Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar

$3,485.63 Price Tier: High-end

5.0 (6)

2 Critic Reviews

1 Review

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Page last updated Jul 04, 2026

Pricing and availability

We compare 600+ stores and found this item at 1 store. Prices updated July 4, 2026.

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5.0 (1)

$3,485.63 2 available Used

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Average Price: $3,486

High-end/Boutique

$500

$1201+

Price Tier

In the Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars category, Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar is priced in the High-end/Boutique range. This premium gear is built to very high standards and offers premium features.

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High-end

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Description

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The Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar is an impressive addition to any musician's arsenal, offering a dynamic blend of style and sound that caters to both vintage aficionados and modern players. As a semi-hollowbody electric guitar, it delivers a warm, resonant tone that's perfect for a variety of genres, from blues to rock to jazz. The Zaftig's distinctive body shape and f-hole design not only enhance its aesthetic appeal but also contribute to its rich acoustic resonance.

This guitar is crafted with meticulous attention to detail, featuring a set-neck construction that ensures stability and sustain. The dual pickup configuration provides a versatile tonal palette, allowing for seamless transitions from smooth, mellow tones to bright, punchy sounds. The Zaftig's comfortable neck profile and smooth fingerboard facilitate effortless playability, making it an ideal choice for both seasoned professionals and aspiring guitarists.

Incorporating modern elements with a nod to classic design, this guitar is equipped with high-quality hardware and reliable electronics, ensuring long-lasting performance. Whether you're recording in the studio or performing on stage, the Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar promises to deliver exceptional sound quality and an engaging playing experience.

Key Features:

Semi-hollowbody design for rich, resonant tones
Dual pickup configuration for versatile sound options
Set-neck construction for enhanced sustain and stability
Comfortable neck profile and smooth fingerboard for easy playability
High-quality hardware and reliable electronics for consistent performance

Product specs

Brand	Bilt
Model	S.S. Zaftig
Made In	United States
Categories	Semi-Hollowbody Electric Guitars
Body Shape	Double Cutaway
Body Type	Semi-Hollow Body
Neck Construction	Bolt-On
Number of Strings	6-String
Offset Body	Offset Body
Right / Left Handed	Right Handed

FAQs

What type of music is the Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar best suited for?: The Bilt SS Zaftig's semi-hollow body and offset design make it versatile for genres like indie rock, jazz, and blues, offering a rich, resonant tone with excellent sustain.
How does the offset body shape of the Bilt SS Zaftig affect playability?: The offset body shape provides a comfortable playing experience, especially when seated, and offers a unique aesthetic appeal, making it a favorite among players looking for style and ergonomic design.
What are the tonal characteristics of the Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar?: The semi-hollow construction of the Bilt SS Zaftig delivers a warm, resonant tone with a balanced midrange, suitable for both clean and overdriven sounds.
Is the Bilt SS Zaftig suitable for beginners?: While the Bilt SS Zaftig is a high-quality instrument, its features and price point may be more suited for intermediate to advanced players who can fully appreciate its tonal capabilities.
What is the neck profile of the Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar?: The Bilt SS Zaftig features a comfortable bolt-on neck, which provides a familiar feel for players accustomed to traditional neck profiles, facilitating smooth playability across the fretboard.

Videos

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Reverb

Bilt Guitars S.S. Zaftig | Reverb Demo Video

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Bilt Guitars S.S. Zaftig electric guitar demo

Guitar

ON THE BENCH #12: Jessica Dobson of Deep Sea Diver's Bilt S.S. Zaftig! Lollar Regals, Micdeth

Puisheen

BilT S.S. Zaftig Dakota Red | CME Quick Riffs | Joel Bauman

Chicago Music Exchange

BilT S.S. Zaftig Dark Roasted Alder Body Natural Gloss | CME Quick Riff | Sam Porter

Chicago Music Exchange

Bilt S.S. Zaftig Surfburst Flake | CME Quick Riff | Sam Porter

Chicago Music Exchange

BilT SS Zaftig Sonic Blue Electric Guitar #19606 - Quick 'n' Dirty

soundpurestudios

Reviews

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Owner Insights

We analyzed real musician discussions from forums and Reddit to find what players love, question, and tweak about Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar.

