This INCREDIBLE Guitar Does Something I've NEVER Seen Before!

Traditional guitar on the front - advanced engineering on the back!
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[@DarrellBraunGuitar]

It doesn't look like it should be able to do that...but it does! Guitar info/link - ciariguitars.com Enjoy :)

[@darkbreakerofficial6138]

​​@DarrellBraunGuitar bro Have you listened to famous Indian singer Arijit Singh ? Pls as my best advisor tell me which kind of pickup would be best for his romantic songs plssssssssss

[@DMSProduktions]

Eh!

[@DEMcouver]

Does it need extra long strings?

[@FenceThis]

don’t you mean ‘is’ ?

[@DMSProduktions]

@@FenceThis WHO are you talking to?

[@ARMusicOfficial2004]

When I was in college, I had an idea very similar to this, for a project we had to design a music product and so I designed something similar to this I even made diagrams, so cool to see something be made like this!

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thanks much!

[@PrivateSi]

I've half prototyped a travel guitar that fits in a 2 ft by 2 inch by 4 inch wide box with room for bits and bobs. I may post the design on a channel I have at some point. The body slides out from under the neck and there are 2 clip-on sides stored under the remainder of the neck. It's quite comfortable to use sitting or standing - a mini flying V. The prototype features a sliding tuner in a hollow body so the strings don't flap around and get kinked when it's packed away. -- The new design has a spindle+tuner+whammy in one instead but will be difficult for me to make. The pickup is loose but sits on the body which has a metal plate in it and can be slid around as it's magnetically attached. Pickup is connected by thin wire with 3.5mm jack plug to the bridge that houses tone and volume knobs... Simple bolt used to fully tighten the strings after sliding the neck out for use. I discarded the folding design early in the design process for a few good reasons.

[@HBSuccess]

If I was flying with a guitar there is no doubt this is what I’d gig with. Makes perfect sense and you can get all different PUPs coil splits etc .. they’ll build what you want.

[@jimberjamber8540]

The extra cavity on the back is actually where you store treats for the drummer when he does a good job.

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thanks a TON for the review @Darrell Braun! We appreciate your enthusiasm for what we're building here at Ciari Guitars. Nothing worth doing is easy, but it's extremely rewarding to see the growing chorus of believers after they try it. You Rock!

[@olebrumme6356]

Do you need to have that big hole for the strings to go through the back, or would it work with regular string eyelets?

[@vladrapchan5330]

Congratulations for the amazing feat of engineering! Kudos for you and the whole team take made this crazy marvel possible!🎉

[@jefgirdler7232]

Do you guys think it’s ever going to be possible to do this with a bass or baritone guitar?

[@bigbasil1908]

It's a great guitar and great bit of engineering gone into it. It seems like a travel-ish guitar but the big body makes it maybe a bit cumbersome for the average everyday guitar player who might be taking buses or riding a bicycle etc. But one with a much smaller body would be perfect for that sort of player. A body a bit bigger than a hofner shorty would be perfect. I guess now you have the folding mechanism perfected, there are all sorts of possibilities. It's a nice looking guitar and the chunky body looks cool (I like electric guitars with chunky bodies)

[@zuperdee]

I love how you seem to find all these unusual, unconventional, and technologically advanced guitars!

[@thecollective1584]

The companies contact him and pay him to review them. That's how he finds them

[@perkins1439]

I like the way the lever that tightens the strings has a metal piece that slides up into the neck and locks it in place at the same time

[@TheDrunkenScoundrel]

That thing sounds FANBLEEPINTASTIC! Even through my laptop speakers. That is a very good 'one size fits all' guitar, the clean tones are bright enough to cover single coil territory and it does't just sound like an LP copy.

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thx much! It has been a fun, though challenging, journey to weather the pandemic and now have our Ascender gaining traction - for pro guitarists on stages worldwide - and also us mere mortals 🤣. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We’d be happy to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO & Inventor, Ciari Guitars

[@sunn_bass]

Crazy great idea. I really like seeing innovation that works without hindering function. I love traditional and modern guitars, and love blending old and new. Really like the concept of this guitar. Way better than most travel guitars. Now if they did a bass version that would be great.

