From their workshop in Elk Grove, California, Doug Kauer and his team of self-proclaimed "bearded wizards" build eye-catching, rock-n-roll-inspired axes that push the electric guitar to a new level of precision. Kauer Guitars are built for the stage—not only do they look the part with their stunning finishes, but each one is a tool that is meticulously crafted and ready for any job.
The Starliner Express returns to the roots of the Kauer line with a simple, offset slab-body. Its body and neck are both Spanish Mahogany, which is not only lightweight but also highly resonant. The unique single-cutaway body shape maximizes the dynamic range while also providing effortless access into the upper register.
This brand new Starliner Express (serial #1026-123) features a popping full-body "Sahara Gold" finish. The metal/flake sparkle is so beautifully achieved—Kauer's finishes absolutely knock it out of the park. To match, this guitar sports fitting gold hardware from various premium brands. Every detail is high-end, and the Wenge fingerboard and Jescar frets are PLEK-ed to optimize the setup. For pickups, it is outfitted with a TV Jones Powertron in the neck position and a Powertron + in the bridge position.
This Kauer Starliner Express is a rock-n-roll machine. It is lightweight and comfortable, and it packs deep dynamic response with singing sustain. TV Jones Powertrons are fun pickups—they replicate the very early P.A.F. Filtertron sound, and they are well-balanced with a wide range of versatility. Relative to other humbuckers, they are still noise-canceling, fat, and full, but they retain the clarity and bite we love from single-coil pickups.
- Body: Spanish Mahogany
- Neck: Spanish mahogany
- Finish: Sahara Gold (Metal flake sparkle)
- Body Binding: White
- Neck Profile: C (0.88" at 1st, 0.94" at 12th)
- Nut Width: 1.70"
- Fingerboard: Wenge w/ Keystone inlays
- Fingerboard Binding: White
- Fingerboard Radius: 12"
- Fretwire: Jetcar 47095NS
- Scale Length: 24.75"
- Bridge: TonePros Nashville
- Tailpiece: TonePros Stop-Tailpiece
- Tuners: Sperzel Open-Back Locking
- Control Layout: Volume, Tone, 3-Way Toggle
- Pickups: TV Jones Powetron neck & TV Jones Powertron + bridge
- Weight: 6 lbs 4 oz
As to be expected from Kauer, every detail of this guitar is executed at a very high level. It has a ton of character, and it is definitely one that will get noticed on the stage. But it'll wow the audience in your living room just the same. This Kauer Starliner Express includes a Mono Vertigo Electric deluxe gig bag.