September 2007
Jeff,
This guitar surpasses all my expectations by a long
shot. It is by far the finest guitar I have every
played. Simply amazing craftsmanship, and more (magic?).
The visual beauty of the instrument, the sheer
playability, the variety of sounds, the nuance of my
touch on the strings and the clarity of that nuance
reproduced in the sound are all astounding. I never
imagined I could play so well. My friends have been
asking me how I like the guitar and I talk on and on
trying to describe how great it is. Putting it in words
is really tough. Somehow this instrument is much more
than the sum of it's parts - playing it is like entering
a different dimension - an unbelievable synergy of wood,
metal, electronics and your personal artistry.
I am looking forward to playing this guitar for the rest
of my life. I will send you a CD in a few months.
Thanks again.
Jim (Earlewood no.318)
We have had the guitar for a little over a week now and
I wanted to let you know how ecstatic and appreciative
we are to have this particular guitar.
Outside of the amazed looks from our friends and fellow
guitar players who have seen the guitar, we are again
amazed at the finish work, unique features, feel, and
for a limited time the beautiful unique color. I like a
thin neck and the neck is perfect for me. The overall
light weight and balance makes the guitar very
comfortable.
Then you plug it in. We have some very nice guitars
including a couple of Quicksilvers. However the rich
full voicing of this JET is unbelievable. It comes
through regardless of the selector switch setting. It's
just another level above anything else we own. It's hard
to imagine any guitar sounding better. So I'm probably
done buying electric guitars in search of tone.
Thanks again for a truly amazing guitar.
MFG
Milo and Marty Medriano
July 2007
Hi Jeffrey,
I hope that you are not bored with praise after all that
has been said about your wonderful guitars, and that it
still means something to get glowing feedback! I came
across your web site by accident having come into some
money and looking for an ultimate instrument, (I have
been playing for nearly 40 years, and have collected,
and use, many fine guitars inc. gibsons & fenders, in
fact I bought a Les Paul deluxe 35 years ago which I use
constantly and didn't imagine I could be tempted from
that fine worn well used instrument). I was struck by
the many testimonials raving on about the guitars you
produce, not just on your site, but wherever I looked,
but being in the UK I didn't have a chance to try one.
What clinched it for me to buy one un-played were the
many references to the exquisite playability of the
guitars and the impact this had made on many seasoned
players. Playability summed up what I was looking for,
not digital effects or gadgets, but an instrument that
just fell to hand and inspired you to play.
I have to admit to being a little worried while waiting
for my Earlewood to arrive, could it possibly live up to
the hype?... I haven't been able to put it down since it
arrived!, it IS everything I had hoped it would be and
more, I'm knocked out mate! (and become unfaithful to my
Gibson!!)
Many thanks & keep up the fine fine
work.
Tim Boulton (no. 298)
March 2007
Jeffrey,
Hey what's up man. Just a couple of things. First, I'm
the owner of JET #205, a Spalted Earlewood, and I could
not be any happier. It's not only the best looking
instrument I've seen (maybe I'm a bit biased), but it's
the best playing guitar I've ever played or owned. It's
the first guitar I've had where there isn't even one
thing about it's playability that bothers me; it's
playability is flawless and inspiring. I went from
Jacksons to McNaught and now to my JET and there is no
comparison. I'm a spoiled kid now...
Thanks,
Frank
December 2006
Dear Mr. Terwilliger,
I purchased JET Earlewood #206 from Ed Roman about a
year ago. It is by far the best guitar I've ever played,
and by far the most beautiful I've ever seen. Your
craftsmanship and attention to detail are truly top
shelf. I wanted to let you know how much I enjoy your
work. I will without a doubt buy a JET next time I'm in
the market for a guitar.
Best wishes for a very successful 2007,
Dave
December 2006
Hello Jeffrey,
I recently wrote to you asking about a few of your
different guitars and after much deliberation I
purchased #200. Well I can not express how happy I am. I
knew that after reading all your write-ups they must be
good, but oh my god this has to be the understatement of
the century. You are the Stradivarius of the GUITAR
WORLD. It is magnificent. The finish is exceptional and
the sound is amazing and the sustain! I have played the
best Fender's, the best Gibson's and some great PRS's
but this is truly the next level and beyond. So all that
is left to say is, thank you.