[@alexanderguestguitars1173]

I think that's a really good idea. I've seen other guitars where the strings stay attached to the headstock when you dis-assemble the neck. But I think on those, the neck just flops about when it's dis-assembled. The engineering in this one seems first rate and I can see the (aluminium??) knuckle joint lasting a long time and being pretty reliable. Of course only time will tell how long it lasts without wear on the pins. But I suppose, if the brand hangs around, if the knuckle joint does go bad, you can take the neck completely apart and attach a new knuckle joint block - thingy???? Wonder how long the flatness of the frets will last? A re-fret would be a headscratch! Mind you, no room for a tremolo unless you get a Bigsby or a Kahler or something. Looks lovely as well. Like it!

[@RC60669]

Certainly an interesting concept for pro guitar players moving around. Just like to congratulate you Darrell.. you have excellent presentation, voice, timing, research and playing. I have no doubt any guitar manufacturer would be over the moon to receive a decent review from you. I can imagine you are a fantastic teacher as well. Much appreciated and many thanks. 🙏🙏

[@CALYKIL]

Been looking for a traveler and this might be just what I’m looking for🎸

[@mr1bienvenu1]

That's an incredible guitar I'd have no use for 😂

[@JonathanSpangler]

It’s not for everyone, and that’s fine, however for those who want stress free mobility (especially for airplanes) and yet stage quality, there’s now an answer with our Ascender. Pro guitars are loving it for fly dates, radio tours, tuck away on the tour bus, and mobile producing and song writing. Even if you’re not playing on stages, it’s still an ever present friend when you’re on the move. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try one in our Artist Lounge. We’d be happy to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO & Inventor Ciari Guitars

[@JamesAllen-xk8bc]

I would't, either, but I want one!

[@victormarinelli5660]

It would be nice to have a cover for the mechanism on the back that can be easily installed and removed. I'm thinking, for those that would keep the guitar setup for any length of time and to protect the mechanism. How easy is it to replace the strings? @@JonathanSpangler

[@officialWWM]

Lol, me too! 😂

[@ciariguitars]

@@victormarinelli5660 Jonathan is traveling today, but I'll jump in. String changes are very easy. You just feed the strings through the Actuator, around the front, over the bridge and nut to the locking tuners. The Ascender uses regular strings. -Eric Sands VP of Sales and Marketing

[@Lon1001]

The big question that everyone would wonder with such a guitar, is how well does it stay in tune when you fold and unfold? I presume the locking tuners do their job keeping the string length exact but it there any variance at the rollers in the body, or squeaking etc?

[@Kaotiqua]

Vibes like a Gretsch to my eye, sounds terrific. And then there's that other thing. Definitely something I'd love to add to my collection!

[@matthewclark6103]

Even if it didn't do that goofy fold up, I would buy it, I love the body shape. Sounds great to.

[@ciariguitars]

Thank you! We appreciate that!

[@gregoryfrench8654]

Fender mustang body

[@ramspencer5492]

It's literally designed as a professional, airplane friendly guitar! That's the whole point of this guitar! Maybe they make a similar looking model if you don't need to travel with it?

[@pepmasters-999]

Great to what?

[@norseman61]

Very cool! This isn’t just a folding guitar that happens to be a decent instrument. This is an incredible guitar that happens to fold. I LOVE the look of the guitar, folding mechanism aside. A really cool body shape.

[@wcjohnny1]

Any problems with staying in tune ( after a few fold ups ) ?

[@davidfmgonzalez]

The main question we all would like to be answered in the video... all the rest is just shenanigans

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thx for the question and opportunity to explain more about our Ascender. The funny thing is that, the more you fold, the closer and closer it will come back to perfect or playable tuning for play. That’s because the strings settle in, much like they do when you put new strings on your traditional (non folding) guitar. We don’t experience string breakage at any greater or different rate that a traditional guitar. Some customers say they get more mileage from the strings on their Ascender BECAUSE it folds, given that it’s typically stored in the folded state and thus have overall less sustained tension on the strings over time. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek machine in action, and try one out in our Artist Lounge - we’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars

[@JonathanSpangler]

@@davidfmgonzalezThx for the comment. Please see my response to the other commenter here on this topic. In short, the tuning is super stable and string breakage isn’t any different than traditional (non-folding) guitars. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek machine in action, and try one out in our Artist Lounge - we’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars

[@wcjohnny1]

Big thanks Jonathan . I'm on the Canadian West coast but if I ever get back to Nashville , will do ! @@JonathanSpangler

[@photogazer]

Looks cool, but, as a luthier myself, I question the viability of the guitar and its folding functionality over years of play. What is a method of setup when it needs it, or fretting? How are the strings changed, and how much of a hassle is that? It is a good concept, but the durability and repairability remain in question.