Features and functionality

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The Bilt SS Zaftig features Lollar staple P90 pickups, known for delivering a unique and distinct sound profile.
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The control scheme includes a kill switch, coil tap for the neck, high pass filter, pickup selector switches, and a phase inversion switch, offering extensive tonal variety.
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The Mastery Vibrato is noted for its smooth operation and exceptional tuning stability, even under intense use.
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The Zaftig can be custom-ordered with unique switching configurations, such as "2 on/offs (Johnny Marr Style)" for personalized tonal control.
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Comparisons

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The neck shape is likened to a mid-60s Fender C shape, comfortable and not as chunky as a '59 Les Paul neck.
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The Zaftig's neck feels thinner and faster compared to a CP Jaguar Special, attributed to its longer scale length and satin finish.
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User experience

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Owners describe the guitar as having a sound that's distinct and enjoyable, even among a collection of high-end electric guitars.
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The Lollar Firebird pickup in the neck is praised for its clear and warm tone, although it experiences a notable volume drop when switched to single coil mode.
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Some owners are unsure of the functionality of custom switches, indicating a need for better documentation or support on custom wiring setups.
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Use cases and applications

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The guitar is often played through high-end setups, like the Hamstead Artist 60 and Carol Ann Satin amps in wet/dry configurations, indicating its versatility and compatibility with professional gear.
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Build quality

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The guitar was nearly in tune out of the box after a week in a cold UPS truck, indicating impressive initial setup stability and durability.
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Mods and upgrades

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Owners considering a different headstock have noted that Bilt is open to customizing alternatives, allowing for a Strat-style headstock instead of the Starcaster design.
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Owners suspect the switches might function as strangle or bass cut switches, potentially useful for those seeking unique tonal modifications.
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Critic Reviews

Bilt Guitars S.S. Zaftig Review & Demo

guitar.com

The Bilt S.S. Zaftig Electric Guitar dazzles with its vintage-inspired design and modern craftsmanship. Its semi-solid construction and punchy Lollar Regal humbuckers deliver versatile tones, making it a delight for fans of indie and grunge. The Mastery Bridge enhances sustain and playability, while its comfortable build defies expectations of neck dive. However, the absence of a nitro finish might deter some purists at this price point. Despite minor aesthetic imperfections, the Zaftig impresses with its exceptional playability and sound, offering a unique blend of classic influences and innovative design.

positive

Full Review

BilT Guitars S.S. Zaftig Electric Guitar Review - Premier Guitar

premierguitar.com

The Bilt SS Zaftig Electric Guitar is a delightful blend of vintage inspirations and modern innovation, offering an expansive sonic palette. Its unique design, featuring a chambered semi-hollow body and Lollar Regal humbuckers, delivers a rich, resonant tone that's more Gibson-like than Fender. The guitar's versatility shines in its varied tonal options, from smooth bluesy vibes to classic-rock crunch. While the pickups may be a tad dark for those seeking jangly rhythms, the playability and build quality are exceptional. This guitar is perfect for players looking for something familiar yet refreshingly different, though die-hard Fender fans might miss the classic Fender twang.

positive

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5.0 out of 5

Based on 1 Review and 6 Ratings

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teslawouldbeproud

4040

almost 11 years ago

BilT do a fantastic job, unrivalled modern classics.

The guys at BilT (Bill Henss and Tim Thelen) Make each guitar themselves in their workshop in Iowa. I think these guys are possibly the next generation of Leo Fender, I know that's quite a wild claim to make and will probably upset some people but after playing a few of the guitars made by BilT (especially the Zaftig) I can see no flaws in quality of the product. Perhaps they aren't as pioneering as Leo Fender was when he came out with the Broadcaster but I think the guys at Bilt have the quality and "by hand" side nailed. Currently they make each guitar by hand, the only other manufacturer that comes close in my opinion in terms of product is Fano. However Fano guitars are all made in a factory now along with various other types of guitar and I am told that it is a more fast paced and higher quantity output production line whereas BilT won't be rushed and won't compromise to increase production quantity.

I got my Zaftig when I met Shane Johnson on the Imagine Dragons tour 2015 while working on the tour as a video tech.