Oryx • Rhythm Machine

After creating the ORYX™ in both six- and seven-string models, Nolly wanted to delve deeper into his instruments’ specifications to create the ultimate guitar – designed first and foremost to deliver uncompromisingly aggressive and articulate rhythm tones in standard and dropped tunings. Although the clean lines of the ORYX™ have been retained, Manson Guitar Works’ team of luthiers knew that such a dedicated tone machine would need extensive testing and refinement in key areas in order to perform exactly as Nolly envisaged. 

From the outset, Nolly knew where this instrument would be most at home, saying “It’s a tonal shift to suit players using heavier strings and lower notes. As we’re anticipating its use in a variety of dropped tunings, our first detail change was to add an extra half-inch to the fretboard to give a more baritone-like 26-inch scale length.” Such tunings require a bridge with a characteristically bright response to handle the job: the Schaller Hannes bridge was the model chosen to deliver the precision and clarity that Nolly required. The sleek, flat, D-profile maple neck supports an incredibly strong and resilient Richlite fingerboard with 24 Jescar stainless steel frets. Its adjustment comes from a double action, stainless steel USA-made truss rod system. Gotoh 510 MG-T Locking tuners provide excellent stability with 18:1 ratio for precision tuning, and whether in standard or dropped tunings, the ORYX™ neck is designed to take it all in its stride. 

The Rhythm Machine is a fully UK-built guitar from Manson Guitar Works in Ashburton. Its specification has come through tireless testing, extensive evaluation and late-night brainstorming to produce an instrument that meets Nolly’s highest possible expectations.