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New build from Jean Barault
One of the first things I got hot for since discovering Michael's wonderful site were the guitars of Jean Barault, and his ultra OG methods, his Django movie guitars, etc. I though to myself that his guitars would probably really speak to me, so after considering everything on his site, I took the plunge. I was really taken with the original Maccaferris, so I wanted a 12 fret (I skipped the resonator, although now I wish I'd gone full 1932--but that's okay). Lastly, I paid up for his vintage treatment. I opened it yesterday, bright and early, and voila!
It sounded pretty great from the git-go, but I played it like a fiend yesterday and today, and sicced a Tonerite on it the rest of the time and overnight, and it has just opened up into this huge sounding music machine. I love the feel of the 12-fret neck, and compact size. It doesn't sound like an original, but it's close enough, and I already love it for its unique tonal character, and the OG look. Dealing with Jean from Colorado had its challenges, but between our respective attempts at writing in the other's language, we got it done. The truly miraculous part was UPS getting it from Grasse to Boulder, including customs, duties, etc. in (drum roll...) two days!🤣
Comments
How is the neck? Wide?
How much were (or will be) the total costs to get it from EU (on top of Jean's price)?
and sorry for being thick headed... but what is "OG"?
thanks in advance.
Congrats on the guitar!
"Original Gangsta". Someone who's been around long enough to know a thing or two.
The neck is somewhere between a D and a C shape, very vintage feeling. It's a great feel for what I like. it's 43 mm at the zero fret, the actual nut is a bit wider.
Thanks! I was really worried about shipping snafus, with tales of international UPS packages piling up to the point of just being thrown out (!). But like I said, it went beautifully. It wasn't entirely clear what was going on with the shipping when I made the order (like maybe a split), but Jean included it. I had to pay a little duty, and UPS had some sort of fee (Total $68). It didn't hurt that Jean valued the package at 250 Euros😎. Another interesting thing is he orders the case when he finishes the guitar, and I think he then ships the guitar/case package in the case box. I mention it because it was the best guitar-shipping cardboard I've ever seen: the whole box was made of this weird sort of "honeycomb" cardboard, easily 1/2" thick. I mean, it was practically like plywood. I had to work to get that sucker out of there!
Happy New Guitar Day!
It didn't hurt that Jean valued the package at 250 Euros😎.
I recently had a guitar shipped from Europe via DHL declared at full value and the customs were killer, approx. $750. I also had a pain with some of the forms they required, Lacey in particular but luckily the shipper took care of that.
So in light of that and after reading this thread, my advice for anyone shipping from Europe, consider seeing if the builder or seller will declare under $800 value if you want to save on customs fees (or declare it as a gift); apparently, that's the $ threshold for when the major importation fees/documents are required (I also had to provide an official tax doc...not too worried about identity theft these days as everyone's info is pretty much out there but still felt sucky having to provide that to DHL). That said, I could be wrong on some of that but there's certainly different tiers to importing requirements based on value of goods.
Also, otoh, I did have complete coverage for the shipment due to full declared value so that is a valid reason to consider paying the duties...although my wallet certainly says otherwise lol
Certain states (e.g., California) will be notified by U.S. Customs of the item's value. Then that state will contact you and force you to pay a "use tax " which is basically state sales tax.
So, for California, customs might be around 9%, and California "use tax" is an additional 9% or so, all on top of shipping charges.
Nice purchase of your 12 fret guitar. Looks beautiful. The higher tension 11 gauge red strings appear to be argies and provide better sustain and tighter note definition. Congrats!
Thanks! I didn't ask for 11s, but it did occur to me that they might work well on the shorter scale. They feel good, so I'll be sticking with them for the time being