JJ Guitars Electra V

You can look on the website for the features, but the model I have is:

- AAA maple top in trans red with edge binding
- sculpted heel
- 25" scale length
- Wilkinson VSV100 trem
- "JJ lovetone" micro capacitor on tone control
- C with soft V neck profile
- locking tuners
- VERY usable coil tap
- 2 JJ Humbuckers
- 3 way switch

Basically, there aren't many more features you could get on an instrument of this quality.

Quantity isn't everything either as every single feature above is usable, adds to the tone or makes the guitar beautiful. All are expertly implemented and make for an exceptionally versatile instrument.

The guitar has a great vibe, and makes me play better.

Bright, strident, sustaining tone with a strong mid presence.

And thats before you plug the guitar in.

The humbuckers are mid output. The bridge is surprisingly dark, given the type of instrument, but thats more additional low-mid rather than a lack of high. Both pups together is my favourite tone - jangly and raw, but still quite restrained. Like a quality Les Paul but not as focused and laser sharp than a PRS singlecut (thats a good thing IMHO).

The JJ Lovetone takes a bit of getting used to - basically its like a normal tone control but the first 3/4 turn reduces the tone by about 20% then the final quarter takes you into "woman tone" territory. Lovely. Means you can darken down without loss of definition.

The coil tap is great, and sounds like a decent (usable) imitation of single coils.

Great note separation on all settings.

The guitar has a voice of its own. Part Tele special, part LP, part PRS but all JJ. Lush. Professional.

Set up was perfect. very low action on every string (lower than I ever go for) but no buzzes or rattles in any position.

10 out of 10.

Solid hunk of alder.

I had a problem with the volume control, which was scratchy, but JJ supplied another, I fitted and the problem went away.

I would never gig without a backup, anything else would be unprofessional ;-)

The guitars not bulletproof, but hey I don't want it to live in a case. it is a beautiful workhorse of an instrument.

Jeff from JJ answered all my queries very quickly. Great customer service.

He supplied a pot to replace the scratchy one, and whilst that took a wee while to reach me I have no issues with JJs exceptional customer service.

Playing for 18 years. Have owned, bought and sold a pile of instruments and amps.

I currently own a 72 tele, SRV signature strat amongst others.

I would buy another at a drop of a hat!

2005 Electra "v" the V signifies the Vibrato model as apposed to the hard tail versionand it was Handmade in England.
It has 22 Frets down a 12" radius rosewood fingerboard.
The body is an Alder single cut design with a Maple top and mahogany neck.
It has 1 volume, 1 tone (which pulls out for the coil tap), and a 3 way switch. Two custom humbuckers made by JJ Guitars.
The bridge is a Wilkinson VSV 300 vibrato (nickle plated) model.
Gotoh locking tuners and a self lubricating 43mm Graphtech nut.
It came with a Ritter padded gig bag and certificate.

I play mostly a wide range of rock and a bit of blues. I use a Vox Valvetronics amp but have also tried it through an old Session amp.
This is such a versatile guitar it can produce rich warm intense sounds through the humbuckers to suit most rock tones. Using the coiltap produces excellent tones which I think are better for blues playing.
I have taken the Electra to a couple of my friends who play in different bands, both loved its range and between them they play a variety of styles from clean 60's tracks to metal.

The Electra came fitted with rotosound 10's. The action is just right in my opinion, low but still comfortable for lots of string bends. There is no fret buzzing anywhere. I have had this guitar just over a month now and have not changed a thing. The finish is flawless as you would expect from a guitar in this pricerange. It has a translucent blue bookmatched Maple top with matching headstock, Cream binding around the body, and all the hardware are quality components.

As I have only had this guitar for just over a month it is hard to comment, but the build quality is really impressive. If you wanted to smash the stage up after a gig; heaven forbid you could unleash some serious carnage with this beauty!!
One of the most impressive things is how well it stays in tune, especially for a vibrato model, this is surely helped by the gotoh locking tuners, its so much easier than having a locking nut and floydrose as was on my old 80's washburn.
I feel it would be so reliable to gig with but as I dont gig dont have to worry about not having a backup. I could see in a years time It would most likely get a 10 out of 10 but as ive not had it long will give it a 9.

I met two of the chaps from JJ Guitars at the Music Live show in Birminghams NEC 2005. They were very friendly and helpfull. I Spoke mostly to Tony Muschamp who I think is the director of JJ Guitars and really knows his stuff.
I have not had any problems but feel that if I did they would sort them out.

I have only been playing on and off for 10 years, I was looking for a versatile guitar that would cover a wide range of styles. I looked at alot of guitars before buying the Elecra V, from Les Pauls to PRS's to strats, allsorts. I totally made the right choice, this guitar is all about playability and sound but just happens to look great too. One of my friends who has played in bands for over 30 years summed it up as just " pure fun to play" which as a recreational player is what its all about. I also own a 1965 Baldwin jazz guitar which hasnt been out of the case since i bought the Electra.

I would definetly recommend trying one out if you get the chance and are looking for a top end axe. The only thing is as they are not mass produced and are all handmade and hand finished making them a bit harder to track down. The elecra v's RRP is #1349, Tony kindly knocked a wad off as mine didnt come with the usual Hiscox Hard case. He only had a limited number left which he needs as they are going to be exhibiting at the NAMM show in Jan 06 in the US. They also have a webite where you see their guitars: www.jjguitars.com