luthier Joshua French

[Pete]

I've been looking at the web site for luthier Joshua Alexander French. His guitars look very nice. Can anybody who has one of these or has heard one give a review?

Pete

[Section_10]

Yes I have played one of his guitars! It was in houston after purchasing a guitar he let me play his (the dealer) and it was a spruce top French, highly decorated to which I though, "Oh I know why he has this", but then I started to play it, and it was to this day the most responsive guitar i've played.(Until I bought the Nova Futura from Loprinzi) Some guitars have a boom feeling on the low E or A string due to the top being tuned to that frequency this guitar continually offered that feeling going up each string. It was pretty amazing to see. I didn't play it too long so I can't remember the rest of the sound qualities. I'm pretty sure he builds only with spruce though. Great guitar. Find his website.

[Pete]

Thanks, Section 10. Did the guitar you played have a tornavoz?

[Roberta]

I found this:

http://www.frenchguitars.com/mainindex.html

[APERTURE]

Pete,
I've been admiring the work pictured on his website for some time too. He's just a few miles from my office. I contacted him yesterday and visited with him in his workshop today. He has one guitar with tornavoz in the early french-polishing stages that he had put strings on for me to hear. He played it for me (I'm left-handed and couldn't really do much with it) and this gave me an opportunity to hear it from a variety of vantage points. I stood behind him and walked to the far end of the room. It's a really nice guitar. I don't consider myself qualified or able to describe the sound adequately, but what struck me most was the sound of the basses: strong, warm and very even yet the trebles sang through loud and clear also. He likened the tornavoz as to putting your finger over the end of a garden hose - the water still comes out, but with a greater force. I know he checks in on this forum from time to time and he might want to admonish me for mis-quoting him, but thats the way I understood it. The materials and craftsmanship are excellent. I think his current asking price ($2750?) is definitely worth every penny. He's a young guy, nice and very approachable. It's just a matter of time as his name gets out that price will rise. Email him - I'm sure he'd be happy to answer any of your questions.
Regards,
James

[Section_10]

No the one I played didn't have one, that would have been nice to hear though. Yeah I will definetly look into one even though i'm well equipped with enough guitars as it is.

[Section_10]

Pete or Aperature... have you played one since these last posts? Next time I plan a trip to Houston i'd like to check one out.

[Jubilee Valence]

Pete or Aperature... have you played one since these last posts? Next time I plan a trip to Houston i'd like to check one out......do yer'self a BIG FAVOR!!!--EDITED--............."but"................it's none o'my bid'ness...--Jubiduuuuuuuu!!

[ewok]

Next time when you make this kind of statement, please also state you reason or give an example. Thank you.
Pete or Aperature... have you played one since these last posts? Next time I plan a trip to Houston i'd like to check one out......do yer'self a BIG FAVOR!!!--EDITED--.............."but"................it's none o'my bid'ness...--Jubiduuuuuuuu!!

[APERTURE]

Pete or Aperature... have you played one since these last posts? Next time I plan a trip to Houston i'd like to check one out.

I visited with him 2 or 3 times back in March/April, but haven't spoken with him since then. I was considering commissioning a guitar from him, but -Now- is not the right time for me ($$ shortage) :cry: , so I have forced myself to stay away from there. If you are headed to Houston, email him ahead of time and get is phone# and address. Plan a visit with him while you are here.
James.

[Jubilee Valence]

Next time.............state you reason.........."me" reason?......a "po-lite" re-quest...........nawh, id'n't 'dat nice!.........in-ter-esting concept........well, pod'nah.....like "me" say once't 'afore, --"that there just really ain't none'o'my bid'ness"...see?...Now other than that there rude request, follerin' my initial'tized gut warning, I'll address any & all folks so inclined to be of such an opinion as ta' demand any sort'a proper reasonings, ta' right here & now, ignore any such never-mind from whomever; and investigate what it could possibly be that just may prove to be some sort of a motor-vatin' factoring that could produce such a profound cautionary de-vice, know'whut'I'mean? Now in THAT regards there son, I can point ya'll in the di-rection of this here website's very own handy-dandy "search de-vice" namely-KEYWORD:__________; Now with that fresh't in yer' mind, take a gander up there towards the upper left area of yer' moniterin' position, and affix them eyes'a'yor'n o'wn' th' word Keyword(in Thicker BLACK letterin's--easier ta' see--know'whut'I'mean?)--then I suppose a feller can enter in any manner of bid'ness there in the little window which I bee-lieve is sitch'uma'gated di-rectly ad-jacent to the word Keyword and logic would maybe indicate that if'er when ya'll' click the next-door there "blueish-lookin'" tab/button, then right dang now I tell ya'!--that there searchin' de-vice will begin to spin around & whir an' get ta' start tearin' through them available materials that are duly provided just for that particular goal of our administrators, and with any luck amigo-yer' "good ta' go"-"know-whut'I'mean"....git'er'done!...Jubi-dubi-du! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[brian richardson]

'sitch'uma'gated'-jubiduuuuuuuuuuu!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:
:lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

i remember it oh too well :!:

