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This is the famous Guitar owned by Don Dean. Don had a collection of over 200 high end guitars. Many Super 400’s, Merles guitars, Chets Guitars.. But when he passed away, this was the last guitar he had. Under his bed, in the case. I hope when I am sleeping, Don sneaks the guitar up to heaven so he can awe his friends with it once with it. Don, I will leave the hanging wall display case unlocked for you buddy..
I’ve been blessed to have made friends with some really extraordinary people on this site. There are people who look after my sorry ass. I am not much of hunter, and even less of a bargainer. Our resident Heritage guru MartyGrass, helped me with the purchase of all my HJS’s. He remembered my hankering for an HJS with a rose on the pickguard (yeah, I know who can forget). Mint condition HJS’s are rare. Finding one with a Rose inlay in the Pickguard is even more improbable. It was a very expensive option on this guitar so not many were made. MG called me one night and said there is a beautiful sunburst HJS with no Rose on the Ohio Craigslist. He suggested I consider it. I did and I bought it the same day. That guitar is GREAT. Well, a day after I bought the sunburst HJS, Martygrass found this guitar. He made a trip down to Kentucky and came home with it, for me! He didn’t expect me to pull the trigger on the sunburst so quickly. He eventually sold the guitar to our beloved Big Mike. Big Mike is a wonderful and unique guy. He should be called GentleMikeofChi. Mike is one of the kindest gentleman I’ve ever met. I find so much enjoyment watching him fulfill his bucket list dreams. Just like he makes sure that homeless animals don’t get discarded, he made sure I got this guitar. He is a gem. Black Opal from Mintabie. He will know what I mean.. And he has had numerous opportunities to move it on to other people. Nuf said. Thanks MartyGrass and Mikey.
I received this beautiful guitar from Mikey in excellent condition. It was built in 1996 and kept in wonderful, original condition. My ungreatful ass stripped it of all the DNA passed onto it by other humans - with a deep polish and 2 coats of Virtuoso topped with a coat of Pure Carnuba. I used my old standby TI jazz swing 12’s and I am glad I did. I like the 12/50’s. I feel the reduced string tension puts less strain on the neck. My soft playing style favors the lighter strings too.
A while back I spent a weekend with Patrick’s 18” Unity before I shipped it to Vinny. The 1st thing that jumped out at me was the way the notes “swirled” around the guitar when you played them. Each note was a chord and each chord was a symphony. The 18” HJS projects the same complex tones. It’s a high to midrangy guitar, and that’s with flatwounds on it. It’s a symphony, plain and simple. My GJS is a focused and responsive lead instrument in the symphony. Its output is clear and defined, just like Johnny’s playing. The 18” HJS is the entire symphony. If there was ever a guitar that qualified for a premium Barbera Transducer, it is this one. I will have to investigate that further.
The intonation is spot on. The neck is true all over, with just the right amount of relief. It is a fast neck that is maybe an eyelashe deeper than my other HJS’s. Very close to my GJS in that respect. It takes low action well. The 18”x 3-3/8 body is surprisingly comfortable to play. Vinny pointed out its because the upper bout tapers down a little. This thing is LOUD! A new set of strings make loud, crisp sounds. My previous HJS’s turned TI’s into “thumpy”flatwounds rather quickly. I hope that doesn’t happen with this guitar. I like the brightness.
As with anything new, its gonna take some time to learn this guitar. It will challenge my abilities and make me better. This guitar was not made for me, it was made for Don. But its gonna be an absolute thrill to get to know it.
Here is a video of the Guitar. Pardon the noise from a grounding issue. Once I get that sorted out, I will delete this video and post many more.
The quest will never end. But along the way, some great friendships that I’ve forged here gave me the opportunity to try some of the greatest guitars ever made. This one is right up there. And once again I have a label, hand signed by one of my heros right next to my heart. Thanks for looking.
Joe D.
Last edited by Max405; 09-15-2017 at 04:20 PM.
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09-15-2017 02:55 PM
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Just... exquisite.
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I really hope this serves you well. You make this instrument sing beautifully.
I noticed that there is good sustain on the high notes.
This is a big ass guitar, the way the old school guys had them made. May it carry on forever.
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BTW, your photography skills are superb.
