VIDEO SECTIONS: 1. Let's check the specs! 1:08 2. What does this thing sound like? 3:33 3. What does it feel like to play? 7:36 4. Let's check the construction quality! 10:35 5. Final Thoughts! 12:00 Enjoy!
Zemaitis the brand and designs started in the 1960's. Tony Zemaitis started the brand in the UK and they were made famous by Ron Wood (before he joined the Rolling Stones), Clapton, etc. The engravings were done by Danny O'Brien who is still alive and does work for the new owners of Zemaitis. A lot people in the comments are comparing these to other brands. Zemaitis is not a new brand and predate most brands except Fender, Gibson, and a few others . The vintage Zemaitis guitars and basses are among the most expensive vintage guitars you can find. One of Geddy Lee's rarest basses is a Zemaitis bass. Kanda Shokai, a Japanese Company, bought the rights after Tony's death in 2002 and continued the brand. BTW- for people who don't know Kanda Shokai, they are a Japanese guitar company that also owns the Greco brand and distribute a lot of other brands in Japan. Kanda Shokai also own 13% of FMIC, the parent company of Fender.
I have been told by a reliable source that the engraving is now CNC. Up til a few years ago was actually hand-engraved. Still a beautiful instrument, and I can imagine how much work it must be to engrave all of that.
@@hughschick3001 That’s true. Hand engraving was done only on the high end models from the custom shop when it was done. I've come close to buying a Zemaitis but in the end bought I a Bizen instead. Bizen was started by aguy who used to run the Zemaitis custom shop.
@@rickychau7687 Will look into Bizen, I look forward to building you your next guitar! You obviously have good taste, Speaking of metal, I am building a semihollow with bell metal tailpipes as soundholes.
@@hughschick3001 An etching process seems like a more likely way it is done going by the close ups. CNC would be very time consuming with no gain or quality difference. Hand engraved ones must have cost a lot, but you could see where the money went more, compared to the new ones.
@@AlessioC97x The brand is not that well known in the US despite the history. But there seems to be a lot of love for the brand in Japan. It's part of the reason why Kanda Shokai bought the rights. The other well know nJapanese user of Zemaitis is Yoshi from Aldious.
Miku has a bunch of them, but all are black finish instead of mahogany finish. Aces n 8’s, a ‘tile’ model, the above mentioned V, this style shown and her own sig model (not sure it’s out yet). oop she also has a tele style. oop, edit again... I (think) she is playing her sig model on the Dragonforce video.
Miku was given dibs on their very first V ever. My understanding is that it was actually built in their custom shop for her (some say in their Califirnia facility) and the production V models are based on that original.
@@TheDennzio literally almost any brand out there. Suhr tons of brands. But if your an elitist and only care about what the headstock says by all means. Go and buy that 3000$ hunk of wood
James Hetfield has a GZ Series Flying V and Miku Kobato also uses a Zemaitis V, but little smaller than normal V version. She also has a signature model Zemaitis, called the "Flappy Pigeon".
I've been waiting for zemaitis to get some love! I took a chance and bought a Z24 when they were on clearance little less than a year ago despite not knowing much about what to look for in a good guitar, but having learned what makes a guitar great thanks to channels like yours I can confidently say it's a fantastic guitar
@Cameron Putt Hell yeah! I honestly wish I would've spent a little more and picked up a metal faced one when they were 1k now that I know how great they are
Yeah Zemaitis guitars are really beautyful. I first stumbled over them coz of the Japanese band "Band Maid" , Miku plays them. I know she has a Singlecut like this (but hers has a really cool Poker/Cardgame theme), and she also has a V shaped Zemaitis.
Check out the story of the original Zemaitis guitars custom made for the likes of Ron Wood, Keith Richards and James Honeyman Scott. And yes, Tony Zemaitis was able to get Danny O'Brian, the top gun engraver in the UK, to engrave all his metal top guitars. Even tho' they both has passed on the tradition remains.
