"My guitars are rooted in traditional, handcrafted designs, materials and construction. Each instrument is unique, thoughtfully created to maximize the beauty and tonal character of the wood. I use only the finest, hand-selected materials and have collected a large range of aged and heirloom tonewoods."

Based in Minnesota, Brian Applegate combines traditional handcrafting methods and attention to detail with modern technology to deliver beautifully inspired modern acoustic guitars. This 2005 14-fret SJ combines a 15" lower bout with a deeper 4.5" body, making for a comfortably mid-sized guitar with a satisfying extra boost of bass and volume. The redwood top has exceptional chatoyancy, an effect perfectly complemented by the tightly rippled figuring of the walnut and the extravagant abalone inlay on the fretboard. As stunning as it is visually, that only matters because it sounds exactly as good as it looks—maybe better! We love walnut and redwood for fingerstyle. The combination of walnut's warmth with the sparkle and clarity of redwood results in a voice that has a satisfying attack, an immediate response, and a modest sustain that never gets muddy.

If we didn't know any better, we'd assume this was a much more recently built guitar than 2005. The condition is excellent with no issues to note, and it comes in a tweed hardshell case.