Thinking about having a New Yorker built by Mr. Wu.

**Vic Bulbon** · 03-10-2025, 05:23 PM

I have two 16in guitars right now, the brighter Epi Blackstone and a sweeter round hole l4 from 1933. I think I can use a big body, sweeter tone archtop and I'm thinking about the DA New Yorker. I just emailed Ms. Lora and they could built me one for 1800 and an upgraded wood for 2k. For those of you who've gotten guitars from him, hows their qc lately? Has it improved much? I know he make good Benedetto copies, but have any of you gotten D Angelico copies from him?

Also I know its very personal, but any inspirations for designs? I can get a carbon copy of the New Yorker, but I'm wondering about whether are there anything I can add for extra flare.

**AllanAllen** · 03-10-2025, 05:31 PM

I think someone just had a thread about getting a Mr. Wu guitar and it was poorly done...

**garybaldy** · 03-10-2025, 06:25 PM

Originally Posted by AllanAllen

I think someone just had a thread about getting a Mr. Wu guitar and it was poorly done...

Yes, it was dreadful!

**deacon Mark** · 03-10-2025, 06:40 PM

Buy the Vestex Dangelico for sale in the section. This guitar will be more but worth every penny and far better. This is it trustworthy fellow no guesses. The best production ones made outside independent luthiers. Nothing like ones offered today Vestax D'Angelico NYL-2......PRICE DROP: $3,250 to $2,900

**Vic Bulbon** · 03-10-2025, 07:03 PM

I think I did saw that thread. After you got it all fixed up, how does it sound?

**Vic Bulbon** · 03-10-2025, 07:05 PM

I read up a little on those, looks like pressed top guitars? I'm after a purely acoustic guitar so that'd be a deal breaker.

**deacon Mark** · 03-10-2025, 08:18 PM

Originally Posted by Vic Bulbon

I read up a little on those, looks like pressed top guitars? I'm after a purely acoustic guitar so that'd be a deal breaker.

Mine is a solid pressed top sitka spruce and sounds better than many carved top guitars of high value. Mine is an 18 inch I can easily played acoustic and cut through fine. It is open and alive I will stand it op to any Wu any day. I might add I have a real D'angelico New Yorker and while it is not that at all it holds up quite well for a guitar that is priced 10 times less. I have said this on numerous occasions on the forum. Carving a top certainly if you are good is quite the wonderful thing but not the whole picture. You have to be able to make necks and do fret work and finishes and make an entire playable guitar. The greatest sounding guitar with poor fret work and neck issues is not something you want.

**2bornot2bop** · 03-11-2025, 12:03 AM

This is my 18” Wu. Complete with a wide bridge made by member Matt Cushman.

Thinking about having a New Yorker built by Mr. Wu.-img_0228-jpeg

Thinking about having a New Yorker built by Mr. Wu.-img_1717-jpeg

Thinking about having a New Yorker built by Mr. Wu.-img_1719-jpeg

**Vic Bulbon** · 03-11-2025, 12:31 AM

Very nice. How does it sound and play? How does it compare to American made luthier guitars?

**JSanta** · 03-11-2025, 10:14 AM

Why not go for an Eastman 810? Those are Benedetto based builds and by all accounts wonderful instruments. They are readily available and pretty much a known quantity. The few Eastmans I've had over the years have all been pretty fantastic. That being said, I did have a Benedetto Bambino, and while my Eastmans have been nice, it's not a fair comparison.

**jim777** · 03-11-2025, 10:54 AM

Originally Posted by deacon Mark

Buy the Vestex Dangelico for sale in the section. This guitar will be more but worth every penny and far better. This is it trustworthy fellow no guesses. The best production ones made outside independent luthiers. Nothing like ones offered today Vestax D'Angelico NYL-2......PRICE DROP: $3,250 to $2,900

1000% this, the VDAs are absolutely superb instruments. Listen to the Deacon - grab the VDA instead and be happy

**Stringswinger** · 03-11-2025, 11:41 AM

+2 on the Deacon's advice. Just because a top is pressed by expert Japanese luthiers in no way means that it will have an inferior sound to a carved top by a less than stellar Chinese luthier.

**deacon Mark** · 03-11-2025, 12:55 PM

Later on today I am going to post an acoustic video of my Vestex and another carved top.......which one do you want me to compare it with choice?

1. A real D'a
2. L5
3. Barker.

**customxke** · 03-11-2025, 01:20 PM

Originally Posted by deacon Mark

Later on today I am going to post an acoustic video of my Vestex and another carved top.......which one do you want me to compare it with choice?

1. A real D'a
2. L5
3. Barker.

I‘ve no dog in this hunt, but I’d like option 1.

**nyc chaz** · 03-11-2025, 03:13 PM

Originally Posted by JSanta

Why not go for an Eastman 810? Those are Benedetto based builds and by all accounts wonderful instruments. They are readily available and pretty much a known quantity. The few Eastmans I've had over the years have all been pretty fantastic. That being said, I did have a Benedetto Bambino, and while my Eastmans have been nice, it's not a fair comparison.