Neill
July 2006
Hi. I just received Earlewood #215 I
bought at Ed Roman's. It is just an unbelievable work of
art. Oh yeah, it plays and sounds better than any guitar
I have ever owned, and I've played just about all of
them (PRS, McInturff, Gibson and Fender custom shops,
etc.)
Thanks for doing what you're doing and
you may hear from me in the future to order another
Earlewood with Piezo.
Jay Egolf
September 2005
Hey Jeff,
I received my Caldera #225 yesterday . I must say that
from reading all of the testimonials and hearing all the
hype, I expected a nice guitar...as is usually the case
when I get all "psych-ed up" from hype, I expected the
guitar to meet my expectations, or fall short in some
way. Unbelievably, the guitar actually exceeded my
expectations and the hype. I have never known that to
happen. As beautiful as it looked in the pictures, it
looks even better in person. The pictures can't do full
justice, nor can words or hype. When I opened the case I
was indeed amazed at the vibrant reddish orange color
and beautiful 3 dimensional flame. The attention to
detail in every aspect, is immediately apparent. I spent
the first 30 minutes just looking at it!!!
I had it shipped to my office. So, I
didn't have an amp immediately available. However, I
played it unplugged and was amazed again. The sustain
and resonance are very apparent, even unplugged. I could
feel the string vibrations right through the back of the
guitar into my chest, almost as if I was playing an
Acoustic. I think I was resonating!! JET, the first
guitar company to couple the player to the guitar!!! I
love the cutaway at the top of the back. It makes the
guitar sink right into my chest and is incredibly
comfortable. Cool design feature!!
Here's the most surprising thing. I read
much of the hype on the reactions of other people to the
guitars. I didn't think much of that. I like nice
things, but I'm not the type of person that shows off.
So, that part of the testimonials didn't strike me very
much. Anyway, I was playing the guitar in my office
unplugged, and a guitar playing colleague of mine walked
by and said, "What is that?" He was enthralled with it.
When he played it, he couldn't get over the way it felt.
He's still talking about it!! He called me this morning
to ask me more questions about it. He simply won't stop
telling me how much he liked it and thought about it
overnight. Why am I saying this? Because it confirms the
testimonials in every way, and it confirms that it's not
just me getting excited about a new guitar. This is one
time that I can say that "you can believe everything you
read".
Lastly, I feel the need to comment on
the tone. Tone is such a subjective thing, and there is
really no way to effectively put into words... However,
the awesome tone of my Caldera can't go unrecognized.
I've been playing guitar for 25 years, both acoustic and
electric. I've owned many guitars, mostly high end, and
I know what I like when it comes to tone. For the last
15 years I've been an exclusive PRS player. I own two
custom 24's a McCarty Rosewood and a Modern Eagle. I
love these guitars, however, there is always something
that I can't get one of them to do. So, I switch up for
different sounds. I can honestly say that this Caldera
does them all. There is no tone on the Caldera that I'm
not able to achieve. So, I don't find myself wanting to
move to another guitar. I used to think that the Custom
24's were versatile. Boy was I wrong! You've set a whole
new bar when it comes to versatility and tone.
I know it's been said before, but you are truly a great
artist. Keep up the awesome guitar making!!!
Thanks,
Joe Levea
June 2005
Jeffrey,
I received my Caldera on 05-20-05 from Ed Roman�s. Wow,
when I opened up the case it looked fake it was so
perfect. The color looks like the guitar is on fire, you
have outdone yourself...I have showed the instrument
around Orlando, and all of the reactions are the same.
They get that stunned confused look, as if what they are
seeing is not real. Then they ask "what is it?" Then I
tell them it�s a JET. Even the non guitarists are
impressed. I can honestly say that I have the best
guitar in Central Florida. The tones are incredible.
With the Piezo and the magnetic pickups I can get the
old jazz box sound, to a flat-out scream with the
humbuckers, to everything in between. It is awesome. I
could not believe how light it is. The balance is right
on. I do not get tired playing it for hours. The neck is
so supple, I don�t have to think about what I am playing
it just happens, and that is an incredible feeling. So
once again thank you for time and efforts, you are a
true artist.
Dave Oliver
Orlando, Florida
May 2005
I received JET Earlewood #210 today! You
have created another masterpiece! You have met and
exceeded whatever expectations I was hoping for !!
Absolutely looks great, and sounds even better! Very
hard to put it down!
The whole is definitely greater than the sum of its
parts. It is going to take me a while to explore the
subtleties this instrument is capable of, but that will
be time well spent.