[@Saviour3]

Aye! Reminds me of the "Rolls Razor" my father had in the 40s and 50s ...

[@snapfinger1]

The first review I ever saw you do was the Relish. Always on top of the latest cutting edge developments.

[@terrypussypower]

I just bought a brand new Relish Trinity for £349! The company went bust and an English company in Ormskirk bought up loads of their Trinity guitars plus pickups, and are selling them for almost a 1/3rd of the original price!

[@iancurrie8844]

Looking at the thumbnail: it crushes cans?

[@robbiedaug]

4:02 How does that gap in the neck feel when you play up around the 12th frets? Looks like a thumb could break or get sprained in that gap.

[@ramspencer5492]

Well that's one hell of a airplane friendly guitar! That and a pedal amp sim (maybe some headphones and a laptop for good measure).... and you could literally fly anywhere and play a show (or keep working on an album) with a vast and complex array of pretty high quality, professional level guitar sounds.....We live in interesting times! Well done! 🎸

[@steve36503]

Tuning stability? Is it in tune when you latch it? And you didn't tell us much about the nut setup or ease of string changing.

[@linksfueszigerdog]

Did you notice any severe ringing of those short strings at the front and the back of the bridge? F.e. when playing short notes do they keep on ringing?

[@therewasascene]

Super cool. Carry-on electric that sounds and plays great. Don’t have to worry about overhead bin or gate checking it. Throw a toothbrush/deodorant in the gig bag with a set of strings and a shirt/underwear/socks and it’s time to go! Love it. Very reasonable price for what it is + build quality/components.

[@diptixon]

Agreed - fantastic concept very well executed!

[@arqoo1907]

Hey Darrell. Can you adjust the action? And does it have locking tuners to minimise "lost" string length since so much more is needed at the other end as they pass over the rollers? As long as it takes standard length strings....

[@timothycooney986]

How good is the intonation after repeated flexing of neck, strings? Stays in tune?

[@abd-ix5qd]

What about the tunig after unfolding it back? I think the tuning should be reviewed as well. Great engineering! There are a few things to improve but indeed this a wonderful build.

[@GoudLoodje]

There’s a couple videos showcasing how well this stays in tune when it’s folded and unfolded etc, it’s pretty insane how well it stays in tune

[@PrivateSi]

I've half prototyped a travel guitar that fits in a 2ft by 2 inch by 4 inch wide box with room for bits and bobs. I may post the design on a channel I have at some point. The body slides out from under the neck and there are 2 clip-on sides stored under the remainder of the neck. It's quite comfortable to use sitting or standing - a mini flying V. The prototype features a sliding tuner in a hollow body so the strings don't flap around and get kinked when it's packed away. -- The new design has a spindle+tuner+whammy in one instead but will be difficult for me to make. The pickup is loose but sits on the body which has a metal plate in it and can be slid around as it's magnetically attached. Pickup is connected by thin wire with 3.5mm jack plug to the bridge that houses tone and volume knobs.

[@michaelj3959]

How is the string change on it? It doesn't look like it would be easy.

[@nj1255]

That clear acrylic piece in the back should be a good spot to put some dense foam between it and the strings. I'd guess there's a lot of sympathetic ringing in that guitar, so it's probably necessary if you want to play high-gain or record with it.

[@frankgerrits]

Can you maybe use a smaller aperture (higher number, like 8 or 11) setting on your camera, to keep that autofocus in check? Your videos are great, but that constant autofocus is really annoying. Either use a different aperture setting or disable that autofocus and use two cameras (one on you and the other on the guitar)? Anyway, great video and great guitar!

[@stjohns0]

So how do you change strings? Do they have to be extra long?

[@Robbie63]

I saw one these guitars in action three weeks ago. Elvis Costello was playing one. It sounded really good and at the end of the gig he folded it, tucked it under his arm and left the stage.

[@Robbie63]

Is this a fake Darrell Braun, by any chance? Have to be careful these days.

