Instrument Models

Standard features of Novax instruments include:

• the patented Novax Fanned-Fret system
• the Novax Proprietary Individual Bridge system
• neck and fretboard woods that are air-dried in our wood room for a minimum of 5 years
• a changing pallet of beautiful and “toneful” body woods, air-dried in our wood room and selected for aesthetic and musical qualities
• a nearly unlimited selection of pickup styles and combinations, preamps, and custom switching circuitry
• consultation with luthier Ralph Novak about wood, electronic preferences, or any special requirements for your custom instrument
• necks that are hand carved to your specification
• the experience and skills of over 40 years of instrument building and repair
• exceptional service and attention to detail
• your ability to customize nearly every aspect of your dream instrument.

Novax instruments are constructed by hand, for you, to your unique specifications; your consultation with Ralph Novak can help you decide which wood combinations will yield the tone and “look” that you’re seeking, and what pickup and electronic choices will help you achieve your sonic goal.

Our “standard” models are really only a starting point; we maintain a wide variety of woods and can customize many features to your specification. We are innovators and designers, so if you have a need for something that’s never been seen before, we can make that a reality.

You might be surprised to learn that, often, unique woods or specifications will cost no more than the “standard” model! Our goal is providing the best possible instrument for you, the musician.

We have made many one-of-a-kind instruments, co-designed with the player for a specific purpose. You can view these in the Archives section of our website. If you need something really special, we can help you design it and build it.

Specifications and Examples of Available Builds

Overview

Our “Standard Models” are listed briefly below to provide an overview of our offerings; photos, greater detail and specifications can be found on the web page for each model.

CHARLIE HUNTER 8 string solidbody:

• Co-designed with Jazz artist Charlie Hunter, this model combines a true bass guitar with a standard guitar to produce an instrument capable of performing both functions simultaneously
• It has an ergonomically designed body shape with special “bass” and “guitar” pickups with stereo outputs

CHARLIE HUNTER 8 string semi-hollowbody:

• A semi-hollowbody version of the solidbody model, with a warmer, rounder tone
• It has an arched top of spruce or bookmatched figured hardwood, chambered mahogany back, body binding
• Optional piezo-acoustic and/or midi outputs

J-BAZZ 4 Bass

• Size matters! Traditional styling and feel with the power and playability of Fanned-Frets®
• Swamp ash or Alder body with hand rubbed hard oil finish
• Maple neck with rosewood or ebony fretboard
• Novax single-string bridges
• Bartolini “vintage-voiced” pickups
• Harmonically compensated bridge pickup orientation
• Your choice of electronics: traditional dual volumes and master tone
     - OR - master volume, pickup blend, and master tone
• Side-mount jack

Sales contact

McKenzie River Music
ph: 541-343-9482
hours: 11 AM to 6 PM Mon - Sat, Pacific time