It was also important that we had such excellent
communication during the evolution of the instrument,
which allowed a more interesting and a better instrument
to finally emerge. You really have created a timeless
classic as far as I am concerned... absolutely fantastic
!
Thanks again.
R. Scott Russell
January 2005
Dear Jeffrey,
The purpose of the note is to thank you for building my
astounding Earlewood #184 (purchased from Ed Roman's Las
Vegas store). I own a good number of exceptional
instruments - however this guitar is the best. It is a
beautiful work of art...screaming purple, korina body,
gold hardware, matching headstock, Seymour Duncan
black-back pickups and the fantastic parrots in the
jungle fretboard inlays.
As beautiful as this guitar is, the playability is even
better. The sound is beyond compare and it is so easy to
play. It has a throaty sound when I want it and a
sizzling high end sound when I want that...or both at
the same time. The body contour is outstanding. In fact,
I noticed that when seated it actually melts into your
body which means I tend to play it longer and practice
harder. There is one problem however...the few other
people that I have allowed to play it will not put it
down once they have picked it up and certainly don't
want to give it back to me. For this reason I can't let
it out of my sight.
Thanks for your dedication, hard work and proof that a
custom made guitar from a master is far better than
anything that is built by big name guitar companies.
Gary Vescio
January 2004
Dear Jeff,
Here's my thank you for the phenomenal guitar you built
for me. This Earlewood is truly an incredible piece of
lutherie. Words are a poor substitute for the feelings I
have about the guitar...This is my first venture into
the world of expensive electric guitars, but like most
of my endeavors, was made with a great deal of care and
consideration...
This guitar is just absolutely awesome. The phenomenal
coloring job you did on the gorgeous quilt produces a
look that one could lose oneself in for hours. The shape
is so pleasing, and the inlay complements the beautiful
woods to create something that is just classically
beautiful. No guitar I have seen begins to compete...
When I compare it to the other guitars I have or have
had, it just stands out with the best tone and a wide
variety of pleasing sounds. It will bark, bite, croon,
sing, growl, ring, sustain, and about every other word I
can think to describe what an electric guitar will do.
The balance of the sound from string to string and up
and down the neck just seems great! I've got several
amps, but find myself playing it through my old Fenders
and just being amazed.
This guitar is phenomenally easy to play. It makes me at
least a 20% better guitarist than I was with any of my
other guitars. I'm a little hesitant to play it and wear
the frets, scratch the finish, etc, but I know it would
be an incredible waste to not use it. It would be like
having a Ferrari you never got out of the garage. You
only go around once, so I might as well go around with
the best. I will believe this is the best solid body
electric guitar made until someone can prove me
otherwise with a hands on demonstration. Thank you so
much for building this guitar for me. For your sake and
the sake of the guitar lovers of the world, I hope you
can surpass it as your experience grows. Quite frankly,
I'm not sure you will ever do better.
Dan Brown
November 2003
My name is Craig Casca. I purchased JET
Earlewood #139 from Ed Roman in October. I liked it so
much I just bought Earlewood #145. Both guitars are
awesome. You are an incredible craftsman. I have been
playing for 30 years and have a nice Les Paul and a
Strat, but your guitar is the best by far. I am
spreading the word here in California. By the way the
color on #145 is SPECTACULAR.
Thanks, Craig Casca
September 2003
Jeffrey Earle Terwilliger:
Thank you so much for my lefty JET
Earlewood PLUS (with dancing yin/yang inlays). I
absolutely love the guitar. I was a bit hesitant in
ordering a guitar that I did not have a chance to play
and there are many custom builders out there that make
all sorts of wild claims. I must tell you that you have
definitely made a believer out of me. In over 25 years
of playing, I have never played a guitar which seems to
be carved around the player. Instead of having to adapt
myself to a guitar, I finally have a guitar which adapts
to me and my inspiration. It just feels right.
I will treasure it always. Thank you.
Ralph Guerra
April 2003:
Selected portions from 2 long letters, organized into
categories
Appearance:
...The sheer drop-dead-gorgeousness of the guitar
esthetically, the perfection of fit and finish, the
multitude of exquisite details. The guitar is so pretty,
it's easy to become obsessed over it's looks...When I
opened the case I was stunned, just as people have said
I would be. Even though mine has "quiet" figuring (and
it came out just perfect for me Jeff) it's still
absolutely gorgeous, way and away the most beautiful
guitar I've ever seen, to put it mildly.
