I have finally gotten the Jr. Grande complete with a LR Baggs Lyric Microphone pick up and nestled into a custom fitted hardshell case. The idea of putting a longer neck on the Terz body went out the window with the longer scale length because part of that Terz punch is due to the short scale and increased string tension. Also the body is a bit larger equating to a 14% increase in the air chamber. The result is more standard dreadnought sound until you move up the neck. There the higher pitch of the string begins to work with the small body and the tone and drive increase.
The initial plan included some type of pickup which I didn’t decide on until after the guitar was finished. In the end I chose the “Lyric” pick up simply because of it’s mic technology and the hope that it produces a more authentic acoustic sound as opposed to an under-saddle or magnetic field type which typically sound like an electric guitar. The install was fairly easy and you’ll notice that I did not incorporate the jack into the endpin hole. This another suggestion from my friend Neal Crowley, which I totally agree with. I’ve tested it and adjusted the ‘presence’ control for optimal sound and am well pleased with the result. In my opinion an acoustic instrument should always be mic’d, especially in the studio, however that isn’t always possible onstage so this is a great alternative.
Overall this is a sweet little guitar, it has a clear even tone, a great pickup to utilize, and it also looks cool! See it on the website at hamjonesguitars.com
