I wonder if the intent is an instrument made of metal, or just one that looks like chrome? The latter is relatively easy to do, just a specialized finishing technique over a standard wood instrument. Not that we're going to do something like this, mind you!

I want a fully metal body guitar. I think the sound of a metal body electric guitar is just unbelievable. Nothing like it, which is why I want one

Check with Atlanta Discount Music. Marshall has a tele body guitar that is all metal and relic looking. It is also engraved or stamped in areas not sure which. It looks cool and sounds pretty wild. Wish I could tell the maker, but it is a one off kind of thing.

Gives new meaning to the term Heavy Metal...

I emailed them and the metal body they've got is an 1936 National for $3299!!!!!

However, he did say that he's just had a guy in with a lefty 360/12 FG asking if he'd sell it for him for $1199 plus shipping.... Tempting, but I can't afford that! It's also FG. Bummer....

Why is it that I haven't got a single reply to any of the emails I've sent to makers of metal body guitars?

Do you reckon it could be something to do with the fact I'm a lefty? Or my age?

It's quite frustrating that they seem to be ignoring me

It's an almost given fact that you're not going to find a Rickenbacker with a metal body, since only RIC can make their style body guitars. That's probably the reason you haven't gotten any answers.

Check with them again. This is brand new "boutique" type guitar if they still have it. He misunderstood you apparently as they do sell steel guitars and dobros (sp).

Perhaps the foremost metal bodied guitar builder at the minute is James Trussart who is into the industrial & distressed look (though his shiney models are nice).

As for chromed finish guitars Sims custom shop in the UK offer several methods of producing the finish (the method can be dependant on both cost and body shape).

If you want a Ric styled guitar / bass then I would suggest the latter is it would be unlikely for Ric to license such a instrument http://www.simscustom.com/html/guitar_of_the_month.htm

Rob...

I'm not so much interested in a chrome finish.
It would be great if Ric could license a few aluminium body guitars made by an independent company so it wouldn't affect their own production. Maybe do it as a limited edition run of, say, 30 or so of each model in the ric range. It'd maybe take a bit of planning, but if any were made officially, I'd find a way to buy one, no question.

Would anyone buy one if Ric pulled the trigger on such a project?

Go on Mr Hall, you know you want to... I know I do......