Applegate SJ (2009)

Description

If you've never played an Applegate before - and most people haven't, since the Minnesota-based luthiery only builds a handful of guitars a year - this 2009 SJ would be quite the first introduction. An incredible instrument with a remarkably resonant voice, the SJ combines a redwood top with cocobolo back and sides for a natural tone that's rich, full-bodied, and complex, with lots of low-end and crystalline highs. The SJ is a mid-sized body, not unlike an OM, but with a bit of extra depth, allowing it to sit low on the player's lap and encouraging you to play for hours on end. Cosmetically, the SJ is a stunner as well, eschewing fancy inlay work for impressive figuring in the cocobolo, narra binding, burled emboyna at the bottom, and most impressively, a delicately filigreed sound port. This guitar is the real deal from top to bottom; it's everything a boutique steel-string ought to be.

This SJ shows a very minimal amount of playing wear, with a few small divots in the top. The tap plate is original, and was added at the Applegate luthiery as a custom appointment. It has been recently set up, including a full professional fret dress, eliminating fret wear and lending it easy, buttery action. We consider it to be in very good condition. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case.