J.L Smith: New Electronics and Color Options!

[jlsmandolin1952]

Just completed this New (4-string) Model, which has Dual "Kent Armstrong" Mini-Humbuckers, along with a 3-way pickup selector switch. I also experimented with the new color, which is a close matchup with Fenders "Desert Sand" finish. In addition, I added the Figured Maple fretboard with the larger Banjo Sized frets as well. After being asked about going with a 2 pickup option, I decided on the Kent Armstrong Humbuckers. They have had alot of good reviews, and I found that they had a rather nice appearance on my style of Mando's. I have strategically placed them for the best tonal response possible, and worked out real well. I will also be offering my mando's. with a single Kent Armstrong Humbucker, as well as my standard EMG Select which is still a proven winner. This one will be going on the Classifieds with a (one time special price) real soon!
Thanks for looking,
John
www.jlsmithmandolins.com

[Daniel Nestlerode]

That looks great John!
Will you be offering a 5 string version as well?

Daniel

[jlsmandolin1952]

Daniel,
Thanks for your comment. Yes, same thing is offered in (5-String) as well.

[Jim MacDaniel]

Love it -- and kudos for using the maple fretboard with that finish.

[thistle3585]

I just noticed this post. I guess I missed it since I was gone for a couple days around the holiday. Are those stock humbuckers or did you have him wind them special for you? What do you think the difference is tonally between the EMG and the Armstrongs? What is the switching options?

This is why I don't make tele style instruments anymore. John's set the bar too high, although the bridge on that thing is gorgeous. I think it just ties the whole thing together.

[jlsmandolin1952]

Oh Yeh, Did I forget to mention that it has an Andrew Jerman fully adjustable bridge. The Humbuckers are stock Guitar Mini-Humbuckers. I believe they were styled after the ones used on the Gibson Firebirds? Similar tonewise to the EMG select,might be a bit hotter with very quick response. They have full 4- conductor wiring for coil splitting/series/parallel/phase inversion/ or whatever else you might want to hot rod. I put in the 3-way mini toggle selector in series. Full neck pickup/Both Full/Full Bridge selection. I feel that this wiring is more than adequate for the Electric Mando's. Just my opinion!
Thanks again for looking, and I appreciate the feedback.
John
www.jlsmithmandolins.com