Re-evaluating the Single-Cut

When I Was looking for a les Paul Deluxe that wouldn’t break the bank (or my back), Joe knaggs sent over a Tier 3 kenai that cured any desire I had for my long-sold Deluxe. Yes, its California sunset ’Burst has that 70s vibe, as does the plain maple top, but its 7.6lb weight doesn’t emulate those gibson ‘boat anchors’ by any stretch of the imagination. of course, Joe and his small team are well known to us – I’ve previously tested a kenai, along with the steve stevens and Doug Rapport signature versions – and this model felt like home, from the late-50s-like neck shape to its unholy resonance and dynamics. There are no ‘boutique’ parts: the pickups are off-theshelf seymour Duncan seth lovers, the hardware gotoh, with Joe’s own-design string anchor, and (unbelievably!) it has modern wiring. It also doesn’t look like it’s emulating you-know-what until you plug it in. This kenai sounds extraordinary and has more ’Burst-alike character than any ’Burst-alike I’ve ever spent any quality time with.

This guitar has made me re-evaluate the single-cut and what constitutes a great guitar. I’ve gigged it continually this past year and it’s received nothing but praise. are the best dishes made from the simplest and highest quality ingredients? on this evidence, yes.