This classic archtop is a perfect blend of style, sound and function.

The James Sherlock Classic model is a practical jazz guitar capable of any task whether it be home practice, live performance or recording. This guitar has everything a great archtop guitar should have with elegant ornamentation and embellishments.

Tonewoods
Traditional European tonewoods are used for the body, the same type of timbers that have been used for several centuries in violin family instruments. These timbers are chosen for their exceptional acoustic properties. The top is hand carved from aged, quartersawn German Spruce and has been tuned to give the sound the perfect balance of warmth and volume. The back is made from flamed German Maple and has also been hand carved to enhance the acoustic sound. The sides are solid German Maple to match the back while the neck is flamed American maple which has been laminated for strength and stability.

The fingerboard is African black ebony and features traditional slashed-block inlays and an elegant binding of ebony and maple. The headstock ties in with the look of the fingerboard and features a black ebony headplate with mother of pearl inlays and a maple edge. The headstock also features a black ebony rear headplate.

Ornamentation & Finish
The binding on the body is made of flamed maple. A contrasting black purfling separates the light coloured bindings from the rest of the body creating a look reminiscent of violin-family instruments. The instrument is finished in a natural Nitrocellulose lacquer which has been hand polished to a high gloss.

Sound
Every note has a rich tone and the acoustic sound is warm and loud. The trebles are quick and defined and the basses are smooth and rounded. The electronic sound is derived from a Kent Armstrong handwound PAF humbucking pickup and matches the acoustic sound in its warmth and tonal beauty. Volume and tone are controlled with concealed thumbwheels mounted on the ebony fingerrest.

Playability
The playability is very comfortable due to the highly refined neck profile and low action.