Collection: Novo
Delve into the world of Novo Guitars at Chicago Music Exchange. Known for their distinctive design and meticulous craftsmanship, Novo Guitars have quickly become a favorite among modern musicians. Founded by Dennis Fano, Novo Guitars blend vintage aesthetics with contemporary playability, resulting in unique, custom models that stand out in any setting. Whether you're looking for new or used guitars, buy Novo guitars online to experience the best in innovation and tone. Discover why Novo is the go-to choice for discerning guitarists seeking something truly special.
If you’ve been researching boutique electric guitars, Novo inevitably rises to the top. Designed by Dennis Fano and built under the banner of Novo Guitars, Novo instruments have become some of the most sought-after offset-style electrics in modern guitar culture.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we carry one of the strongest Novo selections available anywhere online. Our inventory regularly includes the Serus J, Serus P2, Miris J, Idris, and Voltur models in carefully chosen finishes and configurations. Whether you’re chasing articulate single-coil clarity, dynamic P-90 punch, or full humbucker sustain, there’s a Novo that fits your rig.
Novo guitars are known for lightweight tempered pine or mahogany bodies, roasted maple necks, and hardware choices that balance vintage inspiration with modern reliability. Players gravitate toward Novo because the instruments feel broken-in from day one. The neck carve, fretwork, and resonance create an experience that feels personal and responsive rather than mass-produced.
The Serus platform has become especially popular among touring musicians and studio players who want offset ergonomics with professional-grade stability. The Miris and Idris models expand that range with refined aesthetic lines and tonal flexibility that works across indie rock, alternative, Americana, pop, and session work.
Novo guitars are frequently seen with respected artists such as Ariel Posen and Blake Mills, and they regularly appear in high-end gear reviews from boutique-focused guitar YouTubers and studio professionals. Their growing presence in live rigs and recording studios has driven consistent search interest from players who value feel and tone over brand legacy alone.
Every Novo guitar at Chicago Music Exchange is individually photographed, professionally set up, and carefully inspected before shipping. If you’re searching for a boutique offset electric that blends craftsmanship, comfort, and inspiring tone, CME is the place to find it.
FAQ – Novo Guitars
Q: Are Novo guitars made in the USA?
A: Yes. Novo guitars are built in the United States with a small team focused on craftsmanship and consistency rather than large-scale production.
Q: What makes Novo guitars different?
A: They combine vintage-inspired design with modern playability. Lightweight construction, unique tonewoods, and refined neck shapes give them a distinctive feel and resonance.
Q: Are Novo guitars good for touring musicians?
A: Many professional players rely on Novo instruments because they balance boutique tone with dependable hardware and tuning stability.
Q: What styles work best with Novo guitars?
A: They are versatile enough for indie, alternative, rock, Americana, pop, and studio session work where clarity and touch sensitivity matter.
Q: Do Novo guitars hold their value?
A: Boutique guitars with consistent build quality and limited production often maintain strong resale interest among serious players.
Q: Does Chicago Music Exchange set up Novo guitars?
A: Every Novo guitar sold through CME receives a professional inspection and setup before it leaves the shop.
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Novo Custom Finishes & Limited Runs
Novo guitars are known for their distinctive finishes and small-batch production runs. Players often search for unique colorways, lightly aged aesthetics, and limited editions that stand apart from standard production instruments. Because Novo builds in smaller quantities, availability shifts frequently, making certain finishes highly desirable among collectors and touring musicians alike.
Chicago Music Exchange works closely to secure compelling Novo finishes that appeal to players looking for individuality on stage. From muted vintage tones to bold modern colors, the finish selection often becomes part of the guitar’s identity. For players who value boutique character and exclusivity, limited-run Novo models offer a level of uniqueness that larger brands rarely match.
Novo Neck Profiles & Playability
One of the most praised aspects of Novo guitars is their neck feel. The carve is comfortable without feeling overly thin, striking a balance between vintage substance and modern speed. Roasted maple necks provide stability while contributing to a smooth playing surface that feels broken in.
Players who prioritize comfort during long rehearsals or recording sessions often discover that Novo neck profiles reduce fatigue while maintaining responsiveness. Combined with precise fretwork and thoughtful fret size selection, the overall playing experience is refined and consistent across the lineup.
Chicago Music Exchange ensures every Novo neck is professionally adjusted for optimal playability before shipping.
Novo Pickups & Tonal Versatility
Novo guitars are frequently configured with carefully selected pickups that emphasize clarity, dynamic response, and harmonic detail. Whether equipped with P-90s, humbuckers, or custom-voiced single-coils, the tonal palette is designed for expressive players.
These guitars respond well to touch, making them ideal for players who rely on picking dynamics and volume control for tonal variation. The result is a platform that works beautifully in clean, edge-of-breakup, and moderate gain environments without becoming overly compressed.
At Chicago Music Exchange, we stock multiple pickup configurations so players can choose a Novo that complements their rig and style.
Novo Offset Body Design & Ergonomics
Novo’s offset body designs provide natural balance when standing or seated. The contours sit comfortably against the player, and the weight distribution reduces shoulder strain during long performances.
The offset format also contributes to a slightly different tonal response compared to traditional single-cut designs, often emphasizing clarity and articulation. For players seeking boutique offset guitars that blend style with comfort, Novo remains one of the most compelling modern options.
Chicago Music Exchange regularly carries offset Novo models that highlight both ergonomic refinement and tonal balance.
Why Buy Novo from Chicago Music Exchange
When investing in a boutique instrument, detailed representation matters. Chicago Music Exchange provides high-resolution photography of the exact guitar, accurate specifications, professional setup, and knowledgeable support.
Our team understands the nuances between Serus, Miris, Idris, and Voltur models and can guide players toward the right configuration for their style. With one of the strongest Novo selections available, CME stands out as a premier destination for serious boutique electric guitar buyers.
Novo Guitars
Novo Guitars are the brainchild of Dennis Fano, one of the most celebrated builders in the boutique guitar world. After parting ways with his namesake Fano brand, Dennis founded Novo to create something entirely original—electric guitars with vintage soul, modern feel, and a design language all their own.
Handcrafted in Nashville, TN, Novo guitars blend tradition with innovation. The bodies are built from tempered, reclaimed woods—most commonly pine and swamp ash—that are carefully treated to be lightweight, resonant, and full of character. Novo’s wood selection isn’t just about tone; it’s about feel. Each guitar is hand-sanded to raise the grain, finished in thin nitro, and distressed with no set pattern—just an artist’s instinct to bring out the wood’s natural voice.
Every component is carefully chosen: Mastery bridges, Fralin, Lollar, Novak, or Schroeder pickups—top-shelf hardware selected to serve the guitar’s sonic purpose. Whether you want growl, shimmer, punch, or snap, a Novo delivers with nuance and style.
Built by a small team of skilled builders, each Novo is one-of-a-kind. No templates, no assembly lines—just rad people making seriously cool guitars.
Novo Guitars are alive in every sense. Come experience them at Chicago Music Exchange.