Kev’s Steel Obsession

“A few years ago I was at a music trade show in Germany walking around and wondering why such a massive show could have such boring uninspiring instruments for an industry that is meant to be full of creative humans. Then I stumbled onto the Trussart display which appeared to me as an oasis in the desert of the bland. James and I began an instant friendship as I became more than a bit obsessed with his guitars”

Kevin Garant, chief at 555 Music plays James Trussart.

Kev owns many Trussarts including a few of the “first” models of a range including the first Steel Baritone, the first engraved paisley Steelcaster, the first Steel Master, James' take on a Jazzmaster and first Bamboo engraved guitar with monkey knobs ever made.

Lee Morgan (Jessica Mauboy, Archie Roach & Ruby Hunter, Shane Howard, Paul Kelly, Yothu Yindi, Gangajang).

"I’ve always like the look and feel of old guitars believing them to have a life beyond their creator” says Trussart “ I wanted to somehow emulate that effect of age and history on my own guitars. “A guitar that came with a sense of history, a slight element of neglect, of decay, has a personality of it’s own. Trussart’s "Rust-o-matic" technique (a term coined by Billy Gibbons of ZZ Top regarding Trussart’s unique finishes) involves leaving the guitar body exposed to the elements for several weeks, allowing it to corrode before treating it to stop the corrosion. Then Trussart sands it to replicate years of distress, and then finishes it with a clear satin coat. This process creates an instrument that is an unique work of art.

Bob Dylan, James Hetfield, Keith Richards & Lucinda Williams all proud Trussart players