This listing is for a beautiful Tao Guitars T-Bucket, hand built in Belgium by luthier duo John and Serge. This example features a lightweight Karina body and Tao’s refined, modern take on their Tele-inspired T-Bucket design.
Weighing in at 7 lbs 4 oz, this guitar feels exceptionally balanced and resonant. Karina is known for its fast attack and airy response, and this instrument delivers a clear fundamental with excellent note separation and harmonic detail. It feels lively and immediate in the hands, with a strong acoustic presence that translates effortlessly when amplified.
The neck is a standout feature. Built from roasted, quartersawn flame maple, it offers excellent stability and a smooth, broken-in feel. The black-stained neck with a blonde overlay allows the flame to subtly show through, giving it a striking yet understated look. The 25.5” scale length, 12” fingerboard radius, and 1 11/16” bone nut provide a comfortable, modern playing experience that works equally well for chord work and articulate lead playing. Frets are a medium height similar in size to 6105s, with full fret life remaining and very clean fretwork throughout.
Electronics are carefully chosen and extremely versatile. Under the black pickguard is a Duncan Custom Shop Brad Paisley “Secret Agent” Tele neck pickup, delivering warmth, clarity, and a vintage-inspired neck tone without muddiness. The bridge position is fitted with a Lollar Special T, offering punch, articulation, and just the right amount of bite. Together, the pickups balance beautifully and cover a wide range of tones, from sparkling cleans to rich, driven sounds.
Hardware is equally well thought out. This T-Bucket is fitted with an ABM 2-point tremolo that includes Tao’s Trem-Stop system, set to block upward motion so the trem only moves downward. This provides added tuning stability and a more controlled, musical vibrato feel compared to a fully floating setup. Gotoh locking tuners round out the hardware package and keep everything solid and reliable.
The guitar is in very clean condition and clearly well cared for. It’s a refined, inspiring instrument that showcases Tao Guitars’ attention to detail, thoughtful design, and exceptional craftsmanship.
Specs
• Model: Tao Guitars T-Bucket
• Body: Karina
• Scale Length: 25.5”
• Neck: Roasted quartersawn flame maple
• Neck Finish: Black stain with blonde overlay
• Fingerboard Radius: 12”
• Nut Width: 1 11/16”
• Nut: Bone
• Frets: Medium height, similar to 6105s
• Fret Condition: Full fret life remaining
• Neck Pickup: Duncan Custom Shop Brad Paisley “Secret Agent” Tele (mounted under pickguard)
• Bridge Pickup: Lollar Special T
• Tremolo: ABM 2-point tremolo with Trem-Stop (downward motion only)
• Tuners: Gotoh locking tuners
• Condition: Very clean
• Weight: 7 lbs 4 oz
Reunion Blues Case Included
