Testimonials
"Absolutely so so psyched man got home and played it til my fingers literally bled. Neck is just a work of art and it just totally sings dude. Fluence were the right call. You are a master my friend, it's everything I wanted and more."
Mitch S, USA - December 2023
"Hello Matt. Just wanted to take a moment to thank you for the amazing custom guitar experience for my KR3. I wanted something different for my extensive guitar collection and the KR3 did not disappoint. The craftmanship was perfect; I appreciated all the pictures and communication along the way and the end result was a masterpiece. The bottom line is that I look forward to our next build soon. Nothing beats a custom build by a creative luthier for quality, attention to detail and the one on one experience. Thanks again Matt."
Michael F, USA - May 2023
"Hi Matt. Hope you and your family are well and that business has picked up. I wanted to share my thoughts on my KM21 after having more time to play it. I have tried my different amps with it, I am blown away every time I pick it up. The neck is so smooth and fast that I find it effortless to play hours at a time. I love that I can access every note on the fretboard, the access to the higher frets is perfect. Aesthetically the wenge combined with the maple has such a timeless look, the poison green and blue logo just are so eye catching and scream a modern 80’s look. I couldn’t be happier with the outcome and the guitar inspires me to want to play and write more. I love that I’m able to play for long hours without feeling fatigued, I don’t have to try to play if that makes any sense. Even unplugged, the swamp ash is resonant enough to play as is and sounds heavy, but as soon as I plug in those Jupiters are chuggalishious, clear and when splitting them have an inverted phase sound going that is perfect for spacious swelling. The craftsmanship is clear throughout the guitar, from the neck to the body, to the way it’s ergonomically crafted, it is a work of art. Thank you for creating such a wonderful instrument, I wish more people could give one a go. I definitely will look at another KM21 in the future before going for another guitar. The whole process has been wonderful, I really do appreciate all of the updates and the flexibility you’ve provided. I would love to leave a positive review for your business if possible. I find hard to want to do business with someone if there isn’t mutual respect or common courtesy, no matter how good the product is... You’re a good dude man, I really appreciate all your hard work and for helping when the carrier dropped the ball. I hope I can order another guitar from you in the future, until then best to you and yours."
Oscar, USA - March 2023
"After years of searching for the right 7-string I happened to stumble across this beautiful guitar, not knowing anything more really than it's an amazing playing guitar from the UK, I left a small music shop with it today. After some research I reached out to Kemp Guitars who got right back to me about it, telling me all of the specs on the guitar and even sending me a link to their online portfolio containing pictures of my exact guitar. Caption on one states 1 of 1 made. Amazing job on a beautiful guitar! I've played all of the big US and Japan made guitars and the quality with this KM2 is among the best I've ever played! Who knows I might be in touch in the future to get my hands on another!"
James, USA
"Yeah man. Had a little play time with it (KM2) last night it's mean!!! Super aggressive overdriven tone and the punch and clarity I love. The neck profile is absolutely choice! The body beautiful and the color is top notch! Very satisfied to be able to play this piece of art. Very, very, very awesome guitar."
Michael, USA
"Got the DC today alive and well... I can tell it seems precisely what I thought and was looking for: a well made instrument with a quality feel to it. I'm especially fond of the way the neck feels, which is very nice and fast, and the neck looks in different lighting. The fretboard is very stylish indeed. Absolutely beautiful... I was surprised with the body, as it seems really small for even a solid body, but after the first few minutes I already got used to it. It's so light one could run a marathon carrying it. The sound is superb, kicks very nicely and sharply with a clear good punch, like it very much. This guitar has articulates very clearly, and especially artificial harmonies are ridiculously easy to play even with the neck pickup compared to what I'm used to. I can tell it has much more to offer, when I get to play it through my main amps."
Mikko, Finland
"Wow... It plays so well... After 1 hour the Half-fan frets and me are best friends... I love it. It sounds real cool and strong... The neck feels like home... A wonderful guitar!!! Playing the DC every evening I really can say it's a lot of fun!!! It plays and sounds well. The finish feels cool"
Burkhard, Germany
"I picked up the KM2 this morning. The first thing I noticed is how light weight it is! I love light guitars and I'm too old to mess around with big heavy ones these days, so that was quite a pleasant surprise. Of course the looks of it are amazing as well. I plugged it in and tuned it up and jammed on it for a little while. I absolutely love it! I don't know how you managed to make a big 7-string neck feel so comfortable and manageable to play. I've only played a couple of other 7-strings, but they were heavy and had monstrous awkward necks. As I've been following you on Facebook for a while I had no doubts that I wouldn't be disappointed with one of your creations. This one is the perfect combination for me, one knob, one pickup, simple design, beautiful wood on the back of the neck, no finger board inlays - just perfect! Thanks again!"
