Jennings Guitars - Catalina custom build information

Example price is for a base spec build
£2,850.00 GBP
Tax included Shipping calculated at checkout.

Description
About

The Catalina is designed after some Chad Jennings' favorite hollow bodies, maintaining the punch of the bigger instruments, but in a smaller, more comfortable body. Playability is improved due to offset horns and a curved heel design. I personally think this shape is a wonderful collaboration of timeless guitar designs, creating it's own character.

There is a great range of custom options available on Jennings build, from scale lengths where you can choose from traditional 25.5", short scale to baritone 27". A great choice of body and neck woods, neck size and profiles, colours and finishes. Then tie everything together thanks to the cool selection of pickguard shapes and materials, bridge types along with the full McNelly and Lambertones Pickups ranges. This is a custom instrument in the truest sense, and I am here to help guide you through those choices and handle your custom build order.

Due to the vast selection of custom options, I have included a range of photos here to show some example builds that may perhaps inspire your own build. I also recommend checking out the Jennings Guitars social media accounts, where Chad posts photos and videos of all of his latest builds, which is a great hive of inspiration too.

But please note that the price shown on this listing is a rough start price for the core spec build  depending on the options you choose, a formal quote will be provided. 

All Jennings Guitars are made in house by Chad Jennings at his workshop in Camarillo, California.

Example demos


Options
What body woods and finishes can I choose?

You can choose between guitar staple woods such as Alder, Swamp Ash, Mahogany, which are each included within the base price spec, or some lightweight and colourful Roasted/Torrefied woods such as Roasted Swamp Ash, Roasted Alder and Roasted Pine which are available as an upgrade option.

There are some fantastic finish options available, all carried out in house by Chad Jennings. A signature look for Jennings instruments are the open grain, Satin poly finishes which have great texture and character and are available in a lovely range of colours too. Or you can go for natural, stained, doghair, glitter, burst or solid colour gloss nitro finishes. Have something particular in mind? Feel free to get in touch! 

For semi hollow designs (Catalina and Voyager Deluxe, as well as Navigator as an option) you can also choose the binding on the body, in a range of colours to compliment the overall aesthetic.

What are the neck options?

Jennings specialise in stable, reliable necks thanks to favouring Quartersawn materials. From Quartersawn maple, mahogany and roasted mahogany within the base price, or rather fancy flamed quartersawn roasted maple options as an upgrade.

For fingerboards, you'll be able to choose from maple, roasted maple, rosewood and ebony. 

All of Chad's wood stock is of great quality and you'll be sure to see evidence of that in the build created.

You can choose to have a matching colour headstock, binding and a choice of inlays too. From the signature Jennings 'hollow circle' markers, to vintage clay dots, blocks or totally custom inlays too. 

You can choose your fingerboard radius, fretwire size/type and profile/size too. From modern standard C, to soft V, chunky vintage, thin to custom profiles catered for as well. Prefer a smoother feeling neck? Then perhaps the satin lacquer finish will suit better, or of course a classy gloss option is available if you prefer.

Pickup options?

Jennings have had a long standing working relationship with Canadian pickup brand/maker, McNelly Pickups (followers of the Home of Tone will be familiar with that name, as I too have had a long working relationship with McNelly!), as well as working alongside California based Lambertones too. There are some truly fantastic pickups available within those two makers that I can guide you through, or if you have a specific preference then please do let me know. 

Hardware?

You can choose from a great choice of hardware options and finishes. Classic nickel, ashtray 3 saddle bridges, Mastery upgrades, Bigsby vibratos and roller bridges, even gold for a classy custom look if you want it too. Tuners come courtesy of quality Kluson Supreme 18:1 ratio vintage style tuners, with upgrade locking option available.
You'll be able to choose from a range of pickguard shapes and materials, to the control knob style as well. Choosing and refining the details are what makes a custom guitar so great, and I'll be here to help guide you through the options along the way

Left handed?

Of course, left handed builds are catered for happily with just as much choice for your custom build too

Case?

As standard, Jennings Voyager Semi Hollow builds come with a Mono M80 Classic case.

Pricing

Current 2024 pricing, a semi hollow body Catalina build, with the core specs will be £2,850. There are some great core spec options to choose from, but I suspect why you're here browsing this listing is because you're keen on a custom instrument, with specs that really express your interests and preferences. Prices will increase from £2,850 based upon the custom options and upgrades you choose, and I will be here to help you throughout that process. To do this, please get in touch and we can liase via e-mail, phone or in person too, and go through the build options to arrive at a estimated cost for your specs.Although I do aim to carry cool stock of Jennings Guitars, it's only scratching the surface of what is possible with options and therefore most Jennings Guitars are made to order for customers, and as the UK representative I can help talk you through the specs available and any finer details before handling your custom order for you. This is particularly helpful if you are concerned about ordering a custom instrument direct from the USA on your own, as I handle the whole process for you.A 50% build cost deposit is taken to secure your build, with the remainder invoiced when the guitar is completed prior to shipping from the Jennings workshop.

I want to try one first, can I do this?

Absolutely! I usually have available Jennings instruments in stock. They might not always be the model you were looking to order, but I still feel it is worth giving them a try as it will help provide a good example of the level of quality from a Jennings instrument. To book an appointment to come and try a Jennings Guitar for yourself, feel free to get in touch with me at james@homeoftone.co.uk and I'll look forward to meeting you.

How long will a build take?

Order wait and build time is around 8-12 months currently (again this will be confirmed when you place your order).