Acoutically i will take an Eastman 910/810 over the Bambino i played.Plugged in the Bambino has that laminate sound that the Eastman solid carved woods do not which should be taken into consideration when purchasing.

**Spook410** · 03-11-2025, 04:40 PM

It's been a long time since I purchased my last Wu guitar so my view is quite dated and things may have changed considerably in the last decade. That being said..

Wu is not a mediocre luthier. I have several carved by him including some while he was still at Yunzhi and a couple after he set up shop on his own. I have no complaints after many years of playing these instruments. As far as I can tell from gazing across Internet, if you want a carved solid wood acoustic archtop and don't want to get into the price of a famous US maker, there aren't a lot of good choices. If you do choose to custom order a Chinese archtop I recommend you stick to a Benedetto format standard model. Chinese makers will sign up for anything you ask but there's a lot of risk in that approach. Too much risk IMHO. A lot safer to stick to what they know.

As for most Gibson L5's and the Vestax (which will make someone very happy if they have the good sense to buy it), I see these as primarily electric guitars. Though if you wish to spend a great deal there are probably some Gibson models that are more acoustic than others.

**Vic Bulbon** · 03-11-2025, 04:54 PM

Thanks for your take. I don't know too much about these designs. Is that basic benedetto format very different from a DA New Yorker or Excel? I know not to have him built a Loar l5 copy, but I assume the Benedetto type guitars are more a descendant of DAs.

Also thats what I figured about Vestaxs. I bet some of them are great acoustically, but my sense having visited Tokyo a few times trying those guitars is that the Japanese has gotten the es175 copy thing figured out, but not so much with acoustic archtops of the old tradition.

**Vic Bulbon** · 03-11-2025, 04:55 PM

Looking forward to that! Another vote for 1.

**Spook410** · 03-11-2025, 05:08 PM

Originally Posted by Vic Bulbon

Thanks for your take. I don't know too much about these designs. Is that basic benedetto format very different from a DA New Yorker or Excel? I know not to have him built a Loar l5 copy, but I assume the Benedetto type guitars are more a descendant of DAs.

Also thats what I figured about Vestaxs. I bet some of them are great acoustically, but my sense having visited Tokyo a few times trying those guitars is that the Japanese has gotten the es175 copy thing figured out, but not so much with acoustic archtops of the old tradition.

Bracing, voicing, scale.. there are experts here that can tell you the major and nuanced differences. X braced Benedetto's are generally considered to have a bright modern sound. If you have played Eastman archtops that would be the general direction. Also, it takes like a year of frequent playing just to break in an acoustic archtop. Quality vintage guitars have decades of playing on them and I don't think you can match the sound with a well made copy. Think this is what those buying some of the really good 30's L5 reproductions have found. (Hmm.. still want one of those though)

**Jimmy blue note** · 03-11-2025, 05:16 PM

I have had a guitar made by Mr Wu for someone who wanted a design he couldn't get otherwise. For him, I couldn't recommend anything better and he is thrilled.
You want something very different from what Mr Wu, or different from the "Chinese school" of lutherie. I would dissuade you from even considering it further. You won't be happy.
If you want a New Yorker in the D'Angelico style, look for someone who'll build you an 18" heavier built X braced guitar. Can you start a savings fund to have Mark Campellone make you one? In the waiting list, you can have a forever keeper and have a couple years to save up for it.
Are you willing to go for a 17" guitar? If so, keep your eyes out for a Guild Artist Award built in Westerly RI. With no doubt in my mind, this is a top contender in that category.
Yes if that Vestax NYL-2 is still available, get THAT. Aesthetically and sonically, you'll be more than happy with that guitar. That's an increasingly rare bird that can sing. Bigger sound than a 16" and built with care to play with a beautiful voice. Not the 18" that John D' made but certainly a lot closer than just about anything out there.

But to repeat, I don't think Yunzhi or Wu will give you the sound you're looking for. For the sound, heavier graduations and archings, Musoo is an excellent guitar but it doesn't look anything like a New Yorker and it sounds like you've got a real fantasy guiding your buying search.
You know that John D'Angelico made very hefty necks on his guitars, don't you? If you're looking for a D'A you can afford, do search for something with a heavy neck. The Vestax aren't exactly "hefty" so they're not going to fulfill that feel of an old school New Yorker.
Good luck

**Stringswinger** · 03-11-2025, 05:29 PM

Originally Posted by Jimmy blue note

I have had a guitar made by Mr Wu for someone who wanted a design he couldn't get otherwise. For him, I couldn't recommend anything better and he is thrilled.
You want something very different from what Mr Wu, or different from the "Chinese school" of lutherie. I would dissuade you from even considering it further. You won't be happy.
If you want a New Yorker in the D'Angelico style, look for someone who'll build you an 18" heavier built X braced guitar. Can you start a savings fund to have Mark Campellone make you one? In the waiting list, you can have a forever keeper and have a couple years to save up for it.
Are you willing to go for a 17" guitar? If so, keep your eyes out for a Guild Artist Award built in Westerly RI. With no doubt in my mind, this is a top contender in that category.
Yes if that Vestax NYL-2 is still available, get THAT. Aesthetically and sonically, you'll be more than happy with that guitar. That's an increasingly rare bird that can sing. Bigger sound than a 16" and built with care to play with a beautiful voice. Not the 18" that John D' made but certainly a lot closer than just about anything out there.