I live a few miles for Tony's original workshop. He set up an old Columbus Strat Copy for me in the 70s. I turned down a metal front with three Strat style single coils for a few hundred pounds as an impoverished student in the early 80s. That could have been my pension now 😢 Pleased his legacy lives on now
Not usually a fan of ornate decoration, but this looks and sounds sooooooooo beautiful that it looks like my bucket list just got one (beautifully etched) item longer!!😊😊
I don't like much bling either, but these have a bling that looks classy and classic instead of gaudy. I've been in love with Zemaitis guitars ever since I saw a picture of James Honeyman Scott playing one in Guitar Player magazine back in the 80's. My Korean built Zemaitis Metal Front is the centerpiece of my small guitar collection.
@@robertbixler5256 You can get Korean models around $1200-$1400. Japan models usually run around $3K. I have a Korean Metal Front. The engraving on the Japan models are a "touch" more "busy" and detailed but the build quality is basically the same. Watch out for Chinese counterfeits. If a deal on one of these seems a bit to sweet it's probably shady.
A beautiful guitar for sure, and those tones! Clean, overdriven, distorted, they all sounded fantastic! Would love to own one but it's just a little bit out of my price range, especially considering my last guitar was a Firefly FF338!
A true wet dream of a guitar! Always been a wish list since I first saw them in the '80's! Much thanks to George O'Brian's engravings! A never ending thanks to Tony himself! RIP.
Thank you, Darrell. I have been waiting for someone to do a real review of this guitar here in the US. I was able to get one, except I bought the MFG22-Black, 2 months ago. It is everything you said, displayed, and played. A true masterpiece. Thanx again.
@@johnburris8499 for future reference: bootlicker (plural bootlickers) A person who behaves in a servile or obsequious manner; a toady. (by extension) Anyone who is seen as supporting authoritarianism.
Band Maid's Miku Kobato guitar. They are absolutely exquisite guitars. I'll own one before I die. Miku is a rhythm guitar, so it really was interesting to hear you lead on it. Now that you did, I want one even more. It sounds as sexy as it looks.
Ive seen this guitar on display in a glass case in a nearby guitar store for a few years now. One day it sold and I never learned the brand. Glad I finally heard what it sounds like!
I was literally thinking about two weeks ago how no guitar TH-camr ever talks about or plays Zematis and here we are now. Awesome video as always Darrell
Wow, what a beautiful sound with the clean notes. My wife would kill me if i bought one, but hey, I might just take a chance on that lol. Cheers Darrell.
Your comment is ironic because two of the higher profile players (Miku Kobato and Yoshi) using Zemaitis play are in a hard rock band (band-Maid) and the other is metal (Aldious).
Darrell is also an excellent guitarist...this fact is sometimes unnoticed, like when we are focused on the axe, and not the player. An OUTSTANDING person, and, Thanks for this show.
I must be getting old. This looks over styled to me. Beauty, is indeed, in the eye of the beholder! But that being said, it is different! Another nice review, Darrell!
I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. Lol don’t know why but that is the first thing I thought of when he said mahogany. Beautiful guitar!
Amazing guitar, and great sound. Could you do a video with how you set your amps and pedals to achieve your tones (clean, break up, drive, distortion...), for single and humbucker.
Sensational Guitar! I've always loved Zemaitis since seeing them in the hands of Ronnie Wood and James Honeyman-Scott. Thanks for the close-up views and excellent tone demonstration. Its good to know these Japanese versions live up to the originals.
Same here. Ron Wood, James Honeyman Scott, the guy in Rod Stewart's 'Tonight I'm Yours' video and the cover of Bobby Womack's "The Poet" album. The Japanese customs definitely live up to the hype.
Well, Tony Zemaitis died in 2002, but it's good to see his concepts and legacy being continued under licence in Japan. Tony was the original Custom Builder and for example did ask his Customers for their hand print shots from a copy machine to be able to adjust his guitars to them. This won't be possible from this suitor company, but they are still doing a great job here! 👍🏻 Nice Video Darrell!
VIDEO SECTIONS:
1. Let's check the specs! 1:08
2. What does this thing sound like? 3:33
3. What does it feel like to play? 7:36
4. Let's check the construction quality! 10:35
5. Final Thoughts! 12:00
Enjoy!
