Testimonials
DUKE ROBILLARD
My new archtop guitar built by James Murphy is absolutely everything I could possibly want in an archtop guitar. James went over every detail with me all along the way while building it and it is a work of art as well as an amazing sounding and playing guitar. The neck, patterned after a 1940s Epiphone neck, is the essence of playing ease with it's soft V shape. It's tone is warm and full with the right amount of highs to cut as an acoustic archtop guitar needs to. It is the ultimate combination of Classic old school vintage and contemporary sleek design. Truly the best of both worlds and the only archtop I really will ever need. It's the guitar I've dreamed about but never found until now. Now fitted with a 60s DeArmond model 1100 rhythm chief it is the most pure sounding archtop I have ever owned. And I've owned a LOT of archtops including Strombergs and DeAngelicos!
The 18" model is a stroke of genius. It seems to me the walnut gives the guitar its strong projection like an Epiphone Emperor but the cedar top sweetens it so much it has a combination of power, volume, and warm tone you rarely hear from an archtop. I swear I NEVER heard an archtop sound like this guitar. It really is the ultimate guitar. Congratulations on another fabulous instrument! Now I don't want to overshadow how wonderfull my Murphy17" on-cutaway plays and sounds because that is the epitome of a classic non-cut 17" guitar. As for my 16" cutaway guitar, that little baby is as sweet as a16" can be! I took a chance and put a p-90 pickup in it requiring a hole be cut in the top. Amazingly the guitar didn't lose any of its superb acoustic tone which is incredible. James, you are the man and belong amongst the all-time great guitar builders in my opinion.
GREG NAGY
I've played more guitars than I can remember and I've owned some classics, but never before have I played and owned a guitar that covers all the bases so much beyond beautifully. My J.W. Murphy guitar gets compliments for its appearance and sound not just from musicians but also from non-musicians. And it's playability is simply like butter. It's a brilliant handmade instrument from a true master. It's one of those guitars that you just can't put down.
BILL
Simply put, I love the guitar. It has completely cured me of the guitar jealousy I use to feel every time I'd go into a store!
STEVE
I just wanted you to know the guitar arrived and it is great. Tone for miles, easy to play and beautiful to look at. We have been putting it thru the paces and it is opening up nicely.
ROGER
It is stunning! As beautiful as it gets. That guitar should be in a show. Any self-respecting guitar guy couldn't help but be envious.
JIM STEWART
I purchased a Murphy Guitar about two years ago and the sound playability and quality workmanship is amazing! I really enjoy playing and creating with the guitar. Thank you Jim for creating such a beautiful instrument for me!
My new archtop guitar built by James Murphy is absolutely everything I could possibly want in an archtop guitar. James went over every detail with me all along the way while building it and it is a work of art as well as an amazing sounding and playing guitar. The neck, patterned after a 1940s Epiphone neck, is the essence of playing ease with it's soft V shape. It's tone is warm and full with the right amount of highs to cut as an acoustic archtop guitar needs to. It is the ultimate combination of Classic old school vintage and contemporary sleek design. Truly the best of both worlds and the only archtop I really will ever need. It's the guitar I've dreamed about but never found until now. Now fitted with a 60s DeArmond model 1100 rhythm chief it is the most pure sounding archtop I have ever owned. And I've owned a LOT of archtops including Strombergs and DeAngelicos!
The 18" model is a stroke of genius. It seems to me the walnut gives the guitar its strong projection like an Epiphone Emperor but the cedar top sweetens it so much it has a combination of power, volume, and warm tone you rarely hear from an archtop. I swear I NEVER heard an archtop sound like this guitar. It really is the ultimate guitar. Congratulations on another fabulous instrument! Now I don't want to overshadow how wonderfull my Murphy17" on-cutaway plays and sounds because that is the epitome of a classic non-cut 17" guitar. As for my 16" cutaway guitar, that little baby is as sweet as a16" can be! I took a chance and put a p-90 pickup in it requiring a hole be cut in the top. Amazingly the guitar didn't lose any of its superb acoustic tone which is incredible. James, you are the man and belong amongst the all-time great guitar builders in my opinion.
GREG NAGY
I've played more guitars than I can remember and I've owned some classics, but never before have I played and owned a guitar that covers all the bases so much beyond beautifully. My J.W. Murphy guitar gets compliments for its appearance and sound not just from musicians but also from non-musicians. And it's playability is simply like butter. It's a brilliant handmade instrument from a true master. It's one of those guitars that you just can't put down.
BILL
Simply put, I love the guitar. It has completely cured me of the guitar jealousy I use to feel every time I'd go into a store!
STEVE
I just wanted you to know the guitar arrived and it is great. Tone for miles, easy to play and beautiful to look at. We have been putting it thru the paces and it is opening up nicely.
ROGER
It is stunning! As beautiful as it gets. That guitar should be in a show. Any self-respecting guitar guy couldn't help but be envious.
JIM STEWART
I purchased a Murphy Guitar about two years ago and the sound playability and quality workmanship is amazing! I really enjoy playing and creating with the guitar. Thank you Jim for creating such a beautiful instrument for me!