Product: Epiphone NVJ Nouveau Archtop
Price Paid: US $800 used
Submitted
09/21/2002
at
12:24am
by
Anonymous
Features
:
10
This model is an archtop, full inlays and binding, with "Epipone" script on the top and "Gibson" in 7-verticle layered diamond pattern, both inlayed, on headstock. Natural curly maple neck, back, and sides, spruce top, rosewood fretboard and bridge. All natural finish. All Gold hardware, single humbucker w/1 vol, 1 tone. Gibson case.
The information I received from Gibson was that this model (NVJ) was designed by Gibson, made in Japan, and assembled/finished at Gibson USA, made in '87. It first ran under the "Nouveau by Gibson" name for the first 8 months, and under Epiphone for the last 4. The "Nouveau by Gibson" was a line between '87 and '89 of primarily acoutics, this being the only guitar in the series to have a pickup.
Sound
:
8
Sounds very deep and smooth. Came used with a spare Les Paul bridge, which gave it more sustain, but higher tension and too clear. I have put the original rosewood bridge back on and love it
Action, Fit, & Finish
:
8
Fairly good, but fhole cutouts could have been bound better, and there was a little dust in the finish.
Reliability/Durability
:
9
Finish is good. Solid made. Heardware hasn't blemished yet.
Customer Support
:
10
I emailed Gibson and they sent me an email back with the info above, with a picture of the origianl specs sheet.
Overall Rating
:
10
I thought this was quite a find, to get such a great sounding jazz archtop for under $1000 used. In addition, the info I got from Gibson makes me think that this is a pretty rare or unknown line- I really like having a unique piece. I have been very happy with it as a jazz guitar and would not part with it. I would recommend this guitar to avid jazz players, and if the other accoustics are this good, would recommend those too. Feel free to contact me if you need or have more information on this model. If you have one, I'd like to get your opinion!
