Ysabel 9 String
Why You Should Try Unison Courses
This new Ysabel has 9 strings, with 3 unison courses. It’s tuned EADGGBBEE. Seger Guitars built himself a guitar with this tuning a few years ago, and other luthiers have used it as well.
I have found that when you play lead on a twelve you notice the transition between the unison courses on the high E and B strings, and the octave courses on lower strings. By using a unison course for the G, and eliminating the other octave strings, these transitions are gone. You still get the chimey natural chorus effect on the top of chords with just the unison courses. If you’ve heard the sound of an octave mandolin, you’ll know how great the doubled strings will sound. On an electric the tone is huge.
Because the doubled strings are the same gauge, you can intonate with a six saddle bridge. I’ve used a machined aluminum bridge. I’ve chosen TV Jones Super'Trons. The output and clarity are a perfect match for this guitar.
I’ve modified my normal headstock into 4x5 configuration. The Gotoh 510 minis can be spaced closer than some tuners, allowing me to keep the headstock small.
I’ve designed a custom 9 string tailpiece, and had it machined from Aluminum. A small relief cut underneath allows for easy top loading.
The body is made from Limba, and features a hand applied burst. Turqoise, orange, and yellow leather dye was used to create the vibrant green burst you see here. The dye process brings out the look of the open grain in the limba. The neck is made from some nicely seasoned true mahagony, purchased in the 1970s. Its all finished in a clean satin oil, that feels smooth and fast.
The fretboard is made from beautiful royal ebony, with turquise recon stone dots.
The knobs and jackplate are made locally by Forney Custom. High quality switchcraft and CTS components are used.
I think you will be amazed by the sound that you get playing chords and riffs on this guitar. Everything sounds like you expect with just a little more sparkle.
Reach out if your interested, Its avalible now. I’ll list it on reverb next week, but if you get in touch now it can be yours shipped in the US with a MotherMary gigbag for $1200.
Cheers,
-Justin Motander Jones
