I've recently been contacted by a couple of forum members regarding a guitar I had commissioned by JXG Guitars in Newcastle so I thought I'd put up a thread recommending Johns work.
I was first made aware of John's work by Hugh (Shugz) of the old and now new parish. I purchased a '57 Junior that Hugh had John make so I was aware of his work first hand, this being my second JXG guitar. I eventually moved the first JXG Jnr on as the neck was a little too slim for my spade hands so, after trying a VOS Jnr, which couldn't hold a candle to it, I contacted John directly.
I wanted a vintage spec, lightly aged '57 Junior.
John was extremely helpful throughout the build and was happy to work from a picture of an original I sent him regarding the finish. I wanted to add a personal touch to the build so the serial number is my then-new born son's date of birth. He even sourced a period correct ink stamp to do it with. He also shaped the neck to match my favourite R8 Les Paul.
He was happy to send me pictures of the build as it progressed and I have a folder of these on my laptop to keep. I sent him a vintage spec MOJO P90 and Shugz Wiring Loom to fit and he did the rest with aged Kluson and Faber hardwear.
When the guitar arrived, a good 3 weeks before it was expected, I could not believe my eyes. It was/is STUNNING. The aging is TOTALLY realistic, no belt sander and hammer job here, he's a real artist. One thing I noticed straight away was that the fret work was exceptional and they were polished to a mirror shine. The fingerboard edges have been rolled so it really does feel like it's been played for 50 years +.
When I plugged it in it didn't disappoint. It barks, screams, raw rock n' roll & with a roll of the volume pot it cleans up into a beautiful almost Tele-esque twang. It's the most resonant guitar I own and with sustain for days.
As an aside, part of the fun of having this guitar is watching the
'experts' I encounter at gigs salivating over it and being totally
convinced its a genuine 50's Gibson, one recently proclaimed to the
assemble few "oh yes, I can tell that 50's tonewood a mile off, a new
guitar can't replicate that".....I honestly 'ahem' didn't want to
deflate him - but I couldn't resist. There are a couple of dead giveaways on the guitar ie the serial number and the Les Paul 'TV Model' decal.
It is worth noting though, so we
don't get into a heated debate, that John stamps the inside of the
control cavity VERY CLEARLY with his initials and completion date so his
guitars, while they look and sound the real deal, cannot be passed off
by unscrupulous sellers as the real deal, no Fred the Forger/MG here!
:-) It made me realise what a privileged position I was in to be able to order a guitar like this from John. I always wanted an original '57 Junior. Now there is no need and I can save my money!
Basically, If you are in the market for a luthier built guitar, make sure JXG Guitars are near the very top of your list and if you are anywhere near the midlands, you are more than welcome to come and try mine
:-)
Comments
What's the deal with the tailpiece, manufacturer?
(formerly miserneil)
(formerly miserneil)
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'56?
(formerly miserneil)
Beautiful guitar @miserneil. I saw that in its various stages of development during my frequent visits to JXG. Did he use the reputed 100 year old plus mahogany on your build? It had an amazing "ring" when you tapped it, that wood.
@jd0272 those Faber aluminium wrap rounds really are fantastic, I've got one on my old SG special, can actually get the intonation very close with that bridge on.
Your life will improve when you realise it’s better to be alone than chase people who do not really care about you. Saying YES to happiness means learning to say NO to things and people that stress you out.
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For the purpose of not wanting to get anyone's wrist slapped, I have removed the headstock photo.
(formerly miserneil)
@jd0272 is right, the Faber bridge is excellent, intonation almost spot on.
(formerly miserneil)
Your life will improve when you realise it’s better to be alone than chase people who do not really care about you. Saying YES to happiness means learning to say NO to things and people that stress you out.
https://www.facebook.com/grahame.pollard.39/
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