JAZZICA
La Provençale
JAZZICA
La Provençal is a fully acoustic Hofner Jazzica, finished in high-gloss Black polyester with Gold fittings. It is based on a hand made prototype for the Series 1, which I discovered in Germany in January 2006, and which has now been refurbished and re-finished. The body is smaller at 15½” lower bout than the eventual production model and has an exceptionally slender neck. It has superb acoustic characteristics and was clearly hand-made by a master luthier, probably in 1988/89. It is now in “as new” condition, except that the tone has mellowed nicely with age.
It is uniquely a fully acoustic Jazzica. Unlike all production models, there are not any holes in the body for pots, switches, etc. For modern day Jazz use, it has been fitted with a Shadow AZ floating pickup and a unique, hand carved, engraved and polished ebony pickguard which supports a single Volume Pot.
The pickguard takes its design cues from the “Moderne” tailpiece and perfect symmetry in design gives the whole guitar poise and balance. The choice of Ebony adds a sense of strength and richness whilst the engraving is enhanced by a subtle black pin-stripe. The carving & engraving of the pickguard was completed in Provence in 2006, hence the naming of this unique guitar.
La Provençale has a rich and mellow tone with a deep bass and brilliant highs, coupled with long sustain and excellent harmonics. Acoustically, it has real power. Electrically, the Shadow AZ is perfectly matched to the guitar’s natural characteristics and gives a pure jazz output.
This is very much a player’s guitar. A real Jazzica – with passion!
Alan Cramp en Provençe, 2006.