I have a good stable of guitars but often dream of owning a killer slope-shoulder hog guitar. I've played a wonderful 1937 and 1940 J-35 and they were both fabulous but more expensive than I'd like to pay. For modern builders, this would be an intriging choice: a Colling CJ short-scale varnish, or a Borges Barndance. I'm sure both would be off the charts good. Anyone played both? Any insights? I'm a flat-picker and an acoustic traditionalist for the most part. Chuck

Well, I've pretty much bet the farm (already mortgaged to the hilt) on the Collings short scale varnish. I don't know that Borges makes any more Barndance models; I recall hearing he was gonna concentrate on OM's, or somesuch. I have no doubt that a used Borges, if you can find one, would probably be closer to actually recreating a Gibson. The guy's one of the best luthiers on the planet, of that I have no doubt from the mere three of his I've played (all smaller bodied). The used Barndance's have been about six grand. A new Collings CJMhA varnish SS would go for north of seven at today's prices. There's one at Music Emporium for 71. Mine will be cheaper, if it ever gets here, since I ordered it, or glommed onto it, 11 months ago. And counting. That's all I know. If I get the CJ, a review will be posted, possibly by my estate if this keeps up. tom

Chuck, you're definetly on the right track, although I think a Barndance new is closer to $8,500. The only other suggestions I would add is, if Merrill or Circa make a slope shoulder I would'nt hesitate to look into them.

For something that would more closely resemble a Gibson, consider Kevin Kopp and John Walker, both late of Gibson Montana, both revered for their attention to the Gibson tone. The Podium and Greg Boyd are dealers for both.

Oh, and don't forget Rockbridge.

Didja see this? Jeez!

http://www.guitarmatch.com/rkb11.htm

You can pay a bunch of bucks for a Borges, etc. I would second the Rockbridge suggestion. I own one of their SJ's. The price is right, the build is top notch, the sound is very Gibson. Check them out.

Just to add a note, I was in Colorado in August and stopped by Olde Town Pickin Parlor in Arvada. Kit the owner is a good friend of mine. He has two slope-shouldered Rockbridge Mah/Ad guitars. The quilted one isn't as good, the regular mahogany J-35 is a killer. The list is $3500. You won't find a better deal.

No kickback to me, but I would buy it in a minute if I had the $$.

www.picknparlor.com

CJ..Greg Boyd has a Kevin Kopp K-35....I played it this spring. It's one great sounding guitar. It was all I could do to leave it there. It's a wonderful J-35 repro. Give Greg a call 406-327-9925. He's a very personable guy & very straight with his descriptions.. Heck he'll no doubt play it over the phone to you

quote:

Originally posted by JeffM:
Just to add a note, I was in Colorado in August and stopped by Olde Town Pickin Parlor in Arvada. Kit the owner is a good friend of mine. He has two slope-shouldered Rockbridge Mah/Ad guitars. The quilted one isn't as good, the regular mahogany J-35 is a killer. The list is $3500. You won't find a better deal.

No kickback to me, but I would buy it in a minute if I had the $$.

www.picknparlor.com

I agree about Kit's J-35. I previously owned a similar one purchased from Kit and, being the dunce that I am, consigned it for reasons I can't recall. But I can own up to my mistake and I have a replacement currently being customed by the Rockbridge fellows.

Some folks around here liked this Merrill: http://www.hillcountryguitars.com/959.htm

The thread: http://collingsforum.com/eve/forums/a/tpc/f/74760485/m/5901035455

Doc: did you play the natural K35, or the burst? That natural one looks JUST like a new version of that Recording King I've blithered about here on far too many occasions. Holy mother of pearl. Same plain jane appointments, same guard.... uh, oh. just what I need. So- didja play the plain one? How good, if so? thanks tom

Yes Tom The natural one. It's that good. It was all I could do to use my Collings restraint (varnish D1AV in the works...)