Playability:
What can I say Jeff? It's truly amazing. I wanted more
of them right away... First of all, the lightness of the
whole instrument, the palpable feel of the tone chambers
whenever you bear the weight of the guitar, it's so...
so...so... ethereal, bro! It conveys so much more the
sense of a fine instrument in one's hands that by
comparison the standard type of solid body electric
guitar now seems like a numb-witted, spiritless slab.
But it's the neck that is absolutely beyond compare...
It makes this the easiest, fastest, most comfortable,
and just plain most fantastic feeling guitar I've ever
played. Every other neck I've ever played, even ones
I've loved, has always had something, somewhere along
its length, that could have been a bit different and
better-feeling, or so it seemed. There's just flat
nothing like that about yours. Any discernable change to
it's shape would inevitably be for the worse. This is
truly the perfect neck, which somehow manages to feel
sleek, thin, petite and sexy while at the same time
feeling wide and substantial. The compound radius, the
size and shape, the satin finish -- this neck is the
bomb bro! The neck alone would make this the finest
electric I've ever played.
Sound:
...I plugged the Earlewood into a small amp (Marshall
AVT50). Well, I love it even more now! The diversity of
sounds is fantastic, from vintage Gibson to Strat, and
even Telecaster, I found them all. I'm all the more
blown away by the neck now. Playing it unplugged, I knew
I was fingering harder than I'd need to when
electrified, and when I finally got wired I was able to
tread so lightly that the neck feels even faster now.
This guitar has so many virtues it's difficult to
enumerate them. The tone-chambered design of the body,
which not only gives the guitar a warmth and richness
that eclipses any standard "solid body" but also gives
the guitar, as a physical instrument, a lightness and
feeling of balance that no other electric has.
I'm so grateful to have been able to buy
a guitar like this and for the fact that there are still
master crafts persons like yourself in this seemingly
diminishing world... thanks for building this guitar for
me Jeffrey Earle!
Chuck Salman, ser. no. 115
April 2003
Hey Jeff, I bought Earlewood #105...its
gorgeous!!! i just wanted to tell you how absolutely
impressed I am with your craftsmanship and the amazing
playability of this magnificent specimen. If anyone I
know is looking for a new high quality guitar I'm
sending them to you.
Best Wishes and Thank You!
Jeremy Storer
February 2003
Jeffrey,
I just have to thank you for making such
fantastic guitars! I bought Earlewood #97 from Ed Roman
a couple of weeks ago and finally had the opportunity to
gig with it last night. It was probably the most fun
I�ve ever had playing guitar in the 35 years I�ve been
doing it. I have a pile of really great guitars, but the
number of people who found me after last night�s gig to
ask what that guitar was and how I got that tone was
unprecedented for me. FYI. I bought the guitar without
even plugging it in because I liked the neck feel so
much, figuring it would probably sound OK, at least with
the Duncan Black Backs. So I was not prepared for what I
found when I plugged it in when I got it home. I am
especially enjoying the bridge single-coil position. I
haven�t before found a humbucker guitar with a good
bridge single-coil sound, so I�ve been gigging for years
with a humbucker guitar (most recently PRS) and a Tele,
which has made for too many guitar changes, inability to
change sounds within a song, etc. Your guitar does it
great, which is part of the reason I�m having so much
fun playing it. Just fabulous.
Thanks again from a very happy player!
Regards,
Andy Rappaport
Woodside, CA USA
August 2002
Hello Jeffrey,
I just received my JET guitar & I am
utterly blown away. I have searched over a 5 year period
for the "ultimate" guitar & it has all culminated in the
JET. I have always been a Gibson/ Fender "custom" shop
proponent & have owned many of their guitars. Quite
simply, the JET just stands alone in quality, sound &
craftsmanship. It is so satisfying to have spent my
money & got back at least what it was worth in product.
Every aspect of the guitar is exceptional & the vibe is
amazing. It is hard to believe that for the same money
as a Les Paul or PRS, you can get a truly "handmade"
guitar by a master craftsman. Not to mention that this
guitar could stand alone as a ornate piece of art.
Mine is a dark golden amber & has
beautiful natural flame. It is not typical in that it is
not really an even flame. It is constant throughout the
entire top & at times is "tighter" than in other parts,
creating an undulating effect that is downright
"jaw-dropping". The tone-pros bridge combined with the
string thru concept is a work of genius giving the
guitar a unique, unparalleled feel & playability. It is
very loud, clear & defined even without plugging it in.
