John Page Classic – the brand founded and led by co-founder and former Fender Custom Shop executive John Page – has announced a complete redesign of its AJ electric guitar range, introducing new finishes, updated specifications and limited edition models.
As far as guitar revisions go, the new AJ lineup for 2023 is quite extensive, with the company shifting production of every AJ six-string to the United States for the first time. Previously, the first series of AJ models were configured only by John Page technicians in the United States.
To usher in the new era of AJ guitars – named for Page’s first-born son, Adam John – the boutique brand unveiled a range of new aesthetic options, from flashy finishes to futuristic pickguards, plus a handful of limited editions and one-offs. – unusual models.
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At the heart of each model, however, is a single-cut alder body and medium C-profile neck, which are joined by a maple or rosewood fingerboard. Regardless of the wood chosen, AJ’ decks feature a 12-inch radius, offset dot inlays, and 22 nickel silver frets.
In terms of hardware, each build features a classic Tele-style bridge plate – but with a reverse pickup design – that includes three compensated brass saddles. Kluson offset vintage-style tuners and a unique bolt-on design also make the cut.
The AJ’s tones come from two Bloodline by John Page pickups: a JP-3P P90 in the neck and a JP-3T TV in the bridge. These are dictated by a three-way selector and master controls for volume and tone.
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Howard Swimmer, Founder and CEO of John Page Classic’s parent company, HRS Unlimited, said: “Originally launched in 2017, our AJ line has been very popular with gamers and viewers.
“Our transition to US manufacturing allows for greater supply chain and production flexibility, which means more options for AJ players,” he continued, “y including a wider array of colors, exciting special makeups, limited-edition, one-of-a-kind guitars. And of course, ‘Made in the USA’ has real meaning to many of our players.”
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Drop-off highlights, of which there are many, include the unique Crash AJ – whose artwork was designed by John “Crash” Matos, the mastermind behind some of Eric Clapton’s most popular painted Stratocasters – and the Page Red AJ, which sports an optical illusion pickguard made by Peter Kellett from anodized aluminum.
Joining these two are the pastel-y AJ Shell Pink, Sonic Blue, Bubble Gum Pink and Sea Foam Green Relic, with more ornate offerings in the form of the Aqua Burst AJ and AJ Red Shade.
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The AJ starts from $2,495.
To find out more, visit Classic John Page (opens in a new tab).