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This is the 2nd in the batch of three that I recently completed. Specs follow:

Top...Lutz Spruce...Shane
B&S...Cuban Mahogany...Brad Goodman
Bindings, Bridge, Headplate...Snakewood...Zootman
Rosette...Honduras Mahogany
Neck...Laminated Honduras Mahogany w/ 2 CF rods
FB...BRW and bound with Snakewood
Liners...Woolson/Fox 2 piece solid liners
Glues...HHG on everything but FB to neck (epoxy)
Tuners...Waverly
Finish...French polish body; Danish Oil neck

A few firsts that I incorporated in this batch are worth mentioning.
...Untucked lower X-brace legs
...Woolson/Fox neck tenon jig. It works as advertised BTW and made the neck fitting a breeze.
...Woolson/Fox solid liners added significant stiffness to the sides.

I named the guitar "Mario" as a tribute to Mario Proulx. During my self-imposed apprenticeship over the past 4 years, Mario was the most important influence on lessons learned and techniques established. Thanks, Mario!

Check out the pics:













This is my first mahogany guitar...I love the way it works as well as how it finishes. The sound is very bright and crisp, with a loud and sustaining voice. It still sounds a bit tight and hopefully the bass will open up as it matures. I plan to use a lot more plain mahogany...thanks Colin!

The third guitar in the batch is in lacquer finishing and is about 3-4 weeks from completion.

Thanks for looking.

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

That snakewood is amazing. Excellent work.

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-Rob Eckert
Ann Arbor, Michigan

Looks like a lot of work went into that. Looking good JJ.

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"I want to know what kind of pickups Vince Gill uses in his Tele, because if I had those, as good of a player as I am, I'm sure I could make it sound like that.
Only badly."

Great wood, great work, beautiful guitar.

                  Peace, Paul

Snakewood is one of my favorites, you made it look great! I really like the clean look that the vintage style tuners have too. Awsome guitar!

Nate 

Snakewood, Waverlys...Ahhhh.... Nice job JJ.

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Thank You and Best To All

Absolutely first class guitar.   

Nice Work JJ.

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http://www.dickeyguitars.com

Another Beaut JJ!!...Maybe I missed it..but what's the story on your headstock design...very nice.!!

JJ,

Looks amazing. I recognize the neck from our meeting. Did you do anything else to it finish wise?

Very Nice. Can't wait to see it in person - or are you giving this one away too?

Ray

JJ - gorgeous -- I love the shape of the OLF SJ.

The snakewood looks great with the mahogany -- very tastefully done.

So how does the OOO-12 and SJ compare soundwise?

An absolute beauty. Boy do you build fast!!!!
I have that same combo of wood set up for a 12 string SJ
Great work!!!!

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Andy Z.
http://www.lazydogguitars.com

Beautiful work JJ!

If you don't mind my asking, what is the significance of the triangle in
your headstock logo and label?

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Christopher C. Cordle
North Muskegon, MI

http://www.yardsaleunderwear.com
http://www.facebook.com/christopher.cordle

Irwin...Simple symbolism on the headstock inlay...the 3 dots represent my 3 sons.

Ray...this and the 000-12 are my own guitars...finally. The finish was tweaked a bit since you saw it at the meeting.

Anthony...The sounds are quite different. The SJ is a thumper and projects a bit more than the 000-12. Response seems to be quicker on the 000-12. The 000-12 seems warmer in character while the SJ seems brighter. You'll just have to see for yourself some day soon. I'll be leaving them with a professional musician for a few days. She's a fingerstylist and I hope to get some valuable player feedback.

The tonal qualities of the 2 are a step up from others I've built...lots of changes related to stiffness and lightening as well as the super-thin French Polish. I think the cumulative effect is definitely noticeable.

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

Andy...nobody builds faster than you and Hesh! I merely did 3 at a time over a 6 month period this time...but never again! I'm kinda burned out right now. Normally, I'm a 1 or 2 a year kinda guy.

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

great stuff.... love it!

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

JJ, I look forward to playing them both...can hardly wait.

I would have expected the Zootman-OOO-12 to be brighter than the Mario-SJ...interesting. It'll be interesting to hear your follow-up report if things change in a couple of weeks as they open up. How long have they been strung up?

I forgot to ask above how the Mahogany SJ compares soundwise with your WFB SJ you finished in the fall?

So what is next to come off your bench and what do you have subsequently planned?

Holy cow...that's stunning.
JJ, what if I just sent you all my wood stash and let you build with it? You have put together some really impressive things of late.

Steve

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From Nacogdoches...the oldest town in Texas.

http://www.stephenkinnaird.com

That's a great looking guitar JJ, Awesome! I really like your choice of wood and bindings. I'm gonna have to put that on my list as a "must" combo to try sometime. Let's hear some soundclips!

Cheers,

John

Yes indeed,Another beauty JJ! That Cuban mahogany looks great with the snakewood !I'm starting an SJ soon so I'll be asking you some questions.Is that snakewood binding that thick or is there a purfling on top? It's kind of hard to tell.
Just a Great SJ, JJ !

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Anderson Guitars
Clearwater,Fl. 33755

Anthony...I haven't really done any meaningful comparisons yet nor come to any conclusions...just initial impressions. They've only been strung up since Friday and are still moving under the tension. I plan to do more comprehensive evaluations over the next few weeks and will let you know as I formulate opinions. Having others do such evaluations is also important as well so I'm hoping to recruit interested and knowledgeable players. I now have a few different models and wood combos to compare and am excited about improving my listening skills.

What's up next?...right now, all I want to do is play them and hopefully play some golf real soon. I need a shop break. One thing I'm looking forward to doing is helping a local guy who wants to start building...I think that will be a good change and I'm excited about helping him get started.

Steve...your vote of confidence means more to me than you probably realize. Thanks partner!

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

Absolutely beautiful work!

Dave...The top purfling is Snake-a-lam from the Zootman. I guess I should have done a pic to show it better.

John...I really need to find out how to get good digital clips. I'm interested in suggestions.

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

Snakes on a frame!!! I bet the sound will get bigger as it ages. Looks like a player!

Some classy work and nice details there, JJ.

I love Cuban mahogany. I haven't used it for a guitar, but it is a great turnery wood.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Fantastic JJ, fantastic wood combo, fantastic workmanship. Besides being testament to the high level of your skill and taste, I can see this guitar becoming two other things. Firstly I see it becoming like that comfortable old chair that just feels right and connot be parted with and then I see it as an heirloom to be treasured by your three boys and their children.

Well Done

Cheers

Kim