Guided by Behavior
The Refraction Series is our core lineup, built with a single 9.4° fixed nut break angle integrated via a hidden scarf joint beneath the headstock overlay. This design allows full, uninterrupted vibration transfer along the neck.
Refraction instruments deliver a slightly firmer feel on the low strings and looser on the highs compared to the Foundation Series, giving perceived tension a more dynamic distribution.
- Treble strings are expressive, yet compliant
- Bass strings feel firm, controlled, and articulate
This makes Refraction Series ideal for alternate tunings, extended ranges, and multiscale layouts,
Available In
6 or 7 String
Set Neck or Bolt on
Available Body Shapes
Signature or Echo
Body Woods
Materials are selected for how they interact as a system, not for species alone. Pairings are guided by mass, stiffness, compliance, and damping to maintain predictable behavior.
Neutral / Balanced Core
Even response, broad compatibility across scale lengths and neck constructions.
Northern Ash
Alder
Use when: you want predictability, consistency, and an even mechanical response.
Firm / Defined
Increased stiffness and clarity with a more immediate attack.
Roasted Ash
Swamp Ash
Use when: longer scales, lower tunings, or players who prefer a tighter feel.
Warm / Damped
Slightly increased damping with a smoother attack and relaxed mids.
African Mahogany
Walnut
Black Limba
Use when: aiming for a more forgiving response or counterbalancing stiffer necks and fretboards.
Structured / Composite
Three piece constructions tuned for stiffness distribution and visual contrast.
Ash Core + Black Limba Wings
Use when: additional control over response is needed without increasing overall mass.
Top Woods
Top woods primarily affect surface response and feel while contributing visual character. Core body woods remain the primary driver of the instrument’s foundation.
Neutral / Reinforcing
Minimal damping, reinforces the body’s natural response.
Northern Ash
Roasted Ash
Flame Maple
Roasted Flame Maple
Quilted Maple
Warm / Softening
Adds subtle damping and a smoother initial attack.
Black Walnut
Flame Claro Walnut
Koa
Redwood Burl
Dense / Reflective
Increases surface firmness and note definition.
Macassar Ebony
Visual / Character Tops
Primarily aesthetic, with response tuned through the core body wood and neck system.
Spalted Maple
Maple Burl
Poplar Burl
These tops are selected for visual impact and are paired with body woods that maintain structural and tonal balance beneath the surface.
Carved Top - Included
Bent Top - Additional Upcharge
Neck Woods
Neck wood selection plays a major role in stability, stiffness distribution, and tactile response. Wood choice is used to fine-tune feel rather than alter the platform.
Neutral / Reference
Even stiffness with predictable response across scale lengths.
One piece Qtr Sawn Maple
Three Piece Qtr Sawn Maple
Use when: a balanced, familiar feel is the goal.
Firm / Controlled
Increased stiffness and focus, especially beneficial for longer scales and extended-range instruments.
One Piece Roasted Maple
Three Piece Roasted Maple
Five Piece Maple+Roasted Maple
Five Piece Roasted Maple+White Maple
Use when: prioritizing clarity, stability, and low-string control.
Warm / Compliant
Slightly increased damping with a smoother, more forgiving feel.
One Piece Sapele
3 Piece Sapele+Maple
3 Piece Maple+Sapele
Use when: counterbalancing dense fretboards or firmer body cores.
Dense / Rigid
High stiffness with pronounced definition and a more immediate response.
Five Piece Maple+Wenge
Five Piece Wenge+Maple
Use when: maximum control and articulation are required, particularly for aggressive playing styles.
Bolt On - Included
Set-Neck - Additional Upcharge
FRETBOARDS
Fretboard materials influence attack, tactile feel, and high-frequency response. Selection is guided to complement the neck and body system.
Immediate Attack / Defined
Fast attack with clear note separation and minimal damping.
East Indian Ebony
Gabon Ebony
Macassar Ebony
Use when: clarity, articulation, and precise response are the priority.
Balanced / Neutral
Even response with controlled attack and broad compatibility.
Figured Chechen
East Indian Rosewood
Ziricote
Use when: maintaining consistency across the system without emphasizing extremes.
