PJE Legacy Neptune - Cutaway Electro - Khaya Mahogany

The importance of body shape:

This Legacy model is a ‘Neptune’ which is based upon Patrick Eggle's historic ‘Saluda’ shape, which we have used extensively for its remarkable bass response and powerful character. This 'Baby-Jumbo' instrument measures 16" across the lower bout which - unlike a full-on 'Jumbo' - means that it remains manageable for most players yet is noticeably bigger in both tone and volume than the Earth or Venus shapes. 

What is Torrefied Wood?

Complementing the elegant design, a process of torrefaction or torrefication has been used to age the Sitka Spruce tops of these guitars. This Canadian Spruce is air dried to minimise moisture content before being ‘roasted’ in a kiln with precise controls over atmospheric conditions and oxygen levels, removing nearly all of the natural moisture. After this drying process however, as it cools, the wood has a controlled level of moisture re-introduced to its environment which then re-humidifies the wood to an exact, ideal level. This resulting ‘torrefied’ tonewood is not only enriched with a deeper colouration, but it is more stable thanks to a change in the cellular fibres of the wood.

When wood is ‘young’ and recently sawn, at a microscopic level, the wood fibres are positioned somewhat irregularly, but over years of playing, gradually the fibres vibrate themselves into a steady state where they find a final resting position. At that point, the tonewood will sound its best, which explains why older guitars can so often have ‘that’ sound. And this is the secret of torrefaction. The precise drying and re-hydration process causes the fibres to settle into a steadier state very quickly, allowing the tonewood to ‘age’ rapidly, producing an even better tone much more quickly.

Which Tonewoods are used and Why?

When pairing this aged, caramel-hued, torrefied Spruce with the elegance and premium structural properties of African Mahogany, the tone produced is warm yet articulate with a mature voicing, reminiscent of a guitar already 20 years into its journey. 

How does it all come together?

The Premium Top and Back woods are complemented by highly figured Flamed Maple binding; a Figured Ebony fingerboard, bridge and headplate; plus genuine unbleached bone nuts, saddles, and bridge pins for incredible resonant transfer. Each guitar also has a 1mm thick figured Ebony pickguard which will help protect your beautiful instrument as well as complete the classic appearance.

The Electronics:

Faith Legacy models are fitted with Fishman's FLEX-T-BLEND preamp system which features an undersaddle piezo pickup and condenser microphone located just inside the soundhole. By combining these two pickups types, a greater sound balance is achieved, plus percussive techniques can be fully explored as the body sound can be more easily ‘dialed-in’ when required. The preamp features 3 ultra-discreet knobs integrated into the side of the guitar; a built in tuner with a discreet screen; an EQ contour control; a pickup blend control (Piezo/Mic); and a phase control to control feedback. The battery is stored in a special bag located inside the guitar fixed to the neck block, and the jack output is combined with the strap button at the base.

The Case:

Your new Faith Legacy is complete with an ABS moulded hardcase with plush interior. We always recommend that you keep your guitar in its hardcase whenever not in use.