[@MichaelEMJAYARE]

I may have missed it - but does this stay in tune relatively well after folding up/down?

[@vansongs]

The guitar that bends over backwards for you!

[@brunobuddrus1663]

love the engineering. i'd also love to see somebody change a string in a live situation 😄

[@lesterross1]

And tuning stability as well.

[@DavidLelandsanfrandave]

Nice, thorough review by Darrell! I've seen that Helen Ibe plays one, and was curious about it.

[@jimmyjames2022]

Cool review thanks! Ciari Ascender looks like the perfect light travelling / busking / bug out (fire, storm, earthquake) guitar and priced very affordably considering the pull down technology and pickups involved. The body and headstock design are nicely evocative and clean.

[@stickman55100]

That is crazy clever and inventive! Probably the best travel guitar design I’ve ever seen. BTW, love your guitar reviews, and so do the folks at Rubato, who told me when I ordered my new Lassie (after receiving and building a Strat with their neck), that your review has generated a lot of sales for them.

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thanks much @stickman55110! We set out to elevate the travel guitar segment with our Ascender - although, as we now view it, the Ascender isn't a great travel guitar...it's a great guitar that travels:). If you're ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We'd love to host you!

[@stickman55100]

@@JonathanSpangler Thank you so much, Jonathan. I will absolutely take you up on your tour offer the next time I’m in Nashville or can make an excuse to go there! Appreciate the direct response, and will definitely consider purchasing one.

[@killacoiler1707]

This is the first real review I have seen of this unit that wasn't by Ciari themselves. Awesome concept and even better execution. When you consider the amount of R&D that went into making this unit as professional grade as it is the price isn't that outlandish really. Great review thanks.

[@MashaT22]

Ciari has been trying to get this guitar off the ground at NAMM for a long time now. The engineering is actually pretty remarkable and at a price point that isn’t taking advantage of customers. I’ve been very surprised not to see any footage as a true review/demo besides KZbinrs quickly passing by their booth at NAMM and showing it. It made it feel like a novelty more than a serious guitar. As amazing a price point this guitar is for all that goes into making them and being made in the US with an included plek, I also hope they’ll eventually manage to come up with a version that costs half - like a budget model for people who only occasionally travel with a guitar and just need an option that isn’t quite as robust. Perhaps a thinner body (assuming the components fit) would lighten the weight up even more and reduce costs for the customer. Or maybe they should consider making bodies that are made out of alternative materials that won’t cost a fortune, will be plenty durable and lighter in weight, and will still sound great - like sheet metal (I saw a really cool guitar made from a folded sheet of metal and movable magnetic pickups recently), 3D printed bodies, etc. Again, for a US made guitar that comes with a plek, the price is more than fair. Overall, I think most people would be cool with buying an overseas made version at a fraction of the price so long as it’s done at a really reputable factory like World Music - an optional plek for a few bucks more would still be nice, but overall, I think most people would rather save money and would buy one from overseas even if there was no plek option. I really can see many more people buying this guitar if it cost less, and as much as I love American made, the reality is that most of us can’t afford the price tag that comes alongside it. Making a budget friendly one will translate to so many more sale. If they can make the price point somewhere around $599-$699 (don’t forget that both the labor and raw materials overseas cost MUCH less, so this suggested price point is perfectly realistic), they’d be selling thousands of them around the world - especially if they can get big stores like Sweetwater and Thomman to carry and help advertise them, as well as shops where people can test drive in person them risk free. I really keep hoping Ciari gets this into more hands of KZbinrs for in depth reviews after they’ve spent time with it. I think more people would buy a Ciari if they knew it existed - from pros who just want something easy to take on a plane as a carry on to the average strummer going on a big vacation or long weekend with their family. The guitar looks and sounds great. But a budget overseas version really needs to happen if they really want to make their brand a success.

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thanks much @killacoiler1707. We've focused heavily on R&D, especially during the pandemic when we know we had to come out with a lower price point model. Those efforts are now paying dividends, but admittedly our marketing efforts have lagged our engineering efforts. You'll be seeing a lot more reviews in the near term, as well as some pretty fun milestones on the horizon (spoiler: Our Ascender is scheduled to go to space soon....yep, I said it...and it's trippy even for me to utter those words). If you're ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We'd love to host you!

[@pepmasters-999]

Brevity is the soul of wit.

