Two words come to mind when you play a guitar from Jason Kostal’s Queen Creek, Arizona shop: depth, and clarity. Unlatch the case, place the harmony of wood and steel in your lap, and witness the majesty. Dream Guitars has been lucky enough to host several of Jason’s instruments in their shop, and today we have a 2015 Modified Dreadnoughtthat fully lives up to Jason’s impeccable reputation. This Modified Dreadnought combines the cavernous, resounding low-end of a Dreadnought with an upper register that is agile and expressive. Across these and all registers in between, the tonal palette is expansive, full of color and scope, such that all notes ring clearly–and will continue resoundingly for some time. Kostal’s picked out a sultry, dark chocolate set of Brazilian Rosewood for the back and sides, which help give the Mod D its dark, complex voice. Flatpickers seeking a tight, controlled response will be very happy with this guitar, and fingerstylists will cherish how balanced the registers are relative to one another. Kostal has included a Florentine cutaway for an edgy appearance and unrestricted access to the entire fretboard, a Manzer Wedge for comfortable playing, and Gotoh 510 Tuners with Ebony knobs for style and reliable tuning. When you consider his unique “Stained Glass” rosette and end graft, and his swooping segmented Brazilian Rosewood headstock veneer, you know you have a rare treat in your hands. This guitar plays as elegant as it looks–the German Spruce top combines silky grain and creamy color with endless sustain and haunting overtones.

Jason is a builder who stands by his work for all time, so any future Kostal owner, whether buying new or used, can purchase with the assurance that this is a lifetime guitar, one to treasure and play for many years to come, backed by the maker himself.