Introducing the BMC Empress. Created Specifically for musicians who cherish T-Style guitars but also seek enhanced playability and comfort. Our goal was to create a guitar that feels as good to play as it sounds, serving as the canvas for various configurations and options. Whether you prefer the classic T-style or want to explore unique customizations, the Empress is here to bring your dream guitar to life !
Body Contours
The Empress shape can be described as a classic with a modern touch. We added a beautiful arm rest contour and a comfortable tummy cut. We also made the neck heel in a way to provide easy higher fret access. The pickguard is designed to fit perfectly with the elegant look of the guitar and fits beautifully with the guitars's contours. No more tired right arm. Just a beautiful body that feels easy to hug.
Tuners
Empress features GOTOH's HAPM Tuners. These Tuners are auto-locking and staggered. This sets us free from the requirement to use a string tree that comes together with unwanted friction. In addition, the auto-locking function of the HAPM tuners allows for quick string changes and also increases tuning stability. They look like ordinary tuners and they maintain a classic look with no bulky wheels at the back. The magic happens within the tuner.
Spoke Wheel Truss Rod
Back in the day, 50's guitars used to have single-way truss rods. These rods were difficult to adjust and most of the times a skilled luthier would be required to do it the right way. Not anymore. BMC Empress features a double-way rod with a spoke wheel nut. This allows for an immediate and precise adjustment that can be done easily, using the adjustment rods that comes with. This is extremely helpful for musicians who travel a lot and expose the guitar into different climates. Quick, easy and exact truss rod adjustment on the fly.
Buzz Feiten Tuning System
Empress features the Buzz Feiten Tuning System. We really couldn't resist to the benefits of tuning compensation. We created the Empress for demanding musicians and we know that good intonation is a must have feature. Take a look at the "Quality in Depth" section for more concerning the Buzz Feiten tuning system.
Guitar Standard Specifications
Scale Length: 25.5"
Nut Width: 43 mm
String Spacing at the bridge: 10.8 mm (54 mm E-e)
Buzz Feiten Tuning System
21 Stainless Steel Frets
Bolt-On Construction - BMC Tight Locks
Nut Material: Bone
Spoke Wheel Truss Rod
Carbon Reinforced Neck
Options
Tonewoods
Neck Profile
Bridge
Pickup Configuration
Fretboard Inlays
Fret Size
Hardware Color
Finish
Pickguard appearence
Photo Gallery
Options
Tonewoods
Wood Selection is the first thing that you should consider. It does affect tone, the way the instrument is going to behave and how it looks. You may go for a classic Swamp Ash body - Maple neck combination to get the classic T-style vibe or go for a combination that serves better rounder and more open tones. The wood discussion is endless and we recommend you setting up the idea. Tell us what you are after and we will discuss the options you should look for and what to avoid.
Neck Profile
Empress is recommended with the neck profiles listed below. We have designed and tested the necks to the point that almost all players feel comfortable to play. However, if you need a specific neck profile we can create it for you. But before getting there, take a look at the recommended shapes and see from there.
Recommended Neck Shapes
Medium C Tapper (21.5 mm at the nut)
Thick C Taper (22.5 mm at the nut)
Thin D Tapper (20 mm at the nut)
Medium D Tapper (21 mm at the nut)
Bridge
You may order your BMC Empress with a modern T-Style bridge or with a Vibrato bridge. As you can tell, the BMC Empress T-Style bridge features 6 saddles instead of the classic three (each for 2 strings). Although there are compensation saddles that help with the intonation problems of vintage bridges, the BMC Empress comes with the Buzz Feiten tuning system as a standard. So, we had a choice to make. At BMC Guitars we believe that the intonation experience of the Buzz Feiten Tuning System is more important than maintaining the vintage look of the instrument. After all, there are plenty of guitars in the market for you to choose, if you prefer going towards the vintage specs. What we offer here is a guitar with superior intonation experience where each chord sounds pleasing and well tuned in a way that most guitars don't.
Pickups
Pickups is a major subject is guitar making. These are the translators of your guitar's voice into electrical signal. And we know that nobody likes when a good instrument doesn't translates well at the amp. Good pickups are responsive, effortless to play, balanced and not restricting. For the BMC Empress we offer a lot of pickup configurations. You really have a pallet of tones to choose from. Select any of the BMC Mojo T / S single coils to the BMC P90's, to the PAF style BMC Belladonna humbuckers or even the BMC Soloist high gain humbuckers. Everything is available for the BMC Empress.
Available finishes
Chrome
Gold
Black
Cosmo Black
Fretboard Inlays
When it comes to the fretboard inlays the only thing to consider is how you want your guitar to look. If you are into classic vibes you may choose the 6mm Center Dot Inlays. If you like to follow a more modern path you may choose the 4mm Offset dot inlays. For the Empress there are also available the BMC Origami bird inlays and the BMC Butterflies. Choose what you like most.