You can really feel the reverberations because of the
tone-chambers. I think this design allows a huge tonal
spectrum unavailable in every other traditional
solid-body electric. The Seymour Duncans sound
phenomenal clean, or crunched to death, & the 2-knob 5
way-switch combo is perfect, an economical design to get
the most out of your pick-ups. The Schaller tuners are
great & I take comfort in being "Kluson-free". Thank you
for going the extra mile to match the headstock wood &
performing all the finer points of your craft. The maple
binding on the neck is such a classy touch, it reminds
you that you have something very special in your hands.
I honestly feel like I have the best guitar in the
world. There is no going up from here!
Gareth Murphy
JET #0062
July 2002
I Just received EW#68. It is awesome (as
you well know). I was very impressed with your work, and
would like to be kept in mind in the future if, and when
you start another series as unique as this one. I don't
know how you did it, but this is the first guitar I have
found that feels right. I picked it up and said @#$%,
where have you been? I am 100% sold on your guitar. I
stayed up all night last night finger picking. I'll
gladly endorse your guitar (see phone number). I also
own two Taylors, a Texas Fat Strat, and I just sold a
Les Paul. None are as comfortable as this one. I bought
it as a collector, but can't put it down. (Figures!)
Remember the story about Stevie Ray Vaughan finding #1?
The guy in the music store tried to sell him everything
else in the store, but he insisted on taking that beat
up looking guitar because of the "feel". That's what I
have with this neck. I was bar chording chords I have
been unable to get to on the strat, with ease on the EW.
Thanks a million!
Kelly V. Glazener
April 2002
Hi Jeffrey,
I don't know where to begin telling you
how fantastic this guitar is. I now question if I'm
dreaming that I own such a beautiful priceless work of
art. I played it 'out' for the first time today at the
church where I've played for three years. As the music
got hotter I could hear myself clearly in the mix for a
change. It really held it's own with the Hammond B-3 and
drums behind eight enthusiastic singers. Then they
opened the door in front right next to where I sit and I
saw it in direct sunlight. You described the top as
"diamond-y,cloudy" but you didn't tell me that in the
right light at the right angle you can see so deep into
the wood! If there's ever a way to make a guitar better
than mine I'm sure you'll be the one to figure it out. I
am just astounded that you can put guitars together this
well. It excels in every category: workmanship,
playability, sound. After almost two weeks playing it
every day it still leads me to new levels of playing.
Thank you for everything.
Yours truly,
Bruce W.
March 2002
Hello Jeffrey,
I just received my guitar and I am
awestruck! What an outstanding looking instrument. When
the UPS driver delivered it he asked what kind of guitar
it was, so I invited him in to "check it out." When I
got it open both of our jaws dropped, ABSOLUTELY
STUNNING!! I had to write down yours' and Ed Romans'
site to get him to leave. After staring at the birdseye
top for a half hour, I plugged her in and couldn't put
it down til well after midnight. What an amazing variety
of tones through my JCM 900 and '74 twin. Did I mention
the effortless playability! No buzz anywhere, excellent
setup! At first I thought it was too beautiful to play
but since I started I can't stop. Thank you very much
for building such a high quality instrument!
Yours Truly,
Art Lake (Earlewood #066)
January 2002
Hi Jeffrey,
I was not disappointed by the fit and
finish; it is beautiful! I love the hardwood binding -
its a treat to look at. The dark blue finish appealed to
me as well - there is a beautiful quilt there, but it is
subtle, and I think it was very consistent with this
particular guitar's mystique - there seemed to always be
a little more to it than met the eye. I also like the
waxing / waning moon inlays - again, somehow especially
appropriate for this guitar.
One thing I did not expect (and was delighted by) was
how aggressive the guitar sounded - it rocks!. I
compared it to several other excellent guitars by other
makers, many with similar components and woods, and the
Earlewood consistently sounded more full and "up front"
- the sound suits my style perfectly. The single coil
sounds were all very good as well - rich and defined,
with a nice attack.
Also, the Earlewood was amazingly responsive. I tend
fret hard, with a big vibrato, and hit the strings hard
with a very heavy pick. This has caused tuning problems
with other guitars. However, even with the Earlewood
strung with .009's, the chords stayed in tune, and
hitting the strings hard only seemed to bring out more
harmonics; as if it had infinite headroom. I can't wait
to see how it reacts with .010's on it!
