For some reason (maybe we viewed them with some scepticism), these unique instruments passed us by when they first arrived on the UK scene a couple of years ago.

Inspired by South African street musicians, the concept and design was taken back to the USA by a couple of enthusiasts, who set about building similar instruments with upgraded parts and pickups.

We took a look at two of the current models, the blue BG15AL with its three single coil pickups, and the rusty red BG15HS with its two P90s. Short scale, they sport 21 jumbo frets on a Lignum Rosa fingerboard. The thru’ body neck is maple and is scarf jointed to the headstock, which carries the six individual generic tuning machines with their Gibson style ‘tulip’ buttons.

Down at the sharp end, the recycled Oil Can’s interior is structurally strengthened with a basswood frame that aids amplification, and a removable back panel (just in case you need to get to the electrics). The front face of the blue can promotes Bohemian Ale, and carries its three single coil pickups in ‘Strat’ like formation, while the rusty red can promotes Bohemian Fireeaters Hot Sauce, with its two P90s set in the neck and middle positions. Both guitars carry a three way switch and volume and tone controls together with a tune-o-matic bridge and a hard tailpiece. The side panel has a 1/4“ jack socket, while four hard rubber feet sit at each corner of the base of the can, so that the guitar can safely stand without extra support in an upright position.

Performance

In practice, both instruments were surprisingly well balanced, with strap buttons to the neck heel and the base of the can. The overall setup and action was good and the three way switch was solid and precise, while the tone and volume knobs moved freely. Plugging into the house DV Mark Little Jazz, we were expecting something sonically unique to emanate from these two Oil Cans - but it turned out to be more about sustain, than the metallic sonic edge we might have been hoping for.

The BG15 AL with its three single pole pickups was on the face of it a disappointment. Where we thought there might be some ‘Strat’ like bite, there was a very smooth, rounded, centred sound that changed little with the flick of the three way switch, but was perfect for rhythm playing.

The rusty red BG15HS was however immediately more alive with its two P90s. With a full, typically P90 ‘honky’ sonic palette supported by the inbuilt sustain, the Hot Sauce more than lived up to its name, and we suspect could be every bluesman’s dream machine. There is however, one thing that we felt was missing from the Bohemian’s overall vibe: they’re too clean, and could do with a few dings, dents and scuffs for a more authentic ‘road-worn’ look!

With an RRP of just under £300 apiece (street price considerably less if you shop around), these two Bohemians are well worth checking out, with our vote going to the rusty red P90-loaded Hot Sauce.

For further information visit: www.jhs.co.uk

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