The Quirky Journey of the La Baye 2×4 Guitar: From Obscurity to Iconic Status
My passion for unconventional electric guitars has led me to connect with numerous enthusiasts who share this unique interest. Approximately 25 years ago, while I was writing for Guitar Player, I crossed paths with Mike Robinson, a fellow aficionado who operated myrareguitars.com.This venture eventually blossomed into Eastwood Guitars,where he has been diligently recreating some of the rarest and most eccentric vintage guitars.
The Birth of the La Baye 2×4
The La Baye 2×4 was the inaugural model from Eastwood’s lineup, launched in 2014, and it continues to be produced today. The model featured here is from the second production run in 2024, marking my second purchase from Eastwood.
Originally crafted in 1967 by luthier Dan Helland in Green Bay, Wisconsin, the La Baye 2×4 emerged from an idea Helland conceived around 1964 or 1965 while employed at Henri’s Music, a local music store chain owned by Henri Czachor.
A Unique Collaboration
During this period, Holman-Woodell Inc. in Neodesha, Kansas, began manufacturing guitars for Wurlitzer, the renowned piano and organ maker. However,this partnership dissolved in 1967 due to issues with the guitars’ finishes. Helland stepped in,merging his distinctive two-by-four bodies with Holman-Woodell necks to keep the company afloat in the guitar market.
Despite its innovative design, the La Baye 2×4 was a commercial failure, with only about 45 units sold, including variations like 12-string and bass models. However, a decade later, the guitar found new life when Devo’s Bob Mothersbaugh (known as Bob 1) featured it in several music videos, most notably in their quirky rendition of the Rolling Stones’ “(I Can’t Get No) Satisfaction,” wich helped elevate the guitar to cult status.
Design and Features
The La Baye 2×4’s shape is reminiscent of Les Paul’s Log guitar, which served as a foundation for his solid-body guitar experiments. However, while Paul’s design was a neck-through model, the La Baye 2×4 features a two-by-four body bolted to a neck, maintaining a similar aesthetic.
Due to the limited space on the guitar’s front, the control knobs are cleverly positioned on the upper bout, enhancing usability. Beyond its quirky appearance, this guitar boasts a solid build with modern components that are both familiar and reliable.
Playability and Sound
While it may not be the most agreeable guitar to play while seated, the La Baye 2×4 is designed for the stage.Some players find it slightly headstock-heavy and adjust the strap pins for better balance, but I find it quite comfortable to play standing. The neck is fast, the medium-jumbo frets are impeccably dressed, and the action is low, with a neck contour similar to that of contemporary fender, Charvel, Ibanez, or Schecter guitars.
The original La Baye 2×4 was equipped with Holman-Woodell pickups, akin to those found on 1960s American-made wurlitzer guitars. Eastwood has upgraded this model with a pair of well-balanced P90-style pickups, each featuring individual volume and tone controls. True to the P90 legacy,these single-coils deliver bright and powerful tones,while the neck pickup offers a rich jazz sound when the tone is dialed back,making it a versatile instrument.
Specifications and pricing
this guitar includes a three-way pickup selector, Kluson-style tuners, and a Tune-o-matic bridge for precise intonation. I opted for an additional “Les Trem” vibrato, which operates smoothly. The 22-fret maple neck features a rosewood fingerboard,cream binding,and mother-of-pearl dot inlays.
I purchased mine directly from the factory for around $800, with the tremolo adding an extra $200. This is a steal compared to original La Baye models from the 1960s, which can fetch between $3,000 and $6,000 online.
Not only does it stand out visually, but it also plays and sounds fantastic. I would gladly use this guitar for an entire set. Weighing in at approximately six pounds, it’s lightweight and versatile, making it a real showstopper!
A special thanks to Mike Robinson at Eastwood for guiding me through the ordering process.I made sure not to mention my affiliation with a guitar magazine, wanting to experience the service as any customer would. I was thoroughly impressed. The guitar is a remarkable value, shipped in a gig bag right on schedule, and I received timely email updates regarding its shipping status. Great job,team!
