See the video review of the Schertler SB

Switzerland-based Schertler is well known for its complete line of acoustic amplification products, which include the acclaimed Bluestick and DYNG pickups, as well as the David and Unico amplifiers. This year, the company added a set of steel- and nylon-string guitars (each available in various wood combinations) that combine a full complement of Schertler electronics with a unique design by inventive Swiss luthier Claudio Pagelli (see Great Acoustics, December 2005 print edition; more info at pagelli.com). Pagelli personally produces a very small number of one-of-a-kind high-end guitars, but he has also lent his avant design sensibilities to models by larger companies, like Burns of England and Eastman, in recent years. I had an opportunity to check out the SB model steel-string (the nylon-string version uses a very similar design) with bubinga back and sides (Indian or Indonesian rosewood and mahogany are other wood options).

ARRESTING LOOKS

Between the distinctively compact body shape; the guitar's cutaway; oval soundhole; wide, oval-shaped bridge; and custom, open-back slot-head tuners, the Schertler SB won't be easily mistaken for your average acoustic. Our review guitar paired a pristine, glossy Swiss Alpine spruce top (with a nice bearclaw pattern) with satin-finished, figured bubinga back and sides. The top is accented and framed by a raised rosewood rosette that sits just above the soundhole itself.

The SB's unique features don't stop with surface aesthetics. Despite the added weight of a full-featured electronics package, the small-bodied guitar is exceptionally light. At 18 inches long, 14 inches wide (at the lower bout), and 3 ¾ inches deep, the guitar is roughly the size of a traditional 00, but slightly thinner—and built around a completely original shape. The guitar has a 25.5-inch scale, and following the theme of unusual design elements, the neck joins at the 13th fret. The cutaway, meanwhile, enables easy access to the upper frets.

PLUGGED IN OR UNPLUGGED

With its nontraditional appearance, it's not surprising that the Schertler also has a unique voice. When lightly fingerpicked, the guitar speaks with an intimate, woody sound. As might be expected, given the small body size, the Schertler's bass tones can be a little thin, and it's not a particularly loud instrument, even when driven hard. But the overall tone is pleasant, with a very musical blend of highs and mids.

The setup on our review guitar was excellent, with a very comfortable, C-shaped neck; low action; and smooth frets that contribute to fast and easy ranging up and down the fretboard. Keep in mind, though, that those with a particularly heavy touch, or given to more enthusiastic strumming, may want to adjust the action and use heavier strings to minimize buzz and enhance the bass tones.

Schertler incorporated an intriguing and specially designed pickup system into the SB, making this guitar a good candidate for a regular stage instrument. The Schertler DUAL Onboard System consists of a BLUESTiCK electrostatic undersaddle transducer and a D-DYN electodynamic soundboard transducer, and an onboard preamp with three-band EQ and blend control for the two pickups. Together, they provide an exceptionally broad palate of amplified tones for the player to work with.

Used alone, the Bluestick exhibits a wide frequency response, from solid bass to crystalline highs. And although the Bluestick offers the quick response characteristic of undersaddle pickups, the predominant sound has a slightly airier character than most undersaddle systems, a quality that is most likely attributable to its microphone-based design. The D-DYN soundboard pickup is distinctly mellower and enhances the midrange—producing a more natural, wooden sound and resonance. Guitarists who incorporate body-tapping techniques will appreciate the D-DYN's sensitivity to dynamics in percussive top-thumping.

The active onboard electronics offer powerful tone-shaping capability. Simply sweeping the mix control between the two pickups provides an array of colors. The three-band EQ supports substantial boosts and cuts, giving the player impressive tone control. Although the compact controls are easy to access via the side-mounted panel, I sometimes found the labels and positions of the dials—which use slightly cryptic symbols rather than simple high/mid/low labels—somewhat difficult to see in low light. In addition to mix, bass, middle, treble, and volume controls, the pickup system includes a battery check button and light. This is a very convenient feature, though the button produces a slight thump through your amplifier when pressed. The easily accessible 9-volt battery compartment, located near the endpin jack on the outside of the guitar, is also a very nice touch.

THE WRAP

It's easy to enjoy a guitar this light and easy to play that also looks like it belongs in a museum of modern design. But while the Schertler SB is a real looker, its electronics make this guitar ideal for the stage, and it's a fine instrument for players who prefer a guitar tailored for the amplified environment. It's also a responsive guitar for playing acoustically, even though it may lack some of the tonal range of deeper-bodied and larger instruments. But however you elect to play the Schertler SB, just beware that if you play it in public, you're likely to draw a crowd of curious onlookers.