For sale is my 2020 Brian Applegate SJ, serial #193, featuring a rare Tunnel 14 Redwood top paired with absolutely stunning Macassar Ebony back and sides.

I originally purchased this exact guitar through Dream Guitars, where it was previously listed and professionally photographed/demoed. The guitar remains in the same condition as when I purchased it from Dream Guitars, with the only change being the addition of an LR Baggs HiFi Duet pickup system, professionally installed and making the guitar equally at home on stage or in the studio.

This is an exceptional example of Brian Applegate’s work. The SJ body has a big, rich voice while retaining the balance, clarity and responsiveness that make these guitars particularly impressive for fingerstyle playing. The Tunnel 14 Redwood top has a deep, mature character, while the Macassar Ebony contributes excellent definition, sustain and note separation. It can handle a light touch beautifully but has plenty of power available when pushed.

The guitar also has a Florentine cutaway for easy upper-fret access and an extremely comfortable, smooth-playing neck and setup.

Specifications

• Builder: Brian Applegate
• Model: SJ
• Year: 2020
• Serial Number: 193
• Top: Tunnel 14 Redwood
• Back & Sides: Macassar Ebony
• Neck: 5-piece Mahogany
• Neck Profile: C
• Fingerboard: Ebony
• Bridge: Ebony
• Bindings: Rosewood
• Rosette: Interlocking design
• Fret Markers: Abalone
• Frets: EVO
• Cutaway: Florentine
• Tuners: Gotoh 510, Gold with Ebony buttons
• Scale Length: 25.4"
• Nut Width: 1.75"
• String Spacing: 2.25"
• Lower Bout: 15.5"
• Body Depth: 3.75" at heel / 4.5" at tail
• Finish: Gloss
• Pickup: LR Baggs HiFi Duet
• Case: Custom Ameritage hardshell case

One of the especially interesting aspects of this guitar is the Tunnel 14 Redwood. This material comes from old-growth redwood timbers associated with the historic railroad tunnels adjacent to the better-known Tunnel 13 material. It makes this particular Applegate both visually and tonally distinctive.

Dream Guitars described Applegate’s instruments as having some similarities to Jim Olson’s work while possessing Brian’s own modern, balanced voice, and I think that is a good description of this guitar. It is a serious high-end, handmade instrument with exceptional materials and craftsmanship.

The LR Baggs HiFi Duet is a significant upgrade from the guitar’s original purely acoustic configuration, combining the HiFi bridge-plate sensors with an internal microphone for a much more natural and dimensional amplified acoustic sound.

Includes the custom Ameritage hardshell case shown with the guitar.

Selling only as part of thinning out my collection. This is a special Applegate and an unusually beautiful combination of Macassar Ebony and Tunnel 14 Redwood.