James Trussart

Overview

James Trussart Custom Guitars produces custom steel-bodied guitars, basses, and violins using metal construction for unique tone and appearance.¹² The brand focuses on artisan craftsmanship with finishes mimicking vintage resonators or weathered machinery, positioning it in the niche custom guitar market.¹³

History

James Trussart, a French native, began as a fiddler accompanying Cajun singer Zachary Richard in the late 1970s before crafting violins and guitars in the 1980s.¹² He established his workshop in Los Angeles in 2000, where he continues building instruments.¹² Known for breaking from traditional guitar making by using steel as the primary material.¹²

Product Lines

Manufacturing

Instruments are handcrafted by James Trussart in his Los Angeles home workshop.¹² Production is in-house and custom, using steel bodies with techniques like Rust-O-Matic corrosion for finishes.¹³

Notable Products

• SteelCaster - Steel-bodied electric guitar resembling a vintage design with distinctive metal tone.
• SteelTele - Steel construction Telecaster-style guitar known for unique sustain and resonance.
• SteelStrat - Stratocaster-inspired steel guitar with custom finishes.
• SteelBaritone - Extended-scale steel baritone for lower tunings.
• Rust-O-Matic guitars - Steel instruments with corroded, distressed finishes coined by Billy Gibbons.

Reputation

Enthusiasts and professionals value Trussart guitars for their distinctive steel tone and visual uniqueness, used by artists like Bob Dylan, Keith Richards, and Billy Gibbons.³ The instruments are praised for vintage feel combined with metal construction and custom mojo.¹³ Limited production as a one-man operation may restrict availability.¹