I love guitars that try and extend the boundaries of guitar design and shape, yet retain some traditional elements. It’s a sign of vision for the future with respect for the past. Joseph Jesselli is such a luthier. Jesselli was the only in-studio apprentice to Jimmy D’Aquisto, the Huntington, NY luthier famous for elite arch-top type guitars popular among jazz musicians. This puts him in rarefied air territory.
Jesselli’s Modernaire design combines new ideas with classic aesthetics of Art Deco and Art Nouveau. Two-tone bodies with both wood and metal accents exemplify modern guitar making with old world design. Note the attention to detail to almost every component: the body carvings, headstock, fretboard, tuners, metal shapes, pickup rings, bridge, knobs, and elaborate tailpiece — which appears to be anchored into the body. Nothing is left untouched. This is superb guitar making at its best.
