Commercial Guitars 1: Martin Felix the Cat

by Teddy Ray Ruttimann

Welcome to part one of a who knows how long series looking at guitars featuring commercial finishes or designs. Everything from bad movie promo tie-ins and token alcohol company churnouts to the heartfelt homage.

This week: The Martin FeLiX II

I'm probably behind the times, but I certainly don't recall seeing the Martin FeLiX II guitar until today. Than again, I sometimes forget to do up my fly and walk around for a good 6 hours wondering why I'm getting odd stares.

The guitar features graphics from the studio of Don Oriolo, renowned artist, composer, arranger and son of Felix’s co-originator, Joe Oriolo.

Brief Specs:

CONSTRUCTION: Mortise/Tenon Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: Modified O - 14 Fret
TOP BRACING PATTERN: Modified 1 Style
TOP BRACES: Inverted 1 Style Crowned Cross Brace & Graphite Bowtie Plate
NECK MATERIAL: Natural Stratabond
NUT MATERIAL: Black Corian
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Black Micarta
SCALE LENGTH: 23''
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
Available left-handed at no additional charge

Here is a close up screenshot of it appearing on the Martin website:

Available since Jan '06. List price is $599

Not my cup of tea, but for fans of the pussy it might be a valued edition to the collection.

Websites:
- http://www.martinguitar.com/
- http://www.felixthecat.com/