But to repeat, I don't think Yunzhi or Wu will give you the sound you're looking for. For the sound, heavier graduations and archings, Musoo is an excellent guitar but it doesn't look anything like a New Yorker and it sounds like you've got a real fantasy guiding your buying search.
You know that John D'Angelico made very hefty necks on his guitars, don't you? If you're looking for a D'A you can afford, do search for something with a heavy neck. The Vestax aren't exactly "hefty" so they're not going to fulfill that feel of an old school New Yorker.
Good luck

A few things to point out (correct?) from this post

A) Mark Campellone will no longer make an 18 inch guitar

B) John D'Angelico made thick, medium and slim necks (They were not all "hefty"). The Mel Bay model was a New Yorker with a medium neck (most non-cut New Yorkers had huge necks). The slim necks came after the advent of adjustable truss rods. I have a New Yorker replica with a slim neck carved by Gibson/Heritage master luthier JP Moats that was based on a 1960 New Yorker (I will admit that it is totally possible that Jimmy D'Aquisto may have done the neck carve on the 1960 guitar).

C) A guild Artist Award made by Carlo Greco (late 60's to mid 70's) is indeed VERY close to a D'Angelico in sound. While most were 17 inch lower bouts, a few were made in 18 inch lower bouts. I do not believe that the Guild Artist Awards from the late 70's till their discontinuation have the DA vibe. And I have played and owned many of those. Regarding mid 60's and earlier Guild Artist Award/Johnny Smith Award, I have no experience and cannot opine.

HTH

**Heybopper** · 03-11-2025, 05:51 PM

I was thinking of getting a wu last year. I find Lora very helpful and response to emails was excellent. I didnt go ahead though. It was unclear as to who would actually build the guitar as I think mr wu has another website. I remember searching and there were a few different sites and it got a bit confusing.
I had a triggs New Yorker, now that was special but the prices have gone up but he still makes them. I think he does the best job there is.
But I found this one time Just a moment...
I got in touch with him and he said his arch tops start at $3000 I dont think you would find a better price than that, he even does all the Gibson tailpieces now as well

**deacon Mark** · 03-11-2025, 07:00 PM

Originally Posted by Spook410

It's been a long time since I purchased my last Wu guitar so my view is quite dated and things may have changed considerably in the last decade. That being said..

Wu is not a mediocre luthier. I have several carved by him including some while he was still at Yunzhi and a couple after he set up shop on his own. I have no complaints after many years of playing these instruments. As far as I can tell from gazing across Internet, if you want a carved solid wood acoustic archtop and don't want to get into the price of a famous US maker, there aren't a lot of good choices. If you do choose to custom order a Chinese archtop I recommend you stick to a Benedetto format standard model. Chinese makers will sign up for anything you ask but there's a lot of risk in that approach. Too much risk IMHO. A lot safer to stick to what they know.

As for most Gibson L5's and the Vestax (which will make someone very happy if they have the good sense to buy it), I see these as primarily electric guitars. Though if you wish to spend a great deal there are probably some Gibson models that are more acoustic than others.

The Vestex D'angelico I agree is made as such electric in mind given they did not carved the top. However, it is still solid and therefore vibrate and respond much different that a laminated top. I think the key to the sound at least with mine is that the tolerances of glueing and putting the whole guitar together are such that it has allowed the top to remain very flexible and responsive. The way a guitar top is glue to the rims and bracing effect sound. If the top is not glue under any tension and sits very smooth and free on the rim allows for better transmission of sound.

Finally, my 2 L5's are acoustic and made that way completely as intended. One is a 1938 obviously acoustic and I have a 2003 that was carved by custom shop as an L5c with only attention to acoustic sound.

Oh and I will do the comparison video tomorrow of the real vs the Vestex acoustically. I got tied up all afternoon taking a neck off a flattop guitar and resetting it. It was made with an adjustable neck that is bolted on and can be adjusted. Works pretty good but a pain in the ass to nail down without trial and error. But got it done.

**Spook410** · 03-12-2025, 12:28 AM

Originally Posted by deacon Mark

my 2 L5's are acoustic and made that way completely as intended. One is a 1938 obviously acoustic and I have a 2003 that was carved by custom shop as an L5c with only attention to acoustic sound.

Oh and I will do the comparison video tomorrow of the real vs the Vestex acoustically. I got tied up all afternoon taking a neck off a flattop guitar and resetting it. It was made with an adjustable neck that is bolted on and can be adjusted. Works pretty good but a pain in the ass to nail down without trial and error. But got it done.

Had a friend with a Vestex. This was before I acquired my Chinese and Gibson archtops. Would like to play it again now that my ear is more attuned to archtop tone. At the time I was focused on some really good flat tops so the acoustic tone didn't make much of an impression. I do remember the remarkable workmanship.

I want a 1938 model. I want an L5c. Now if we just all had more than a Wu budget..