The neck profile is very good for me; almost ideal. One
thing I noticed was that the neck feels "hard" somehow
in comparison to other guitars I tried - this is not a
complaint, merely an observation. I'm going to have to
lighten up my left hand a little!
One final note: This guitar was a gift from my wife for
our 10 year wedding anniversary. I decided that I wanted
to something special that would mirror the occasion and
the sentiment. I own a '56 Les Paul custom that I
absolutely love, and wanted to find an equally unique
guitar that I would feel the same way about. Thanks to
your skill and craftsmanship, I think I've succeeded.
Kind regards,
Chris Duval
November 2001
(review by John D'Orto, see photo below)
The guitar was perfectly set up straight from the
builder. The action was perfect (no kidding!) and there
was not a dead spot anywhere on the neck.
* * *
All aspects of this guitar are of the highest quality.
* * *
I have been playing for 19 years and this is the finest
guitar that I have ever owned or even played, for that
matter. I have played a couple of McNaughts and I think
that this is definitely far better. My other electric
guitars are a 1993 PRS Custom 24, 1969 Les Paul Custom
and a 40th Anniversary Stratocaster. This guitar pretty
much disgraces all of them. In fact, I really don't play
the others too much anymore. If the guitar was lost or
stolen it would be a high priority to replace it. I
chose this guitar because of the fantastic playability
and sound plus the unbeatable looks and craftsmanship. I
have owned this guitar for 3.5 months so this is not a
new product high kinda review. This is about as good as
it gets folks.
September 2001
Jeffrey,
Thanks so much for building such an
incredible guitar. It has made all my other guitars
collect dust. This is BY FAR the best sounding, most
playable guitar I have ever touched. I used to think I
wanted a McInturff or PRS, until I got a hold of yours.
It's like comparing copper to gold! I must also add that
my purple JET gets a lot of attention at shows. People
always come up to me after every show and ask all kinds
of questions about my JET. I look forward to adding a
tremolo version of the JET so I can bury my strats.
Thanks again for building such an incredible guitar.
Steve Simpson
NC, USA
Rocco's Collar
www.roccoscollar.com
(See photo below)
August 2001
Hello Jeffrey!
I'm the very happy owner of Earlewood
#042. I find this guitar inspirational, it has great
tone and just a sweet, sweet vibe. Finding the JET
Earlewood is the result of a long, long, search for a
perfect guitar for me, it always seems like I would have
to compromise in my guitars. I could never find one that
really had it all: The looks, the tone, and the
playability. Well, the JET has it all! So I've sold my
other four guitars and the JET has taken their place. I
love its style and I also really like your "carnivore"
body style. Anyway, I'm sure I'll be in touch again at
some point.
Thanks again!
Wayne Gregoire
August 2001
Jeff,
I don't even know what to say - I just
got JET serial # 028 in Bronze Idol and I am utterly
floored by this guitar. I traded a hand built Warrior on
this instrument, and all I can say is that I do not miss
the Warrior at all. I am truly at a loss for words, If
you start producing other models just go ahead and put
me down for the first one!
Thanks for all your help Jeff,
David Shinsel
La Grande, OR
May 2001
Jeff,
I got the Earlewood guitar. It's
amazing! It sounds great, plays great and looks awesome.
T he color was exactly what I was looking for! The neck
profile is perfect..you nailed it. I buy guitars all the
time, mainly from guys like yourself, because you can
build to order and you never stop searching for
perfection. In my humble opinion you stand shoulder to
shoulder with McInturff, and Moonstone. The Hipshot
tremolo responds better than any other whammy on the
planet. The more I play, the better it gets. Thanks
again.
God bless, Tom Ivory
Hi Jeffrey,
I got the Earlewood just yesterday and I
have to say, "Oh My God.....!" It's an incredible
guitar- really stunning quilt, gorgeous deep finish, and
a very pleasant and unexpected surprise to see the new
headstock which looks terrific. Makes my 3 PRS's with
"10" tops look rather ordinary....The white maple neck
binding looks sensational. Fret work is first-rate. Lots
of attention to detail. Did I mention it is pleasantly
lightweight, and the body is thin and comfortable?
