Official Luthiers Forum!

As mentioned in another thread, I dropped by JJ's home and awesome shop Saturday afternoon for a tour and even a fret install demo!

Beside all the great knowledge and advice, I got to sample JJ's guitars and I was very impressed! His waterfall bubinga small jumbo is an awesome guitar. Tonally, it instantly reminded me of a Lowden and Avalon that I had sampled at a guitar store recently. The tone was dry and woody (which I really like) . Great projection and very comfortable. I had to hold back a little since I play with a pick but I could easily spend a lot of time getting to know this guitar.

He also had a parlor to sample and it was cool too. We both wish I would have started with the parlor before samplin' the SJ.

JJ's guitars had great detail, wonderful tone, and a personality all their own. As I posted in the other thread, JJ is a classy guy with I look forward to seeking his knowledge and friendship in the future as I begin my new "addiction"

"Dry and Woody"...While I've never played a Lowden, I am humbled and flattered at such an assessment. I have to admit that I am personally pleased with the way this one turned out. I have a similar model in the works with Lutz/Cuban Mahogany. I'm very anxious to hear the differences.

Joe seems to have all of the verbal descriptions for guitar sounds and I learned a lot from his vast experience from playing, recording and listening to guitars. I can't remember how he characterized the sound of the parlor guitar after he played the SJ, but remember it was at least charitable!

Hesh...no golf but I'm chomping at the bit for the first warm days! It doesn't matter what color the balls are...when they're cold it's no fun to play!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Bla, bla, bla.....

WE WANT PICS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

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Peter M.
Cornerstone Guitars
http://www.cornerstoneukes.com

Check it out. This is the thread from when I completed the guitar. Pics aren't the greatest.Waterfall Bubinga OLF SJ

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Really sorry I missed that thread. That is one beautiful piece o' guitar JJ. And to have it sound as wonderful as described you should be very proud.

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Thank You and Best To All

JJ, I remember that guitar well, and am going to resist the temptation to go look at it again. That guitar tormented me for weeks. I nearly shelved all other projects just to start working on my sister set of WFB.
What I did do, was draw up a spec sheet of what I'm going to do with my set, and I affectionately dubbed it my "JJ" model.

Pretty corny, huh?

Anyway--y'all go look at JJ's guitar cuz it's real purty.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Steve...I'm humbled by such praise! Remember...it was your badgering that spurred me to take on that squirrley wood sooner than I felt I was qualified. I just got lucky...but it was you who encouraged me to begin thinking of loftier goals.

This guitar has gotten a lot of interest. The local guitar shop proprieter wanted me to leave it with him so he could play it for a few days. He wasn't anywhere near 40% humidity so I said he'd have to wait till spring.

Nothing corny about naming guitars as far as I'm concerned. I have a name for each one I've ever built. This one is named "Tippie" because John Hall was so instrumental in getting me started and the first luthier I ever met.

BTW...what model and top are you planning?

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

I'll attest that our brother JJ is one fine gentleman and once you've met him, you know that he has loyalty to his friends.

That awesome guitar reflects the level of attention to details and i was lucky to have seen it last year too. Unfortunately, i never got to hear her magic voice!

Oh well, maybe this summer i hope!

[QUOTE=JJ Donohue]

BTW...what model and top are you planning? [/QUOTE]


Lemme think (that spec sheet isn't in front of me at the moment), I'm sure of a couple of things--it was/is going to be an SJ, and will use a bearclaw Sitka top. I was thinking about Bloodwood for bindings, and Larry has got me all fired up about that again. (Thought that would match the Bubinga nicely.) Probably put some red ab. all around it.

Oh yes--three piece neck, center lamination = Bubinga.
How's that sound?

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

Sounds luscious, Gruncle Steve! I like the bloodwood bindings. Soooo, what are you waiting for...you've had that set for so long...it's now time to bring it to life!

You make it and I'll find a way to come to Texas for a visit to reunite the sisters in a duet jam session!

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JJ
Napa, CA
http://www.DonohueGuitars.com

Now that will get me off dead center for sure!

But you'll have to give me a bit more time, there's 8 guitars in front of the new JJ. I'm pretty swamped.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com