From their small shop in Hillsborough, NC, Pre-War Guitars construct aged reproductions of iconic American-made models from the '30s and '40s. Described as the "new old guitars of the future," Pre-War guitars are not the same as other vintage-inspired guitars. They are designed to have the sound, the feel, and the look to match. Pre-War produces perfectly setup, old-sounding, and old/beat-up looking guitars.
The Dreadnought is Pre-War's take on a classic Mahogany dread. It is featherweight, and it produces that classic dry, clear sound we love from big-body Mahogany guitars. This 2024 Dreadnought weighs in at 3 lbs 13.4 oz. It packs a tremendous punch, wide range, and well-rounded tone that still has sweetness and subtly, like the '30s dreadnoughts with forward-shifted bracing. While this Pre-War is a cannon capable of challenging any banjo, there's more to it than that. This Dreadnought is versatile and well-suited for a variety of playing styles, and its woody sound is hard not to like.
Pre-War Guitars start with the appropriate design, and throughout production, they use the appropriate materials for the '30s, too. This Dreadnought features a Torrefied Adirondack Spruce Top and lightweight Honduran Mahogany back and sides. Using hot hide glue for the traditional dovetail neck joint and bracing, Pre-War also uses Torrefied Adirondack Spruce for the braces, which are scalloped by hand for the proper '34-37 voicing. Vintage-spec spacings, too—the nut on this one is 1-3/4", and the string spacing at the saddle measures 2-5/16". The neck profile is the 1937-inspired V.
According to the included paperwork—which is signed by Wes and Ben at PWGC—this Dreadnought was completed August 12, 2024. It features the 1 Distress Level, so it's hard to tell what is authentic wear and what was done by Pre-War. Most importantly, the frets are clean and the setup is excellent. There is a tiny finish chip along the back binding, and that's the only indication that this is a used guitar. All around, the distress treatment will make you feel more comfortable digging in and putting this guitar to work. Once you do, you'll be rewarded. We don't expect new guitars to sound like this—it's so rich and nuanced. This one lives up to the hype! There is a strap button on the heel.
Pre-War Guitars advertises a build time of 24-30 months, but this 2024 Dreadnought is ready to ship to your door! It includes its original Geib-style hardshell case, original paperwork, and original truss rod adjustment tool.