[ewok]

To Jubilee Valence:

Sorry about the typo!
I just hope that when you state your evaluation or judgement about something, the reason can be also mentioned so that I am able to learn from your valuable experience, if there really is............................... :D

By the way, your English is too advanced for an Asian like me to fully perceive its meaning. I am impressed! Where did you get your education? :roll:

Next time.............state you reason.........."me" reason?......a "po-lite" re-quest...........nawh, id'n't 'dat nice!.........in-ter-esting concept........well, pod'nah.....like "me" say once't 'afore, --"that there just really ain't none'o'my bid'ness"...see?...Now other than that there rude request, follerin' my initial'tized gut warning, I'll address any & all folks so inclined to be of such an opinion as ta' demand any sort'a proper reasonings, ta' right here & now, ignore any such never-mind from whomever; and investigate what it could possibly be that just may prove to be some sort of a motor-vatin' factoring that could produce such a profound cautionary de-vice, know'whut'I'mean? Now in THAT regards there son, I can point ya'll in the di-rection of this here website's very own handy-dandy "search de-vice" namely-KEYWORD:__________; Now with that fresh't in yer' mind, take a gander up there towards the upper left area of yer' moniterin' position, and affix them eyes'a'yor'n o'wn' th' word Keyword(in Thicker BLACK letterin's--easier ta' see--know'whut'I'mean?)--then I suppose a feller can enter in any manner of bid'ness there in the little window which I bee-lieve is sitch'uma'gated di-rectly ad-jacent to the word Keyword and logic would maybe indicate that if'er when ya'll' click the next-door there "blueish-lookin'" tab/button, then right dang now I tell ya'!--that there searchin' de-vice will begin to spin around & whir an' get ta' start tearin' through them available materials that are duly provided just for that particular goal of our administrators, and with any luck amigo-yer' "good ta' go"-"know-whut'I'mean"....git'er'done!...Jubi-dubi-du! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[NLong]

What is truely astonishing is that he has over 800 coherent jibberish posts! And more than that on other sites. I can type a solid 80wpm. But trying to be creative with jibberish - maybe 10wpm :shock:

[Jubilee Valence]

You're a good sport, there ewok! And "Welcome"! I fully understand your logic and agree with the uncompromising morals that such a view certainly reflects; In that respect I am at your service to tell you that unfortunately I was too immature at the time to accept my recommendation to the center of higher learning here in America at Quantico, Virginia, and no doubt a continuance elsewhere, but rather perhaps not, in effect, of my own choosing. Thus, I should also truthfully bestow upon you the facts that I am a "drop-out"--a so-named individual who, for one reason or another, has terminated his furtherings in the scholastic world; ---EDITED--- As I did try to implore albeit in a rather facitious manner, that it's perhaps best if I said nothing, but given the benefit of the doubt, such information is of course of the matter of opinion, as our administrators here and elsewhere will readily accede; Indeed further, one could go as far as to say that I myself have been noted in disfavor on more than one occasion, by no less than our resident female genius, "Sandra-O'my love!"......Again, your humble servent, --Jubilee Valence....."Jubi-duuuu!" :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[Jubilee Valence]

What is truely astonishing is that he has over 800 coherent jibberish posts! And more than that on other sites. I can type a solid 80wpm. But trying to be creative with jibberish - maybe 10wpm :shock:I forgot this one for awhile as I was "next door", and although that one flowed realley fast(!)--about fifteen minutes or so--they usually take an hour or two('some "4" or more! :? )-all one finger stuff!....oh well-it's a break of sorts... Hasta!--Jubiduuuuuuuuuu! :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[brian richardson]

from day one jubi's posts have
been brilliant, lucid, and sometimes just
too much for mere mortals to grasp.
some have complained but, many, many more
have cheered :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[ewok]

It seems that your experience of dealing with Joshua French isn't good. Then, why? Did he cheat you? Or his character is just the type you dislike? Or he is lacking the character of being a good businessman? If the last one is your reason. I've seen many talented musical instrument makers who have little sense of doing business, sometimes even without sense of dealing with other people. For example, I've met a flute headjoint maker who would not talk to customers before he hears them play. He just does not want to sell his handmade instruments to someone who may ruin his name. However, his flute headjoint is one of the best in the world.

And also in regards to the subject of one J.A. French--he's trash--so called due to his lack of character and what's known in America as "heart". The fortunate thing about trash, brother ewok, is that it can be swept away, as in the first instance with our dear friend Mr. French, or it can be "recycled" i.e. re-instated to a former sense of worth and value i.e. dignity. As I did try to implore albeit in a rather facitious manner, that it's perhaps best if I said nothing, but given the benefit of the doubt, such information is of course of the matter of opinion, as our administrators here and elsewhere will readily accede; Indeed further, one could go as far as to say that I myself have been noted in disfavor on more than one occasion, by no less than our resident female genius, "Sandra-O'my love!"......Again, your humble servent, --Jubilee Valence....."Jubi-duuuu!" :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

[MegaBrawn]

