Well everyone, this guitar definitely met and exceeded my expectations. It's got all the growl of a dreadnought but plays like a auditorium sized guitar. The Madagascar is slightly less resonant than my D42 Brazilian, but the German top rings like a bell, nice overtones and projects great. I've not A/Bed the CJ vs. D42 for long enough to give a good comparison but they are definitely different beasts, they compliment each other very well. I'm sold on the CJ/short scale body style in regards to versatility and playability.

Here's some more pics that I took this AM...Enjoy
http://groups.msn.com/LodsGuitarFamily/collingscjmrgss.msnw

Boiler: Hint: midrange. the first time I compared my great D1A to a CJ (and not one like yours, either!), I found I actually had to slightly alter my technique because of the noticeably stronger midrange in the CJ. In other words, more balance (thus the auditorium comparison), but not less bass or treble. See what ya think. You are approaching nirvana, grasshopper. tom

Boiler,

Congrats on the stunning new CJ! Even though I know I'm more "chronologically experienced", I now believe I want to be like you when I grow up

Tom, midrange is right on in regards to the CJ. Nice little rumble, but shimmering trebles, a little lighter touch indeed.

Grant, I'm not so sure I'm a good role model, but I'll take that as a compliment either way.

Boiler, the longer you play that puppy the more it'll show you, guaranteed. You now have no plausible excuse for any other large bodied guitar, what with the brazilian 42 and the madrose CJ. Wait. What about mahogany? Never mind. Just play. That's what I'm fixin' to do. tom

The guitar is beautiful - congratulations. Is that a Soundseat in the background? I have two, one for the home, one for the office for when the urge strikes - JR builds 'em good. What brand is the stand? I'm looking to upgrade my High School Musical version to something a little less...edgy.

quote:

Originally posted by austex:
Is that a Soundseat in the background?.....What brand is the stand?

Yes, that's a Soundseat, home delivered by the man himself. The stand was a gift from the outlaws, doesn't have any branding that I can locate.

Boiler,

I love that brazilian on your D42. Not so different than the '67 D28! How about a sound comparison?

quote:

Originally posted by Eric Jones:
Boiler,

I love that brazilian on your D42. Not so different than the '67 D28! How about a sound comparison?

I have no recording equipment to display my meager skills, but I will say the D42 dominates the D28. The D28 doesn't project as well, but has a distinct rumble when you play it. The D42 fills the room with "brazilian" goodness!

Sonoman, don't look now, but AMW has a "just arrived" CJ Mh A sb Varnish. Man, that git sounds good just looking at it. But no worries, it won't bug ya, since it's not a short scale, right

Pay no attention to that elephant. Helpful. Very helpful. It's unbelievable, but the one for which I perpetually wait will be a lighter burst, more tobacco fade, with a dalmatian guard, tortoise binding throughout, and the short scale to which you refer. But it's reassuring to know they still make them..... arrrgghhh. tom