Hey Darrell braun guitar where can I buy this?
Hi MG! Straight from their site. I put a link in the video description :)
Hey Darrell I love your vids keep it up and its heartwarming to see SOLI DEO GLORIA in every description :))
One heck of an axe .I cant believe Japan is beinging up their Game .
@@DarrellBraunGuitar meant to ask if this is your main profession or do you have another main job?
Zemaitis the brand and designs started in the 1960's. Tony Zemaitis started the brand in the UK and they were made famous by Ron Wood (before he joined the Rolling Stones), Clapton, etc. The engravings were done by Danny O'Brien who is still alive and does work for the new owners of Zemaitis. A lot people in the comments are comparing these to other brands. Zemaitis is not a new brand and predate most brands except Fender, Gibson, and a few others . The vintage Zemaitis guitars and basses are among the most expensive vintage guitars you can find. One of Geddy Lee's rarest basses is a Zemaitis bass. Kanda Shokai, a Japanese Company, bought the rights after Tony's death in 2002 and continued the brand. BTW- for people who don't know Kanda Shokai, they are a Japanese guitar company that also owns the Greco brand and distribute a lot of other brands in Japan. Kanda Shokai also own 13% of FMIC, the parent company of Fender.
I have been told by a reliable source that the engraving is now CNC. Up til a few years ago was actually hand-engraved. Still a beautiful instrument, and I can imagine how much work it must be to engrave all of that.
@@hughschick3001 That’s true. Hand engraving was done only on the high end models from the custom shop when it was done. I've come close to buying a Zemaitis but in the end bought I a Bizen instead. Bizen was started by aguy who used to run the Zemaitis custom shop.
@@rickychau7687 Will look into Bizen, I look forward to building you your next guitar! You obviously have good taste, Speaking of metal, I am building a semihollow with bell metal tailpipes as soundholes.
@@hughschick3001 An etching process seems like a more likely way it is done going by the close ups. CNC would be very time consuming with no gain or quality difference.
Hand engraved ones must have cost a lot, but you could see where the money went more, compared to the new ones.
@@rickychau7687 those run from 6 to 15 grands right?
THIS is a guitar that is worth its price. Lots of little details that go unnoticed of you're not paying attention, very nice work
Miku from Band Maid plays Zemaitis. They just released her own custom designed model called Flappy Pigeon. Sadly they only made fifty.
They are selling very fast. A lot of stores are already sold out.
Also the guitarist in The Oral Cigarettes, another wonderful japanese band!
@@AlessioC97x The brand is not that well known in the US despite the history. But there seems to be a lot of love for the brand in Japan. It's part of the reason why Kanda Shokai bought the rights. The other well know nJapanese user of Zemaitis is Yoshi from Aldious.
Hsr flying V Zamaitis is amazing!
Yep, any more, the minute I see a Zemaitis, I immediately go "Miku's guitar!"
The rhythm guitarist from Band Maid plays their guitars and she has a flying V which looks amazing!
Miku also has one like the one Darrell is showing.
@@harrybryan9633 Yes, she does. But I only recently saw her with the V and was in Love.
Miku has a bunch of them, but all are black finish instead of mahogany finish. Aces n 8’s, a ‘tile’ model, the above mentioned V, this style shown and her own sig model (not sure it’s out yet). oop she also has a tele style. oop, edit again... I (think) she is playing her sig model on the Dragonforce video.
Miku has her own signature model now. "Flappy pigeon"! It is a beauty !
Miku was given dibs on their very first V ever. My understanding is that it was actually built in their custom shop for her (some say in their Califirnia facility) and the production V models are based on that original.
I see a few Band Maid comments here, but probably the person that made this really popular in Japan was Hisashi of Glay
Absolutely, i fell in love the first time saw it, and none of that guy guitars are normal
I was familiar with it from Tomoyasu Hotei.
True, that’s why I wanna buy one
True, hes been using it since early 2000!
New signature zemaitis 'flappy pigeon' just released. extremely pretty! (po!)
I really lean towards Fender guitars but that this is gorgeous.
Same
You’re really only paying for the name. Tens of other companies that make better product for the same price or cheaper
@@skateup2291 Like?