[@killacoiler1707]

@@JonathanSpangler i live in Indiana so it isn't too far of a travel to get to Nashville. I will have to take you up on that invite at some point.

[@calebmunkirs9661]

They should've put a magnetic cover for the back

[@calebmunkirs9661]

@DarrellBraunGuitar...-. I bet it's a Relish guitar. I couldn't remember their name when I commented but they are who I was thinking of for the magnetic back cover

[@timothysredzinski5462]

I’m wondering if while you’re playing, you can reach around to the back and grab the lever and ever so slightly wiggle it like a trem bar?!

[@picksalot1]

Cool guitar, and not ridiculously expensive. What string gauge did you use, and did you notice anything unusual with the string tension, given its extra long string length due to the folding string mechanism? Thanks

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thx and great question @pickalot1! Our Ascenders come with D'Addario NYXL 10-46s, although you can use any other brand, no problem. We didn't want to force our customers to use custom strings, but rather whatever they normally play. So, in other words, they're standard length and not extra-long. Again, great question. Thanks for the opportunity to explain more about our Ascender. If you're ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We'd love to host you!

[@TheGandiaChannel]

I have a few questions: 1. When you fold and then unfold the neck, do the strings stay in tune? 2. How easy/hard is it to replace a string on this guitar 3. Do you think the constant folding/unfolding would put strain on the strings and shorten their life? 4. Is this guitar available in other pickup configurations such as 3 single coils? 5.what kind of warranty does the manufacturer offer?

[@McDowellCountyYoungLife]

I’ll prob get one someday. I use my Journey les Paul with removable neck a ton. This is a big step up. Once you get used to throwing an electric in your backpack it’s hard to live without!

[@jiznak2000]

Seems like a tuning nightmare but very cool and ingenious engineering. I wonder if the magnets in the back affect the tone.

[@216trixie]

Tone magnets???!!!😂😂😂😂

[@ciariguitars]

Thank you! The Ascender stays very close to in-tune after unfolding it. Only fine-tuning is necessary. The small magnets only help to keep the neck in place when folded.

[@Chriss-Gear]

It is easy to tune and stays in tune. I own one.

[@vladrapchan5330]

​@@ciariguitarsIs there any reason - other than aesthetics - for the guitar not having a magnetic back cover for the whole mechanism?

[@mikefitzpatrick3038]

My only question is, what about truss rod and adjusting if it has one

[@SirSneakerPimp]

It actually seemed he rushed through this. I’m very surprised he didn’t mention something all guitar players want to make sure of, and that is neck stability.

[@TMmodify]

​@@SirSneakerPimpor even fret wear when the neck is folded

[@Chriss-Gear]

There are 4 screws that allow you to adjust the truss rod. You shouldn’t need to do this but it can be done. Support can show any owner how.

[@reedburke7762]

You are absolutely correct, finish the cavity and string passage slot.

[@peterresetz1960]

What material was used to make the neck joint ? How is the wood part of the neck attached to the hinge ? Are the strings a special length ?

[@MickeyintheMiddle]

This is the first foldable guitar that I would ever consider even looking at to buy. Thanks for the great review.

[@jeremykopatz4760]

This is really crazy! I would totally rock this if I was traveling a lot. Get that and something like the Fractal FM9 or 3. All you need!

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thanks much! If you're ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We'd love to host you!

[@slamtilt01]

Wow! What an amazing guitar. I know it has lockable tuners. But with folding the neck like that, will that stretch and cause the strings to go out of tune with the rapid change in tension?

[@zacharykim295]

Looks and sounds great, I was very surprised when he folded the neck back at first haha. Would love to see a tremolo version

[@carpediemarts705]

I would love to see it open my beers for me too.

[@ChrisOBrien666]

Wait, you didn’t fold or unfold the neck while it was plugged in? I bet you can get some really cool sounds doing that!

[@askfrex]

Amazing See how much you like folding it over and over with the smile make me smile watching.

[@roberteriksson1629]

Cool thing! But how does it hold the strings in place at the fold?? Seems like it could easily roll of the fretboard at the fold.