Trevor, USA
"I've been meaning to shoot you a message. I must say I absolutely love this guitar... I love the body shape (I'm really happy with the bevelling), it's really grown on me and feels very comfortable to play (gotta love that Walnut mid-range). Never have I owned a guitar with a Floyd Rose so flush to the guitar with out any issues with fret buzz. The headstock seems much bigger in person and I love it haha. The thing I like the most is the neck. I've always liked really meaty necks but this is fantastic. It feels perfect with extra width of the seventh string. I have a buddy who builds guitars as a hobby and he wants to model his next neck after it. I also appreciate the rounded ends on the finger board. You don't see that much. All in all this is a one of a kind, amazing guitar."
Michael, USA
"I am lucky enough to own KM-II #1 and I have to say this guitar is amazing. When I opened the case, I was taken back at how good it looked, I’m a big fan of natural guitar finishes and the Black Limba body with the lighter grain running through the middle looks fantastic. The attention to detail, such as the recess for the hardware washers and the snug fitting direct mount pickups (BKP Aftermaths), finishes it off perfectly. The guitar is light and well balanced without compromising on sustain and tone in any way. I love the asymmetrical neck profile, this combined with the excellent fret work makes it really fast and comfortable to play, and definately an option I would get again on future guitars. This is my new go to guitar! Overall I am very pleased with the guitar and would highly recommend Kemp Guitars to anyone. Thanks again!"
Andrew, UK
"I've been playing the guitar for quite a few days now, and I'm totally and absolutely blown away. It plays effortlessly, and sounds absolutely killer! I'm a huge fan of the body shape and the contouring you do. The neck carve feels absolutely the best I've had (and believe me, I've had plenty of Ernie Ball Music Mans pass through and also own a few high end PRS) and the neck finish is just outstanding. It gets the job done, and looks killer as well. What can I say? I've stopped looking at eBay and For Sale sites ever since I got it. If anything, I now know who/where to get my next guitar from."
Ben, Canary Islands
"I took delivery of my second custom-build from Matt just 3 days ago. My first, was a stunning archtop DC, back in August 2015. I was totally blown away to have such an amazing guitar built so beautifully, and to my exact specifications for less than off-the-peg prices. ‘Anduril’ still attracts lots of envious gazes, requests to ‘touch’ and complimentary comments at gigs. Now in 2018, Matt has delivered beyond my expectations again... This time, the weapon of choice is a thru-neck, 8 string, half-fan multiscale DC. Made from Sapele, with a 5-piece Wenge/Maple neck, bocote fingerboard, stunning Ziricote top, with contrasting gold hardware, and loaded with a calibrated set of Bare Knuckle Aftermaths, this is truly a beautiful, yet extremely capable weapon. I can’t stop starring at, and exploring this guitar; the seamless joins, flowing lines, gorgeous contrasting natural wood grains and flawless finish quality. The aptly named ‘Excalibur’ comes alive when the strings are caressed. The action is silky smooth and low, with no buzz or dead-spots. The neck and body really resonate, conveying the power and emotion back through my hands and body. This guitar is my new inspiration and meditation; I cannot wait to really become one with this beast and unleash its full potential. Matt... Again, “Thank you!”. Your hard work and amazing craftsmanship is inspiring and will bring many years of happiness to me, and hopefully many others too! Maximum kudos to you!"
Scott, UK
"Absolutely no disappointment receiving my SD. Spotless paint job, great craftsmanship. Playability is smooth and fast. Pickups were chosen to fit the guitar character perfectly, and as a result the guitar has a personality of its own. Its now my go-to 6 string guitar, on-par with my 7 string Skervesen, which has the same ‘custom-shop’ feeling. I definitely recommend Kemp Guitars. Matt is a concerned luthier and a really nice guy to deal with."
