ERIC BIBB AND HIS SONNY

Eric Bibb recently visited the Jones Kendall workshops in Bury to collect his new Sonny tailpiece guitar.

Eric first heard the Jones Kendall Sonny when Druce and Jones performed for the Paul Jones Christmas Special blues show on Radio 2. Steve Jones was playing a Sonny on stage and Eric and his soundman (banjo whiz) Levi were mightily impressed with the noise emanating from the small-bodied tailpiece guitar. They asked to see it after the show. Eric liked it straight away.

On picking it up he noted the weight and feel and said: “I knew I’d dig this guitar before even playing it.

“This has a similar feel to an old Stella I own but it’s a Rolls-Royce soundwise. I love the fact that you can spank it and it stays with you.”

Eric asked Jones Kendall to make an exact copy of Steve’s stage guitar and to have it ready for May.

Since collecting his Sonny, the reports back from Eric have been terrific. He loves the guitar and has taken it out on the road as well as recorded with it. We’ll post a sound sample when we get one.

www.ericbibb.com

PAUL BRETT’S NEW PHOENIX GUITAR

Twelve-string guitar maestro Paul Brett has just commissioned Jones Kendall to build his latest off-the-wall guitar. Having already built Paul a small-bodied double-neck guitar that he’s had great success with, we’re looking forward to working with him again. Colin’s been busy designing the phoenix guitar and pictures will follow soon.

As well as being a great player, Paul is a huge collector and historian on all things guitar

Check out www.fret-dancer.com for albums and an extensive online guitar museum.

NEW ACOUSTIC MAGAZINE

Finally an acoustic guitar mag that caters for UK acoustic buffs. We were very happy to be the included in the third issue with a double-page review. To read the review please click this link.

www.acousticmagazine.com

NEWS ROUND-UP

New to the JK range last year was the Wiessenbourne guitar. Hear this guitar on ‘Ace Up The Sleeve’ by Ramblin John Barker and Tony available soon on Dusty records.

The workshop extension in Bury is finally complete and includes a new spray booth.

Renowned finger-style guitarist Martin Simpson visited the Jones Kendall workshop recently before his fantastic gig at the Bury Met. He played a range of the guitars and really liked Sonny, the model recently purchased by Eric Bibb.

Having completed a one-off mandola for multi-instrumentalist and odd ball David Trinder last year. This year he’s asked JK to build a five-string cittern. We’ve been building instruments for DT over a number of years and he’s fun to work with and likes to keep us thinking.

New Druce and Jones album planned. Emily and Steve are working on new material to be recorded on Dusty Records in the summer.

SIDMOUTH

Jones kendall will have a stall once again in the Church House during this year’s festival from July 29 - August 6. Come in, try the range and talk to us about exactly what you’re looking for in an acoustic guitar.