[@maeyer]

Wow that's pretty cool; having a travel able full size guitar, 3/4 size is nice but that is looking nice. Are you gonna do DBG guitar picks for merch? That would be swell

[@Paul_Lenard_Ewing]

The guitar is $1800.00 USD I was expecting a thousand more. The shipping is free ....even internationally. The guitar looks great. Even if it was a conventional guitar they nailed a great look. It looks like some classic 50's guitar prototype that didn't get made. The sound is very impressive clean and clear. It has nice tight yet noticeably punchy lows that caught me by surprise. 10 out of 10!!!

[@HBSuccess]

The range is $1599 to $4899. Plus “custom quotes” if you’d like to spend more.😅

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thx soooo much🙏! It’s been a long hard road to buck convention but we’re thrilled with the critical mass taking shape as more and more artists adopt our Ascender and great reviews like this one help het it in front of more people who may need and/or want it. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO & Inventor Ciari Guitars

[@srwaite7]

@@JonathanSpanglerAs you know I could never get financial support for you from my investor friends here on the east coast US. Glad to see you are still alive and kicking after the sheer insanity of 2020.

[@914050]

Yeah, that's pretty reasonabley priced for what it is.

[@Gate11Studio]

Great presentation on a very cool instrument!

[@anthonyhallsworth7113]

Do you need extra long strings, that looks significantly longer than a normal guitar by the time it's wrapped around and back up the rear of the guitar.?

[@Bloosee]

I really wanted to know if it stayed in tune after folding.

[@j.p.marion5377]

Me too. Do you have to retune it after each foldup?

[@kmichaelp4508]

@@j.p.marion5377of course you do

[@JonathanSpangler]

@@j.p.marion5377Great - and understandable - question. The strings settle in over time, as they do with traditional guitars after new strings are added. The Ascender typically comes back to “playable tuning” straight after the fold, with - at most - a super quick and easy “top off” tune between unfolding and play. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek machine in action, and try one out in our Artist Lounge - we’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thx for the comment. The Ascender typically comes back to “playable tuning” straight after unfolding with - at most - a super quick and easy “top off” tune between unfolding and play. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek machine in action, and try one out in our Artist Lounge - we’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars

[@totallybonkers76]

How did you get that lead guitar solo sound (tone) at the begining of the jam? What FX is it? chorus, reverb or pitch shifter or what?

[@claudiajay8291]

How do you change strings ? Can you change out the the pickups?

[@bwmac]

Does a locking pin secure the neck hinge when locked or is the neck just held by string tension?

[@jopo6388]

I use a Steinberger headless as a “travel “ guitar. Would love to see this neck on one of them. Tiny body and really compact.

[@RyanM81]

Do you need extra long strings for this? It looks like there's a lot of distance from the bridge, through the body, to the block.

[@Chriss-Gear]

No, standard strings.

[@robbiedaug]

When i saw this guitar, i immediately thought about a Virtual Jeff Pro but then i saw how the strings block the area where the VJP needs to be placed on the guitar.

[@peaceman7321]

Do you have to tune it "from scratch" each time you unfold it?? Surely it doesn't stay relatively close to in-tune....or does it??

[@audiophileman7047]

If Hendrix was here, I'm sure that he would love that guitar. I'd love to hear him play it. 👍👍👍

[@ciariguitars]

I'd love a photo of Jimi with our guitar.

[@audiophileman7047]

Yes, that would be very sweet. 😻 Could you just imagine the sounds he'd create with it? 🎸🎸🎸@@ciariguitars

[@gordonh4676]

Does it need special long length strings? They seem to wrap a long way through the body and then back towards the neck.

[@JoshuaC923]

Love to see companies still innovating

[@CarlWinter-oy8uf]

Nice Darrel --a folding neck guitar --brilliant idea --- great for constant travellers --suitcase axe ---where is the best site to purchase ---Amazon ?

[@matzer8846]

Very cool and a convincing concept ... Thanks a lot for demoing this great axe

[@matzer8846]

@DarrellBraunGuitar...-. OK ... ??? Spam or real ?

[@montanaadams452]

So does the truss rod react similar to a standard neck and does it only react to the wooden part of the neck?

