Dean Markley DM-J20RCS

The DM-J20RCS, like the others, has been handcrafted by a Master Luthier from Japan who crafts guitars and other stringed instruments high in the mountains of South Korea. This guitar is made of all solid woods, as there are no laminates used in the construction of any of Dean Markley's West Coast Series guitars. The back and sides are constructed of solid Indian Rosewood, and the top is of Cedar. The neck is solid Mahogony, and the fret board is constructed of Ebony. Both the nut and saddle are composed of genuine bone. Additionally, like the DM-41, the J20 has the saddle and outer edge inlayed with genuine abaloney that has a snowflake luster. The pin jack and the tuners are 24Kt Gold Plate, and the frets are made of nickel silver. The J20 is also equipped with the Dean Markley La Jolla Active pickup system from his West Coast Series production line.

What is remarkably unique about the J20 is the classy, rounded cut away up on the neck which distinguishes this one from the DM-41, as more than just a strummer. The J20 is also great for accoustic lead accompaniments. This feature is further enhanced by the 14th fret neck connection that leaves plenty of room for leads up to the 20th fret. Finally, the satin finish of the J20 is what seals in the true essence its otherwise sensual presentation. The case and the pick-up were sold separately, as Dean was not sure of all the variable interests in such accessories that the potential 25 buyers of this series would actually have.

Athough I tend to strum a lot more than perform a lot of finger work with my style, the J20 has actually prompted me, through its natural bright tone, to expand into working more with the fingers than I have traditionally done in the past with other guitars. Although the La Jolla Active is a stereo pick up system, it does work extremely well with a chorus amplifier, as I tend to stick with a Fender Precision Chorus unit. The cedar woods used in the construction of the top of the J20 vibrate much more losely than those used for the top of the DM-41, which necesitates a lowering of the trebbile setting on my amplification system when switching from the DM-41 to the J20 while playing or performing. What's really cool about the J20 is that there is no hum the generates from the electronics, however when the gain is adjsuted to just past center, a warm feedback tone begins to intensify when facing the amplifier. This effect can be controlled by one's general positioning to the amplifier while playing. Nonetheless, it deffinitely adds to the overall versatility of the guitar while playing.

The J20 was not built in a factory, but, rather, was constructed by hand in Asia. The pickups were installed by a master luthier in Los Gatos, California who was actually the one who suggested the concept of the J20-RCS to Dean Markley while doing work on one of his guitars. The solid wood construction of the top and back of the J20are also bookmatched which adds to the visual appeal as well as to the overall tone and resonance of the guitar. There were absolutely no flaws with the construction of the guitar as it was shipped with the greatest of care via ship to the states, and stored in a special room at Dean's ranch house where both temperature and humidity are controlled regularly until the J20 was sold to me personally by Dean Markley.

The J20 was built for live playing. The case, guitar, and pickup are all guaranteed to work and have been personally inspected by Dean to assure to that. The satin finish is a little sensetive to fingerprint oil, so make sure to wash and thoroughly dry your hands before playing the J20. This is definitely a guitar that is made for an experienced performer who knows the value of not knocking their equipment around, as any guitar can be extremely delicate.

I have known Dean and his family personally for several years, so if there were ever a problem he would be able to direct me in the right direction. The luthier who installed the pickups was also very approachable for help and suggestions for the maintenance of the J20 as well as the the DM-41 and the J360E. The J20 also has a lifetime warranty, and is back by Dean Markley's word that it is guaranteed to last much longer than that.

I have been playing guitar for more than 15 years, and have always wanted a guitar like the J20, however until now, I'm glad that I waited. The J20 has added so much spice to my work as a musician.