A few years ago Jay Fuller drove all the way from Memphis to Houston to check out my guitars. One in particular I had been making for myself and was considering selling. I completed the guitar before he arrived, though I had not yet French polished her, and had her ready for Jay to play. When he purchased the guitar from me he seemed to feel a little like he's taking my baby away from me, but she was a perfect fit for Jay that I really didn't mind. This was one of those instances where the right instrument was found by the right player. Actually, that seems to happen frequently for me as well. Its a natural conclusion from a well understood relationship between the maker and the player and is truly a great feeling.

Jay wrote me a very nice review and I'm embarassed that its taken me so long to include it on the website! His review follows: 

Jason took the Argo and its crew though extreme trial and tribulation in search of the Golden Fleece.  Finding the perfect classical guitar isn’t as physically challenging, but it can be just as daunting.  Fortunately, I can tell you that a voyage with Joshua French will be more like a pleasant sail across a calm lake rather than a life threatening adventure.  Many of us search for years, trying guitar after guitar, acquiring and selling, reading and searching.  There are so many luthiers, and that’s an aspect of classical guitar that makes the search even more intriguing, but how do you finally choose?

 

With Joshua, I had to go largely with my own instincts.  He is not yet well known and you won’t find much about him on the Internet outside of his website, but I am confident this will soon change!  I do not consider myself an expert on classical guitars, but I knew there were several things I wanted in a new instrument:  playability, a balanced sound, somewhat smaller body (than say a Ramirez), and hopefully an instrument with a unique personality.

 

That I was able to find all of these things in one instrument, I can only attribute to my luck in finding Joshua, his excellent correspondence and concern in both seeking out my preferences and explaining his methods, and then in the end, his exquisite craftsmanship.

 

I was also fortunate to be able to visit Joshua in Houston before I purchased my guitar, but the visit really only solidified the impression I had already developed via his website—I think I know it by heart—and his generous email.

 

I have now had my guitar, la aripuana (Jason doesn’t have models at present, but individually names all his guitars), for over three months.  During that time I have grown indelibly attached to this instrument in ways I never have experienced with any other guitars I have owned.

 

Here are some excerpts from a recent email to Joshua –

 

The sound is getting more nuanced and probably louder each day, although I don't have a way to measure it!  I am now so attached to this guitar it's scary.   She's so unique I just don't think she could ever be replaced, even by you, although I know this is way over the top and completely irrational.  I love the feel and light weight.  Visually, she's so alluring that I can't walk past her without picking her up.  The playability I don't think could be any better.  Every time I hit that last high chord in “La Catedral,” I just smile.  I can hit it every time.  Sound-wise, I keep noticing the distinct separation of notes.  You can hear every note in a chord very clearly.  Nothing blurs.   As a result, I'm constantly hearing new ways to express ideas in the pieces I'm playing.  I used to spend all my time mostly worried about just being able to hit all the notes in a piece. Now, although I'm far from note perfect yet, I find myself listening to the music, and after all, isn't that why I'm playing in the first place?  I should also mention the bass response.  That low D is killer!  It's not just a low-resonating bass note (and this applies to all the bass notes on her), it has a warm, all-enveloping character that just happens to be loud also.  I’m completely happy with this guitar.  With other instruments I've had or played, it's like you notice things you like but you also find things you don't like or shortcomings that you have to get around.  I keep wondering when I'm going to find something like this with la aripuana.  So far, it just has not happened.

I suggest that you thoroughly read Joshua’s website and if his philosophy and techniques appeal to you, I am confident he can build you an instrument you will treasure.

 

March, 2005

 

 

Update:

 

I am now into my second year with la aripuana.  My favorable opinion of this guitar has only strengthened since I wrote the original observations above.  La aripuana just keeps improving.  She is still very balanced across all strings, crystal clear, and joy to play.

 

I have done quite a bit of experimenting with strings as I became more familiar with the guitar.  Currently, I have settled on using Savarez Alliance strings.  I have never used carbon trebles on any previous guitar I have owned and, in fact, I had a negative impression of them.  But on la aripuana, they bring out more treble without sounding tinny or thin.

 

August, 2007

 

   

 

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