[@positivelynegative9149]

When he showed the diamonds holding the strings in place... Some of them were out of place. 🤣

[@JonathanSpangler]

Yeah, I noticed that too - it can happen but it’s super easy to remedy. Simply straighten the neck and then gently fold while watch to ensure the strings are aligned with the V-grooves (diamonds). I recommend folding while the guitar is facing you so you can see that straight on. As soon as the strings fall into the diamonds in the 14th fret joint, they’ll automatically fall into the diamonds in the 12th fret joint. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop and chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We’d be happy to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO & Inventor Ciari Guitars

[@positivelynegative9149]

@@JonathanSpangler Oh, wow. It's the mad scientist himself. 🤣👍

[@positivelynegative9149]

@JonathanSpangler FYI, your website doesn't give any information about a shop/store and Google Maps doesn't have the location either.

[@sammyfromsydney]

Tuning stability? Do you have to retune every time you unfold?

[@BurnInHell7]

I've spent some time looking for a travel guitar. So far the one that ticks almost all the boxes for me are Moov guitars, I'm very tempted but they only do acoustics BUT they come in 7 and 8 strings. Blessed be the algorithm that showed me this video.

[@barryhamlette1152]

How well does it stay in tune after folding and unfolding? It looks great and I think it's a kool idea and design.

[@jackcardinell5885]

Also, Is there a truss rod? How would you adjust the neck?

[@JonathanSpangler]

@@jackcardinell5885Great question - Yes there is a truss rod, which extends from the headstock to the first link of the hinge at the 10th fret. In practice, we rarely need to adjust it other than during set up at manufacture given how short the mahogany neck is leading up to the hinge. If you need to adjust the action, the easiest way is to start with the height adjustment of the Nashville Tune-o-Matic roller bridge. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek machine in action, and try one out in our Artist Lounge - we’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thx for the kind words and question. We’re proud to say the tuning stability is akin to any other traditional (non folding) guitar. Moreover, the strings settle in over time and make it closer and closer to spot-on tuning after you unfold for play. It truly only takes seconds for a quick “top off” tune before you’re ready to rock! If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek machine in action, and try one out in our Artist Lounge - we’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars

[@jefgirdler7232]

I want one of these as a bass VI so bad it’s almost criminal.

[@daveherz998]

Maybe I missed, but how is tuning stability? Does it really not need to be retuned at all folding back and forth like that? Also, how is it to restring? It looks like a pain

[@diptixon]

Does it really matter if you have to tweak the tuning each time you unfold it? Wouldn’t you do so anyways, with any guitar you pick up to start playing?

[@daveherz998]

@@diptixon I'm really more interested in the restringing, but yes, extremely stable tuning vs. average or below average tuning would affect my thoughts on the product, especially at it's price point. I have more than a few much cheaper guitars that are extremely tuning stable and I do just pick up and play without having to tune, and others which always require some tweaking. Guess which ones I'm more likely to pick up and play

[@fleshtonegolem]

I'd love an A/B sustain without compression or Overdrive between that and a classic neck

[@jamesfetherston1190]

Very interesting and innovative design. I was wondering what as required in changing strings. Looks like a pita.

[@allboutthemojo]

Very 😎 . This is what happens when engineers take an interest in building musical instruments!

[@andriealinsangao613]

Ovation guitars are also a good example!

[@JonathanSpangler]

You're spot on @allboutthemojo! As an inventor of the Ascender (along with others!), I applied my biomedical engineering degree with my passion for innovation and guitars - but most importantly enlisted world-class luthiers (including Joe Glaser of Glaser Instruments in Nashville) to ensure our Ascender was first and foremost a quality instrument, then a convenient one for stress free mobility. If you're ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We'd love to host you!

[@OrvilleRedenbache007]

Imagine being at a party and the look on people's faces as you got your back turned to them putting on the shoulder strap, plugging in the amp, turn it on and you turn around and all the sudden you unfold the neck and instantly start jamming when the drummer does a 4 count! LoL Awesome 😁😎

[@LordChaosWing]

How does it hold tune as it folds/unfolds?

[@ciariguitars]

Good question! The Ascender only needs fine-tuning when unfolded.

[@BenjaminGonzalez-wv3cy]

I am amazed by this Ingenuity and great engineering, and it sounds great! The design is also cool! I am so dumbfounded! Question: Why didn't they creat a cover for the back? 😊😊😊 I wish I had one...

