Its body is shaped from swamp ash, chosen for its lively resonance and airy responsiveness, then finished in a faded sparkling burgundy that seems to shift in tone as light moves across it. The surface carries a sense of depth and softened brilliance, as though the finish has already lived a long, storied life. The amber back and sides add warmth and contrast, grounding the visual character in something earthy and organic, like aged wood glowing from within. Cream body binding frames the instrument with a restrained elegance, outlining its form without distraction, while a medium distress level gives it a gently broken-in character that feels honest rather than artificial.

The neck and fingerboard are carved from figured tempered maple, offering both strength and a smooth, articulate playing surface. The amber-tinted peghead extends the instrument’s warm palette upward, tying the entire visual identity together. Cream binding along the neck adds a subtle architectural edge, while MOTO block inlays provide a classic, almost vintage-inspired visual rhythm across the fretboard. The medium C neck profile sits comfortably in the hand at .830 inches, familiar yet refined, designed for long playing sessions where the instrument feels more like an extension of the body than an object being held.

Its 25.5 inch scale length and compound 9.5 to 14 inch radius create a balance between traditional feel and modern fluidity. Chords bloom with clarity in the lower positions, while upper-register lead work feels effortless and open. The 22 Jescar stainless steel frets, precisely leveled and polished, contribute to a sense of smooth continuity across the fingerboard, where each note seems to glide rather than strike.

Electronics are voiced with Fralin hum-cancelling Alnico P-90 pickups, delivering a sound that blends warmth, bite, and articulate midrange presence. They carry the raw character of classic single coils while quietly removing unwanted noise, resulting in a tone that feels both vintage and cleanly focused. Cream P-90 covers and an aged pearloid pickguard reinforce the instrument’s worn-in aesthetic, as if it has already passed through countless stages of musical life.

The hardware is equally expressive and functional. A Mastery M1 bridge paired with an NV vibrato system and lightning bolt arm provides a smooth, responsive tremolo feel with exceptional tuning stability. Novo 18:1 locking tuners and Dunlop straplocks ensure reliability without drawing attention to themselves. Dumble-style knobs and cream switch tips add a subtle nod to boutique amplifier culture, reinforcing the instrument’s understated sophistication.

Strung with Stringjoy 10-48 strings, the guitar responds with a balanced tension that feels both supple and articulate. At approximately 7 pounds 2 ounces, it rests comfortably on the shoulder, neither heavy nor fragile, but perfectly centered.

The Novo Miris J Custom ultimately feels like a thoughtfully aged artifact of modern luthiery, where every detail contributes to a sense of character already in motion. It is not just built to look beautiful, but to feel as though it has already lived a musical life worth remembering.