2015 Jonathan Howard "Klein Style" Mini Jumbo, Sitka Spruce, Maple - USED

ON CONSIGNMENT, NO TRADE OFFERS PLEASE!

(USED) This instrument, built by Jonathan Howard in 2015, will instantly remind the faithful of the designs of legendary California luthier Steven Klein.  While the unusual proportions and bold visual aesthetic is no doubt inspired by Klein, there aren't many other similarities of note.  Rather than employing any of Klein's experimental bracing patterns (Kasha patterns, et al) this guitar has a more or less traditional X-bracing scheme.  One thing that is obvious is that this instrument is meant to showcase the natural beauty of maple, and the back and side sets that were chosen are indeed striking to look at!

While the proportions make this appear in pictures as an enormous guitar, it really isn't, with the lower bout only reaching 16" (like that of a conventional mini jumbo) and an overall length of about 40 1/2".  It has a Sitka spruce top, and along with the aforementioned maple back and sides, has a three-piece maple neck and maple body and peghead binding.  The scale length is 25 3/4", and also slightly unusual is the flat fingerboard.  The neck is a comfortable modern profile, with 1 3/4" nut and 2 3/16" string spacing at the saddle.  Distinctive visuals including blue purfling lines throughout, a sculpted mustache bridge, a wood rosette with diamond and dots of pearl, and an ebony back-strap on the peghead.  Gotoh closed-gear tuners.  

Condition is very good, with one chip in the binding on the bass side of the upper bout (see photo detail) plus a handful of small dings in the top and back and various occurrences of finish sink in the purfling (not effecting playability or tone).  The sound could be described as landing between the balance of a Larrivée and the sturdy, workman-like voice of a Guild.  Includes original hard case. 

Serial #1715 (2015)
AMW Price: $1,795 (Online checkout, ON SALE, on consignment)

For more information, email info@acousticmusicworks.com or call (412) 422-0710