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I don't normally post new guitar days but I felt compelled to share this purchase.
Roger Borys has been making professional jazz guitars for many decades and was close friends with Jim D'Aquisto. Roger actually made the laminate plates for Jimmy D and learned many fine points of building from the Master. Roger currently resides in Hoboken NJ and builds his instruments "to order" and rarely has availability. His most celebrated model is the B120.
In 2016 - I went to Rogers shop to meet with him and we shared hours of stories and pictures of Jimmy D - whom we both truly admired. Additionally - Roger has a wall of Jimmy and John D pics along with CD's of all the pros playing his guitars - it's very impressive .
Roger agreed to build me a B120 deluxe with a 1-3/4 nut and a modified V shape neck. The build process normally takes 18 months - but since I was able to select a body from a recent batch - It took only 13 months .
When I first picked up the guitar and strummed one chord I was blown away !! It sounds like a hand carved Archtop with a warm clarity and perfect intonation to the very last fret. The volume is balanced and the trebles are real fat like a D'Aquisto. The brass tail pc adds just the right amount of reverb and the playability is superb. The fret work is impeccable and not a single buzz anywhere. He nailed my build request precisely. The appointments are beautiful and the finish is sort of a flat low gloss with a patina added to the tail pc. While the finish / relic touch may turn some folks off - I find it working for me because it's different and kind of cool. It's like a new vintage guitar with a warm broken in sound.
I've had the guitar nearly a week and can't put it down. In comparison to my Trenier Jazz electric - this is a heavier build and sounds like a hybrid of an early 60's ES-175 and a D'Aquisto excel - it's that good - with tremendous unplugged volume for a laminate (Vinny would love this guitar) . The Trenier is feather light and has this creamy warmth and sounds exactly like Jimmy's Jazz electric. Both real winners in different ways - which is just perfect for me.
There are many stories about buying guitars from Roger - but I can tell you that my experience was awesome. He is a man of few words and really doesn't want to get bogged down with too many details - but will listen to your needs . For those wanting a top notch jazz guitar played by world renowned jazz pros and educators - it's certainly worth the wait ( and dollars ) and B120 resale values are very good.
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07-18-2017 08:55 PM
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A super, duper, big Congrats Steve! May she inspire your playing for many years to come.
I have heard that Roger's guitars are in a different league from most of the builders who are alive today. Your post confirms this. Roger is not a youngster either. It may be quite wise to obtain one of his guitars while one can.
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Stringswinger,
Originally Posted by Stringswinger
Thank you ! This guitar is in another league and well worth the money. Roger is getting up in age and like Jimmy he is set in his ways - buts that OK - when it comes to guitar building he knows exactly what hes doing..... big time.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using TapatalkLast edited by QAman; 07-19-2017 at 06:38 AM.
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You are darn tooting Vinny would love this guitar. Now that is my kind of axe. Congrats and due enjoy my friend !!!!
If I wasn't old as dirt I would order one too but these days I am even afraid to buy green bananas. Love that axe.
That's a out of the ballpark git right there.
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Vinny, Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
Thanks my friend. I know you like the sound and timbre of thicker tops and this has it in spades. This guitar would sound fat with 9's. Ive got 12's on it and its warm and sweet sounding. Its has a 15-1/2 lower bout , 2.800 body depth and 24-3/4 scale , but sounds like a full sized archtop. My wife said today that it sounds like one of Jimmys guitars.
Sent from my GT-N5110 using TapatalkLast edited by QAman; 07-18-2017 at 09:48 PM.
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Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk
Last edited by QAman; 07-18-2017 at 09:49 PM.
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Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk[/QUOTE]
Originally Posted by QAman
Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk
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Sent from my GT-N5110 using Tapatalk
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The B120 does indeed have a big box sound for such a compact guitar, and they DO hold their value so you are not throwing money away. I'd still have mine if I had ordered it with block inlays instead of none.
Roger is a talented man though he functions completely in his own time zone devoid of reference frames.
