An original pencil sketch by DANNIE OBRIEN has been preserved. It is extremely rare for the original artwork of an engraving to survive.
ZEMAITIS 1996 METAL FRONT "Scorpion Docs"
Tony Zemaitis holding this instrument during his lifetime; the one he is holding on the left was made for George Harrison.
This guitar was crafted in 1996 at the request of Keith Smart, president of the UK ZEMAITIS CLUB and an active musician himself. Keith Smart’s name is engraved on the rod cover.
True to the name "Scorpion Docs," the scorpion engraving serves as its trademark.
Naturally, Danny O’Brien’s name is engraved on the end.
The year “1996” is engraved in various places.
An owl adorns the shoulder section. While some counterfeit versions exist, this owl engraving is said to be the proof of authenticity.
A sketch of the original artwork for Danny O'Brien's engraving. It is nothing short of a miracle that this has been preserved.
A handwritten letter sent to the client, Keith Smart. Tony Zemaitis’s handwriting allows us to imagine his thoughts at the time.
A photograph from the production process published in Vintage Guitar magazine. Tony Zemaitis holding this instrument during his lifetime. The model he is holding in his left hand was commissioned by George Harrison. This photograph was also featured in the 2008 edition of “THE Z GAZETTE,” the newsletter of the UK Zemaitis Owners Club. The cover, of course, features this very instrument.
It was also featured in the 2012 edition of “THE Z GAZETTE.”
This is the Winter 2002 issue of "Guitarist" magazine. This instrument is featured in color.
The True Appeal of Zemaitis as Seen Through Its Beloved Musicians
Tony Zemaitis was born in London, England, in 1935. Around the age of 16, he aspired to become a furniture maker and acquired woodworking skills. He began guitar making in earnest in 1955.
He began crafting guitars by studying those owned by friends and incorporating his own unique designs, completing his long-awaited first acoustic guitar that same year.
In 1957, after completing his military service following conscription, Tony immersed himself once again in guitar making. Through repeated trial and error, he produced numerous prototype models. By the 1960s, thanks to his sales efforts, Tony’s guitars were appearing in music stores, and sales were reportedly strong, partly due to their affordable prices. By 1965, he had established himself as a recognized guitar maker.
Featuring carvings by Tony’s friend, sculptor Danny O’Brien, his electric guitars—which utilized a metal shield to reduce hum and produce a clear sound—were highly acclaimed. From the 1970s onward, Zemaitis’s reputation grew as many famous musicians adopted them as their instruments of choice.
Furthermore, in the late 1970s, in addition to the Metal Front—which became famous for its highly original appearance—he also introduced the Pearl Front, featuring mother-of-pearl inlay on the top. This marked another significant leap forward. Entering the 1980s, driven by a desire to let more players experience his guitars, he began producing lower-priced student models.
However, an unexpected flood of orders forced the company to discontinue the line. Later, in the 1990s, Zemaitis’s popularity far exceeded his own expectations, and feeling the limits of production capacity, he decided to reduce output to prioritize quality. In 2000, he decided to retire due to a long-standing illness, and on August 17, 2002, Tony passed away suddenly.
The guitars feature a level of design sophistication rarely seen in other instruments, with nearly all elements—including the headstock and bridge shapes—being original designs (excluding custom models). The original guitars, imbued with a unique presence thanks to Danny O’Brien’s carvings, are now hailed as legendary masterpieces.
Countless musicians have been captivated by their artistic beauty.Keith Richards (The Rolling Stones), Ron Wood (The Faces, The Rolling Stones), George Harrison (The Beatles), Jimi Hendrix, Bob Dylan, Eric Clapton, Jimmy Page, Donovan, Mary Hopkins, Ronnie Lane (The Small Faces, The Faces),Greg Lake (ELP), Peter Frampton, David Gilmour (Pink Floyd), Marc Bolan (T. Rex), David Bowie, Laurie Wisefield (Snake Charmer), Tetsu Yamauchi (Free), Chrissie Hynde (The Pretenders), Joe Perry (Aerosmith),Richie Sambora (ex-Bon Jovi), Mickey Moody (Snake Charmer), James Hetfield (Metallica), Zack Wild (Black Label Society), Vivian Campbell (Def Leppard),Doug Aldrich (Whitesnake), Char, Tomoyasu Hotei, Takahiro Matsumoto (B’z), Tsuneo Akima (Rama Amoeba)... the list goes on and on.
It is said that Tony Zemaitis crafted approximately 600 guitars over his 42-year career, including both acoustic and electric models.
Since they are handmade, it goes without saying that every single one has unique specifications, but looking at these anecdotes of his interactions with famous musicians, one can see, at least to some extent, how sincerely Tony responded to the wishes of the musicians who commissioned him.
The joy of the musicians who have acquired these one-of-a-kind, truly unique, original, and exceptionally well-crafted guitars. Isn’t this “ultimate luxury” the greatest appeal of Zemaitis?
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