Jerome Duffell Guitars

JSanta · February 20

I wanted to live with this guitar for a bit, take it to a couple of gigs and get to know it a bit before posting anything here. I know I'm friends with many of you on social media, but I wanted to share my experience with Jerome here. You can view Jerome's post about the guitar here: https://www.facebook.com/share/p/12ESLS46WqW/

After almost two months, I think this is the finest instrument I have ever played. As crazy as it sounds, it feels like it was picked out of the cosmos just for me. Jerome really took the time to listen, and the guitar is a testament to his incredible skill as a luthier, as well as a player.

The guitar is incredibly light and responsive, and is effortless to play. It's not that the action is stupid low, it's just that the setup is absolutely spectacular. I brought the guitar home with me from England (had to gate check), and after the guitar had time to acclimate, I haven't had to do a thing to it. Just perfect. And it makes me want to practice. I miss not playing this instrument, and it brings something out of me that just feels very connected. I know I'm speaking esoterically, but I think I now know what it feels like to be truly connected to an instrument.

The last thing I'll add here is that the best thing that has come over this process has been a new friendship with Jerome. That human connection is what I'm ultimately most grateful for, and the fact that I was in the UK for work when the guitar was finished meant we could meet, have a pint, jam, and have a great chat.

Duffell.jpg

Jangle_Jamie · February 20

Wow, looks lovely!!! Are Jerome's soundholes slightly larger than a Selmer? I think we need to hear the guitar now Jim!!!

Considering you are comparing with your other high-end guitars, I think this must be rather special. You don't happen to be coming back to the UK this year? Django In The Bay in May?

JSanta · February 20

https://djangobooks.com/forum/discussion/comment/120063#Comment_120063

What I didn't put in my post is that I am so happy with this instrument, that I will be selling my Dupont MD50 which was specially commissioned with a copy of a 1953 Selmer neck, the first Dupont has ever made. It's a great guitar, and really nails the vintage Selmer tone (and that neck!), but this Duffell is "my" guitar. I'm going to have Jerome make me another, but with a cedar top. No ideas about the soundhole, but I know that Jerome has his own take on the traditional SelMac!

I was supposed to have a gig last Saturday, but that was cancelled due to weather, but I have another lined up soon, and there will be some videos I'm sure!

Not sure when I'll be back in the UK, that's largely dependent on some other work things that are out of my control. It's too bad because I have really enjoyed my visits there, especially when it's not me paying for the flights!

Buco · February 21

It's so cool that you feel this kind of connection with your guitar. I tried one Duffel and it also had something special about it, a very mild chorus-y effect.