@@TheDennzio Ibanez
@@TheDennzio literally almost any brand out there. Suhr tons of brands. But if your an elitist and only care about what the headstock says by all means. Go and buy that 3000$ hunk of wood
James Hetfield has a GZ Series Flying V and Miku Kobato also uses a Zemaitis V, but little smaller than normal V version. She also has a signature model Zemaitis, called the "Flappy Pigeon".
I've been waiting for zemaitis to get some love! I took a chance and bought a Z24 when they were on clearance little less than a year ago despite not knowing much about what to look for in a good guitar, but having learned what makes a guitar great thanks to channels like yours I can confidently say it's a fantastic guitar
@Cameron Putt Hell yeah! I honestly wish I would've spent a little more and picked up a metal faced one when they were 1k now that I know how great they are
Yeah Zemaitis guitars are really beautyful. I first stumbled over them coz of the Japanese band "Band Maid" , Miku plays them. I know she has a Singlecut like this (but hers has a really cool Poker/Cardgame theme), and she also has a V shaped Zemaitis.
It reminds me and looks like a cowboy revolver. So beautiful.
Check out the story of the original Zemaitis guitars custom made for the likes of Ron Wood, Keith Richards and James Honeyman Scott. And yes, Tony Zemaitis was able to get Danny O'Brian, the top gun engraver in the UK, to engrave all his metal top guitars. Even tho' they both has passed on the tradition remains.
The guy that originally did the engraving on theses guitars was one of the UK most well known shotgun engravers.
@@TheAndybow1964 makes sense
Hey Darrell....Take a look at MIKU Kobato from Band-Maid. She's got a signature "Flappy Pigeon" Zemaitis guitar.
I live a few miles for Tony's original workshop. He set up an old Columbus Strat Copy for me in the 70s. I turned down a metal front with three Strat style single coils for a few hundred pounds as an impoverished student in the early 80s. That could have been my pension now 😢
Pleased his legacy lives on now
Not usually a fan of ornate decoration, but this looks and sounds sooooooooo beautiful that it looks like my bucket list just got one (beautifully etched) item longer!!😊😊
I don't like much bling either, but these have a bling that looks classy and classic instead of gaudy. I've been in love with Zemaitis guitars ever since I saw a picture of James Honeyman Scott playing one in Guitar Player magazine back in the 80's. My Korean built Zemaitis Metal Front is the centerpiece of my small guitar collection.
That guitar is so beautiful it brought a tear to my eye
Great clean tones! Beautiful body shape
Wow. This is the guitar that one of Band maid member use 🤩🤩
Even the headstock is nice. That is a beast of pure beauty.
How much do they cost it looks as good as it sounds
@@robertbixler5256 You can get Korean models around $1200-$1400. Japan models usually run around $3K. I have a Korean Metal Front. The engraving on the Japan models are a "touch" more "busy" and detailed but the build quality is basically the same. Watch out for Chinese counterfeits. If a deal on one of these seems a bit to sweet it's probably shady.
A beautiful guitar for sure, and those tones! Clean, overdriven, distorted, they all sounded fantastic! Would love to own one but it's just a little bit out of my price range, especially considering my last guitar was a Firefly FF338!
A true wet dream of a guitar! Always been a wish list since I first saw them in the '80's! Much thanks to George O'Brian's engravings! A never ending thanks to Tony himself! RIP.
You mean Danny O'brien,
Herman Li played one on his stream and it sounded amazing. And it also looks so good, the amount of attention to detail is incredible
This is what I call creativity and care. Not all those "relic" jobs that turn a new guitar to a poor beaten thing.
Awesome stuff great looking and sounds great
11:03
That is some of the nicest designed and cleaned up set up I've seen on a set of pots and wiring. WOW!
Lovely guitar, as the Brits say.
Showed it to my brother and he said that it “looks like a Zemaitis.”
Apparently he was familiar with the style. 👍
Wow, what gorgeous guitar! Sounds great too. I love the look of the silver metal top and trim against the mahogany body and neck. Really cool.
