JC Baxendale is an independent luthier based in Durango, Colorado, whose guitars draw heavily from the iconic American instruments of the 1930s while incorporating his own approach to construction and voicing. While some of his dealers use the Martin model designation, we prefer to refer to this 2022 build as a Custom Dreadnought—a more fitting description for a guitar crafted by Baxendale with the familiar proportions and vintage-inspired appointments of the classic American dreadnought. This Custom Dreadnought was the ninth dreadnought to leave Baxendale's shop, and it was built as a custom order for its original owner, who hand-selected the wood sets.
The foundation is a beautiful set of Honduran Rosewood paired with an Adirondack Spruce top, with hide glue construction and Baxendale's prewar-inspired, hand-scalloped bracing inside. The extra-thin nitrocellulose lacquer finish, herringbone purfling, tortoise-style pickguard, ebony bridge and fingerboard, and Diamonds and Squares inlay give the guitar a distinct prewar character, while the mahogany neck incorporates a 1930s-appropriate profile with a hand-carved volute and modern truss rod. The combination of traditional materials, construction techniques, and Baxendale's meticulous attention to detail makes this a particularly compelling dreadnought. This guitar exhibits a high level of artistry—a work of art in its own right, this rosewood dreadnought is a finely crafted tool to create and inspire.
Tonally, this dreadnought packs a big sound with a quick, focused response and deep fundamentals. The Adirondack top gives it plenty of headroom when digging in, while the Honduran Rosewood contributes rich harmonic character that isn't overpowering. When you dig in, there's a bit of growl through the midrange, and there's plenty of cut in a band setting. True to the prewar herringbone reputation, this Baxendale is equally comfortable played softly, where the string response remains immediate and articulate. Push it harder, and the projection and dynamic range make this an excellent flatpicker's guitar. The 1 3/4" nut and 2 3/8" string spacing at the saddle give it a familiar, comfortable setup for a traditional dreadnought.
This 2022 JC Baxendale Custom Dreadnought shows some wear and signs of use, especially around the soundhole and along the edges of the headstock. The top shows some pickwear and worming in various places, and there's a notable sign of wear worth mentioning on the treble side. The previous owner installed a K&K Pure Mini and an ivoroid Waverly strap button on the heel. Includes the original TKL hardshell case. For anyone looking for the sound and feel of a vintage-inspired herringbone, Baxendale feels familiar, but distinctly individual—a combination of traditional design, old-school construction, and excellent materials, delivered with the artisanal approach of a one-man independent builder.