NGD: Pair of McKnight's

[nwapoolguy]

Having owned and played many, many acoustic instruments over the past several years it was time for me to invest in a life-long, world class instrument. I had heard many great things about Tim and Mary McKnight here on AGF. So when it was time to narrow my builder search, their love for the Lord and display of that love directly inscripted inside their instruments, made my choice clear. You see, I love the Lord too and hymns and worship music is all I play.

I began searching for McKnight guitars on the internet. (Honestly hoping to find a used mint/excellent one to save a little cash.) I also posted a "WTB" on AGF. Low and behold, there were not any available. While somewhat discouraging, to me it was VERY encouraging that no one parts with them. So that was a great sign.

Next, I contacted Tim directly to see if he might have anything for sale. He did! The first McKnight was his first Genesis series SDG Adirondack/Figured Walnut. Absolutely beautiful burst finish on the top. Perfectly intonated, perfectly set up and so, so easy to play. The tone leaned more towards the fundamental side which is what I prefer. Excellent note to note separation. A very pleasant sound with fingers and plectrum. You would think that would have satisfied my itch. Nope! Then I wanted another.

I contacted Tim again to see about a complimentary instrument. Not having enough patience to wait over two years for a build, Tim alerted me to the fact there was a new LowLander at Guitar Gallery in Nashville. About that time, an AGF member replied my WTB post with the same information. Doing my due diligence, I listened to every sound sample they had on multiple guitars, multiple times. The LowLander just stood out (among some REALLY well respected builders I might add). While it is also Adirondack and Walnut, this Walnut is something special. Tim told me this Walnut came from a 1700's stagecoach livery and was unlike any Walnut he had ever seen or heard. I said "so if there were such a thing as "the tree" for Walnut this would be it" and Tim said, yes. Tim went on to tell me this Walnut sustains like the best Brazilian Rosewood.

So now the LowLander Adirondack/1700's Walnut belongs to me! Couldn't be happier. Tim was right too, this Walnut is so much different than the other. A little bit brighter, a few more overtones and the sustain.....oh my soul. Like a chorus of angels. Of course the build quality - set-up, intonation, etc. is what I had already experienced with the SDG. Absolutely perfect.

So there you have it. The idea I have had for years to have just two forever guitars actually happened. Go team McKnight!!

[BrunoBlack]

Well now, what more could you ever hope for? Beautiful!

[fitness1]

Pretty sure I've played your burst guitar at the shop a few years back.

You just can't go wrong with one of their guitars!!

[Guitars44me]

Congratulations and make many a joyful noise!

Paul

[JAMKC]

Hey friend, really happy for you! Those are stunning!!

[Dustinfurlow]

Those look gorgeous, enjoy in good health!

[Rodger]

The McKnights are wonderful people!

I've played the Genesis guitar at McJams. Great guitar!

I have 4 McKnights. Well, technically one of them belongs to my wife - an Adirondack/Walnut OM. The Walnut is from the same 1700's wood as yours. I've played many walnut guitars, but never really liked the tone until my wife's OM. Not sure if it's the straight grain, but her OM sounds more like a rosewood to my ears.

Congrats!

[nwapoolguy]

Thanks everyone!! I imagine quite a few have played the SDG and Tim most likely leveraged this one into a commission or two. What's even better is it has opened up significantly from when I received it. It's crazy an instrument that already sounds amazing can become even more amazing.

[cigarfan]

Fantastic Jeff! Have enjoyed playing your SDG while it was with Tim. And I'll bet the Adi/Walnut sounds incredible. McKnight guitars are like Lays potato chips. You can't just have one!

[Godfather]

Congratulations on your McKnight twins! They are beautiful, and that burst, WOW!. I can only imagine the sound.

[jjhturbo]

Originally Posted by nwapoolguy

You see, I love the Lord too and hymns and worship music is all I play.

Same here!

Belated congrats on your McKnights! I ordered a LowLander earlier this year and it is simply exceptional!

Blessings.

[nwapoolguy]

Originally Posted by Godfather

Congratulations on your McKnight twins! They are beautiful, and that burst, WOW!. I can only imagine the sound.

Thank you Godfather! And you are right, the burst Tim did on the SDG is exceptional.

Originally Posted by jjhturbo

Same here!

Belated congrats on your McKnights! I ordered a LowLander earlier this year and it is simply exceptional!

Blessings.

Amen jjhturbo! And hey, if you ever feel the need to sell, let me know.
BTW, what wood choices did you make?

[Dru Edwards]

Wow, two McKnights, Fantastic!!!. What a great journey for you to find both of these guitars. I've never met Tim and Mary but have interacted with them many times over the past 10+ years here on the AGF. Just wonderful people.

[jjhturbo]

Originally Posted by nwapoolguy

Amen jjhturbo! And hey, if you ever feel the need to sell, let me know.
BTW, what wood choices did you make?

German top with Amazon RW back/sides.

[Neil K Walk]

Congratulations! I've always been drawn to that SDG at the last few McJams but it never followed me home. That's true of many of their guitars that I've played over the past 15 years but I'm glad that they've all found good homes. Enjoy!