Langejans WGC6

This is a continuation and correction from my earlier postings on 4/10/02, and 5/24/02. The serial number on mine is actually #828, not 868. See those earlier postings for details, etc.

I still truly enjoy playing this wonderfully voiced instrument. It sounds awesome on 3 tracks of our new CD "Redeeming Love" by Rented Rhythm. It has an unmistakable tone. I am a fingerstyle player mostly using several alternate tunings and this guitar responds beautifully.
Originally Del installed it with D'Addario's 12-53's but I now have settled on GHS L Juber Signatures 12-54's. Never use Elixir's on a guitar of this level quality or tone. It's worth the extra string changes. The GHS Jubers are treated cryogenically so they last just fine. I have played this guitar thru either a Marshall 8240, Peavey Studio Pro 60, a Roland KC-500 (very nice), or various PA's. Still sounds great but best on a PA or keyboard amp. I exclusively use Digitech outboard gear with good success too.

Action, fit, and finish are still just fine. I bought this guitar in Feb 1999, and have regularly dragged it around from church to high altitude dry/dusty climates and it's no worse for the wear.

Great for recording with the Baggs DUET II, always plays & sounds just as great live plugged in or not. Our lead singer's Takamine guitar kept breaking strings and had intonation problems when we were playing south of Denver at 8500' ASL, so he played my Langejans and again, got lots of compliments on how it sounds thru PA system live in front of 1500 people compared to Takamines & Taylors.

Excellent. Personal attention.

I had a young man from Texas look me up based on my postings so he could try a Langejans. Interestingly, he is going to college nearby in Hannibal, MO and had just weeks before reconfigured my work computer. He had settled his choices to a Goodall or a Langejans. He came to my house about 2 weeks ago and spent the better part of 90 minutes enjoying himself immensely. Not sure what his final decision is but I know he was very struck but the quality of Del's instrument artistry. If I ever buy another high end acoustic it will be a Rosewood / Cedar WGC from Del Langejans. I travel a lot and play a lot of guitars and usually on 1 or 2 a year stand out but none ever close to my WGC-6. Let's see some more Langejans owners post their opinions here soon. God Bless. John 17:3

I originally posted the 4-10-02 WGC posting and didn't get my name posted before signing off, so see that posting for other details. I believe my guitar was actually built Oct 1998 serial number 868 but since I am over forty my memory ain't always there anymore. Walnut b/s, Spruce top, Curly Maple binding, florentine cutaway, ebony fretboard & tuners as originally built. I had Del add slotted diamond inlays, and LR Baggs Duet II pickup system installed, and a Kaman acoustic case. My understanding from Del is that he builds about 1 per week or about 50 guitars per year. A special order can take from 4-7 months on the waiting list. I purchased mine off his demo rack.

Great sounds, unmistakable tone. Once you've owned one of these you can easily spot a player who uses a Langejans especially Phil Keaggy. I can always tell if he's playing his Olson or his "Del" guitar. If you are ever in Holland try out one of his W-6 or R-6's. What a full throaty tone they have. I purchased a Grand Concert body because it is more comfortable to me, and is better suited to live playing for me.

Very well executed instrument. Nice fit attention to grain of wood, bookmatched back, sides, and top. Mine has two slight knots on the sides in the same position which gives it some unique character & visual interest. They add to the guitar nicely without affecting tone or strength. Only a wood artist would pay attention to such a small feature.

Played very regularly in all kinds of weather indoors & outdoors though not in the rain!! From sea level to 8500' ASL never a problem. I sometimes consider leaving it at home since it is a high end guitar but in the end I always take it because it is such a joy & inspiration to play.

Del is great to work with. See previous post for comments. Del, Doug, Ruthie, and his staff are genuinely nice to visit with and always helpful.

I have been playing off & on since I was 8. Most recently solid since 1995. This is a great guitar for the player who wants to reach high quality wise for a musical instrument and piece of art. (But surprisingly not too deep in your pockets). You'll find that a Walnut/Spruce WGC is better voiced than a comparable Taylor or Martin but equally affordable. This guitar has been used both live and in the studio with excellent results with the Baggs DUETII pickups. My only complaint is with the Baggs system and how difficult it is to change batteries although I am only on my 3rd since 1999. I recently used this guitar on 3 or 4 tracks of our new CD and instead of mikng we simply ran a split ring cord out and blended the Bridge & Internal Mic into a mixer onto ADAT. One was done in Open G tuning, another in Double Drop D. Simply Stunning tone! If this guitar was lost, stolen or destroyed I'd be pretty heartbroken. I actually have nightmares occasionally to that effect and it always leaves me a little unnerved when I wake up. May God continue to Bless you Del, Ruthie, Doug and your staff. THANX for the great guitar #868. Hope to see you again soon. One day I hope to have you build a RGC Rosewood/Cedar with full inlays and a very special purpleheart headstock overlay. Will send a CD when it's done. Sincerely Allen Ballard

Handbuilt guitar; Michigan Black Walnut bookmatched back/sides, Spruce Top, florentine cutaway, ebony fretboard, curly maple binding, beautiful natural laquered finish, Med width nut, 20 frets. As originally buit it had no inlays and pickup system installed. Construction is excellent with great attention to the materials used in building it. Built Oct 1998.

Unplugged it is very nicely balanced not too boomy like with rosewood, but still good low end especially in alternate tunings. Nice singing highs depending on picking techniques. Very responsive guitar for a player with a any techinque or music style. I had Del install an LR Baggs Duet II ($450 extra) and plugged in it is truly inspiring to simply go on a musical journey.

A beautifully handcrafted instrument as described earlier. I did develop some minor tuning problems after being in muggy Missouri but Del worked on the nut slots and height for free and it's been great since. We also got to visit in his shop and I am proud to count this humble Christian man as a musical friend.

An expensive instrument but I take it everywhere with no problems.

Del Langejans is a talented luthier and very helpful. This guitar blew away a comparable Taylor 814CE