New Open Source Guitar Design
Praxis Guitars releases Praxis Zero mk2 Mantis 29-Jun-15
Praxis Guitars has released their source code fpr the Praxis Zero mk2 Mantis guitar. To celebrate, the company is running a limited release sale of the guitar. Only 24 instruments are available for purchase in this batch. Prices start at $684 for a completed instrument. Here's the full story direct from Praxis Guitars...
The Praxis Zero mk2 Mantis features dual humbuckers with 5 way pickup selection, a tune-o-matic style bridge and the ergonomic Mantis body style. The body is made of curly maple with hard maple faceplates & multiple choices of dye color. The neck is made from a 3 piece hard maple laminate, with multiple scale lengths available. The hard maple fretboard is presently available with 2 different designs: A traditional style fretboard with a compound radius & a unique new scalloped fretboard developed by Praxis Guitars. The innovative scalloped fretboard design allows for polyphonic pitch bending. A completely unique feel for the neck is formed by not removing material along the edges of the fretboard.
The Praxis Zero is a modular framework. The core of the Praxis Zero mk2 is a metal frame that provides a standard attachment system for parts & accessories. The frame & neck form a structurally cohesive unit that is capable of resolving all string tension. The tuning fork mechanism embedded in the neck was invented to create a solid mechanical joint. The primary action of the tuning fork is to alter the compression of the neck against the frame through adjustable bolts. The tuning fork can alter both the sustain of the instrument, as well as the alignment of the strings.
The electromagnetic pickups for the Zero Two mk2 fit on a swappable cartridge. By changing cartridges, the sound of the instrument can be drastically altered. The instrument offered for the source code release sale features dual humbuckers controlled via a 5 way selector switch. The cartridge interface was designed so that new cartridges can be easily 3d printed or fabricated out of sheet metal.
The Mantis style of body is eye catching, lightweight & ergonomic. A single strap point near the instrument's center of gravity allows the guitar to naturally hang at a comfortable playing angle. The single point strap also gives the guitar the ability to rotate a full 360 degrees for enhanced expression capabilities.
Praxis Guitars uses digital fabrication technology & traditional craftsmanship to create affordable custom instruments. The source code for the full Praxis Zero mk2 Mantis can be found through the Praxis Guitars website. The source code for the Praxis Zero mk2 Mantis will ship out with the instruments sold.
The Praxis Zero is licensed under Creative Commons Share Alike Attribution licensing. The licensing allows for commercial replication & modification as long as the original design is properly attributed; derivatives are given the same license. By encouraging other manufacturers to modify & sell the design Praxis Guitars strives to create a market of innovative competition. The ethos of Praxis Guitars is to enable musicians to become an active part of ongoing instrument designs & production.
Pricing and Availability:
$684 for a completed instrument.
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