Then came the good part- I started
playing it. When I finally managed to put it down some
hours later and stepped away to look at it, I realized
this really is a beautiful guitar (again). But what
grabs me more than anything is the low and wonderful
action across the whole fretboard- must be the compound
radius. I found no dead spots or spots where the strings
fret out. Intonation was dead-on, in fact the guitar was
almost perfectly in tune out of the box which must say
something for the tuning stability! Having 24 frets, and
easy access to them, is refreshing and very gratifying.
All in all a very playable guitar and it
compels me to spend a lot of time with it. I can't
imagine ever selling this one and that's what a great
guitar is all about, eh? Thank you!
Jeff C. Eckert
My Earlewood guitar is one of the finest handcrafted
guitars in the world. I would feel confident to tell
those interested in purchasing a Les Paul, PRS, or
Strat, that you would be happier with a JET! Great
balance and comfort, a fast low action neck, and most
important the guitar sings! Truly a fine handcrafted
instrument that I am proud to own and play. Earlewood
serial #009.
Ron Wyse
ronw@edwyse.com
Seattle, Wa USA
Second Letter !!!
1 November, 2000
My serial #009 Jet now has another family member in the
same house, serial #025, one of the new Caribbean
Special Edition 'Parrots in the Jungle' Jet guitars.
Thanks Jeffrey, another masterpiece. Truly one of the
finest guitars in the world. Jeffrey has the artistic
vision that is creating both in sound and craftsmanship
the most amazing hand crafted guitars. I am very proud
to own my second JET. Outstanding resonance and most
important it is a comfortable guitar to play. Perfect
balance, tone and response! Consistency between both
guitars is the ultimate test of perfection, and this is
another great guitar. Thanks again.
Ron Wyse
Seattle, Wa USA
I thought I'd write to let you know that I succumbed to
temptation and bought EW #023 a few weeks ago. I just
couldn't resist the combination of the 10-to-the-tenth
flame maple top with the deep mystic blue finish and the
gorgeous tree of life fingerboard inlay. When it was
delivered, I was further amazed by the beautifully
grained mahogany body and the way you had finished the
body and neck in a shade that really works with the blue
top. The HIGHLY flamed maple binding on the neck and
headstock is the kind of detail that sets your
instruments apart from anything else I've ever seen. As
the proud and very satisfied owner of EW #008 I was a
little concerned that, while cosmetically very
different, EW #023 would sound essentially the same and
I would have to justify its place in my collection on
looks alone. Again I was pleasantly surprised. No doubt
because of the direct mounted pick-ups (by the way, the
ebony pick-up surrounds are fabulous), the slightly
thinner body and the 5-way blade switch, EW #023 is a
completely different sonic experience. Although the
analogy really doesn't do justice to either of your
instruments, I sort of view EW #023 as my Strat (and
Tele and SG) and EW #008 as my Les Paul (and, no BS,
L-4). Thank you so much for making such great guitars,
and keep up the good work.
Terrence Bessey
With gratitude for the opportunity of owning such a
finely crafted instrument, I'm pleased to say that the
Earlewood model sets standards of excellence that will
please my sensibilities for a lifetime of musical
enjoyment. The fretboard plays like a dream and the
guitar is nicely balanced. For the discerning musician,
this instrument evokes tonal nuance and sweet
harmonics... and that's just the beginning. Thanks,
Jeffrey, for what you do.
K Hendrickson (serial #012)
USA
19 January 2000
Jeffrey,
Having just unpacked this guitar, my first impression
was that it was quite beautiful. The work looked
first-rate, and certainly you'd incorporated all the
best hardware. It sure FEELS nice! Then I put it through
its paces. This is a very fine guitar! It is the type
that inspires me to play things I normally wouldn't have
thought to play. it's got that quality that is virtually
impossible to find in production guitars, and is often
rare even among the so-called "high-end" guitars: it's
called MAGIC. The JET is very vibrant and nicely
balanced, great tone across the board. I am enjoying
your work immensely. Jeffrey, I congratulate you. Given
the fact that JET guitars don't have the familiarity of
a PRS, Anderson, or even Brian Moore, I'm sure you can
understand that my decision to buy took something of a
"leap of faith." At the moment, I'm glad I jumped. This
is one fine playing instrument, with a sound that is
rich and complex. The workmanship is excellent and shows
enormous attention to detail. I'd easily put JET in the
same class as many of the better-known high-end guitars,
except that your guitar is completely handmade,
incorporates all kinds of fresh, new ideas, and has a
distinct personality all its own. I have posted a review
on