Iris ND-200

[jim1960]

The deposit check heads to Vermont tomorrow morning but I’ve been on the build list for an Iris ND-200 for about 6 weeks. This will be my 3rd guitar coming out of Adam’s shop and my first from the Iris line.

I’ve always loved the sound of Cat Steven’s Gibson J200 on his early albums but I’ve never bought a J200 of my own for a couple of reasons…
Gibson necks make me feel like I’m holding a baseball bat. They’re just too thick. Maybe I could get used to that in time but a J200 isn’t cheap and I never felt like I wanted to take the gamble. And even if the neck became a non-issue, the nut width is too narrow and would limit what I could play on the guitar. I wasn’t born with graceful slender fingers and a 1 13/16ths nut is the sweet spot for me.

Iris guitars don’t normally offer a 1 13/16ths nut option but Adam is going to make that happen for me. Along with the wider nut, I’m shooting for something close to those late ‘50s J200 guitars that sound so good to me. So I’m also getting the following:
Adirondack Spruce top
Flamed Rock Maple b/s
Schaller tuners
Bone bridge pins
I’m also going to get a burst but I haven’t decided which burst I want.

I’m probably looking at another 5-7 months before it’s ready. Until Iris introduced the ND-200 model, I was pretty content with my guitars and accepted a long time ago that J200 sound was never going to be in my guitar arsenal. But coming across a video of a maple/adi version on one of the seller sites got me thirsty. The sound was exactly what I've wanted. I'm very much looking forward to this guitar.

I'll update when my time on the bench comes.

[srick]

The waiting makes the actual delivery even sweeter!

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by srick

The waiting makes the actual delivery even sweeter!

I've waited on nearly every guitar I've ever owned. It comes with the territory. And on this one, I honestly don't mind the waiting because I had given up the J200 dream a long time ago. I wish I could remember what guitar site had the video of the maple/adi ND-200 but I didn't bookmark it and never found it again. The sound haunted me for months and I finally contacted Adam to inquire about getting a nut width he doesn't offer in the Iris line. As I'm a two-time buyer from his Circle Strings line, Adam said he'd get the nut and neck right for me. A small special consideration for ordering my third guitar from his shop. I'm looking forward to working with Adam again. The first two times were excellent experiences. My Circle Strings Parlor is the best guitar I've ever played. It brings me joy every time I pick it up.

[jim1960]

I'll be in good company when my Iris arrives.

[jim1960]

Adam let me know yesterday that my turn at the bench is coming. I just got off the phone with him and we went over the details. He'll be picking out wood for me soon.

[boombox]

Originally Posted by jim1960

...

I’ve always loved the sound of Cat Steven’s Gibson J200 on his early albums but I’ve never bought a J200 of my own for a couple of reasons…
Gibson necks make me feel like I’m holding a baseball bat. They’re just too thick. Maybe I could get used to that in time but a J200 isn’t cheap and I never felt like I wanted to take the gamble. And even if the neck became a non-issue, the nut width is too narrow and would limit what I could play on the guitar. I wasn’t born with graceful slender fingers and a 1 13/16ths nut is the sweet spot for me.....

Extremely jealous. Like you, I love Cat Stevens' tone, which to me is exactly what I'd like to get, but like you, Gibson necks don't do it for me, especially the nut width, though to me the Gibson necks also aren't big enough. If money were no object, I too would be considering a maple ND200 or even an AB as an Iris seems to offer the best solution, given a 1 3/4" nut Collings SJSS is way out of my price range. Looking forward to your NGD post.

[gfirob]

I have had a long-time yearning for a Gibson J-200 but I have been disappointed in most of them that I have played (with a couple of exceptions) and of course they are painfully expensive. My current jumbo is a 50's X braced Kay jumbo. I have been through the Iris shop and played their instruments in Burlington and I am very impressed. I envy you your new purchase and good luck with it. I’m sure it will be a keeper.

[Guitars44me]

Congratulations on what is sure to be an inspiring guitar!

And good for you for getting the neck you want and need.

Now for the anticipation….

Cheers
Paul

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by boombox

Extremely jealous. Like you, I love Cat Stevens' tone, which to me is exactly what I'd like to get, but like you, Gibson necks don't do it for me, especially the nut width, though to me the Gibson necks also aren't big enough. If money were no object, I too would be considering a maple ND200 or even an AB as an Iris seems to offer the best solution, given a 1 3/4" nut Collings SJSS is way out of my price range. Looking forward to your NGD post.

Originally Posted by gfirob

I have had a long-time yearning for a Gibson J-200 but I have been disappointed in most of them that I have played (with a couple of exceptions) and of course they are painfully expensive. My current jumbo is a 50's X braced Kay jumbo. I have been through the Iris shop and played their instruments in Burlington and I am very impressed. I envy you your new purchase and good luck with it. I’m sure it will be a keeper.

Originally Posted by Guitars44me

Congratulations on what is sure to be an inspiring guitar!

And good for you for getting the neck you want and need.

Now for the anticipation….

Thanks Gents. Yeah, I'm really glad I reached out to Adam about the neck. I've longed for that J200 sound since I was a teenager. This is really going to be awesome! The end of October is about when Adam estimates the guitar will be finished.

[jim1960]

Adam just sent me photos of the sets for the back and top.

Here's the maple for the back...


And here's the bearclaw adi for the top. Adam says the tap tone is beautifully glassy...

[jim1960]

I've got a box. So much about this guitar is going to be new to me ...the size, the Adi top, the maple... I feel like Frodo getting ready for a new adventure.

[jim1960]

My 80% Irish ND-200 is finished. I'm so very much looking forward to getting this guitar in my hands.

[jt1]

A beautiful guitar! Thanks for sharing the build with us.

[beatbird]

Originally Posted by jim1960

My 80% Irish ND-200 is finished. I'm so very much looking forward to getting this guitar in my hands.

Can't wait for your review!

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by beatbird

Can't wait for your review!

A check for the balance went in the mail this morning, so it won't be too long now.