Kostalicious
 

Well, all stories have a beginning, a middle, and an end. So, let's start at the beginning.

I was sitting and chatting with Kathy Wingert at the 2011 Healdsburg Guitar Festival. She had an absolutely amazing guitar with a sinker redwood top that I had just tried. A person walked by and she said, "You need to meet that guy. He's the real deal." She told me his name and a little about him.

So, I went to his exhibit and introduced myself. He had a couple of very nice guitars for me to try. I was taken by one he had made for Michael Watts.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps099afff7.jpg

Jason invited me to his shop in Phoenix. He had just moved there from San Francisco. I took him up on his invitation.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psfe7b4dc9.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps3d0db29c.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps13835495.jpg[/URL][/IMG]

And, I found him a to be man who stands behind what he does!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psc221869d.jpg

I just had to take a look through his wood stash.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps8e598625.jpg

And, we became more than simply a luthier and his client; we became friends. He even visited me on one of his trips to Portland, OR. I loved taking him to the Columbia River Gorge. In fact, I had taken Kathy Wingert to Multnomah Falls one time when she visited Portland. Yep, it had begun with her.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psc63ecaa7.jpg

billy boy,

I've been waiting for your thread! Thats quite a high endorsement coming from Kathy Wingert!

I resonate with your words about more than just a luthier and client. Jason is a great friend and he builds some of the best guitars in the business!

Can't wait to see what's coming! Congrats!

I would love to own one of Jason's guitars. They are among the most beautiful pieces of work out there. And from the samples I have heard, they sound just as good as they look too.

I loved Michael's MD, and Michael played the heck out of his guitar at the Kostal guitar demo. I was very impressed, but I'm a rosewood kinda guy. So, Jason helped me select a beautiful brazilian rosewood back.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psf3d20712.jpg

When my build slot arrived, work on my guitar began.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psc9006a3b.jpg

Yeah, I admit it -- I'm proud to be a brazilian rosewood kinda guy! Is brazilian worth it? That's up to each person who goes through that decision. I will just say that to me, it is! :)

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps0b577b1f.jpg

Jason finishes the inside of his guitars as well.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps5315fc73.jpg

The sides are bent and placed in a form...and Jason just has to show me some more of his shop.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps5a2dca0c.jpg

Besides the U.S.A., one of my favorite countries is Italy. So, we just had to go with some master grade italian spruce for the top.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psa1c315c2.jpg

Impressive...

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps07323553.jpg

Jason's rosette is a distinguishing feature of his guitars. He told me he was going for some of the desert colors he often sees around the Phoenix area. I love it!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps649eb2c1.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psf311de07.jpg

exquisite!

Let's put the box together.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psffc521f8.jpg

Voila!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...pscfac3c4a.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps6a813524.jpg

It's beginning to look like a guitar!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps85c38aad.jpg

A Kostal decorative end graft design.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...pse5b4f0db.jpg

Getting ready for the neck.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps542950e9.jpg

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps877b9426.jpg

A headstock face plate design element that I liked with Michael's guitar.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...psfad0a37e.jpg

My MD is taking shape!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps24c70bd2.jpg

What is Jason thinking with all of this?

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps7fb36161.jpg

Pieces cut.

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps5bcebd3c.jpg

And in place!

http://i140.photobucket.com/albums/r...ps3c965ee8.jpg

Time to wait and see what more Jason has in store. I'm looking forward to the upcoming Healdsburg Guitar Festival. And, not only to play my new MD, but to also hear Michael Watts and Mau Lau place their mojo in my new guitar!

Love it. Great thread.

A former apprentice of Somogyi. It appears he took it all in and then some. Lovely work.
Tom

Congratulation Billy Boy,

Jason is a great guy and a wonderful builder. Looks like you're in for a real treat!

Mark

You're not making the wait for my OM any easier - I agreed with Jason that my guitar could wait until after he had prepped for Healdsburg: Now I can see what he's been up to.

I'm sure we'd all appreciate an Eric style build-up, ramping up the tension incrementally, day-by-day, until August 9th, at which point we're all ready to explode with anticipation. can't wait to see how this turns out!

I know you've tried a number of luthiers' guitar so am interested you went with Jason eventually. I too have found him to be a very generous and talented guy. My own MD has blossomed over the last year I've had it - I love it.

Cheers,
Steve

The BillyBoy Influence
 

Hey Bill....Your guitar is a beauty, for sure!.....I remember very well the RAVE reviews I got from you about the new fantastic luthier you had met at Healdsburg....as well as the story about Kathy Wingert's comments. You encouraged me to visit him while in Phoenix and As per usual, your recommendations have proven to be true. (You are both a BAD and good Influence...feeding my guitar addiction!) From the first moment I met Jason, I knew he was going to be one of the "great ones" as his guitars already surpassed many of the luthiers out there today. His guitars are amazing...and I say that after playing (and owning) Olson's, Traugott's, Walker's, Circa's, Ryan's and other great guitars...I signed up for an MD and his new 00 build slots immediately and have never looked back!!!.... I've never posted photos on this link, but if I figure it out, I'll post some of my MD that will also be at Healdsburg! Also, I'm excited to play his first new prototype 00 at the Healdsburg Festival! Congratulations to you Bill and THANK you for influencing me to meet and get in line for one of these fabulous guitars!.

Great story, and an amazing looking guitar! Love that back and the headstock too.

Hey Bill,
A hearty congrats on another beautiful guitar to add to your collection! Can't wait to see it in a few weeks. See you soon.

Bill, finally the time has come!!!!!
Now where are the rest of the pictures......??? ;)
I am excited for you too!!!

Wonder how does Jason's 00 look like? Any idea of the dimensions??