KxK Guitars

Overview

KxK Guitars is a small custom guitar maker established in 1997, specializing in handcrafted electric guitars, particularly for heavy metal artists. All instruments are neck-thru designs built in San Diego County, California, using premium components. The brand is associated with musicians such as K.K. Downing, Karl Sanders, and Steve Swanson.¹³⁴⁵

History

KxK Guitars was founded in 1997 by Rob Kaufman in San Diego, California, with the first guitar being a V model featuring purple heart wood. The company has focused on custom electric guitars for heavy metal artists since inception. In recent years, it introduced a signature series with K.K. Downing, featuring models like the KKDV1 with 3-piece maple neck, mahogany body, and Floyd Rose tremolo.¹³⁴⁶

Product Lines

Manufacturing

All KxK guitars are handcrafted exclusively in San Diego County, California, by Rob Kaufman. They are neck-thru designs using top-shelf components. Production is boutique-scale and in-house.¹⁶

Notable Products

• KxK V6 - Flying V-style guitar available in multiple price points up to $10,000.
• KxK 7DC - Semi-hollow body model priced at $10,000.
• KxK KKDV1 Sig - K.K. Downing signature with mahogany body, scalloped fretboard, and Floyd Rose, at $10,000.
• K.K. Downing Custom V - Signature V model for the Judas Priest guitarist.
• First KxK V (1997) - Original purple heart neck-thru body guitar marking company founding.

Reputation

KxK Guitars is regarded by enthusiasts as a niche builder of high-end custom instruments for metal players, praised for USA handcraftsmanship and artist endorsements like K.K. Downing. Products command premium prices through authorized dealers like Pyramid Guitars. Limited production and visibility suggest appeal mainly to dedicated collectors rather than broad market.²³⁵⁷