1999 d55 w/ 200 yr old rosewood???

[capnjuan]

Hi D: I don't think so either ... gotta give it to the seller though; he got our attention! :lol:

 

[dreadnut]

It would've gotten my attention without the b.s., she's a real beauty :shock:

I'd love to add that one to the stable, but then I might have to change my handle to "Jumbonut" and that would be even harder to explain to people than "Dreadnut" :lol:

 

[capnjuan]

It would've gotten my attention without the b.s., she's a real beauty :shock: I'd love to add that one to the stable, but then I might have to change my handle to "Jumbonut" and that would be even harder to explain to people than "Dreadnut" :lol:

If that guitar sounds and plays as nice as it looks, it'd be almost enough to launch a career and a new screen-name with.

 

[jckgrms]

Hi new guy here. I also saw this ad and I took the plunge and bought it. I am sure I paid too much for it but It was so beautiful I couldn't resist. Plus I was afraid somebody else would get it. Like you guys I thought the hype was a bit much - however - it looked gorgeous! After I bought it, while trying to find information I came across this post. So I just had to join this forum. If you want I will let you all know my impressions as soon as I get it in my hands. Not that I'm an expert but I know what sounds good to me.

So now it seem that along with my 1987 D50 and my 2007 D40 I am also the proud owner of a 1998 "J55".

Jim

 

[chazmo]

Welcome aboard, Jim, and congrats on your your purchase.

I'll be the first to ask...... PIX!!!! Let's hear more about it when you get it.

 

[john_kidder]

took the plunge and bought it . . .along with my 1987 D50 and my 2007 D40 I am also the proud owner of a 1998 "J55"

Welcome aboard, Jim. Look forward to reports on the guitar. If the wood's that old, do you suppose it will play early 19th century tunes better than most?

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Jim, a warm welcome, and Congratulations! Yes, we had a little in-house fun with the lister however, if you've read the posts above, Hans Moust has reliably ID'd your new guitar as a 1998 J(?)55 :lol: It's as pretty an F512/J(?)55 that's come along in a while. Looking forward to pics and a description of what it's like to play a 200 year old guitar :wink: cj

 

[jckgrms]

If the wood's that old, do you suppose it will play early 19th century tunes better than most?

Heh, Heh It should. And thank you and chazmo for the welcome. And I will report on it.

 

[krysh]

welcome jim,
and enjoy this beautiful guitar.

 

[Graham]

Welcome to LTG Jim and you need to figure out how to play that beauty with the back facing out. It's one of the nicer backsides I've seen. :shock:

 

[jckgrms]

Sorry CJ when I was giving thanks for the warm welcome earlier your post wasn't up yet now it looks like I ignored you. Thanks to everyone for the warm welcome.

...you need to figure out how to play that beauty with the back facing out. It's one of the nicer backsides I've seen.

[/quote]
Actually the front doesn't look bad either though I suppose I could play with my teeth like Hendrix.

Jim

 

[capnjuan]

Not a problem Jim; it's beauty!! cj

 

[Guildmark]

I don't know where he got his information, it's not brazilian amost certainly. He is using a trick of words - almost all the spruce and EIR used in guitar making is from trees 200 yrs old or more (I believe it takes that long to grow a descent sized guitar wood tree). The trees maybe be old, but the wood itself is probably EIR, cut who knows when, but probably not too long ago.

Great point, Geeman28! This is exactly what the tour guide at Taylor explained to us a couple of weeks ago! 200 hundred years for a tree large enough to get bookmatched top or back from the same tree. 400 years for a tree large enough to get a single piece of maple out of which to carve an arched back. They had a cross section slice of such a tree on display - 400 years old, and about 4 feet in diameter. According to the guide, there is not enough re-planting going on to have such trees available for future luthiers.

Oh! BTW: Welcome aboard, jckgrms! Post well. Post often.
Great looking guitar! Congrats!

 

[sitka_spruce]

I doubt many 200+ year old trees have been used to make any recent guitars :lol:

Fir trees have the longest lifespan of trees and I suppose you have seen those giant Sitka logs tops for most contemporary guitars are made from. They could potentially be up to a thousand years old - each tree, that is.

 

[Jeff]

Here's a fascinating video from Bob Taylor harvesting ancient Sitka from Alaska, 300 - 350 years old.

http://www.taylorguitars.com/video/wood ... e_high.wmx

 

[Graham]

Here's a fascinating video from Bob Taylor harvesting ancient Sitka from Alaska, 300 - 350 years old.

Fascinating is almost an understatement of that clip.

 

[jckgrms]

Two things - that was a fascinating video. Does Taylor only use naturally downed trees? I noticed they made a point to mention the clear cuts on either side of the area they were in. Hmmm P.R.? But it was without an doubt interesting vid. Those guys work hard.

Also
In case you are interested I wrote to Fender concerning the "J55" withe serial/model #. Here's what they wrote back (as if there was any doubt afters Hans reply)

Hello,
Here is the information we have on that serial number:

Date: 6/17/1998
Model Name: JF55
Model Number: 350-2100-(Color#)
Category: Jumbo Guitars
Body Style: Jumbo
Scale Length: 25 5/8"
Top: Solid Spruce
Bracing: Shaved
Back: Solid Rosewood
Sides: Solid Rosewood
Neck: 3-Piece Mahogany/Maple/Mahogany
Width at Nut: 1-11/16"
Fretboard: Ebony (12" Radius)
Bridge: Ebony
Hardware: Gold
Electronics: Optional
Finish: High Gloss (Nitro-cellulose Lacquer)
Colors: (821) Natural,
(837) Antique Burst
Unique Features: Pearl and Abalone Inlays,
Bound Ebony Fingerboard,
Abalone Rosette,
Black Pickguard
Case: Includes C5217 Deluxe Hardshell Case, p/n 3501075213
U.S. MSRP: $2,499.99
Options: 350-2105 JF55 (as above with Fishman Transducer) $2,699.99
350-2106 JF55 (as above with Fishman pickup and preamp) $2,799.99
350-2120 JF55 (Left hand) $2,499.99
350-2125 JF55 (Left hand with Fishman Transducer) $2,699.99
350-2126 JF55 (Left hand with Fishman pickup and preamp) $2,799.99
Specs: Prices and Specifications Subject to Change Without Notice
Strings: Guild L350 Phosphor Bronze,
p/n 3500350000,
Gauges .012, .016, .025, .032, .042, .053
Source: U.S.
Introduced: 1989
Discontinued: 12/2001
Best Regards,

Jeff Krause
Fender Musical Instruments Corporation
Consumer Relations Department
(480) 596-7195
http://www.fender.com
http://www.myspace.com/fender

I have to say, I emailed them last night and when I got home from work today there was a reply. I think that says something. Of course I could drive over there and ask, their headquarters are only fifty miles from where I live.

 

[Graham]

I wrote to Fender concerning the "J55" withe serial/model #. Here's what they wrote back (as if there was any doubt afters Hans reply)

I have to say, I emailed them last night and when I got home from work today there was a reply. I think that says something. Of course I could drive over there and ask, their headquarters are only fifty miles from where I live.

 

[capnjuan]

Hi Jim: I had recent phone and email contact w/ FMIC Customer Relations and they were prompt and cordial. I felt like the guy in Graham's pic!

 

[krysh]

...maybe they do read this forum? :wink: