J&D AG-10 Hollowbody - cheap but plays beautifully

[j4zz]

A very cheap hollowbody guitar. Spruce top, mahogany neck, back and sides, rosewood fingerboard.



I found one secondhand. It was the non-electric version with no cut-away (looking like an old Gibson or something?) I picked it up and tried it in the store, and was immediate impressed with the playability and feel of it, so I purchased it.

The other Jazz guitars I have include a Washburn ES-175 copy, and an Epiphone Sheraton ES-335. Despite this I still often play this J&D cheapie (love the low action and feel of the neck) so, now I have decided to try to make it as good as I can.

• I added a gold-coloured neck pickup (a little humbucker that straps to the sides of the neck ).
• I made a wooden pickguard, stained dark brown, and it is mounted with double sided tape until I decide it will be permanent.
• I changed the strings to nickel wound 11-52 gauge. It still sounded a little twangy, so
• I changed the bridge to a simple rosewood one, instead of the metal bridge it came with. Sounds nicer now to my ears.

Playing it through an amp, I am getting some extremely pleasing sounds, well IMHO anyway.

Any suggestions on things to improve it?

I am thinking of trying half-round or flatwound strings. Not sure I want to go to 12 gauge on this little fella. It had 10s on it originally, and 11s feel OK (I am just getting used to them yet I think) I am also thinking of a black or wooden trapeze to complete the general look of it now. (no chrome)

[j4zz]

Progress so far. Wiring for the pickup is temporarily hooked to try it.

[citizenk74]

A very cheap hollowbody guitar. Spruce top, mahogany neck, back and sides, rosewood fingerboard.



I found one secondhand. It was the non-electric version with no cut-away (looking like an old Gibson or something?) I picked it up and tried it in the store, and was immediate impressed with the playability and feel of it, so I purchased it.

The other Jazz guitars I have include a Washburn ES-175 copy, and an Epiphone Sheraton ES-335. Despite this I still often play this J&D cheapie (love the low action and feel of the neck) so, now I have decided to try to make it as good as I can.

• I added a gold-coloured neck pickup (a little humbucker that straps to the sides of the neck ).
• I made a wooden pickguard, stained dark brown, and it is mounted with double sided tape until I decide it will be permanent.
• I changed the strings to nickel wound 11-52 gauge. It still sounded a little twangy, so
• I changed the bridge to a simple rosewood one, instead of the metal bridge it came with. Sounds nicer now to my ears.

Playing it through an amp, I am getting some extremely pleasing sounds, well IMHO anyway.

Any suggestions on things to improve it?

I am thinking of trying half-round or flatwound strings. Not sure I want to go to 12 gauge on this little fella. It had 10s on it originally, and 11s feel OK (I am just getting used to them yet I think) I am also thinking of a black or wooden trapeze to complete the general look of it now. (no chrome)

[j4zz]

Volume and Tone Controls added. Now to figure out how to hide the ground wire

[sgosnell]

The ground wire is usually run inside the guitar and out through the end block, connecting underneath the tailpiece. No need for solder, just strip the insulation off the end, allowing plenty of contact. A thinner wire will make life easier. You will probably have to drill a hole for the wire, and will need a rather long drill bit, which can be difficult to find in the thin diameter usually used. It's possible, though. Having the output jack in the top is not usual, standard is either in the side or the end block, but with great care it can work in the top. With a straight plug there will be lots of strain on the top, so be careful.

[j4zz]

The ground wire is usually run inside the guitar and out through the end block, connecting underneath the tailpiece. No need for solder, just strip the insulation off the end, allowing plenty of contact. A thinner wire will make life easier. You will probably have to drill a hole for the wire, and will need a rather long drill bit, which can be difficult to find in the thin diameter usually used. It's possible, though. Having the output jack in the top is not usual, standard is either in the side or the end block, but with great care it can work in the top. With a straight plug there will be lots of strain on the top, so be careful.

Yes I have been thinking about it, and coming out of the end block under the tailpiece seems like the best that can be done. Thanks.

[j4zz]

Still working on it. I removed the tailpiece and drilled underneath through the heel. Used an old string as a draw-wire and pulled the ground wire out. Stripped the insulation, and it now sits hidden under the replaced tailpiece.



I have also ordered a new tailpiece, and meanwhile fixed the old one (as per my separate question in another post).
I think this will look good on it.

[j4zz]

New trapeze fitted. I really think it looks much better.

Getting close now. Just awaiting a new rosewood bridge.

[Steadfastly]

Wow, I think you have done a really nice job on that.

[j4zz]

Wow, I think you have done a really nice job on that.

Hey thanks. I am very happy with it so far. It is even sounding good, although the new bridge should improve that. The old one I am using is from another guitar and has been lowered by removing a lot of material, so I have it sitting on wood blocks (you can just see them it the picture). When I get the new one, I will shape it to the curve of the arch, and should get better transmission of string vibrations to the guitar top.

After that I will permanently attach the pickguard and that will be it I think. I might go up to 12 gauge strings - currently it has 11s on it.

[PaulHintz]

If it sounds as good as you’ve made it look that is one fine guitar. How about an audio sample?

[j4zz]

If it sounds as good as you’ve made it look that is one fine guitar. How about an audio sample?

I will work up the courage. I am amazed by the skill of some of the guys around here. I guess I could play something simple. How do you attach an audio clip here?

Thanks for compliment on it's looks.

[j4zz]

A quick sample sample.mp3

[j4zz]

New bridge, and new strings. I have put on a set of Elixir nanoweb 12-52. What a huge difference, big acoustic sound difference.

[KirkP]

… Having the output jack in the top is not usual, standard is either in the side or the end block, but with great care it can work in the top. With a straight plug there will be lots of strain on the top, so be careful.

I think right angle plug would reduce the leverage on the top.

[sgosnell]

Agreed. A right-angle plug makes a big difference, wherever the jack is located.

[j4zz]

I was just watching some youtube and realised how similar to a Gretsch New Yorker, this little J&D guitar is