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One last thing. This is the only Heritage Johnny Smith built like this. The rose is different and bigger on the pickguard. The f hole has triple binding. It is 18" across- one of only two made that size. And it is the deepest one ever made.
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I need a cigarette, and I have not smoked in almost 25 years.
Congrats. May she inspire your playing for many years to come....
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That is beautiful. Thanks for sharing the photos & story.
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Great story, wonderful instrument, excellent playing, well done Joe.
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Awwwright! Joe , you deserve this magnificent guitar, and you will do it justice. Congratulations, and play the dickens out of it in good health!
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Joe,
What a gorgeous guitar ! This forum certainly has an inner circle of terrific people as you noted.
There is something special about the voice of an 18" guitar - and your version of "My Romance " certainly brings out the best of this instrument .
Wishing you many hours of enjoyment - and
to Mike and Marty.
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I loved all the videos and JS guitars you have had the courtesy to demonstrate here / on Youtube but let me tell you that no other JS guitar has nailed the JS sound as much as this one does. And your playing is just wonderful, you do it so much justice! It's like hearing Johnny play, absolutely incredible. Please never let that one go. Congrats & enjoy this guitar in good health!
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Graci!
Originally Posted by lawson-stone
It's well made and the neck is good for me. It's not as shallow as my other HJS's and the HDA. Don was a big guy. He makes the Tal he plays look like a Les Paul.. thanks MG. Originally Posted by Marty Grass
Thank you buddy. Trying to match up to 2b and Archtop Heaven.. Originally Posted by Marty Grass
Thanks MG. And thanks for finding the little screws for the truss cover.. Originally Posted by Marty Grass
SS, I gots me another 18! This one is a lot different than yours. Your top is thicker. Your neck is a hair shallower. We are both happy hombre's.. Originally Posted by Stringswinger
No cigarettes! Go get a garden pizza with garlic, red onions, diced tomatos, basilico, olive oil, vinegar, salt pepper and oregano with a little mozzarella, no red sauce.. then get a bottle of Pinot Grigio. No cigarettes! Thanks Marco.
You got it buddy. Thanks. Originally Posted by M-ster
Thank you sir. The pleasure was all mine. Originally Posted by ESCC
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Joe, listen to what Drifter says.
I'm not sure this is exactly the JS tone, but it is one of them. And even if others dispute that, it sounds great- not really good, not monster- truly great as in historic.
I don't think your HJS sounds like your GJS. The HJS has more range in its tone. My point is that these guitars complement each other. It would be pointless if they were the same.
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Thanks as always Joe.
There's always a kind word from you and then there's the good stories too.
There is much to be learned by paying attention to you.
Then of course there's your playing, and here again is another wonderful example of how these instruments were meant to be played.
Nice going Joe, and thanks again for your contributions here.
Dennis
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Thou shalt not lust after thy neighbor's guitar.
guess I'm going to hell.
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There's the HJS, then there's the: 18" HJS!!
That guitar has tone as rich & smooth as melted French butter!
A hearty congratulations to you!
(I confess that I'm in love with 18" Heritage archtops). Your's sounds great!
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Great to see you fell in love with it in person, you've been waxing poetic for the right HJS with a Rose for too long. It didn't seem right to me that I had what I was sure was the perfect foil to your GJS just sitting in my closet relatively unplayed. Glad it got there in one piece and that the romance is in full bloom...
Big
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I'll meet you there! Originally Posted by TedBPhx
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Hope in Elizabeth, NJ
"From the train
it’s a city of roses
and rose keepers,
bald men in spectacles
and torn shirts.
There are miles of roses
in Elizabeth, New Jersey.
Backyard arbors
shadowed by refineries
and the turnpike,
jungles of scrap,
still brown water, and poisoned marsh.
None of this matters
to the rose keepers of Elizabeth.
From the backyards of row houses
they bring forth pink roses, yellow roses
and around a house on its own
green plot, a hedge of roses, in red and white.
Surely faith and charity
are fine, but the greatest of these
is roses."
And now...another Rose in NJ, none finer than yours bro! Congrats, you're already making some sweeet music with that rare 18" HJS!
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WOW that axe has it all ! Gorgeous tone and looks.
Mikey your heart is bigger than the Grand Canyon !
Mark, Dick Tracy has nothing on you !
Thank you both for taking care of our boy !
Trust me behind that beautiful 18' maple back is another piece of wood.