Warm / Forgiving
Softer attack with increased damping and a smoother feel under the fingers.
Bocote
Pale Moon Ebony
Use when: counterbalancing stiffer neck constructions or longer scale lengths.
Bright / Elastic
Snappier feel with a slightly more elastic response.
Quarter-Sawn Flame Maple
Flat-Sawn Blistered Maple
Use when: adding immediacy and tactile feedback without excessive stiffness.
Scalloped Frets - Additional Upcharge
Multi Scale Scallop - Additional Upcharge
Scale lengths
Scale length is one of the most influential choices in how an instrument feels. Recommendations are made based on tuning, string count, and playing style.
Single Scale options:
- 25.75″ — Familiar feel with relaxed response
- 26.375″ — Balanced tension and controlled elasticity
- 27.00″ — Increased clarity and low-string control
Multi-Scale options:
6 String
27.00" - 25.75"
7 String
27.00" - 25.75"
27.25" - 25.75"
Inlay
Inlays are optional and are designed to complement playability and aesthetics without disrupting energy flow.
Face Dots - Included
- Inline (Bass Side) Offset Centred
- Inline (Bass Side) Offset Staggered
- Inline (Bass Side 1-12 Treble Side 15-24) Offset Centred
- Inline (Bass Side 1-12 Treble Side 15-24) Offset Staggered
- Centred
- Astral / Reverse Astral
Blocks - Additional Upcharge
- Centred
- Inline (Bass Side) Offset Centred
- Inline (Bass Side 1-12 Treble Side 15-24) Offset Centred
Custom Inlay - Additional Upcharge
Modelled from your provided image and cut deep into the fretboard, these can be filled with dyed resin or wood.
Glow in the Dark - Additional Upcharge
Additional Color / Overlay - Additional Upcharge
FINISHES
Natural Oil Finish — Included
- Non-film building hardwax oil, amber-toned
- Close-to-the-wood feel
- Further protected with a hydrophobic ceramic coating
High Gloss or Satin Spray Finish - Additional Upcharge
- High-film building, UV-cured polyurethane
- Ideal for tops with striking grain (Flame Maple, Poplar Burl)
- Can be dyed to vivid colors or tinted to highlight wood figure
- Solid colors applied via primer + paint, then crystal clear finish
Finish choice is evaluated alongside body, top, and neck materials to ensure the instrument’s response, resonance, and aesthetic remain balanced. Exotic or visually complex finishes are guided to maintain structural integrity and tonal consistency.
Hardware
Fixed Bridges
- Hipshot Hardtail — reliable, stable, and straightforward
- ABM Single Bridges — precision-machined, smooth sustain
Tremolo Systems
- Hipshot Trem — stable, smooth, designed for controlled expression
- Sophia Tremolos — responsive, refined, with minimal setup requirements
Bridge and tremolo selection is guided by scale length, string count, and neck construction to ensure optimal feel, sustain, and tuning stability.
ELECTRONICS
Standard Configuration
- House Pickups (6 String Only)
- 3-Way Toggle Switch
- Volume & Tone Controls
Optional Upgrades
- Alternate pickup models (available upon request)
- Coil-splitting, phase switching, or passive/active modifications (evaluated for compatibility with scale and string tension)
Choices are reviewed to ensure they complement your material selections, scale length, and desired response, preserving consistency and playability.
The Build Process
Refraction Series instruments are built to order within the options outlined above.
Next Steps:
- Discuss player goals and desired feel
- Select woods, scale length, neck/fretboard, hardware, and electronics
- Review pairings and ensure predictable energy flow
- Construction with multi-stage verification
- Final setup and quality check
Pricing and Availability
Refraction Series instruments are built to order.
Pricing is discussed during consultation based on materials, construction complexity, and specifications.
BOOK A CONSULTATION WITH BRETT BAILEY
Let's Talk Guitars!
Professional Buyers Consultation service providing expert guidance and advice to assist you in making informed decisions when selecting one of our instruments.
In-depth discussions will cover the fundamental mathematics underlying fretboard geometry and neck profile, along with considerations regarding wood selection, finish, and electronics.
Throughout our session, we'll examine 3D models, and detailed sketches of your instrument to ensure it meets your preferences and requirements.
