Novo Idris SSS Aged Pelham Blue Relic (2023)

At last, a Novo Idris S3 in a custom colour — and those are extremely rare second hand.

Is there anything left to say about Novo Guitars of Nashville? These guitars are known well beyond Nashville and the records made there. This is a 2023 Novo Idris S3 in very rare Aged Pelham Blue light distress relic. Ours was imported directly from the USA in 2023 and even then came to around €4,350 including import costs. A new “standard” example from European dealers currently runs to over €4,700.

You've got a very resonant, light pine body paired with a comfortable medium C roasted maple neck carrying a lovely East Indian rosewood board. The 9.5"–14" compound radius makes it an easy player.

Fralin Vintage Hot single coils do the talking. The result is full of character — an open, dynamic core with warm, bluesy corners. The good thing is that it handles heavier gain without losing itself.

Then there's the look. Aged Pelham Blue with black parts and a black headstock makes it hard to ignore. That colour is now only available as a custom order with a considerable wait. The ageing looks the part and has been done with real care: even the few spots on the back of the neck where some finish remains have been given fine crackle to complete the vintage feel. The colour shifts a great deal with the light — fine shades of Pelham Blue give way to something slightly greener.

The frets are still in excellent shape, and the whole guitar is simply a lot of fun — at a price you won't see elsewhere. Here's your chance to find one on the European second-hand market and save real money.