Ember – Sapele 003

Handbuilt · Nitro · Semi-hollow

Ember is the thicker-voiced Catalyst platform: warm mids, vocal lead tone, and that semi-hollow “breath” — without losing definition when you lean into gain.

Reaction – Sapele 003 front
Reaction – Sapele 003 back
Reaction – Sapele 003 headstock
Reaction – Sapele 003 detail
Reaction – Sapele 003 alternate
Feel & Voice

What it sounds like

Ember is tuned for thickness without mud. The acoustic response is lively and mid-forward, with a quick initial attack from the bolt-on joint. Plugged in, it stays articulate under gain and sings on single notes.

Roll back the volume and it cleans up without collapsing. Push the front end of an amp and it compresses in a musical, vocal way — the “Tennessee whiskey” kind of sustain.

Builder Notes

Why this build works

  • • Semi-hollow chambering tuned to avoid boomy lows.
  • • Bolt-on geometry for clarity and serviceability.
  • • Nitro finish kept thin to let the wood move.
  • • Electronics chosen for a smooth, usable tone sweep.
Specifications

The build sheet

Exact components for this guitar. If you have questions about any spec or want a tweak on a future build, reach out.

Body
Maple semi-hollow
Top
Sapele
Body Finish
Nitro gloss
Neck
Maple bolt-on
Neck finish
Nitro satin
Fretboard
Maple (dots)
Freatboard Radius
9.5"
Scale
25.5"
Bridge
Stewart Macdonald top loading hardtail
Pickups
Stewart Macdonlad Golden Age Humbuckers
Controls
Vol / Tone / 3-way
Pots
500k CTS
Caps
0.022µF Orange Drop
Case
Road Runner
Weight
TBD
Tuners
Wilkinson in line tuners