The finish resembles those crazy traditional custom hand etched revolvers and lever-action rifles, beautiful instrument my man
The original engraver for the brand was Danny O'Brien, a gun engraver -he still works for them.
Crisp but warm at the same time.. love the tone
I've always wanted a Zemaitis. They are incredibly beautiful.
Absolutely stunning guitar and those tons are incredible.
Wow. Absolutely beautiful work of art. Great video, Darrell!
to have this guitar would be a dream
I have this exact model, but the glossy black finish. The MFG22-Black and yes, I'm living a dream.
@Cameron Putt Wow. That is a dream. I'm happy for you, my man. Happy indeed.
Definitely adding that to my Christmas list. WOW. Absolutely speechless.
Thank you, Darrell. I have been waiting for someone to do a real review of this guitar here in the US. I was able to get one, except I bought the MFG22-Black, 2 months ago. It is everything you said, displayed, and played. A true masterpiece. Thanx again.
your playing has kind of a Zen-like relaxed vibe to it. Great!
Haha first. Not gonna lie, I had a dream I won the Yamaha. I'm hoping that's a good sign 🙏 😌
May the giveaway gods be in your favor
That’s a terrible sign, you’ve basically ruined your chances by posting this lol
what a bootlicker
@@johnburris8499 for future reference:
bootlicker (plural bootlickers) A person who behaves in a servile or obsequious manner; a toady. (by extension) Anyone who is seen as supporting authoritarianism.
Don’t ruin my dreams!!! Lol good luck bud!
That is a stunner, sounds great too.
Really next level looking and sounding example of craftmanship.
Great showcase / demo Darrell. Thanks for this! As gorgeous as it is visually, what impressed me more was the sound. VERY nice.
Man your videos are so helpful!!!!!!!!!!!! This is epic!
Band Maid founder Miku Kobato uses Zemaitis guitars. I love that girl!
Band Maid's Miku Kobato guitar. They are absolutely exquisite guitars.
I'll own one before I die.
Miku is a rhythm guitar, so it really was interesting to hear you lead on it.
Now that you did, I want one even more. It sounds as sexy as it looks.
Just pure stunning all round.
Ive seen this guitar on display in a glass case in a nearby guitar store for a few years now. One day it sold and I never learned the brand. Glad I finally heard what it sounds like!
Wow what a beautiful guitar.
WOW! That is pretty freaking cool.
Fricking amazing guitar. Thanks, bro!
😎 Cool Darrell, Zemaitis a great video! 😎. Awesome guitar!
Zemaitis guitars are simply works of art. I'm in love of them.
Hot damn...it is totally cool. Thanks Darrell for sharing this.
I was literally thinking about two weeks ago how no guitar TH-camr ever talks about or plays Zematis and here we are now. Awesome video as always Darrell
It's really a beautiful guitar, And I am pretty sure it great to handling too
Wow, what a beautiful sound with the clean notes. My wife would kill me if i bought one, but hey, I might just take a chance on that lol. Cheers Darrell.
I don’t always find your playing feels the guitar at times. This one was in tune( intended pun) to your playing!! Great job!!!
I have 2 Zemaitis guitars and I will never part with. Great playing, sounding, and looking instruments.
Just beautiful. A simple idea for guitar fronts, but so perfectly done.
Am I dreaming! WOW...a magnificent piece.
These bridge is fantastic.
Thank you for this review.I love my Z and no one ever knows what it is. The history runs deep. Thanks for exposing them.
It's gorgeous, and sounds great, as I'd expect. Hard to imagine someone playing death metal with it, but it's perfect for a high-end country act…
Your comment is ironic because two of the higher profile players (Miku Kobato and Yoshi) using Zemaitis play are in a hard rock band (band-Maid) and the other is metal (Aldious).
@@rickychau7687 Different strokes for different folks.
Country?? Nah, this style guitar visually fits more with the Stones /Black Crows/ Blackberry Smoke style music.
Sounds wonderfully warm!
What a Guitar!! Beauty and Brawn, Mr. Braun. Lotsa Silver. Love your Studio, Your Show kicks butt!
Beautiful tone in the beginning demo..Half guitar/Half Player👍🤘
Thanks for another cool video. The guitar looks very special.