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Cool guitar. Beyond the variation in inlay/plastic/tailpiece and (in this case) increased rim depth, what are the differences between this and an acoustic Super Eagle? Shorter scale & wider nut or is there something else? Originally Posted by Marty Grass
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The Abalone on that axe is beyond beautiful. Holy Moly.
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Joe, reminds me of Bill Evans playing a ballad - His playing too was all from the heart. Beauty personified! Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
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Joe,
Simply put--a wonderful marriage of guitar and guitarist. You make that guitar sound as it should. AND, it is a superb instrument.
Heritage had it all going on with this guitar. Congratulations.
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Joe,
I hope you found the TI GB12 flats and the GB picks he sent me in the case pocket.
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Thank you c74. I certainly will! Originally Posted by citizenk74
Awwwright! Joe , you deserve this magnificent guitar, and you will do it justice. Congratulations, and play the dickens out of it in good health!
Thank you Stevie. And you very much apart of the circle. it's really cool when you get a guitar that has a history. It kinda pulls you along. An 18" guitar does things only an 18" can do. Originally Posted by QAman
Joe,
What a gorgeous guitar ! This forum certainly has an inner circle of terrific people as you noted.
There is something special about the voice of an 18" guitar - and your version of "My Romance " certainly brings out the best of this instrument .
Wishing you many hours of enjoyment - andto Mike and Marty.
Drifter, thanks for your great post. I hear what you are saying. This guitar has a special sound. I promise, I will learn it and do it more justice. Thanks buddy! Originally Posted by Drifter
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You are absolutely right MG. I've learned. The guitars I will continue to go after will bring something new to what I already have. This guitar was a slam dunk when you found it for me but I wanted it even more after I listened to the 18" HDA. It's nothing like what I had. Now it's a Keeper! Originally Posted by Marty Grass
Dennis, thank you buddy. Again, the pleasure is all mine. There some great people here. You are one of them. An absolute gentleman. Originally Posted by Dennis D
Ha! Don't worry, guitars like this are only found in heaven. Originally Posted by TedBPhx
Thank you Helios. I love seeing this passion about guitars. This instrument will never fade into the sunset. Guitars are amazing. Especially big ones. Originally Posted by helios
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Originally Posted by BigMikeinNJ
It's a piece of art. But for me, I had to connect to it. I am so glad I did. It didn't take long. Originally Posted by BigMikeinNJ
Mike, I can't thank you enough. I couldn't have done it without you Mikey.
I will try the strings, but I wanted to feel the guitar with strings I am familiar with. The puck, like I told you yesterday, they went right into the display case.
You are the best Mikey!
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Wowwwwwwwwww! It must have been made an 18 incher simply to be big enough to hold all that gorgeousness.
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Great post Vinny. I just cracked up after I figured out the last line.. very clever bro.. Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
2b, thanks buddy. I was thinking about you with the pics bro.. Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
not quite a monster, but classy. Very classy bro. Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
Thank you 2b. That is a beautiful thing you said. I mean it. Originally Posted by 2bornot2bop
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GT, thank you buddy. They really did a great job on the guitar. And it's been appreciated for 21 years. Damn I feel lucky! I wonder if Don Dean was a Johnny fan?? Originally Posted by Greentone
Ha! Even the Rose is bigger. It's a knock out! Originally Posted by tonedeaf
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Schwing! Max got a boner!
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What a beauty. Congrats!
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JD,
16 inch, 17 inch and 18 inch archtops all have a thing about them. Welcome back to the 18 inch club. We both have superb examples. I am truly happy for you bro!
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Look out baby! Originally Posted by Jabberwocky
Thanks! Originally Posted by nikotro
Listening to old clips of the 18" HDA is what made me really want another one. As it turns out, they are very different guitars. Top carve and neck. Also my JS has quite a pronounced widening on the back too. It has the deep carve at the hips too, like the Unity. It doesn't have very flamey rims either. It doesn't matter. I got a rose now! Originally Posted by Stringswinger
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Joe,
Yeah, the pictures remind me of the carve of a Unity. I wonder if the folks at Parsons Street asked Aaron Cowles to put his two cents in?
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GT, That would be cool right? Maybe Mark knows already.
what is the purpose of the thicker back and thinner hips? I want to take some pics of the inside of the guitar. See what makes it tick.
