New (To Me) 2015 Kostal Jumbo Spruce / Coco

[Cincy2]

Before I wrote this review I watched a very interesting video on Curiosity Stream about Stradivari violins. The parts that intrigued me were when virtuoso performers tried to describe what it was about their Strad that they loved. Or when the tried to compare it to recent very competent copies (some using CT Scans and CNC machines). In all cases the performers struggled to put into words the characteristics of the instruments that they enjoyed.

And so I struggle also. This rather large and heavy Kostal Jumbo has been around awhile. I believe one or more previous owners are AGF members. I became interested in it when I stumbled on a video of Clive Carroll playing Neil Gow's famous lament in DADGAD on a Kostal OM. The bass was unlike any I had heard before. This impression was confirmed the second after I struck the first note on it. Crisp, rich, resonant, articulate are the words that come to mind but they don't truly define what I am hearing. It is so alive and present it completely changed the way I want to play. Where bass was just support for a melody, I now want to feature it. This video really does an accurate job of reproducing what I am hearing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSlH7FTUOmo

The trebles are loud, resonant and harmonic rich. So rich that in some cases I find myself adjusting right hand positions to make them brighter. Not complaining here, just pointing out that there is nothing else you could ask from a finger style instrument in this category.

Workmanship of this caliber seems to be a new normal for the current crop of young luthiers. The finish, binding, purfling and the draw dropping rosette are the equal of any I have had the pleasure to own or examine.

I feel honored to own this guitar. It truly raises the art to a new level. I bought a build slot for a Mod D from this craftsman after a few weeks of playing a gorgeous example of his work.

Cincy

[Guitars44me]

Lucky you! Woohoo.

The Celtic Lament is BEAUTIFUL, and so is your new Kostal

Have fun

Paul

[Glenn23]

I remember trying my first Kostal. A moment you never forget!

[Bill Kraus]

Congratulations on a beautiful new guitar!.

[TomB'sox]

Congratulations on the new to you Kostal. Beyond the guitar, Jason himself is one of the best guys I know. Enjoy!

[Flat5]

Welcome to the club!

[Ukulele_Eddie]

Love the bit of sapwood in the back. What a gorgeous guitar. And, man-oh-man, that sound sample shows it off perfectly.

Many congrats!

[gitarro]

If you like profound bass, keep an eye out for a 1999 - 2001 Somogyi. They do not respond nor sound like later or earlier period somogyi guitars.

The 2001 mod d that I once owned had bass of such depth and sonority that no other guitar that I have ever played has ever equalled or exceeded it except for a kim walker jumbo that was an outlier even for a kim walker guitar.

Originally Posted by Cincy2

Before I wrote this review I watched a very interesting video on Curiosity Stream about Stradivari violins. The parts that intrigued me were when virtuoso performers tried to describe what it was about their Strad that they loved. Or when the tried to compare it to recent very competent copies (some using CT Scans and CNC machines). In all cases the performers struggled to put into words the characteristics of the instruments that they enjoyed.

And so I struggle also. This rather large and heavy Kostal Jumbo has been around awhile. I believe one or more previous owners are AGF members. I became interested in it when I stumbled on a video of Clive Carroll playing Neil Gow's famous lament in DADGAD on a Kostal OM. The bass was unlike any I had heard before. This impression was confirmed the second after I struck the first note on it. Crisp, rich, resonant, articulate are the words that come to mind but they don't truly define what I am hearing. It is so alive and present it completely changed the way I want to play. Where bass was just support for a melody, I now want to feature it. This video really does an accurate job of reproducing what I am hearing.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pSlH7FTUOmo

The trebles are loud, resonant and harmonic rich. So rich that in some cases I find myself adjusting right hand positions to make them brighter. Not complaining here, just pointing out that there is nothing else you could ask from a finger style instrument in this category.

Workmanship of this caliber seems to be a new normal for the current crop of young luthiers. The finish, binding, purfling and the draw dropping rosette are the equal of any I have had the pleasure to own or examine.

I feel honored to own this guitar. It truly raises the art to a new level. I bought a build slot for a Mod D from this craftsman after a few weeks of playing a gorgeous example of his work.

Cincy

[naluguy]

You my friend have excellent taste, so happy for you! Anyone owning a guitar like that is truly blessed. Your review is excellent as it describes the sounds to a tee (resonant, harmonic, rich). Also interesting description of having to adjust your right hand to make the sound brighter. The notes are so full and round, complete opposite of tinny, music to the ears! Your guitar is definitely in the big leagues, enjoy!

[Deft Tungsman]

Congratulations on a one-of-a-kind guitar! I’ve had the pleasure of playing a couple of Jason’s guitars, however all too briefly. HUGE sound, and so responsive, I got the impression that they were on the verge of exploding. A Kostal Jumbo must be quite a beast, indeed!

[ericcsong]

Congrats on the Kostal. Having played many of them and owning four, I understand what draws you to this particular instrument!

[cigarfan]

Very nice indeed. I do know how you feel about trying to describe the Kostal tone. But I know as well, sitting with one is a surreal experience.

Congrats! That is an incredible instrument.

I love this guy!

[Deliberate1]

Cincy, as a new guitar player, but musician for 55 years, this is the kind of post that never fails to please. I cannot play well, but I know what I like, even if I cannot make those sounds. And as a collector of art, and artist, I know what my eyes like as well even if I cannot reproduce it in the flesh. And as a student of history, I appreciate a good story about an instrument that is cultivating a reputation, as some do. You are most fortunate to have such an instrument, certainly as its current owner, but, perhaps, more as a steward.
Enjoy your time with it.
David

[Michael Watts]

Congratulations! That's a beautiful instrument!

[SprintBob]

I bet you get a tremor on the Richter scale when you hit the E major chord on that beauty!

Congrats!