Handcrafted acoustic guitars

 Owning a Jacobs Lutherie, hand-built and custom-made guitar is an overwhelming privilege in every aspect of the experience. My Brandi was no exeption. From the first moment you open the case. The smell of the wood and finish. The marvel of the flawless master craftsmanship. The feel of unparalleled attention to detail and solid build quality in your hands. The crowning moment of the first sweep across her strings. Jacobs Guitars are the finest hand-made, and more importantly, best sounding guitars available today. Point. Period. 

Donovan Honeyborne: Singer/songwriter: Feed the Wolf / Bright Lights Big City

 My Jacobs Lutherie acoustic Amber is absolutely unique in every way, and it feels like our union was destiny/fate. We are a perfect fit. From her beautiful looks, you get drawn deeper. Each day I discover more about just how complex the tone, the voice, the playability and personality is – all to be enjoyed. I play music every day, always have. I practise a lot, I gig a lot, and the design of Amber allows me to play for longer due to the playability of the neck design. I will be forever mesmerised, as it’s an absolute privilege and pleasure to play an instrument of this caliber. Forget the so-called "top" brand names out there. They are overpriced and nowhere near the magic a Jacobs Guitar delivers. 

Johnathan Martin: Guitarist, songwriter, cellist, pianist

 I have been a player and collector of fine and rare music instruments for over 30 years. The Jacobs Lutherie JOM model, Adelind, in my possession, is without a doubt the crowning jewel of my prized collection. Its value to me is surpassed only by its exceptional tone and build quality. The best. 

Jo Lom: Multi instrumentalist for Bright Lights Big City / Panjo the Missing Tiger / Bad Luck & Trouble

 I had the incredibile privilege of meeting PJ Jacobs a decade ago at a gig at his house with the late Piet Botha, legendary musician and brother. At a fund raiser a year later for abused children, PJ donated one of his superb handcrafted guitars as an auction item. To indicate the quality of his workmanship and the ultimate magnificent end product, that guitar was sold for R100,000! A year later, I was fortunate enough to have that same guitar given to me as a 60th birthday gift. Prior to that, I was a die-hard Ovation fan/player... I've never looked back from that day. Having spent time with PJ in his workshop and being privileged to witness the workmanship, attention to detail and dedication that PJ infuses into each masterpiece he creates, the sound which emanates is beyond compare. If you have a bucket list of guitars you strive for, put a Jacobs Guitar on top! 

Gerry Robinson: Musician: Jack Hammer band member

 I was introduced to PJ through Piet Botha, just stopping over at his guitar studio after a gig we played. PJ was building this guitar, Gypsy, and I fell in love with her at first glance. I strummed her a bit and she just felt like an old friend. Reminiscent of a Mexican beauty with the voice of an angel. I believe Gypsy is the guitar that chose me. A lifelong companion singing her sweet song while you're a Desperado running from the Federales. Pure tonal bliss! PJ builds world-class guitars that can more than hold their own with the top boutique brands of the world. Like a wizard he magically brings out the voice hidden inside the best of the best tone woods. I'm honored to own one of his creations. 

Jacques Du Plessis: Musician: Bad Luck & Trouble / Jack Hammer band member

 There really is no comparison between a hand-crafted Jacobs Guitar and anything you'd buy in a store. If the beautiful craftsmanship and attention to detail in the design of the instrument does not hook you immediately, the superior sound quality, resonance and action will make you fall in love instantly. A once-in-a-lifetime instrument, made by a true artist! I treasure my Bonita! 

Leigh Hunter: Musician

 I’ve had Carmen for just over a week now and have had some time to really appreciate the superb craftsmanship that went into building her. It is quite obvious that not only do I have Carmen but a slice or two of you came with her. I recently made a plan to play a few off-the-shelf and some other classical guitars belonging to local musicians alongside Carmen, and well, there isn’t much I can say. Carmen already is producing a sound that even to a challenged ear like mine is way superior. Imagine what she’ll be sounding like in a decade! I have been playing primarily samba and bossa and she suits that to a T. Such a beautiful tone, brings a tear to the eye I tell you! But she also sounds superb on some jazz, blues and even country. I will certainly cherish Carmen and feel privileged to be in a position to be able to own and play her. My Jacobs Crossover Classical far exceeded my expectations. Exquisitely crafted with a tonal quality and playability that makes it so difficult to put her down. Once again thank you PJ for a real masterpiece! 

Richard Schumann: Musician

 My Annie is the greatest guitar I have ever played bar none. My fingers fly around her neck, and fingering chords, in any shape, 9ths, 13ths, augmented and diminished feels automatic. It plays instinctively for me. I think of a note or a chord, and there it is. As for her tone, it is full and rich, and she can play soft or loud, but still speaks with beauty and responds with great tonal variety from a punchy treble to a mellow bass – but never tinny or fuzzy. I have owned and played many instruments in my time, but there are only two that have ever become a part of me and give life to whatever I am playing as if we were one. The one is my favourite B flat clarinet by Buffet & Crampon, and the other is Annie. Our relationship is metaphysical, and only a musician can truly understand how an instrument really plays you, and not the other way round. I guess the definition of a good instrument is that it will always be better than the player, but a brilliant instrument is one that can understand and give voice to your musical thought. Such is Annie, and I love her for it. She must somehow have some feelings for me, because she makes me a better player. She may be of wood, but she is so much more than that – and this is what you put into her when you made her. I don’t know what the secret is, but I hope that whoever has the privilege to own a Jacobs Guitar understands enough to really appreciate what they have. I can never thank you enough for what you have created. 

Andrew Levy: Musician