At Clements Guitars, we take immense pride in our heritage and craftsmanship. One of our most distinguished creations, the JDC Series, stands as a testament to our dedication to excellence and historical significance. Named in honor of Joseph D. Clements, a Texas pioneer and revolutionary, the JDC Series guitars are more than just instruments—they are vessels of history and artistry.
The Legacy of Joseph D. Clements
Joseph D. Clements, the fourth great grandfather of our head luthier, Trey Clements, was a true frontier child of the Northwest Territories and a commander of a battalion of Indiana Militia in the War of 1812. He arrived in Texas on Christmas Day, 1829, establishing a grist mill on the Guadalupe River in DeWitt’s Colony near present-day Seguin. As a local leader, Joseph played pivotal roles before, during, and after the Texas Revolution.
One of the “Old Eighteen” at Gonzales in October 1835, Joseph penned and signed the defiant letter refusing to give up the town’s cannon to the Mexican commander. The iconic “Come and Take It” flag waved in the breeze as the first shots of the revolution were fired. Joseph later rode cavalry at the Battle of Coleto Creek, served as President of the Commission to supply the Texian Army, and represented the estates of several Gonzales’ citizens who perished at The Alamo.
The JDC Series: A Tribute to Frontier Spirit
The JDC Series guitars embody the frontier spirit and resilience of Joseph D. Clements. Each guitar is meticulously handcrafted, ensuring that no two instruments are the same. This particular JDC was commissioned by the George and Barbara Bush Foundation for the prestigious 41@100 Celebration, and now stands proudly in the George W. Bush Presidential Library.
But the story doesn’t end there. We are excited to announce that more JDC Series guitars are in progress and will soon be available for purchase. Each guitar in this series is crafted with the same attention to detail and commitment to excellence that defines Clements Guitars.
The JDC Semi-Hollow: Merging Past and Present
The JDC Semi-Hollow is the second model series to be introduced by Clements Guitars. It aims to merge the past with the present in an instrument that utilizes a classic and recognizable shape with a modern overhaul of construction and design. Keeping with the Clements philosophy of simple, clean, lightweight, and versatile, the JDC Semi-Hollow is a 22 fret, 25.5″ scale guitar that takes all the benefits of a larger hollow body instrument and slims it down into the sleek package of a modern solid body while retaining the characteristics of both.
Seeing an opportunity to try something new in the market, the internal chamber departs from the traditional solid block of wood that runs the length of the body and instead utilizes fitted “islands” carved from both the top and back plates to create robust support while adding additional chambering. Outfitted with two Porter humbuckers, two master volumes, and one master tone, the JDC Semi-Hollow is a multi-faceted instrument that will find its home easily amongst players from all styles of play and genre.
Upcoming Availability: Secure Your Piece of History
If you’re looking to purchase a handcrafted guitar in Bryan, Texas, the JDC Series offers a unique opportunity to own a piece of history.
Stay tuned for the release of the new JDC Series guitars. Whether you’re a seasoned musician or a collector of fine instruments, the JDC Series promises to deliver a playing experience that is both inspiring and deeply connected to the legacy of Texas.
Specifications of the JDC Series
Each JDC Series guitar is designed to deliver excellent performance and pure beauty. Here are the detailed specifications:
- Top: 5A Flame Maple
- Back: Maple
- Neck: Maple
- Neck Profile: C-Shaped
- Truss Rod: Double Action 4mm with Carbon Fiber Reinforcement Inserts
- Nut Width: 1.725”
- 1st Fret Height: 0.860”
- 12th Fret Height: 1.000”
- Fingerboard: Ziricote
- Fingerboard Radius: Compound 10”-12”
- Tuners: Hipshot 3+3 Locking Tuners
- Saddle: Gotoh Tune-O-Matic Saddle
- Bridge: Gotoh Tune-O-Matic Bridge
- Pickups:
- Neck: Porter Custom Low Profile Smooth
- Bridge: Porter Custom Low Profile Classic
- Pickup Configuration:
- Position 1: Full Neck
- Position 2: Neck/Bridge
- Position 3: Full Bridge
- Switch: Switchcraft 3-Way Toggle Switch
- Knobs: Vintage-Style Bell Knobs with 2 Master Volume/1 Master Tone
- Input Jack: Switchcraft 152B Stereo Flush Mounted
- Nut: Bone
- Scale Length: 25.5”
- Frets: 22
- Weight: 6.5 lbs
- Neck Joint: Set Neck Hide Glued
- Fret Wire: Medium/Medium Nickel-Silver
- Finish: High Gloss Nitrocellulose Lacquer
- Strings: 10-52
- Case: TKL Hardshell Case
- Hand Signed and Serial Numbered
Visit Us and Learn More
Ready to explore the JDC Series and our other handcrafted instruments? Contact Clements Guitars in Bryan, Texas to learn more about our upcoming releases. Dive into the world of Clements Guitars and discover how we continue to honor our heritage through the art of guitar making.
For more information, please visit our website at www.clementsguitars.com or contact us at trey@clementsguitars.com. Join us in celebrating the legacy of Joseph D. Clements and the unparalleled craftsmanship of the JDC Series guitars.