#1
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New (To Me) 2015 Kostal Jumbo Spruce / Coco
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
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2018 Buscarino Italia |
#2
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Now that is some BOSS axe!!!
Lucky you! Woohoo.
The Celtic Lament is BEAUTIFUL, and so is your new Kostal Have fun Paul
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4 John Kinnaird SS 12c CUSTOMS: Big Maple/WRC Dread(ish) Jumbo Spanish Cedar/WRC Jumbo OLD Brazilian RW/WRC Big Tunnel 14 RW/Bubinga Dread(ish) R.T 2 12c sinker RW/Claro 96 422ce bought new! 96 LKSM 12 552ce 12x12 J. Stepick Bari Weissy WRC/Walnut More |
#3
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I remember trying my first Kostal. A moment you never forget!
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#4
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Congratulations on a beautiful new guitar!.
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http://www.krausguitars.com |
#5
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Congratulations on the new to you Kostal. Beyond the guitar, Jason himself is one of the best guys I know. Enjoy!
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PS. I love guitars! |
#6
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Welcome to the club!
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#7
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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!
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12-fret Small Body Addict & Sucker for Exquisite Craftsmanship
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#8
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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. Quote:
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In the end it is about who you love above yourself and what you have stood for and lived for that make the difference... |
#9
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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!
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#10
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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!
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____________________________________________ 1922 Martin 0-28 1933 Martin 0-17 1974 Alvarez/Yairi CY120 2010 Baranik Parlor 2013 Circa OM-18 2014 Claxton OM Traditional 2014 Blackbird Rider |
#11
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Congrats on the Kostal. Having played many of them and owning four, I understand what draws you to this particular instrument!
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Eric Omega Braz MJ, 2011 Omega MJ Braz Baritone Ryan Cathedral ABW/Bosnian Build thread: 2011 Kostal Mod D Brazilian/German Build thread: 2019 Kostal MDW Brazilian/German Build thread:2019 Bigfoot Mod D |
#12
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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!
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Life is like a box of chocolates .... Last edited by cigarfan; 04-12-2020 at 06:58 AM. Reason: photo |
#13
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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 |
#14
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Congratulations! That's a beautiful instrument!
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www.michaelwattsguitar.com Album Recording Diary Skype Lessons Luthier Stories YouTube iTunes Guitars by Jason Kostal, Strings by Elixir, Gefell Mics and a nail buffer. |
#15
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I bet you get a tremor on the Richter scale when you hit the E major chord on that beauty!
Congrats!
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Doerr Trinity 12 Fret 00 (Lutz/Maple) Edwinson Zephyr 13 Fret 00 (Adi/Coco) Froggy Bottom H-12 (Adi/EIR) Kostal 12 Fret OMC (German Spruce/Koa) Rainsong APSE 12 Fret (Carbon Fiber) Taylor 812ce-N 12 fret (Sitka/EIR Nylon) |