Yours came a light speed! He is a good man though relating to him requires patience and detachment.
Pat Kelley and Emily & Emily Remler got great tone from their B120's.
The B120 is a jazz icon IMHO right up there with 175's, L5's, and Super 400's etc.
A hearty congratulations!
John Pisano/Pat Kelley
Last edited by helios; 07-19-2017 at 01:05 AM.
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Congrats QAman, you now own what is IMHO one of the best laminates made.
I've owned my B-120 for over 15 years, and still play it at least two hours a day.
Then I play shows at night with my Borys B-222. I doubt I'll ever buy another guitar.
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A monsta guitar. You're a lucky man, but I'm sure it's in the right hands. Have fun together!
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That is superb congrats
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Beautiful.
I also had a great experience with Roger in the last few years, and (sensibly) withdrew my B120 from sale!
Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk
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Helios, Originally Posted by helios
Your words are very true and thanks for the congrats. For those with patience - it's worth pursuing.
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Sgcim, Originally Posted by sgcim
Thanks for the kind words. I agree entirely - there is something extraordinary about his laminates. The tone , feel and playability just encourages a creativity I've only found in a few guitars.
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Thanks Rob - I'm having lots of fun with this one Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
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Balanwood, Originally Posted by Balanwood
Glad your experience was good - and very smart of you to keep yours.
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Fws6, Originally Posted by fws6
Thank you - it really is a special guitar.
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Fws6, Originally Posted by fws6
Thanks - it's really a fine guitar.
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Congratulations Steve! Beautiful! If you ever record it please put me on the list to receive the sound file. So i see that Roger also builds one piece necks ... did you happen to ask him why he doesn't laminate them?
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Hi Beat- hope all is well. I never did question Roger on the neck. I basically had in my head that I want a B120 deluxe in the amber finish and was going to let him do his thing. Originally Posted by JazzNote
We communicated maybe 6 times throughout the build and all went well. I think my connection with Jim D helped form a bond - and Roger actually invited me to a party he was having for his Daughter, but unfortunately I was out of town on business.
For a jazz purist like yourself - you might want to get one of these - the price is certainly right and you won't be disappointed.
If I record I will be sure to send you something .
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Oh Wow!
QA, I absolutely LOVE the shape of the body. And the barber pole neck.. The treatment on the back of the headstock and shape of the headstock too.
I love the maple bindings. And binding everywhere!
And I know you are gonna play it. And you will play it incredibly well too.
Roger's connection to the greats adds something to that guitar that can't be duplicated. When he scrapes a binding or sets a neck angle he can recall memories of Jimmy talking about what makes a guitar sound its very best. Not too many other living "super" Luthiers can do that.
QA, you've been around. You talk the talk and walk the walk, no doubt. You have seen and owned the best of the best. You don't mess around. We are so lucky to have you on this forum. No bullshit. You are the real deal.
Enjoy that guitar. Line up all the perfection you own and ENJOY them. You deserve it. You are a really good guy who shares things with people that not many others can (or will) share. Thanks buddy.
Great post. Even Greater Guitar.
Joe DeNisco
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Congrats on an awesome acquisition. That's a keeper.
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Simply superb. That neck is carved from a particularly fine piece of maple. I very strongly doubt it will ever give rise to any problems, save perhaps being difficult to put down. Congratulations, and play it in good health!
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Joe, Originally Posted by Max405
Your comments are overwhelming and gracious. It is you who brings heartfelt joy and kindness to all in this forum - and Im honored to call you my friend.
This forum has brought many years of fun and pleasure to my life - and I really enjoy all the friendships and stories.
You know I've been blessed in life and don't like to brag about things - but I had to share the Borys with everyone - this guitar is something like I've never heard for a laminate. It has that Gibson solidity - but with a richness of tone not normally associated with a laminate. It's that good.
I hope to see you in the not too distant future and show you this one - and of course The Godfather .
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