The Coastal Semihollow is a meticulously crafted instrument from luthiers Agustin Gaytan Morello and Ben Lambdin, built between Santa Cruz and Portland. Designed with a classical guitar mindset but fully realized as an electric instrument, this model delivers exceptional acoustic response, dynamic range, and tonal depth.
The pressed arched top combines Engelmann spruce and western red cedar, while the back and sides are made from reclaimed western maple. At its core is an old-growth Santa Cruz redwood centerblock, reinforced for stability at the neck and bridge. The neck is carved from California bay laurel and paired with an ebony fingerboard, giving it a lively feel and refined tone. The headstock overlay and pickguard are crafted from rosewood, tying the natural appointments together.
The neck has a comfortable medium C profile, measuring .84” to .96”, with a 25.5” scale length and a 1 3/4” nut width, offering both space and familiarity for expressive players.
Pickups are hand-wound by Devil Dog Guitar Co., featuring a SCNK (P-90 style single-coil) in the neck and DCBR Humbucker in the bridge. The neck and middle positions are where this guitar truly shines, offering warmth and bloom, while the bridge pickup adds bite and edge. Components include Sperzel locking tuners, a Pinnacle USA brass bridge, and hand-cast resin knobs and switch tip from Portland.
The finish is a worn hempseed oil varnish, enhancing the organic texture and visual character of the wood. Built to be resonant, responsive, and tonally expansive, the Coastal Semihollow reflects the best of west coast luthiery.
Specifications
Top: Engelmann spruce and western red cedar
Back and sides: reclaimed western maple
Centerblock: old-growth Santa Cruz redwood with hardwood reinforcement
Neck: California bay laurel
Fingerboard: ebony
Scale length: 25.5”
Nut width: 1 3/4”
Neck profile: medium C (.84” – .96”)
Pickups: Devil Dog Guitar Co. SCNK neck and DCBR bridge
Bridge: Pinnacle USA brass
Tuners: Sperzel locking
Pickguard and headstock overlay: rosewood
Knobs and switch tip: hand-cast resin from Portland
Finish: worn hempseed oil varnish
Built in: Santa Cruz and Portland
Case: TKL USA
Weight: 7lbs 10oz