JD
Originally Posted by Greentone
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Wow! What a stunning vision.
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Originally Posted by Max405
Originally Posted by Max405
I do not understand what this means. Please explain.Last edited by Hammertone; 09-16-2017 at 12:39 PM.
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The fitment of a form fitting dress of course. Originally Posted by Max405
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The back is thicker than the front. More carved at the edges, especially in the hips. Guitar Thickness at the rim, 3-3/8 and the middle I'd have to guess 3-3/4?? Originally Posted by Hammertone
i love the shape. Joe D
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wow wasn't expecting that!! slippin an hjs in!! haha...congrats
lovely tone/performance (per usual)..very clear articulate sound..love it
enjoy Joe D
cheers
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Bowl carve.
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Thanks Neatomic. It's nice having this guitar, I gotta tell ya. Originally Posted by neatomic
Thank you MG. Originally Posted by Marty Grass
Do you know why they do that? One thing I am noticing. This guitar is certainly deeper than all my others. It's not just the volume. It's the way it produces notes. Like a D note - A string, 5th fret sounds like an octave (with a drop D). But just like a Vinny said, it's an older Cadillac. It has a nice ride.
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There ain't nuthin' like an 18. Hey baby, I'm bringin' home a Rose honey! Originally Posted by Max405
Joe, would you be comfy playin' an 18 that's 3 7/8" at the rims?
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Yes this guitar is becoming special me.
My playing on it kinda sucks because I've yet to find the range on it yet. But when I do, I will take advantage of the sounds it makes.
I was telling Vinny earlier. This guitar has fingerstyle built into it. It's the only way Don Dean played it for 18 years and he left something in there. I'm learning Joe Pass White Christmas in particular. Now all of a sudden I'm playing fingerstyle. I never really did but now it's just happening. Just 3-4 fingers but they are automatically plucking strings.
2b, I think a bigger guitar would be too much for me. This one is my max.
JD
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yes.. (even from the one brief/hummy vid), that guitar seems to have enough tonal definition, clarity, volume and nuance that it would be great for fingerstyle use!!!
makes complete sense...
fact that the previous owner dd used it that way..well..it's in the wood
explore!!
for me - fingers...what you lose in (single line) speed, you make up for in soul & texture
cheersLast edited by neatomic; 09-16-2017 at 07:39 PM. Reason: clarity-
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All the 18s I have played have been very memorable. They are, if you will, the concert grand pianos of the guitar world. Even more than a well-made dreadnought guitar, e.g., Martin D-28 through D-45 of fine vintage, great 18" carved archtops are clear, even, authoritative, and exhibit a bass-to-treble timbre that the 16"-17" guitars just don't match.
Although the "18s" were originally carved to produce big volume to anchor big bands, they really excel in the George Van Eps/Johnny Smith solo guitar music arena.
You can see and hear this in Joe's clip, IMO.
If you ever get to play a D'Angelico, a vintage acoustic Super-400, an Epiphone Emperor, etc., you will "get it." This won't necessarily erase from your minds what it is that makes a 16" Gibson L-5 from the 20s so spectacular, or what makes a great acoustic 17" carved archtop just right. It will, however, let you know that--just as there exists a Stienway Model D, or a Bosendorfer Imperial Grand to push out the big repertoire--there exist big guitars to effortlessly ring out the authoritative bass along with the pure mids and trebles. It's a clear, dry, airy sound that says "this is quality."
Joe, do enjoy your 18" HJS.
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It's a SpinalTap moment Joe, another 11 on the cool scale. And talk about big bottoms, between the 18 size and low end tone this baby's got em.
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I can't believe you never played FS before. It's 90% of what I play. I can't wait to hear more. That guitar has an exceptional range. And finess...One can clearly hear that in your trial clip. Originally Posted by Max405
Joe, I couldn't be more happy you're now the owner of this really unique 1 off of a HJS!
After owning so many 18" SE's I've always wanted to own an acoustic Super 400. I came close to buying one w/a D1100 for $7k. Still, I'm hearing that Joe's specific 18 is very special. I'm guessing its larger 18" size, 3 3/8" depth, with a thicker back, would balance out any brightness of a thinner top. Originally Posted by Greentone
It was brightness and lack of bass that caused me to sell a unique 17" HJS - w/a rose.
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