Jazz Options and Upgrades
Options and Upgrades For Harrison Jazz Guitars
Harrison Classic Jazz and Neo Jazz guitars include several no-charge options, and can be upgraded at additional cost. Options and popular upgrades are detailed below. Additional customization can be provided upon request.
Shortcuts
Floating Humbucker
Upgrade
The floating humbucker upgrade adds a Kent Armstrong or Bartolini 5J floating humbucking pickup.
A floating pickup — which is attached to the fretboard — won't interfere with or change the vibration pattern of the guitar top. Controls are mounted on the pickguard for the same reason.
Highly Flamed Maple
Upgrade
All woods used are carefully selected from specialty wood sources, and are then left to air dry for a minimum of one year in the controlled shop environment.
Necks are made with quarter sawn maple, which results in a stiffer neck and reduces seasonal movement, and use 2- or 3-piece lamination to enhance stability. The neck shape and width are adjusted to accommodate the player’s preferences.
This upgrade replaces the standard figured maple back, sides, and neck with highly flamed maple from our stock.
.
18" Body Width
Upgrade
Inspired by the Gibson Super 400 archtop guitar series, Harrison 18" Jazz guitars are louder, and yield a deeper low end.
.
Standard Tops
Options
Harrison Jazz guitars feature a hand-carved spruce top. We offer Engleman Spruce, which is very pale with little grain, and Sitka Spruce, which more golden with a slight grain. Both are aged in our workshop.
There is no additional charge for either options.
2" Body Depth
Option
Inspired by the Gibson L-5 George Gobel model, the Harrison 2" Jazz body has a more ergonomic profile than the standard 3" depth, and the reduced low end response also reduces low end feedback.
There is no additional charge for this option.
Tonewoods
Options
Fretboards, pickguards, bridges, tailpieces, and control knobs (if needed) are made from carefully seasoned woods, typically African or Macassar Ebony, or East Indian Rosewood. The peghead can also be faced with matching wood.
Other exotic species are often available; for example, Mun Ebony, Pau Ferro, Brazilian Rosewood, or Cocobolo. Please enquire.
Shaded or Sunburst Finish
Upgrade
A shaded finish, such as hand-rubbed amber, or a sunburst finish can often compliment the inherent beauty of wood. Please check out guitar finishes in our image gallery or contact to discuss options.
.
Ivoroid Binding
Option
Ivoroid is a vintage white or cream coloured celluloid nitrate binding that we've used extensively in the past. For structural and aesthetic reasons, we have been using wood bindings almost exclusively since 2012. Ivoroid Binding may have limited availability. Please enquire.
Abalone Perfling
Upgrade
Abalone is a richly colored sea shell that, when polished, makes beautiful inlays and trim. Subject to availability. Please enquire.
Pearl Block Inlays
Upgrade
While fretboard dot inlays are standard — albeit optional — on Harrison Jazz guitars, more elaborate block or split-block inlays are also available. Please enquire.
.
Control Knobs
Options
Volume and tone control knobs as required, mounted on the pickguard to preserve the vibration pattern of the guitar top.
Alternatively, Stealth controls can be installed behind the pickguard or within the treble side sound hole.
There is no additional charge for control knobs when thea floating humbucker upgrade is selected.
Pickguard
Options
A pickguard is standard on Harrison Jazz guitars. It match the wood used for the fretboard and other fittings, and can be bound or unbound.
There is no additional charge for a pickguard.
Tailpiece
Options
A hand-carved tailpiece is standard on Harrison Jazz guitars. It typically matches the wood used for the fretboard and pickguard.
There is no additional charge for the tailpiece.
Multi-Port
Upgrade
Archtop guitars project their sound forward. The multi-port acts as a monitor, projecting sound toward the guitarist. It is available with seven openings, or with three larger openings.
.
Laskin-Style Armrest
Upgrade
Based on a design by luthier Grit Laskin, the armrest eliminates the sharp edge on the upper bout of the guitar, and makes it more comfortable to play during long sessions.
.