If it’s good enough for Partisans front man Phil Robson, we thought we ought to have a look at this handbuilt, luthier made instrument. The only difference: our sample had standard Bare Knuckle Manhattan P90 pickups – Robson’s has Bare Knuckle ‘Mules’. The first thing that strikes you about the J3 is not only the exquisite finishing, but just how beautifully balanced the instrument is – the weight distribution is remarkably even. The body is made up of a Maple/Mahogany centre block with hand carved spruce in-fills, which is then covered by laminated quilted maple back, sides and top. The bottom bout is just over 15 inches wide, while the rims come out at a slim 1.85 inches. The one-piece Brazilian Mahogany neck is fitted with a rosewood fingerboard, mother-of-pearl “wing” position markers and 24 medium/fat frets. To the body there is a Gotoh tune-o-matic bridge and stop tailpiece, while the Manhattan P90 pairing is controlled by a 3-way switch and solid brass Case designed bell knob master tone and volume controls, each fitted with a rubber grip ring. Playing a few chords acoustically on the J3 gives some indication of this instrument’s capabilities.

 Go to www.caseguitars.co.uk