Limitless Sonora T Aged Black Roasted Pine (2023)

An as-new example with superb ageing, and the ideal way into the high-end world of Limitless Custom Guitars. We sold this one new and now have it back in the shop, as its owner decided to go another way.

Carsten Reetz builds fantastic guitars at the highest level, and he does it on his own — masterbuilt in all but name. The idea of a distinctive shape combined with the finest timber and the best hardware works immediately. The way the finish has been applied, with the lovely grain worked through it, is impressive. As with Novo, the body is selected roasted pine. Guitars built from “baked” timber are reckoned to be considerably stiffer, and tonally they're known for being very resonant, with a direct response and extended sustain.

Our scales tend to read a little high, so we make it 3.05 kg. The certificate says 3.0 kg, so take your pick. Either way this is a very dynamic tone machine, and a good deal of that is down to the roasted flamed maple neck with its beautiful East Indian rosewood board. That neck has a substantial C shape, but it's so nicely rounded that nobody needs to worry about it feeling fat. The 10"–14" compound board is a pleasure.

Häussel pickups take care of getting it to the amp, and the result is forceful and growly, never covered or stuffy. Open chords are as much fun as singing, twangy leads — it doesn't mind which. A new one costs over €4,000. The fine crack on the back of the neck pocket brings the price down but has no effect on stability or sound; Carsten repaired it properly. The price speaks for itself.