Leo Kottke Models

Guitar Legend, Leo Kottke, commissioned this smaller-bodied guitar for touring and recording. He hoped to find an instrument that was easier to play and to carry through airports than his traditional Jumbo-sized guitars but also had a huge, clear, even, satisfying tone.

After years of working through prototypes together, he found what he was looking for in this unlikely design. It has a Loar LO-16 sized body (14 3/4" lower bout, 24 3/4" scale length) with a Sitka spruce top, graphite laminate composite bracing, sinker mahogany back and sides, and an oiled finish.

The composite bracing and ultra-light top provide the special tone and balance. "Everything just works, and it’s only getting better with age. It’s a good combo of traditional techniques with just the right amount of his space-age stuff. It’s only about two years old at this point, so I know it’s just going to keep improving."
- Leo Kottke
Pictured - Mike Gordon of Phish, Leo Kottke