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Reprise vs DockStar

Reprise vs DockStar: What are the Differences?


Since the introduction of the Reprise model in 2020, we’ve been asked about the differences between the DockStar, Ernesto, and Reprise models.  All three models are hollow body guitars with a similar appearance.  While this article will review the differences between the DockStar and Reprise, you can also read about the differences between the DockStar and Ernesto at the following link. 

The main difference between the Reprise and DockStar is the construction method and the type of paint finish used.  The DockStar, and Ernesto, body is a solid piece of wood which is routed out hollow using a CNC machine, and a top piece of wood is glued on, with wood veneers glued on to the top and back for appearance.  

Reprise is built using traditional archtop construction methods which includes: separate sides, separate carved top and carved back, kerfing and parallel bracing inside. 

The top, back and side wood on Reprise are all solid wood, no wood veneers are used on Reprise.  The top and back on Reprise are not as thick as the top piece of wood on a DockStar, making Reprise a much more acoustically loud and resonant guitar with increased sustain unplugged and also while plugged in. 

Reprise is finished with nitrocellulose lacquer, while the DockStar is finished with polyurethane. Simply, nitrocellulose lacquer is widely considered a higher end finish than polyurethane. 

A few other differences to mention:

  1. Reprise uses a brass string retainer on the tailpiece. The DockStar uses a thin aluminum metal string retainer on the tailpiece. This brass string retainer serves two functions: to ground the strings, and to provide strength between the ball end of the string and the wood tailpiece.
  2. The body of Reprise is slightly larger than a DockStar, while the Ernesto and Reprise body are about the same size. Reprise body dimensions are slightly larger than a Strat body.
  3. The top and back of Reprise are arched and carved from the outside and inside, while the back of the DockStar is flat, and the top is carved from the outside only.

There are additional visual aspects to compare, such as the binding, headstock shape, and logo, which can be seen in the photos of each model.  These particular aspects are differences in appearance.

Reprise FAQ

  • Reprise guitars are built in small batches throughout the year.  Please check our Production Schedule for information on Reprise production runs.

  • Sure, just let us know that you’d like to see some photos.  We’ll upload them to your Order Queue Status page online.

  • Reprise is all hand built and the top and back are hand carved solid woods.  The archtop construction method is the upgrade.

  • While the hardware, pickups and electronics installed on Reprise are also offered as upgrades on the DockStar and Ernesto models, Reprise is a fully hollow body archtop guitar, and the DockStar is made as a fully hollowed-out solid body.  The construction method of Reprise is different than the DockStar.

  • Nitro is generally considered a finer finish on high-end instruments. It appears differently than polyurethane. Where poly has a plastic-y and very clear appearance, nitro has a much softer touch allowing the wood to breathe, and appears differently to the eye than the slick poly finish. It has a texture and quality all its own as you view it up close.

  • Reprise is built very similarly to acoustic archtops. The top is actually more thin than many electric Archtops.  It makes the guitar top and back, as well as the neck under your fretting hand vibrate with energy when the strings are strummed. You can test out a guitar by strumming the open strings and putting your hand on areas of the top. Reprise vibrates all around the top plate.

  • For the Reprise and Reprise Dark Amber models, we do not offer wood selection.  Additionally, we do not offer wood customization for the neck and fretboard. For Reprise Koa, you will have the option to choose from a small selection of Reprise Koa guitars available at that time.  

  • Unfortunately, we are unable to customize the raw materials used to build a Reprise guitar.

  • We do not offer the option to customize the finish color on Reprise. Occasionally we will make a limited number of a custom color, such as tobacco burst.

  • The Reprise body and neck are assembled and sprayed with nitro in Beijing, China.  The Seymour Duncan pickups are made in California. The Schaller tuners are made in Germany. The Shielded wiring harness and ebony bridge with brass saddles is made in Michigan. The D’Addario strings are made in New York. The hardware and electronics assembly are done in Los Angeles, CA, as well as the final fretwork and setup.

  • We set the action to 1.75mm above the 12th fret on the low E string, and 1.5mm above the 12th fret on the high E string.  We allow for the bridge to be lowered slightly if you prefer a lower action, and we can set the action to a specific measurement.

  • We install D’Addario 10-46 gauge strings.  If you would prefer a different brand or string gauge, please let us know so that we can slot the nut and bridge saddles appropriately.  

  • Yes, Reprise guitars are serialized.  We are starting from Serial #999999, and going backwards down the number line.  You can find the serial number by removing the neck pickup.  On the first few models, the serial number can be located by looking inside the f-hole.

  • Yes, we can do that.  If you have a design, please contact us to discuss.   There is currently no additional charge for this option.

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