Based in Hasselt, Belgium, Karel Phlix builds Guttlin guitars the old-fashioned way, with no CNC or 3-D printing. He even produces his own "BarBar" brand of pickups and much of his own hardware, including bridges, tailpieces, strap buttons, and control knobs.
     One thing he hadn’t made—until now—was an electric mandolin. But here it is: the Guttlin Goliath, the first 5-string e-mando from Karel’s shop (we hope it isn’t the last).
     Chambered mahogany body with birdseye maple veneer on a mahogany top. Bolt-on mahogany neck with non-adjustable steel truss rod. Rosewood fretboard with small fretwire and pearloid position markers. 13.875-inch scale. Bone nut, Kluson tuners, screen printed logo. and a Guttlin-made BarBar pickup. Cream binding on top and fretboard, 5mm Bakelite pickguard. Rosewood/bone bridge and aluminum tailpiece. Guttlin tone and volume knobs. Switchcraft output jack.
     The semi-hollow body and birdseye top are meant as a tribute to Tiny Moore’s Bigsby mandolin—but the Guttlin has its own thing going on. The pickup is nice and strong, the semi-hollow design adds warmth, and the standard mandolin scale makes it easy to play. Plus, it’s the first Guttlin mandolin to cross the Atlantic Ocean.
     Hardshell case included. $1,250 plus shipping. See more photos, call 425/772-0231, or for more information. 48-hour approval offered.