How DragonPlate's D-Tube Helped Craft the Ultra-Lightweight JAFmaster Guitar
When Christoph Gruber set out to create the JAFmaster, he envisioned an ultra-lightweight, compact, and highly expressive guitar that seamlessly blended acoustic and electric elements. As an instrument designed for maximum resonance and playability, weight reduction was a critical challenge.
Achieving that goal requires innovation—not only in material selection but also in structural design. DragonPlate’s D-Tube Neck Beam™ plays a pivotal role in this process.
The Challenge: Stability and Weight Reduction Without Compromise
Building a short-scale, headless archtop guitar with 24 frets demanded a rigid and lightweight neck structure. Traditional reinforcement methods, like truss rods and carbon fiber strips, added unnecessary complexity and weight. Christoph needed a solution to enhance stability while enhancing the instrument’s resonance.
The Solution: DragonPlate’s D-Tube Neck Beam
Enter DragonPlate’s Carbon Fiber D-Tube Neck Beam™—a revolutionary reinforcement system designed to significantly increase a neck’s bending and torsional stiffness while weighing less than the wood it replaces. Unlike conventional truss rods, the D-Tube offers a one-piece insert that is simpler to install and eliminates unnecessary weight.
The Results: A Perfectly Balanced Masterpiece
After integrating the D-Tube Neck Beam, the JAFmaster achieved an astonishingly low weight of just 1.4 kg (3.1 lbs)without sacrificing strength or tonal quality. Christoph was thrilled with the outcome:
"The D-Tube Neck Beam worked PERFECTLY—we managed to get the JAFmaster down to 1.4 kg!"
The D-Tube provided structural stability and enhanced resonance, allowing the JAFmaster to deliver dynamic tonal expression with exceptional playability. The unique blend of magnetic and contact pickups captures every nuance, making it an incredibly versatile instrument.
More Than a Guitar—A Revolution in Lightweight Design
The JAFmaster represents the cutting edge of guitar innovation, proving that lightweight doesn’t compromise tone or playability. DragonPlate’s D-Tube made it possible to push the limits of guitar design, empowering builders to explore new creative possibilities.
To see the JAFmaster in action, watch the full demo here: JAFmaster Video
For more on DragonPlate’s D-Tube technology and how it can transform your next build, visit our product page today.
A Little More About this Project from the Builders
European Guitar Builders (EGB)
Auly Guitars • Mada Guitars • Deimel Guitarworks
JAFmaster is a ultra-light electric guitar created by three luthiers from the European Guitar Builders (EGB). At the request of Austrian guitarist and composer Christoph Gruber, it was built using a D-Tube neck design instead of a traditional truss rod, delivering outstanding stability, resonance, and minimal weight.
JAFmaster – A New Benchmark in Ultra-Lightweight Guitar Design
The JAFmaster began as a challenge from Austrian guitarist and composer Christoph Gruber to three luthiers from the European Guitar Builders (EGB): to create the lightest guitar possible while preserving maximum resonance and dynamics. The result is a “super lightweight and small headless guitar with a lot of electronic features,” equipped with magnetic and contact pickups that blend acoustic and electric elements, capturing subtle playing noises and interactions for enhanced expressiveness. Its electronic concept extends to the pedalboard, allowing seamless blending of multiple channels and sounds for maximum flexibility.
Challenge accomplished—the JAFmaster weighs only 1.4 kg / 3,1 lbs.
In their quest for the lightest possible neck, the team chose a D-Tube instead of a traditional truss rod. Once the instrument was complete, it became clear that this solution not only ensures the neck is lightweight and stable, but also significantly contributes to its remarkable resonance.
A Word from Christoph Gruber:
“The D-Tube turns the neck of the JAFmaster into a fully acoustic and musically versatile component. A K&K piezo transducer inside the neck near the first fret transmits playing noises and interactions with the instrument to an extra amp, allowing the amplified sound to match how I hear it unamplified. This delivers a more intimate, dynamic experience for both the player and the audience. The JAFmaster truly helps me bring the sounds in my head to life and realize my creative vision.”
By the way – the name JAFmaster comes from the initials of the three luthiers behind the project:
Johannes (neck) – aulyguitars.com
Adam (body and design) – madaguitars.com
Frank (electronics) – deimelguitarworks.com
European Guitar Builders (EGB)
www.europeanguitarbuilders.com
Pictures of the build-process and more Infos about the JAFmaster on Christoph Gruber Website:
Johannes Auly
Auly Guitars – a master workshop for guitar building, repair, and restoration, founded by Johannes Auly. After studying at HTBLA Hallstatt, he worked with renowned luthiers in Vienna, including Neubauer Guitars and Spalt Instruments, before establishing Auly Guitars in 2014. He opened a new workshop in 2021 and is a member of The European Guitar Builders.
Adam Wehsely-Swiczinsky
pursued his lifelong passion for craftsmanship and design through diverse paths. Starting with guitar building in Los Angeles; advised by legends like John Carruthers, he returned to Austria, lerning carpentry and earning degrees in industrial design. Innovating sustainable acoustic instruments with Hempstone, Adam has won numerous awards in design across fields. Since 2017, he's been crafting unique, high-quality master built instruments at his Vienna MADA Giuitars studio, cherished by connoisseurs and professionals alike.
Frank Deimel
Deimel Guitarworks, founded by Frank Deimel in 1998, merges classic design cues with modern features. Building on decades of custom instrument experience, Deimel’s two core models—Doublestar and Firestar—offer ergonomic enhancements, vintage-inspired aesthetics, and experimental electronics. Partnered with Kora Jünger since 2007, Deimel crafts guitars with striking appearance, perfect playability, and inspiring possibilities. In 2015, they relocated near Berlin, expanding their workshop into a nature reserve setting that fuels further creativity.
