Sound

This guitar is full of tone and volume. It has a powerful bass range, with a warm mid-range, and crystal clear highs. The tone reminds me of a rosewood guitar, but with the "bite" of maple. Very modern, contemporary tone. You can use this guitar for any style and it will hold its own.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

The tonewoods used for this guitar were gorgeous. The difference in wood and finish colors used made for an outstanding looking guitar. It is not as cleanly built as some of the other builders out there today might do it, but not too bad. The only complaints are some flaws in the finish in some spots - hence the lower rating.

Appearance Rating

7

Customer Service

A better man than Harry James you will not find. He was extremely friendly and more than helpful with any questions and comments I had throughout the building process. Harry's guitars come with a lifetime warranty to the original owner and he stands by it. I would definitely deal with Harry again in the future if the opportunity presents itself.

Customer Service

10

Overall Comments

I don't think you can beat the guitars from Harry James in terms of value, quality, and workmanship. Harry is a gem to deal with and I couldn't be more pleased with how my guitar turned out. I highly recommend Harry and his instruments to anyone.

Overall Rating

9

Overall Comments

Very nice, well designed capo. It's very easy to use - just slip over the strings, flip the lever, and you're good to go. The capo is heavy enough to provide great tone, yet small enough to put on, remove, and store easily. I much prefer it over my Flux/Scheerhorn capo, but the tone isn't quite as nice as my Bradley. However, it's close enough to make it my main capo.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

This is my favorite bar, even over my Tipton RT-1 and chrome-plated Bradley bar. Like you can imagine, the tone from a stainless steel bar may not be as "warm" as a chrome-plated one, but this one sounds great anyway. Like my other Bradley bar, it was custom made for my hands, so it fits great and is very comfortable to play with. Elmer sandblasts these bars, which really helps when playing with sweaty hands. On top of that, the heat treatment makes these bars just about indestructible - you can't wear them out like regular stainless steel bars.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

I own two of Bobby's straps and now I wouldn't use anything else. The workmanship and effort that Bobby puts into his straps is unequaled in my opinion. Since the straps are so wide, they don't cut into your shoulder as some do after playing for awhile. They are very comfortable, and the newer swivel versions allow for a wide range of movement for your picking arm. They truly are a work of art and highly recommended. For an example of Bobby's work, please check the Dale Earnhardt Tribute strap in my photo album.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

This is the best capo out there in my opinion. No tone death at all. It is very heavy, solid, and easy to use. Aside from the chrome-plated brass body effectively acting as a new bar on whichever fret you place it on, it makes it look classy as well. Like almost any other capo that "hovers" above the strings, it takes some practice to place it accurately, especially if you're in a hurry.

Overall Rating

10

Overall Comments

This bar is very similar to the Tipton RT-1 in dimensions and shape. However, Mr. Bradley could make you any length, weight, or height that suited you. He was kind enough to send me a custom shortened bar to fit my short fingers. Like any other chrome-plated bar, it offers a slightly warmer, clearer sound than a stainless steel bar. Unlike most other chrome-plated bars though, I've heard that Elmer plates his bars with ten times the chrome than anyone else. If this is true, it would be almost impossible to wear through in a lifetime of playing. Even if you were able, Mr. Bradley guarantees his chrome bars against this and replaces them for free.

Overall Rating

10

Sound

This guitar is very loud with incredible tone. Very powerful on the low-to-mid range, while having very clear, cutting highs. It's not your typical walnut guitar. The guitar is suited for many styles because of its wide range.

Sound Rating

10

Appearance

The old growth walnut used for the build was absolutely amazing. It didn't really need any extras to make it better. JD threw some mineral oils on it to really bring out the colors. The only thing I can really complain about is the binding was stained in some spots. I'm guessing some finish that ran over.

Appearance Rating

8

Customer Service

I ordered this guitar custom-made right from JD Myers. JD is an excellent guy to work with - very friendly, helpful, and willing to get you what you want in an instrument. When I first got the guitar, one of the tone rings was slightly bent. So I called up JD and he sent me a new set of rings, free of charge, no shipping costs or anything. JD warranties his guitars for life for the original owner.

Customer Service

9

Overall Comments

I would recommend this guitar to anyone, no matter the price. You just can't beat them. I really don't have any one favorite feature, I like everything about this guitar. Compared to other resos I've played, both custom built and mass produced, I haven't found anything yet I'd like better.

Overall Rating

9