Kimble Style J (2025)

While his history and experience as a mandolin luthier stretches back over 20 years, Will Kimble's instruments have seen a serious explosion in popularity and reputation over the last few years, and we practically jumped at the opportunity to represent this gorgeous Style J, built just last year. Taking inspiration from classic early 20th century two-point designs by Lyon & Healy and D'Angelico, the Style J thinks a bit outside the box with a design that may be informed by the history of vintage mandolins, but isn't hampered by the legacy it pays homage to. Kimble utilises a tried-and-true Adirondack spruce soundboard in combination with a delicately figured sugar maple neck, back, and sides for a powerful, rich fundamental, but the Style J's unique design lend it a do-it-all tone replete with both shimmering A-style-esque highs and a surprisingly formidable chop for an eight-string without a solid maple scroll. Finished in a varnish Cremona-style sunburst with more gold and greens than Gibson-like oranges, the Style J is easy on the eyes, too. This is a premium instrument from a premium builder that will make for a truly original tool in the hands of its next owner.

This instrument arrived in our store on the upper end of excellent condition and likely has seen under 15 hours of total playing time. The only aftermarket alteration is the addition of a black strap button on the underside of the neck heel - the condition is otherwise no different from what might be seen a brand new instrument. The set up is excellent, with low, comfortable action that invites the player to move up the neck while retaining clarity and volume in the lower registers. Included in the price is the original hard-shell case, manufactured by TKL.

Specifications

Top: Adirondack spruce
Back/Sides/Neck: Sugar maple
Body Binding: Grained ivoroid
Bracing: Tone bar
Bridge: Compensated adjustable ebony
Fingerboard: Ebony
Nut: 1.09"
Neck Joint: Dovetail
Truss Rod: Two-way adjustable
Peghead Veneer: Ebony
Tuners: Nickel-plated with ebony buttons
Scale Length: 13.88"
Finish: Varnish sunburst
Tailpiece: Engraved nickel James
Case: Original hard-shell case