Description
The Garcia Limited Edition Tiger consists of a special numbered run of just 21 instruments. It is instilled with many attributes found in Jerry’s original Tiger. I’ve selected premium vermillion and figured maple to build the 9-piece laminated body core, sandwiched between the sleek cocobolo back and hand-carved arched cocobolo top.
The 7-piece neck consists of curly maple, purpleheart and vermillion. Finished with custom headstock overlays. Maple replaces the costly hand-inlaid ornamental brass found on the original’s fingerboard and headstock bindings. This results in a much more striking visual.
The Limited Edition Tiger’s electronics feature DiMarzio pickups in an OBEL package. With OBEL buffers created by Peter Miller (CAE Sound) who worked with John Cutler, Jerry’s collaborator on the original system. The improved pickup mounting ring utilizes a brushed brass substrate. This eliminates the need for constant cleaning and polishing of the brass.
From its stunning ebony faceplate featuring a mother of pearl and abalone tiger to the unique Globe-Eagle headstock inlay, The Garcia Limited Edition Tiger hearkens back to half a century of craftsmanship and tradition.
Eric Wibbens –
I’ve been an amateur musician for most of my 70 years – an appreciable amount of that time enjoying and playing Grateful Dead and related music. Although I already own an amazing collection of guitars, it came as no shock to my wife when I told her I’d love to have a guitar similar to the one that Jerry played. After the obligatory eye roll (she’s a Dead-head as well), she consented. I checked a number of sources, the most promising was Lieber guitars. Little did I know initially about Tom’s connection to the Dead and their instruments.
Despite the distance involved (I live in central Virginia, a fair piece from Fly Creek NY), I decided to take a road trip and set aside a couple of days to head north and check things out – and was really glad that I did. What I learned was Tom’s intimate involvement in the creation of the original Tiger. I also came to realize that Tom was the “real deal”, possessing not only the creativity seen in this stunning instrument, but also the knowledge and skill of a master luthier. Although it was not my original intent to buy the Limited Edition Tiger, it became clear to me that I should – at my wife’s urging – get what I really wanted. After spending the morning talking with Tom, I ended up signing a contract that morning, before heading home. Tom was very clear that the build of such an instrument would take some time, but having seen Tom’s work, I knew the wait would be worth my patience.
Along with having played music as a life-long pursuit, I’ve been a craftsman, and earned a living for a number of years as a cabinet builder – I can recognize fine wood-working when I see it. Tom’s work on my guitar exceeded all of my expectations. I’ve always loved the overall iconic design of the Tiger, but Tom’s execution of that design – from the selection of the woods used, to the flawless overall craftsmanship and attention to detail, not to mention the beautifully detailed inlays and marquetry – simply blew me away, and still does to this day. As important as the beauty of the instrument is its play-ability, and believe me, this guitar can “sing”. Quite simply, the guitar just feels right – well balanced, and the feel of the neck is sleek and fast.
Although the workmanship of my guitar could easily qualify it as “museum quality”, it’s meant to be played, and I do — virtually every day. It is my go-to guitar, and has left my Gibson, PRS and Taylor custom-shop guitars sitting in their cases.
Obviously, the purchase of this guitar was a serious commitment; one that I have not regretted for one second. For someone seeking a connection to the legacy of the Dead, this guitar is well worth your consideration.
Eric Wibbens