NGD Custom Chinese Jumbo

[JavelinaJoe]

After reading a few discussions on the forum regarding the quality of the GAD series and playing one (GAD-25M, now in my nephew’s possession), I decided to do some research on Chinese guitar manufacturing with the idea of having a custom guitar made. My research led me to the Bejing Yunzhi Hengwei Musical Instrument Company ( http://yunzhimusic.en.alibaba.com). I’ve always loved Guild jumbos and using the specs from the JF-100 and others I was able to get the folks at Yunzhi to build my custom guitar. The sale manager, Ms Lora Yu, was very helpful and speaks good English. After a few email exchanges and supplying photos, graphics for the headstock and fret board inlay, and a few other details, we agreed upon a price and they went to work. About 4 months later the guitar was ready to be shipped. Transit time from China took about 3 more weeks. Then on Saturday the postman stopped at my driveway, opened the back of his truck, and there it was: a giant Styrofoam package. My first urge was to rip it open, but my better instincts took hold and I let it acclimate for a few hours indoors before opening. Well, I think the pictures tell the rest of the story. FYI, total price including shipping was $840.00. And it included a faux alligator case. 8)

It’s not perfect but the build quality is very good. I replaced the strings with JP PB Lights and it sounds great. Not Guild great, but close. I’m hoping it improves with age.

 

[twocorgis]

It looks nice Patrick (if a bit "blingy" for my tastes), but I would have a terrible time living with the rosette the way it is. I guess for what you paid, you could have it fixed stateside and still not be out too much.

 

[learnintoplay62]

Congrats. She looks cool. More importantly, how does she play. :wink:

 

[Christopher Cozad]

I think one would be rather hard pressed to get the abalone work done Stateside for $840.00. The maple (or whitewood) binding looks great, and I would imagine (if the guitar builders are competent luthiers) it could sound like a cannon!

Christopher

 

[JavelinaJoe]

It looks nice Patrick (if a bit "blingy" for my tastes), but I would have a terrible time living with the rosette the way it is. I guess for what you paid, you could have it fixed stateside and still not be out too much.

Yeah, I'm too embarrassed to take it out. The only one who's seen it is my girlfriend, and the photos on the forum. The rosette is just one of many imperfections. You get what you pay for, that's for sure.

The set up was good right out of the box and it plays nicely. Once I get over the "bling" factor I'll have somebody fine tune the set up.

 

[chazmo]

The wood looks really nice too. What's the finish?

 

[dapmdave]

The top looks nice. Back and sides are what? Sort of looks like mahogany.

Dave

 

[Walter Broes]

It could use some abalone I think... :mrgreen:

 

[learnintoplay62]

Forget the rosette at least the sound hole is round :wink:

 

[JavelinaJoe]

The top looks nice. Back and sides are what? Sort of looks like mahogany.

Dave

The back, sides, and neck are mahogany. The finish is nitro cellulose lacquer, not urethane thank goodness. I haven't polished it except to wipe it down with a cloth. I may try some Dunlop 65 on it seeing there are no cracks in the finish.

 

[davismanLV]

That's the most VIVID abalone I've ever seen!! Golly!!

 

[southernGuild]

That's the most VIVID abalone I've ever seen!! Golly!!

Indeed! It almost has an Opal-like quality about it. What a stunner..............Good Lawd!! 8)
So, Now, I'm wondering.....Is there any abalone left in China!!?? :shock: :lol:

 

[davismanLV]

:lol: :lol: