Josep Melo JM1 Supreme 16" Archtop
2013 Josep Melo JM1 Supreme 16" Archtop
Rarely seen, and especially in the US, and what a sight it is. This is a particularly nice JM1 Supreme 16”, originally made to be exhibited at shows.
Specs / Measurements
2013
European spruce / European maple
~1.73” nut
~25.4” string length
~2.19” string spacing at saddle
24 frets, 16 fret neck joint
Gotoh 510 tuners
Side sound port
Interchangeable acoustic / electric pickguards
D’Aquisto style wedge saddle / bridge
Custom wound (for 80/20 bronze) Bartolini JNB pickup
Nitro lacquer finish
Original hard case, original spec sheet, additional maple saddles for tonal variation
Condition / Setup Notes
New Old Stock; The guitar was made for exhibiting at shows, so it has never been owned. There may slight handling wear found if looking for it, but it has remained in beautiful shape consistent with its history. Part of the Melo spec is to finish over the side of the nut, and there is a small chip in the finish just over the nut. But aside from this, there is nothing to note specifically. Currently set up with string height just above and just below 4/64” from bass to treble, with just a touch of relief. Playing nicely. The pickup is designed for 80/20 bronze, which is what it is currently strung with.
***
A stand-out archtop; lovely lines and designs, choice materials, and of course a good sound both acoustically and amplified. There are many details that are satisfying to look at, but I have to note the neck volute that comes to a point, the tailpiece and the way it is attached, the heel “swoop,” and the clean look of the body without binding. I perceive a particularly even sound with long sustain. Part of its unique design, it comes with two pick guards, one for acoustic use, and one with a pickup installed. They can be swapped out without the use of tools. It’s a very nice solution to eliminate wiring from inside the box; aside from there being no wire buzzing noise to ever contend with, it’s a pleasure to peek inside the sound port to see the pristine interior. The two pick guards also speak effectively to the instrument’s ability to excel in both acoustic and amplified playing, and its ability to change identities to me has a subtle psychological effect on the way it is played. This is one of those guitars that the beauty of form and function come together, instead of being at odds.
SOLD
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This instrument ships for free via UPS Ground.