You're a good sport, there ewok! And "Welcome"! I fully understand your logic and agree with the uncompromising morals that such a view certainly reflects; In that respect I am at your service to tell you that unfortunately I was too immature at the time to accept my recommendation to the center of higher learning here in America at Quantico, Virginia, and no doubt a continuance elsewhere, but rather perhaps not, in effect, of my own choosing. Thus, I should also truthfully bestow upon you the facts that I am a "drop-out"--a so-named individual who, for one reason or another, has terminated his furtherings in the scholastic world;---EDITED--- As I did try to implore albeit in a rather facitious manner, that it's perhaps best if I said nothing, but given the benefit of the doubt, such information is of course of the matter of opinion, as our administrators here and elsewhere will readily accede; Indeed further, one could go as far as to say that I myself have been noted in disfavor on more than one occasion, by no less than our resident female genius, "Sandra-O'my love!"......Again, your humble servent, --Jubilee Valence....."Jubi-duuuu!" :twisted: :twisted: :twisted:

OMG. A coherent Jubi post. Hell must have frozen over! :shock:

[TheEvan]

I did the search Jubi suggested.

What came up was a very ugly thread filled with misunderstanding fueled by language differences, thin skin & sheer meanness.

Calling Joshua French "trash" is completely unwarranted. He offered knowlege, well-documented, to clear up a matter under discussion. The esteemed Granada luthier Gerhard Oldiges seconded the facts. Then everything blew to heck. Neither ever did anything but communicate factual information in a clear, reasoned manner.

His guitars look great, by the way.

[DFL]

I just read the thread in question and to me it looks like Pepe misattributed a quote about ebony for fingerboards to Torres, he was corrected by J. French and G. Oldiges (who both seem very fond and knowledgeable of Romanillos & Torres,) and then in a completely misguided attempt at valor Jubilee stormed in, made the issue personal, and started spewing invective at J.F. and G.O. for correcting Pepe. It's not the first time I've seen J.V. pick a pointless fight, and it probably won't be the last.

The end result seems to be (judging by their lack of posts since then) that this forum lost two valuable members since that particular incident, otherwise Mr. French might have responded to this post himself. Of course this assumes that value lies in quality of information and not number of posts.

I haven't heard or played either luthier's guitars, but both sound intriguing, especially if you're into the Torres/Hauser/Granada style. Mr. French also seems to have very reasonable prices - I wish I was closer to Houston to check out his guitars.

Evan - I was on Gerhard Oldiges' website yesterday as a result of this post and got the impression he was a German luthier.

[TheEvan]

DFL, I stand corrected about Oldiges. I had him confused with the one of the several Germans living & building in Granada.

My point stands, though, that he is an established & respected builder.

Jubi, I appreciate your loyalty to your friend, but it seems quite misplaced. For the life of me I don't see how you can construe anything by French/Oldiges as a flame. Correct info, shared dispassionately, does not a flame make.

Peace out, chill out.

[aarongreen]

I finally found the tread in question and have thought about what to add here. I don't know Joshua French nor I have I ever played his guitars. There is nothing I get from reading his posts though that lead me to believe that he builds trash. Quite the contrary, he seems to have done his homework and as a young builder establishing himself in the world, it looks to me like he's doing it the right way.

The enviroment of freely sharing information is largely responsible for the incredible improvements in the overall quality of work being done in the guitar world. I don't know where I would be without it. Not too long ago the norm was secrecy and isolation. Now that is the exception instead of the rule and interestingly enough, everyone is doing better for it. I think we need to remember that before we get too locked up in our beliefs and opinions. Both Mr. Oldigas and Mr. French were shedding light on the mythology that has built up around Torres and his work. This is very useful to a builder as well as anyone interested in guitars and their construction. They should be thanked for taking the time. Thanks!

Over and Out,
Aaron

[Jubilee Valence]

There is nothing I get from reading his posts though that lead me to believe that he builds trash........They should be thanked for taking the time. Thanks!

Over and Out,
Aaron1) me neither...who said he "builds" trash? 2) EVERYBODY tried that.....NOTE TO ALL BUSYBODIES AND BLEEDING HEARTS, READ IT--THAT INCLUDES THE ENTIRE THREAD--THATINCLUDES DAY & TIME STAMPS--TALK TO THE PRINCIPLES INVOLVED..."I" POSTED THAT SEARCH INFO FOR YOU TO READ IT--NOT CRY ABOUT IT--WHAT'S DONE IS DONE-IT'S THEIR PROBLEM & THEY KNOW IT--

[APERTURE]

Being (apparently) the only member here who has actually met Joshua French and sat down with him and 'talked guitar' I have to say it's a real shame that his character has been brought in to question in this way. To those of you who are interested in his guitars I can assure you he is a decent, honest fellow who is quite passionate about his work. He was very forthcoming in our discussions, answering all my questions and sharing his views on certain aspects of luthery with me. I would have no reservation in fronting him money to commission a guitar. Contact him. Talk to him on the phone, come to Houston and meet him, but please decide for yourself and ignore the slanderous nonsense that's been posted on this forum.