Thibaut, France
"Just to let you know; the guitars (Kiwi Light DC and Light Orange SS Archtop) arrived safely and in perfect condition... I have to say they are an absolute joy to play and I can tell you made them with a lot of care and attention to detail. They play so smoothly the fretboard is like a shredding ice-rink. I’ve had many top quality guitars and have no hesitation in saying these go to the top of hierarchy as my favourites! It’s great they look as beautiful as they play!... I’m a complete matte convert!"
Leighan, UK
"Guitar arrived safe and sound! Thanks so much it’s great – I’ve been giving it a blast for the last half an hour through my Diezel Herbert – sounds great. Those Nailbombs certainly get some air moving, although I have to admit I was a bit nervous as depending on the timber they can sound muddy and I’ve got no idea really what the ball park on Walnut is, but I think they work okay! Honestly though, I’ve got some very expensive guitars - Blackmachines, Mansons, PRS, Gibson, Feline - and the fit and finish on yours is right up there with the best of them! It feels very solid, it’s almost hard to believe it’s a bolt on and it’s surprisingly light too – love it! Thanks again for all the effort, and a really great guitar."
Ross, UK
"It plays really well, good action no buzzing... It is very comfortable to play. The weight and balance are good. The sound is huge and very rich and the tonal variations available just from the on-board controls are greater than any other guitar I've played, I can bin my pedals! It also has massive sustain... It's a stunning instrument and I'm looking forward to gigging it, though it will need to be well guarded!"
Nick, UK
"After unpacking it, I was very happy with it right away. It plays like a dream, and it sounds pretty much the way I wanted it to. I had to get used to the pronounced mids a bit, but the lows and highs are well balanced. Because this guitar being my first mahogany (black limba) like guitar it isn't really strange I had to get used to the mids. After a few weeks I'm very happy with it's complete sound spectrum though! Overall I'm incredibly happy with this guitar: it plays like a dream, sounds great and is pretty versatile. After using the guitar during a few gigs, I got quite a few people asking what I guitar I play, which put a smile on my face of course: always nice to know the guitar I play raises some eyebrows (positively speaking). If you're looking for a custom guitar, I can really recommend Serpentine (Kemp) Guitars!"
Twan, Netherlands
"I just took delivery of my very own custom Quilted Maple DC this morning. I am absolutely blown away! This is the most beautiful guitar I have ever seen - yet alone had the pleasure of playing. 'Anduril' (as she shall now be called) plays beautifully - the whole guitar comes alive as it resonates in my hands, building an instant connection with me that just invites me to play more and more. Aesthetically, the Quilted Maple top, and Ebony fingerboard are jaw droppingly stunning together. The shape of the carved arch top DC body and reverse 3+3 headstock looks just awesome. BK pickups are amazing, delivering all the tone I could ever want in combination with that heavy Mahogany body. The notes just leap out of the guitar with perfect separation and clarity. Best thing is.....she's all mine! Matt - Thank you! It was worth every second of the wait."
Scott, UK
"I have received my guitar and MY GOD it is so beautiful! It looks so much different while looking at the pictures than holding in it your hands. I haven't plugged it in yet because I just keep staring at it and loose focus from other things and I also thought I let you know straight away first that it is finally in my possession. Thank you so much! I checked out the neck and the playability is so damn good. It also has a nice and sleek body... and it does not weigh anything compared to my Schecter. I am extremely pleased! Thank you so much for the awesome job you have done, you have made my dream come true and for that I am highly grateful."
Ali, UK
"I got the guitar today, I love it. It's exactly what I asked for and the action is perfect for what I had in mind. I can really dig into some big chords without having to worry about buzzing. The guitar stands out in a couple ways. Your work is very clean, cleaner than my Skervesen and Carvin. The fret job is very nice, bends are pretty effortless and it just feels fast. The real highlight in my opinion is the oil finish. I've done a couple oil finishes on my guitars but this one is very unique I guess. It doesn't really feel like an oil finish, it feels cleaner and more satiny than a lot of the oil finishes I've used. The neck is great, feels perfect in my hands, exactly what I pictured. Thanks for this wonderful instrument, I'm really enjoying it."
Michel, Switzerland
"Taken delivery today of my guitar and I'm pleased to say I'm very happy with it, love the body and after playing it for a while both unplugged and plugged into my amp the neck profile and action feels really nice and quick I'd go as far and say the neck/fretboard feels as good if not better then a PRS Custom I used to have, top dollar."