefers an overall thin neck profile.

Kallisto Comfy Neck

The “Comfy Neck” feels substantial in thickness without being too beefy and is excellent for guitarists who prefer a more classical feel with a modern touch.

Size at the nut: approx. 22 mm
Size at the 12th fret: approx. 23 mm

Kallisto Slinky Neck

The "Slinky Neck" offers the same contour as the "Comfy Neck" but with a thinner overall profile for all guitarists who prefer a more modern feel.

Size at the nut: approx. 21 mm
Size at the 12th fret: approx. 22 mm