Mendiola - a PureSalem Guitars inspired take on classic sought after Italian guitars

You spend your musical life searching for that fresh take. Something that breeds inspiration. The PureSalem take for me is that slightly off but always familiar look with the feel and tone of a guitar you can rely on. With Mendiola they pay homage to the old Italian style electric guitars often sought after by collectors and players alike. The angled t-style neck pickup is warm and thick while the mini humbucking style bridge pickup attacks with a quick punch. When combined, Mendiola creates a guitar that stands in front proudly while never content to rest behind the band. This is Mendiola from PureSalem Guitars.​​

The Mendiola sound in particular is a very dynamic attack. The strength in this guitar is in the contrasting pickup combinations. An "Attack Captain" mini humbucker in the bridge gives you that bright punch making it a fantastic option for lead lines while still retaining the individual note articulation in chords.

​I notice that the tele style neck pickup in all PureSalem guitars seem to be wound slightly warmer than other tele style guitars and no exception here with Mendiola. You hear a well rounded, modest thickness to the tone brought out in this position. No other PureSalem guitar highlights this pickup's warmth better than the Jimmy model.

The unique flavor in which PureSalem seems to match sound with visual aesthetic lies in the combination of both Mendiola pickups. The slightly warmer tele style neck pickup compliments that mini humbucker attack so well that I had a tough time deciding whether to use the bridge, neck, or both pickups as my melodic lead sounds. Great decision to have to make!

• Mahogany Body / with binding / and rear tummy tuck
• Mahogany Neck with binding and small dot Inlays
• Rosewood Fret Board
• 24 3/4 Scale Length
• 42.75 Nut Width
• 2 1/16 String Spacing
• Modern C-Shape Neck / light Satin Finish
• 12 Inch Radius
• PureSalem Custom Pin-Lock style tuners
• Tune o matic Bridge
• Custom PureSalem “Attack Captain” Mini Humbucker pickup in bridge position
• Single coil t-style pickup in neck position
• Vintage style cloth wiring
• Med Jumbo Frets
• Dual Truss Rod

The most important thing to keep in mind when looking into Mendiola is the lack of weight to the sound. Where large hollow body guitars may suit jazz rhythms and melodic lead lines, the beautiful attack of Mendiola may well be the option for players who need more of a punch or kick in the upper mids like country and rock guitarists. If you are after this sound with a more unique visual aesthetic, Mendiola from PureSalem Guitars is an option you should certainly look into.

​www.puresalemguitars.com