Well, the new APJC1 Case guitar is ready. It's a gem and features two Andreas Kloppmann vintage, transparent and dynamic sounding, PAF style pick-ups with the Andy Powell 'beef' spec on the bridge pick up. The trem has been modded with the Easy Mute trem arm (easy access for muting plus absolutely no trem wobble). The finish is nitro cellulose - warm and cosy to the touch and eye. The top is an awesome piece of quilted maple. Back and neck Honduras mahogany. The nut is graphite. Tuners: Sperzel locking. Frets: Dunlop 6000 and fingerboard ebony. The piezzo system is L.R. Baggs and the truss rod is a two way adjustment.

This guitar is a beautiful looker - almost feminine in shape. Jon, who is a designer by profession, first of drew the Les Paul influenced shape by hand. It's off set which gives it this fluid look. He then tried to replicate it's shape on the computer but it didn't work so the original lines are what he stayed with. To my eyes and after wearing the guitar on my shoulder, it feels amazing. The neck joint runs through the chambered body - I forgot to mention that crucial design element.

I think he could be on to a winner here. It's tough to update these classic styles but I believe Jon has pulled it off. We see this working in car designs these days, but it takes real confidence to do this with guitars and to actually pull it off.

Whilst this instrument will not replace my treasured Chilcott Warrior Flying V, U.K. fans will be able to see and hear it in action during the upcoming October tour. It makes me very proud to be able to feature these superbly hand made British instruments in the band.

Thanks Jon!

AP