Another hand built masterpiece by Dermot McIlroy of County Antrim in Northern Ireland! Featuring an Val di Fiemme Italian Spruce soundboard and a sweet set of "Beeswing" Bubinga (African Rosewood ) for the back and sides, this guitar produces a loud and clean sound, with great sustain and note separation up and down the fretboard. It has that classic Irish 'chimey, overtoney' sound, like an Indian Rosewood but with more midrange.
The AJ is the largest of the guitars built by McIlroy. It's popular among many Irish traditional session players for its ability to compete with all the other instruments. It's also a wonderful guitar for players who like to fill a room with sound!
Specs: 1-3/4" nut width; long scale at 25-1/2"; width of 16-3/8" across the lower bout; body depth at the tail block is 4-23/32" - at the neck block it's 3-15/16". Overall body length id 20-1/16"; overall length of the guitar is 40-5/8".
Ebony binding with Maple, Pear and Rosewood purfling inlays. The rosette is Paul Abalone with Rosewood and Maple purfling. Tuners are Gotoh 510's with black L5 buttons. The headstock veneer is Ebony with Maple purfling underlay. Ebony is also used for the bridge and fretboard. Bone nut and saddle.
In a nice example of the simple yet elegant detail work that McIlroy puts into his guitars, the heel cap is Ebony with Maple and Rosewood purfling.
Be sure to check out the attached demonstration video of this guitar, courtesy of our good friend Doug Yeomans!
