About Us

Welcome to Proton Guitar Company!

Thank you for visiting us. Proton Guitar Company manufactures all of its own bodies and intricate necks from scratch in our California shop. We are not simply assemblers/ finishers. Proton guitars are designed and built by certified luthiers.

Founder Tony Kessman

No stranger to the guitar and music world, CEO Tony Kessman has been involved in guitar dealerships and custom guitar building for several decades. Tony, working directly with his clients has been involved in building fine instruments for such artists as Neal Schon of Journey/ Santana, “Super Picker” Johnny Hiland, Rudy Parris, Sammy Hagar (Van Halen, Van Hagar, The Circle), Vic Johnson (The Busboys, Sammy Hagar & The Circle) and a host of others through his various experiences and enterprises over the years. These include Schecter Guitars and DNA Guitar Company as well as Proton Guitar Company. Along the way, having these amazing artist’s attention, he always takes the opportunity to ask their advice about neck profiles, electronics and overall playability making effective changes as the Proton brand develops. The results are the most amazing and affordable USA crafted guitars available that just keep getting better and better.

The Proton Differences

Proton instruments are manufactured in California using only the most select woods chosen for their tonality as well as beauty and uniqueness. The tone woods selected are actually inspected and tapped/ listened to by experienced luthiers looking for that “right” piece for the next Proton build. As a small batch builder the quality control and precision is unmatched and incomparable to those massively imported instruments. The necks are precision, slick and easy to play with flawless fretwork and low action.

The Proton Neck Joint

Proton uses aircraft grade brass threaded inserts and machine screws to fasten our slick necks as opposed to wood screws that become loose and sloppy over time. This system allows for the tightest neck joint possible. The effect is a very neck-thru like resonance, sustain and tonality that keeps artists coming back to Proton for both live and in studio.

Body Contours

Proton guitars are ergonomically designed with unique and exclusive custom body and hand contours for reaching deep and playing comfort.

We are very excited to have you learn more about us and about the future of the electric guitar and Proton Guitar Company. Please feel free to contact us at anytime with your thoughts and guitar dreams!

Custom Builds

We do “not” build custom designed instruments that are not based on the Proton models you see with regards to shape, knob numbers, positions, toggle VS switch, etc. All builds are based on our designs. However, for your build you may choose pickup brands or custom winds, finishes such as open pore ash, quilt tops and wet finishes. Custom builds typically take 4 months & require a 50% deposit.

Warranty

All Proton guitars carry a Lifetime Warranty to original owners, no other builders can match that guarantee.

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