Well, this is a “can” of fun! When it arrives, just open the box, tune it, and start to pluck.
The model I am reviewing is called “Motor Oil” from the Boho Series and it is decked out in my favorite color, red, with lots of cool tags and descriptions all over its body – including a unique circular logo at the tip of the head stock which captures the name brand “Bohemian.”
The Bohemian guitar is a simple instrument which is apparently designed to give the sound and (play) feel of its Fender role model, the Stratocaster, complete with two Humbucker pickups and a three way toggle switch. This guitar, made of a motor oil can, is sure to be kept close by in your collection of guitars most fun to play.
Let’s start with the construction of this unique little instrument: The neck is Maple and the fret board is Rosewood…with the kind of fast action that makes you want to grab it every time you sit down to relax and rip some licks! The (recycled) rubber feet on the bottom of the oil can makes it a very easy guitar to store in any place you are most likely to plop down and strum.
The body is, as I mentioned earlier, well, a motor oil can. The company uses recycled/repurposed materials for the construction of these fine, unique instruments utilizing scrap metal, reclaimed woods or woods from sustainable forests, and reclaimed oil cans for their Vintage series. Bohemian Guitars is committed to the earth’s environment and supports environmentally-friendly programs. In fact, they partner with Trees for the Future and plants a tree for each guitar that they sell.
The instrument was designed by two brothers (Adam and Shaun Lee) originally from Johannesberg, South Africa who were inspired by the ingenuity and resourcefulness of the street musicians in South African townships they were exposed to while growing up. The brothers currently operate their company and design the guitars in Atlanta, GA and are outsourcing the production of the guitars to China to maintain the affordable costs of the guitars.
I found the quality of this guitar to be solid, and while it is a bit awkward to hold (the shape of an oil can make it a little tricky to find a comfortable spot in your lap if sitting or to rest your arm while standing) but you quickly get the hang of it. The addition of basswood in the interior of the guitar adds just the right amount of wood for tone and adds to the structural integrity of the body of the guitar.
The sound is similar to the Fender Stratocaster with humbucker pick-ups and is a delight to play.
The Bohemian “Motor Oil” guitar retails for $299. For more information on Bohemian Guitars and where to purchase, visit their site HERE.
Female artists endorsed by Bohemian Guitars includes Jessica Lynn and Valerie June
Specifications:
Model: Motor Oil!
Body: Recycled metal hollow body w/ removable back panel. Basswood frame for increased amplification and structural integrity
Neck Wood: Maple
Neck type: Bohemian Through-Body
Fretboard: Rosewood
Headstock: Red
Finish: Golden Glaze
Frets: 21
Nut Width: 1 3/4″
Width at 12th Fret: 2 1/8″
Width at 21st Fret: 2 3/8″
Neck Thickness: 7/8″
Scale Length: 25 1/2″
Hardware: Chrome
Tuners: 3R 3L screw in w/ removable keys
Bridge/Tailpiece: Tune-o-Matic
Pickups: Humbucker, Humbucker
Electronics: Volume, Tone Switch: 3-way toggle
Self-standing: This model has a built in stand made from recycled rubber.
Inspired by South Africa. Designed in Atlanta. Produced in China.
