Arch Shape

Arch Shape

Retains the arch shape cultivated in previous DUKE models. The arch is meticulously crafted, with a sharply defined curve and delicate carving along the outer edge that connects to the body binding. This creates a sense of depth and definition on the body top, the very face of the guitar.

Expressing a well-worn look

Patina Finish

Patina refers to the character and appearance that develops over time on furniture, leather goods, and other items through daily use, such as the gradual luster and fading that appear on their surfaces. The newly adopted “Patina Finish” on the new DUKE embodies a subdued luster reminiscent of years of aging, lending the guitar the dignified presence of a cherished companion. Due to the nature of this coating technique, the lacquer film applied to the color layer and top is thinner than a standard gloss finish. This allows the body wood to vibrate freely, maximizing the natural acoustic resonance of the wood itself.

Neck setup for optimal playability

Set Neck

The neck angle significantly impacts playability and sound in set-neck models. While maintaining the neck angle of previous DUKE models, similar to the arch shape, we’ve adopted a deep joint method. This method increases the bonding surface area between the body and neck, enhancing vibration transmission efficiency. This achieves a crisp attack born from moderate tension and a rich body resonance.

Selection of hardware of proven quality

Hardware

We carefully select and use only the most reliable components, centered around GOTOH® parts renowned for their consistent quality. Each instrument is meticulously assembled using proven, high-quality parts backed by a long track record, such as CTS potentiometers and Switchcraft jacks.

Fingerboard and neck designed for playability

Neck & Fingerboard

Neck& Fingerboard

The fingerboard radius features a moderate R305 radius, enabling a versatile setup suitable for any playing genre. The neck grip features a U-shape that balances ease of grip with stability. Rather than a thin, flat grip, it incorporates a moderate thickness that allows for a firm yet comfortable hold. Combined with the fingerboard radius, this design ensures playability across all scenarios—from chord-based backing to single-note lead playing.

Special Color Scheme

Coloring

The coloring, designed to highlight the grain of the flame maple, employs a technique that stains the wood down to the core. By applying a gradient over the initial staining, the finish creates subtle variations in color and adds depth to the core’s coloring, resulting in a look that exudes luxury and exclusivity.

Gold-Plated Hardware

Golden Hardware

We’ve selected gold hardware, and the Unique Series logo on the headstock is also accented in gold.
For the pickups, we’ve chosen the “BRH-1” humbucker-style pickups featuring Alnico 5 magnets, creating a combination that’s ideal for hard-hitting sounds.

Special Materials

Material

The body top is crafted from carefully selected flame maple. The combination of the DUKE’s pronounced curved profile and the wood’s grain complements each other perfectly, bringing out the best in both.

Unique colors

Coloring

The Unique Series features a distinctive color palette, including solid colors and muted translucent shades. The back of the body is finished in brown to complement the color of the top.

Selecting parts that match the color

Other Parts

Each component has been carefully selected to complement the body color, creating a distinctive look with features such as white escutcheons and an acrylic tortoiseshell pickguard.

3 types of pickup variations

Pickups

We’ve selected three types of pickups—humbucker, P-90, and mini-humbucker; each with its own distinct sound character. These clearly differentiated tones allow modern guitarists, who rely on a diverse range of sounds, to choose the sound that best suits their needs.