Why Do Companies Make Carbon Fiber Guitars?

Sponsored by KLOS Guitars:

When you think of music and legacy, Willie Nelson’s iconic “Trigger” might cross your mind. A modified 1969 Martin N-20 bearing the scars of Nelson’s countless performances. Each press and strum, drop of sweat and slide are stained and ingrained into the body, modifying into something wholly unique. There is no other guitar like “Trigger,” and there never will be. 

Why do some companies choose to not adopt that legacy of wood? Adam Klosowiak, CEO of KLOS Guitars, says they choose to build instruments out of carbon fiber to empower artists to create their own legacy.

“An instrument is a tool we use to express ourselves,” Klosowiak says. “But, really, at the end of the day, the music comes from you.” 

KLOS Guitars have developed the widest selection of carbon fiber instruments on the market: from acoustics to ukuleles, basses to electrics and even mandolins. Their line-up is wide because they believe carbon fiber brings unparalleled value to players. 

“We can make our instruments way more consistent when we build with carbon fiber. We know how cleanly sound travels through our instruments. We know there aren’t any dead frets. With wood, that’s not something you can always guarantee” Klosowiak says.

Klosowiak doesn’t discredit the value or history of a wooden guitar. “We consider carbon fiber as just another material. Mahogany doesn’t sound like rosewood which doesn’t sound like maple. (Carbon fiber) has its own unique tone that sounds just as good as those other materials.”

“Our mission is to empower players. We want people to think more about the music they create and stress less about whether or not the instrument they’re playing on is going to last.”

Players like Yosh Takeuchi, a KLOS Travel Guitar owner living in Tokyo, don’t want to be limited by where they are to play their music

“It is difficult to maintain wooden guitars here in Japan,” Takeuchi says. “Our summers are hot and humid, while our winters are very dry. Carbon fiber guitars are sturdy and temperature/humidity resistant. No need to worry about them…I can always carry KLOS guitar with me, feeling free to play anytime, anywhere.”