[@ramspencer5492]

I was wondering that first too. It seems like that would be a weak point for it though. For it to both be secure, structurally sound and quick release..... I think it's better like this. Just for the greatest stability of the engineering. If you loved the guitar so much that you want to use it as your daily driver..... And didn't want to fold it up very often... I guess it could make sense to make a more secure back cover, that takes some time and effort to put on and take off properly. I think most people that get one of these are specifically buying it for airplane travel though. As long as there's nothing sharp orb feels too awkward tactily in that cavity, it doesn't seem like it would make it at all unpleasant to hold and play. I would think it was something they would have tried. If not, I wonder if that might is something interesting with the sound... Like a semi-hollow body... If that was a case, It might really be worthwhile to over engineer a really good back cover system and incorporate it into the design!

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thanks for the kind words and opportunity to explain more about our Ascender. Our original model (Ascender Custom) had a clear plastic cover, which was pretty large in order to cover our original Actuator - which itself was pretty large. That added a good amount of weight, and also cost, which we sought to address with our redesigned Actuator that you see in the Ascender Standard forming the basis of Darrell's review. We miniaturized it, and made it much more intuitive, and after having a number of guitar players try the early prototypes, they were totally fine without a back cover. No issues with belt buckles getting caught, or any perceptible feel while you're playing. Again, great question! If you're ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We'd love to host you!

[@JonathanSpangler]

@@ramspencer5492 You're spot on! Thanks for the thoughtful response here. Very much appreciated!

[@zzxxcc360]

When I traveled abroad for work, I bought a cheap guitar and disassembled it to make it easier to carry. ...This is great engineering guitar.

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thank you very much 🙏. Taking the neck off is definitely an option, and I tried that for a while before inventing the Ascender. The goal was to improve upon the areas of friction in the existing travel options - namely, string management, time required to stow and un-stow for play, and stage quality. Thankfully, with the help of a great team of luthiers and engineers, our Ascender is gaining a reputation for stage quality and stress free convenience - which until now have been mutually exclusive. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek machine in action, and try one out in our Artist Lounge - we’d love to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO Ciari Guitars

[@Kiteloopnoodle]

Does folding the guitar effect the tune any more/less/same compared to using a tremolo arm (whammy bar)?

[@Gaoin86]

Would be good to know how strings are swapped in this one.

[@caryd67]

Is there a truss rod in the wooden section of the neck?

[@evrgreen_69]

Genius..Love it!..Great review💯 Thanks Darrell!

[@JonathanSpangler]

You're too kind and agreed re: Darrell's review - it's great to see someone who shares our enthusiasm for our Ascender!

[@v3rlon]

How well does it stay in tune, especially during folding and unfolding? How well does it sustain? I don't particularly like the way it looks. Its like someone merged a LP Junior and a Telecaster, and those are two of my least favorites.

[@RL-xz2xe]

What is the process of changing strings? Improvement, a magnetic plate to cover that back cavity to prevent snagging.

[@Chriss-Gear]

No different than any other guitar other than routing it through the body. It’s easy to instructions are provided with the guitar.

[@allenlam9061]

So, when you erect the neck and lock the lever is it immediately in tune?

[@Chriss-Gear]

Relative tuning yes. Mine tends to end up slightly sharp but it’s very easy to get in tune. No different than any other guitar that has been in a case and moved around.

[@PsySniper]

I'm curious on how well it holds tune when its been folded?

[@michaelvarney.]

No truss rod adjustment? ;)

[@stevencochrane115]

As an engineer and guitar player (of 60 years) the solution to the problem is obvious. Of course it always is when someone else has already done it, the Desmo engine being a case in point. However, the execution of the mechanism is perfect, so kudos to the team that did it. I can see this being a popular solution to people who travel a lot. Nice job!

[@ciariguitars]

Thank you so much! A lot of blood, sweat, and tears went into the design and prototypes.

[@JonathanSpangler]

Thank you very much, Sir! We greatly appreciate you taking the time to leave the kind words of support. We worked hard to fuse engineering and luthier craftsmanship to ensure it’s both quality AND convenience- which until now (in our onion) were mutually exclusive. If you’re ever in Nashville, please stop by our shop, chat with our luthiers, see our Plek in action, and try an Ascender in our Artist Lounge. We’d be happy to host you! Jonathan Spangler CEO & Founder, Ciari Guitars

[@IAMDonk]

I feel like fixing fret buzz (esp around 12th fret) and adjusting neck relief would be a nightmare.