Phoenix Jazz Top Wood

**dcoventry** · Jul-04-2012, 12:53am

Say folks,

I saw an ad/description for a newer Jazz model for sale and it specified a Red Spruce top. I kow that Rolfe is always refining his technique and wood choices, so anyone one what he is doing with the Jazz model nowadays?

I love my European Spruce 2005 Jazz, and I find the RS top an interesting change of pace.

**mandroid** · Jul-04-2012, 4:59pm

So, what does the builder say? did you ask?
I'm just a spectator here

**dcoventry** · Jul-06-2012, 1:01am

Phoenix (new) Jazz Model Acoustic - Electric Mandolin
Tag No 39-2114New
#566-1MB, a special double-cutaway instrument,with a floating black humbucking pickup mounted off of the pickguard,

and a strap pin/jack on the bottom side, made for the jazz mandolinist seeking elegance, beauty and sonic affluence. It proffers a radiused Macassar ebony fingerboard, highly flamed maple back and sides, a most comfortable one-piece maple neck and an Adirondack “red” spruce top. The top and back are unbound and the bridge saddle is made of Macassar.

Our Discount Price is $4,454.00 and Our Cash Discount Price is $4,320.00.

This is the ad that puzzled me....and interested me!

**trevor** · Jul-06-2012, 3:32am

As mandroid says I am sure Rolphe would be happy to answer your questions.

**dcoventry** · Jul-06-2012, 10:26am

Originally Posted by trevor

As mandroid says I am sure Rolphe would be happy to answer your questions.

And so he was.....

Hi Dave,

I always used European spruce, so it must be a mistake.

Cheers!

Rolfe

His answer was simple. But I was rather looking forward to all the guess work and specualtion from the MC'ers!

**trevor** · Jul-06-2012, 10:47am

aw.. sorry.

**EdHanrahan** · Jul-06-2012, 11:18am

That "... sonic affluence" caught me for a second, until it became obvious that the ad was from Mandolin Bros. Not like Stan Jay to make a mistake on the wood used. But out of tens of thousands (I'm guessing) of fairly extensive write-ups, a mistake or two had to happen!

**pjlama** · Jul-06-2012, 11:55am

I'd love one of his Jazz models. I haven't played a Phoenix but have heard very good reports, I'm sure he's turning out good stuff.

**sunburst** · Jul-06-2012, 3:10pm

Originally Posted by dcoventry

...His answer was simple. But I was rather looking forward to all the guess work and specualtion from the MC'ers!

Kind of explains a lot of what goes on around here. Sometimes it's more fun to not know!

**dcoventry** · Jul-06-2012, 4:55pm

Originally Posted by pjlama

I'd love one of his Jazz models. I haven't played a Phoenix but have heard very good reports, I'm sure he's turning out good stuff.

PJ, seriously, the Phoenix stuff is top notch. The range of tone I can pull out of the Jazz is awesome! The TI Starks are a little strange at first, but are so soft and comfortable on the fingers, it's a nice change from 74's.

I'm betting you would like one of the BG models that take the heavier strings, but the Jazz I have really is a monster mando. The freakin' build quality and choice of woods is sublime. I don't know if mine being #400 made any difference, but whoa nelly, it's got a hypnotic TOP as well as a killer maple back.

It makes a nice companion to the G-5, besides!