Peavey JF1EX semi archtop sunburst.Maple multi-laminate body with transparent cherry finish
Hard rock-maple neck
Rosewood fretboard
24 and 3/4-inch scale
22 frets
Two Peavey USA designed humbucking pickups
Two tone and two volume controls (independent set for each pickup)
Three-way pickup selection switch (bridge pickup, neck pickup, or both)
Tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece
Gold-plated hardware
Custom Bow-tie inlay
Die-cast machine heads with tulip buttons
Dual adjustable torsion rod
Weight: 8 lbs (3.628 kg)
Peavey’s marketing literature touts the new JF-1 EX guitar as “an archtop hollowbody designed for jazz/fusion musicians seeking superior playing comfort and easy access to the upper register of the fretboard.” In our tests, we found the guitar to be much more. Yes, the new neck design is very comfortable and easy to play at all positions. We also felt it achieves the perfect compromise between the wide, flat feeling that many jazz chord players like, and the narrow, rounded feeling that’s popular among many rock lead players. That was our first hint at the JF-1 EX’s multi-purpose nature.
For our first test, we played a couple of quiet jazz pieces through our Peavey Envoy 110 practice amp. With the JF-1 EX’s two (very quiet) humbuckers with individual volume and tone controls, we were quickly able to achieve that smooth, silky, classic jazz tone. “Great,” we thought, “nice guitar for jazz, just as advertised.” Just for grins, we cranked up the amp’s overdrive and got quite a surprise. The JF-1 EX screamed bloody murder on a couple of all-out, raunchy rock songs, producing an entirely different tone that was definitely NOT jazz!
In a Nutshell: Peavey may have underestimated the wide potential of the JF-1 EX. If your music tastes and playing styles range from George Benson to Ted Nugent, you’ll be happy to know that this guitar can handle both extremes, and lots more in between.
*sold *
