AI Guitars
2016 AI Guitars custom 12-string bass.
2017 AI Guitars custom 12-string bass.
Two custom 12-string basses have been built by luthier James Knopp (The Guitar Dog) for AI Guitars in Phoenix, Arizona, USA. Knopp has worked on guitars for a variety of renowned players. “AI” is reported to be the first initials of two of the children of the partners in the business.
The design of the first AI Guitars 12-string bass was based upon the body style of a Hamer CH-12 12-string bass that Knopp acquired in 2016. This bass weighs just over 10 pounds; long 34” scale.
The body is Mahogany and the neck is Roasted Maple. The electronics are passive Q Tuner humbuckers with volume, tone, and toggle for pickup selection. The output jack is located on the back of the body. Bolt-on neck. Hamer-style 8-saddle bridge and 8-hole tailpiece.
The neck has a single truss rod used in conjunction with stifling bars to stabilize the neck.
Three different sizes and styles of tuners were used.
The second AI Guitars 12-string bass is based upon the body design of the Hamer B12A. It is 34” long scale with a bolt-on neck, and weighs 13 pounds. Two EMG humbucker pickups were used.
The bass has a solid Mahogany body with “AAAAA” Canadian Hardrock Maple book-matched top. A custom 8-saddle bridge was used which is mounted on a carbon fiber block to enhance the sustain. Hamer-style 8-hole tailpiece.
This bass has binding on the body.
The neck is Maple with dual graphite truss rods.
Generic tuners.
The custom bridge rests on a carbon fiber block - this improves the sustain. Hamer-style 8-hole tailpiece.
James Knopp with Tom Petersson at the 2017 Los Angeles NAMM Show.