The Blonde is a clean and sophisticated instrument designed for players who value refined aesthetics and exceptional tonal clarity. With its full 17″ body, the Blonde offers the same commanding presence as the Big Red, but with an entirely different visual character—rooted in elegance rather than boldness. Its warm vintage blonde finish and striking black-and-white appointments create a timeless “tuxedo” look that’s equally at home on stage or in the studio. Despite its size, this large-bodied archtop remains remarkably comfortable to play thanks to its thoughtfully executed ergonomic contours that are a hallmark of all of Tad’s instruments.
The Blonde features the same powerful and flexible dual pickup system as the Big Red, offering an extraordinary range of tones that bridge acoustic purity and electric expression. At its core is a full size floating Ron Ellis 50s-style P-90 pickup, mounted to the fingerrest to preserve the instrument’s acoustic integrity. Known for his boutique recreations of legendary vintage tones, Ellis’s P-90 delivers a warm, punchy voice full of character and nuance, ideal for jazz, blues, and roots-based electric tones. Complementing the Ellis P90 is the Ultratonic soundboard transducer system by James May—a state-of-the-art pickup known for its unparalleled ability to capture the instrument’s acoustic voice with depth, clarity, and warmth. Installed inside the guitar’s top, the Ultratonic delivers a natural, articulate tone—ideal for players seeking rich, dynamic acoustic response, whether playing live or in the studio.
When used together, the dual pickups reveal an expansive tonal palette—whether blended through a single source or routed in true stereo to separate amps, the result is a richly dimensional sound that balances warmth, clarity, and spatial depth. Each pickup is wired to its own output jack, offering seamless integration for either stereo or mono setups—an elegant, professional-grade solution for today’s versatile player.
Design and Craftsmanship: The Blonde is crafted from premium aged tonewoods selected for both tonal performance and visual grace.
Neck and Body: Constructed with aged sugar maple back, sides, and neck, the Blonde offers a resonant, well-balanced acoustic foundation with smooth projection and sustain. Arm and rib bevels, along with an ergonomic cutaway, ensure outstanding comfort for a guitar of this size.
Top: The top is cut from old-growth Adirondack spruce—highly prized for its headroom, clarity, and rich responsiveness, bringing both power and refinement to the Blonde’s voice.
Appointments: What sets the Blonde apart visually is its use of solid African blackwood bindings in place of traditional maple, framing the guitar with a refined, modern edge. Combined with the blonde finish, these dark bindings create a sharp, tailored contrast for a sophisticated appearance.
Frets and Hardware: Outfitted with stainless steel frets for longevity and silky playability, and gold Waverly tuners engraved to match the instrument’s refined vintage aesthetic.
Aesthetic Elegance: The Blonde makes a statement not through bold color but through its restraint. The soft vintage blonde finish reveals the figure of the maple beneath, while the deep black of the African blackwood appointments creates a clean, modern edge. It’s a guitar that speaks quietly, but with authority—a visual embodiment of west coast cool.
Ergonomics and Playability: Despite its size, the Blonde is built for comfort. Subtle arm and rib bevels, a perfectly balanced neck carve, and expert fretwork combine to create an effortless playing experience that invites long sessions without fatigue. Whether amplified or acoustic, fingerstyle or flatpicked, the Blonde responds with agility and grace.
Vintage Meets Modern: The pairing of a vintage-voiced P-90 with the modern Ultratonic transducer allows players to explore a vast sonic spectrum. Whether used individually or blended through a stereo rig, this dual system offers unmatched flexibility and tone-shaping options—acoustic warmth, electric grit, or any blend in between.
The Blonde is the epitome of understated elegance and sonic performance. Designed with the discerning musician in mind, it delivers refined tone, superb playability, and visual sophistication in equal measure. For players who want the resonance and presence of a full-size archtop without sacrificing modern versatility or ergonomic comfort, the Blonde offers a clean, confident voice—and an instrument to grow with for decades to come.
Tad! Dude. This is Chuck,
I just got done with an hour intense session on the new guitar… It’s a race car man!!! I think I about got her figured out, ha ha… Ah man, I, there’s not enough ways to say how fantastic this thing is! I just had to call you up. I was going to send you an email, but ah no, I got to call him and tell him. I hope you can hear the excitement in my voice; this thing is just un-believable man! Anyhow, have a great day. I had to let you know. It’s opened up even more, it’s wonderful.
Charles Botelho
