The Novo Serus J is perfect. So why did I mod it?

I've been threatening to review my Novo Serus J for a long time. Now that I've had it for several months and used it on I don't know how many sessions, here are my thoughts. Also, as with all my reviews, I show you how I use it at work as a session player. This guitar is a total departure from the norm yet plays, sounds, and feels like a million bucks. It's rare that a twist on a few traditional designs come together to create something greater than the sum of its parts. Novo knocked it out of the park. I also modded mine. (Shrug).

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0:00 Welcome!
0:40 Playing starts (stock setup)
7:19 This guitar can lean into goldtop Les Paul territory
9:19 Cleanish neck pickup rhythm playing
11:24 Super comfortable and inspiring
12:36 Having said all that, I’m gonna mod it :)
13:23 It has KILLER sustain bone stock
14:03 My ONE PROBLEM with Jazzmasters…
16:12 Putting on the new tailpiece…
17:53 Let’s use this guitar in a track
19:41 Playing begins (new Descendant tailpiece)
25:33 Let’s add to this track…
30:38 Aren’t P90s noisy?
32:10 Concluding thoughts
34:04 Almost forgot! Bending with the new tailpiece on
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[benhart]

Hey bro I am a bedroom full time producer/player. From someone that is not going to move to Nashville this stuff is gold since I’m not around session players all the time to learn. Thanks friend and keep it coming!

[Danielrunion]

"Modern classic". Thank you for confirming what I've thought for a few years. Not many new guitars are collectable IMO, but Novo is the exception. I've had 4, and currently have two. They aren't all "special" but they are all great. The two I have I'll never ever sell. Never, ever!

[AKJordansKids]

Thank you for sharing your skills. What an amazing time we live in. Best wishes from Alaska. TJ

[johnsnyder]

Nice playing and commentary. Thank you. Also own same novo serus j pine w fralin p90s. agree: "more than the sum of the parts." "perfect without being sterile." like many, i have played for years (and years) and guitars have come/gone. very rare that one opens the genie jar and ride away on the magic carpet. the novo did that on first play, and every play since then. which is pretty unusual. so i'll be keeping it a while and see where else we ride.

[gonzalocampanellaalonso]

"It sounds great. I mean, I keep saying that but... That's because it's true" 😂😂 I want a t-shirt with that on it. Great video as always!!

[rogerhunkapillar]

Absolutely love what you are doing in an effort to help educate the community. Keep it going please.

[genie_of_the_lamp]

Great video and review!
My Serus P2 basically lives in the middle position. Sounds good neck or bridge, but there's some magic in that middle position.

[PaulSmith-zisn]

It's always such a pleasure to watch your videos, you do such an outstanding job. Thank you !!

[bluzzjazz]

I never even considered pine as an option for a guitar. Then I came across Novo, did some research and had one built to my specs. I got it 3.5 yrs. ago. Serus J in ice blue metallic w/Mastery. I had binding and block inlays added and went with Lollar mini HBs. It was a tough choice between that and P90s but I already had a guitar with p90s. It is a phenomenal guitar. I have guitars made from every wood imaginable, but the tempered pine is so resonant. Doesn't hurt that it doesn't weigh almost 12 lbs like my 79 Les Paul KM!

[GuyNarnarian]

That Geeetarrr sure is purrrtyyy too. Sounds amazing. I'm a traditionalist as well but Novo seems really solid for a smaller company. I tried a Reverend once, they are not as expensive, but I'd say they are similar at a lower price point. But, the Novo is definitely a step above when it comes to QC and probably woods, electronics., etc.

[chrisquinn]

I love mine. It’s a “do anything” guitar, but it does it in its own way. Stunningly well conceived and constructed

I realized, if you look at it, it’s an offset Rickenbacker 330. Denis is a big Rick fan

[jaygallamore]

Great video - thanks! My guitar journey has taken an interesting turn in the last year. After acquiring all the classics including three ???? which I can’t imagine ever selling, I mostly just play my ES-335 and a Tele. Occasionally I’ll switch a Les Paul into the mix. That said, after hearing you and one of your You Tube compatriots talk about how much you like your Novo Serus J I am seriously considering getting one within the next year. I’ve learned a lot and have been inspired by your channel, keep up the good work!

[brentgilbert]

I never knew how those strings behind the bridge affects the tonal output of a guitar. I need to start listening to my guitars for that! I’m also going to check all mine for the high note sustain. Boy, I learn a LOT from your videos! 👍

[BobcatOneManBand]

Being that I mainly play stratocaster and jazzmaster style guitars, I almost never use reverb in a pedal or an amp. I rely on the guitar and the room for that sound, even when playing surf music. I do enjoy a carbon copy or memory man delay pedal with a short slapback. You definitely got a unique approach to guitar and there is a lot I can learn from this channel!

[caseykittel]

14:00 yes! bought a jazzmaster and returned it after a few days. strings - especially the high strings and the trem too probably. bends suck on those babies. 100% had to decide if I wanted to do a similar mod or return it. btw those p90s sound amazing, amazing.

[fiddlefolk]

I believe Danelectro bodies are made with masonite( peg board or brown paneling) and some sort of acrylic finish.

[BadHorsie]

The Novos are great. I also like the Rivolta production series also. Very well made and sound great.

[TheFeelButton]

Perfection can always be improved upon! Cheers Justin!!

[tonygann]

I have a Miris P2, best guitar I have ever owned in over 40 years. Great video, appreciate all the insights.

[heres_johnny]

I love all my guitars but I grab my Serus so much lately and love it. My new Novo Idris just shipped and can not wait to play it. Thanks so much Justin, love your channel man.