Not only is that a beautiful guitar it sounds awesome and your playing is great.
Love this guitar 🎸!
In Japan it is so usual to find Zemaitis at guitar shops.... Incredible designs and finishes!!
What a great review would love to have one. Keep up the awesome reviews!!
Amazing guitar looks and tone, awesome!
Darrell is also an excellent guitarist...this fact is sometimes unnoticed, like when we are focused on the axe, and not the player. An OUTSTANDING person, and, Thanks for this show.
That is so beautiful man, I keep forgetting these guitars exist!
I must be getting old. This looks over styled to me. Beauty, is indeed, in the eye of the beholder! But that being said, it is different! Another nice review, Darrell!
Thanks Glenn!
Love the tone on this guitar 🎸 .
The late James Honeyman-Scott of the Pretenders played Zemaitis....
He had a nice one.
Late?
@@enlightenedchristian3183 Dead like 40 years. Had 2 mf Zemaitis and others. I had one but it was stolen.
And he had great tone.
Ronnie Wood from the stones and faces probably their most famous player.
Wow, finally some brand that endorse quality channel
Never heard of em b4 and my wife and wallet wishes it stayed that way dayummmm!
I have many leather bound books and my apartment smells of rich mahogany. Lol don’t know why but that is the first thing I thought of when he said mahogany. Beautiful guitar!
👍 Wow aesthetically beautiful and the detail is amazing....sounds awesome. Thanks for the vid bro.
Hi Darrell
Thank you for the video I really enjoyed it.
Your videos really make me feel like I am holding the guitar.
Really beautiful guitar
Geesh that is a stunner
Amazing guitar, and great sound. Could you do a video with how you set your amps and pedals to achieve your tones (clean, break up, drive, distortion...), for single and humbucker.
Such cool guitars. They now have a flying V model completely covered with the metal top. Would love to have one of those.
One heck of a guitar, and one great player , does Darrell have online lessons? Nice guitar and really good job on explaining everything. Rock on.
Sounds great. I always enjoy your playing.
Thanks for the variety of guitars that you review. That's beautiful!
Love this video, Darrell! 👍👍👍👍👍 You are my absolute favorite guitar gear person on TH-cam. 🎸🎸🎸🎸🎸
I've had mine for a couple of years now, and it's my #1, above 5 Hamers, 4 Gibsons, 3 Fenders and others. I agree with everything Darrell says here.
You
NEVER
FAIL
TO
DELIVER!
A good friend of mine has one of these guitars and it is a real beauty. It plays great and sounds as good as it looks.
Now I know what my little brother can get me for my birthday this July, one heck of a fine looking guitar.
I think beauty is in the eye of the beholder when it comes to this one
Wow! Great playing and amazing tone.
Bandmaid Miko’s guitar!! Wish I had children, then I could sell them to buy this guitar. 😅
If there's any guitar that deserves the word "Instrument" it would be this. Unique but also truly functional...the best type of art.
Very nice! Great playing and tones too.
Sensational Guitar! I've always loved Zemaitis since seeing them in the hands of Ronnie Wood and James Honeyman-Scott. Thanks for the close-up views and excellent tone demonstration. Its good to know these Japanese versions live up to the originals.
Same here. Ron Wood, James Honeyman Scott, the guy in Rod Stewart's 'Tonight I'm Yours' video and the cover of Bobby Womack's "The Poet" album. The Japanese customs definitely live up to the hype.
@@bdprez Oh yea, Bobby Womack, I think I have that video. Thanks Damon.
Bought one justa while back,cloud not have said it better than you.this thing sings,rocks and Flys. Well done Z. Thanks.
Take a scotch bright pad to the back of your necks and buff it a little and you make a glossy neck feel like a satin finish. Really works great.
Well, Tony Zemaitis died in 2002, but it's good to see his concepts and legacy being continued under licence in Japan. Tony was the original Custom Builder and for example did ask his Customers for their hand print shots from a copy machine to be able to adjust his guitars to them. This won't be possible from this suitor company, but they are still doing a great job here! 👍🏻
Nice Video Darrell!