Pros: All
Cons: None
I was lucky enough to pick-up an ALD Original from 2007 at a more than decent price from Michael. I have play since 1974 when vintage guitars from the fifties were called ‘old’ or ‘used’ but never ‘collectable.’ While I have played hundreds of guitars my experience with GJ guitars is limited to four, two Dell Artes a Gitane and my ALD. To say the ALD is head and shoulders above the other three is to do it an injustice. From craftsmanship to playability to tone, the ALD is in a class of its own. I own a Dell Arte D hole, and while a very nice guitar it rarely leaves the case.
The sound of the ALD is loud, punchy, and surprisingly versatile. The lows with 11-46 are open and weighty, the mids speak well and the highs (up to the 14th fret) feel part of the instrument. It sounds great played finger style and responds to subtle changes in picking and even pick choice. It is in a word a - -joy.
The quality of the workmanship of my ALD is breathtaking. Walnut, Spruce and Rosewood are seamlessly molded together to create a guitar that is truly greater than the sum of its parts. The top is finished in a wonderful orange that reminds me of Constant Comet tea –warm and spicy. The fretwork is superb and the action low. My wife an artist compared the ALD with my 60’s Martin D18. Her conclusion, “The D18 feels like a well made guitar, the ALD feels alive,” enough said.
While I have not had the opportunity to play Michael's current offering I can unequivocally vouch for the sound and build quality of any ALD.
Submitted by: Beaumont on 12/20/2011 04:27:29 AM
ALD
Classic Selmer copy from Gerald Alonso and Fabian Le Dosseur. European know-how at a great price!
Arts & Entertainment
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Original
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