New model for John How Guitars

[John How]

I just finished the first of a brand new model for me. It is a small 14 fret x-braced guitar, about 00 in size but my own shape. This version is a continuation of my "roots guitar" idea in that it has simplified trim and finish style. The purfling is simple bold lines around the perimeter and white plastic binding (no purfling on the back just white binding) and an unbound fingerboard/headstock. Lutz spruce for the top and Honduran mahogany on the back, sides and neck with madagascar rosewood for the bridge, fingerboard and headstock. It features vintage style 3 on a plate tuners and a golden amber top with a chocolate brown back, sides and neck all done in a nice thin satin finish. I am extremely please with the tone & response of this guitar.
Take a look at some pics and info here if you are interested - Model 14

[Fliss]

Very nice, John.

Fliss

[ricks]

John that looks really nice, and looks like something that would be right up my alley. I love little guitars, and 00's are about my favorite. Maybe an OM or two. I like the specs you listed for it, good nut and saddle spacings etc.

And you can't beat that price with a stick.
You gonna bring it to Miami ?

[D. Ramsey]

Got to play this guitar awhile today at the Southern California AGF gathering.
This is an excellent guitar with a beautiful looking top and a real nice vintage sound and finish.
There is a sound those old blues guys and early country boys had from those cheap guitars that had crooked necks,
cheaply made and so often falling apart like most Stellas I ever played were like. But that sound became famous.

This guitar is expertly built, easy to play, unique vintage look that I really like and you don't have to make do with that old crappy built guitar to get that sound. It has great balance and from lows to highs, great neck with very nice action and is very responsive. It really is a guitar worth checking out

Well done John!

[Joe Sustaire]

John that just looks like the perfect all around guitar! Who wouldn't be happy with that?

Joe

[mesa]

Great looking guitar with a price to match!

[J.R. Rogers]

Nice - I can't wait to play one of these.

JR

[Dr. Overtones]

Do you have any sound clips of it? That looks like my kind of guitar!

[drcmusic7]

John,

What a great looking guitar! Well done, sir! I hope to get to try one of those.

Kindly,
Danny

[sfden1]

Not being a bling or fancy woods type of guy, I love the simple elegance of this guitar. Love too that it's x braced and not ladder braced, which I would expect would give it a bit richer tone. Not too familiar with Lutz, but I've played two guitars with it so far (a Lutz/madrose and Lutz/Cuban mahogany, both Greven OM's) and both were awesome.

Lovely guitar John, looks like a winner to me. Sound clips would be good.

D.

[D. Churchland]

you must be doing pretty well with your Roots guitar to be able to start a new model John. I absolutely love your style!!

[theEdwinson]

Hey, John,
We met briefly at the Healdsburg in August. I came looking for you during a break when I started hearing a buzz about you going around. I think JR was the initial instigator. Beautiful work, man. You've taken these beautiful trad designs to the apex of elegance.

I had a Writing teacher in college who I still remember well. One of his rules for writing concise and engaging prose was, "eschew surplussage". This rule can also apply perfectly to lutherie. Here's one I made up: A thing which is completely itself has no use or need for artifice.

John How guitars have that rare quality. Jus' say'n.

[stephenT]

Most excellent John, my 12 fret How LBC is wantin' a baby brother.

[ricks]

Bring it to Miami !

PLEASE ! ! !

[min7b5]

Got to play this little gem before the house concert Saturday. Palys great, sounds great, looks great. I loved it