NGD - Journey Instruments OF660

Sscully · #1 12-26-2014, 01:21 PM

Here is my very cool Christmas (and upcoming birthday) present from my wonderful wife. I've been going to my favorite local guitar store (Guitar Showcase in San Jose) every weekend for months hoping their order for this guitar had come in so I could try it out. Unknown to me, my wife had already arranged to have it reserved for her as soon as it came in and to tell the guy who keeps coming in to ask about it nothing. Needless to say I was completely surprised yesterday by what was in the box!

I haven't had much time to play it with my sons (one with a new finance) here for the holidays but they head home today and I will have more time with it. I am very happy with the sound so far and getting used to the different feel of the neck. I technically have one more day to decide if I want to keep it but I think the deal is done.

Here are a few pictures

Scully

steelvibe · #2 12-26-2014, 08:04 PM

Nice work Scully! Aren't NGDs fun?! I hope you have lots of fun with it, I'm blown away by the tone I've heard from these and that just from video

futboljim · #3 12-27-2014, 06:58 AM

awesome, congrats! I can imagine one of these in my future!

dkoloff · #4 12-27-2014, 08:49 AM

Very nice!! I have one of the spruce and mahogany versions and enjoy it very much. I think that one day will turn in to a keeper !!!!!

MBE · #5 12-28-2014, 11:32 PM

I'd love to hear your impressions on its tone. I'm planning on getting one - it really nails the practicality factor for a travel guitar perfectly. I just don't have the opportunity to check one out in person. Congrats on the NGD - I can imagine how excited you must have been to receive it

Sscully · #6 01-05-2015, 12:26 AM

MBE,

Sorry for the delay in providing my impressions. I just got back from traveling to AZ and CO visiting family and it was great to have a guitar with me. This guitar is a perfect travel companion.

First the caveats. I've only been playing guitar for just over two years so my understanding and vocabulary are still evolving. I like smaller guitars and play mostly fingerstyle so most of my impressions are based on that. I also like CF guitars and find myself often playing my Rainsong.

Having said that, the tone of this guitar is very big for its size. It is very clear with surprising base, strong mids and typical CF highs with lots of sustain. The volume is less than my other guitars but it is great for traveling and staying in other's houses. I am also really surprised when strumming (something I'm not great at) but it handles strumming well - very clear, not muddy at all and with surprising volume. This guitar could easily be my only guitar I like it that much. Even my wife and family commented on how great it sounds.

Travel wise this guitar was great. Fits well into is case which fits perfectly in all the overheads we used. It was light weight and was comfortable as a backpack. The case carried everything I wanted to take on holiday (several magazines, a lesson book, iPad, sweater, chargers, glasses, strings, picks, etc.). The Journey system works perfectly and is quick to setup and breakdown.

Sorry for any Bay Area AGF members who we're waiting to try this at Guitar Showcase. It's definitely a keeper and is not going back. If someone local wanted to try it, I'd be willing to meet somewhere convenient and let you try it out. Or if you are considering getting one, just do it. You won't be disappointed.

Scully