J3 Hollow

My experience with Jon Case and the Case J3 hollow body has been great from the start.

I wanted an archtop that would deliver the classic jazz sounds of the ‘60’s. (Think Joe Pass.) Not so easy to find in my experience since the demise of Gibson quality and indeed, availability.

Working with Jon, we specified my idyll. It’s a single pick up (Bare Knuckle Mule) on a 3’’deep, 16’’ wide laminate body with Gibson 24.5” scale length. Strings 12-52mm.

It’s really well made, you see, sense and feel the quality every moment you connect with this guitar. Looks are fabulous! Incorporating an ES175 style, traditional Florentine cut away with the Case brand’s contemporary asymmetrical and ergonomic design. The nod to the ES175 continues with a tobacco sunburst finish. (Jon’s first on a J3 hollow I think.)

This axe is a joy to play. Great neck, great feel, so comfortable in the hands and on the lap. Appointments and hardware all fine quality, specified with Jon’s collaborative input.

Does it deliver? Sounds superb, just as I hoped. Dial up the treble for George Benson, a bit less for Joe Pass, less still with a touch of delay for Pat Metheny. (The rest is down to you!) Turn volume down for the hollow body’s woody character to come through. I use it for practice and in small and big band jazz settings.

You don’t want to put it down, and unless the call is for something a bit more rock/fusion like, you won’t pick up another guitar for months! 

Thank you so much Jon, Joseph and family Case.

Paul