Faith Naked models have the very soul of the guitar exposed for all to hear and experience. Each instrument is beautiful in its simplicity and unadorned with cosmetic additions, and as such, it is more accessible to players of all levels.
This FKVBK is an alternative aesthetic choice for those wanting a Naked Venus. Built the same and sharing the same tonal character as the natural wood model, this black version has a black dye carefully applied to the body and neck.
Using a dye or stain such as this, rather than simple paint, means that the natural colouration of the wood still influences the final finish. The spruce and mahogany also take up the dye in different ways and to differing extents, with this sometimes being evident when you compare the colouration of the top and the back. The mahogany is happy to quickly take on the stain and turn a pretty consistent black with the grain indents still evident, but the spruce on top, by its nature, is more reluctant. This can result in the top of these instruments often having a very dark green hue in patches, as the black dye mixes with the naturally golden colour of the spruce. This can create a patina similar to a ‘denim’ effect with natural variance in the colouration across the top. The alternative to this would be to ‘paint them black’, and that just wouldn’t look or feel as natural.
The Venus is one of the 3 original Faith body shapes launched in the winter of 2002, and in that time it has become a reference point as the guitar that strikes the ideal balance of size and sound. Thanks to its 15" lower bout and shallower body, the Venus is comfortable to play for long periods yet doesn’t sacrifice tone or acoustic power.
Just like the natural-finish Naked Venus, the top of FKVBK is Engelmann Spruceand the back and sides are Indonesian Mahogany. Both of these tonewoods are all-solid, of course, and they both have a soft satin finish applied over the black dye. The satin finish means the all-solid tonewood can move and resonate more than if it were restricted by lacquer. This freedom of movement afforded by the satin finish means that the tone is lively, exciting and ever-maturing too, with the body proudly displaying the war wounds of every musical encounter.
In common with other Naked models, the FKVBK has a striped Ebony fingerboard, bridge, and bridge pinstoo.
One of the best things about using a wood dye or wood stain rather than 'paint' means that the natural colouration of the wood still influences the final finish. The different tonewoods also take up the dye in different ways and to differing extents, with this sometimes being evident when you compare the colouration of the top and the back. The mahogany is happy to quickly take on the stain and turn a pretty consistent black / brown with the grain texture still evident, but the spruce on top, by its nature, is less porous. This can result in the top of these instruments often having a lovely dark green hue in patches, as the black dye mixes with the naturally golden colour of the spruce. This can create a patina similar to a ‘denim’ effect with natural variance in the colouration across the top.
This Naked Venus Black Stain is equipped with a Fishman Presys 1 preamp system and an undersaddle piezo pickup strip. This elegant solution is super easy to use, with an easy-to-read built-in tuner, an EQ contourcontrol, phase switch (to control any feedback on stage), and a volume knob.
The output jack is integrated into the strap button on the base of the guitar, with the battery compartment located separately for easy access.
Your new black Naked Venus will be supplied complete with a padded gigbag with handles, backstraps and an accessory pocket too. When the time is right and your gigging schedule demands it, you can upgrade to a hardcase that will withstand the rigours of life on the road even more effectively.
Specification
Top Spruce-Engelmann (Solid)
Back & Sides Mahogany (Solid)
Fingerboard Indonesian Ebony
Fingerboard Radius 16"
Fingerboard Inlays Mother of Pearl 'F' at 12th Fret
Binding N/A
Machine Head Faith Precision Chrome
Neck Mahogany
Neck Joint Patrick James Eggle Bolt-On Design
Trussrod 2 Way
Nut / Saddle Width Nut 43mm / String Spacing 55mm
Nut / Saddle Material NuBone (LC6116)/(LC9110)
Bracing Material Hand-Scalloped Quarter-Sawn Spruce
Bridge Indonesian Ebony
Bridge Pins Ebony with Ablone Dots
Rosette 2mm Abalone
Finish Type 2 Stage Satin all over
Preamp / Pickup Fishman Presys1 / Fishman Sonicore
Hardcase Gigbag Included
