The Novo Serus J Custom in Candy Apple Green is a vivid example of what happens when vintage spirit collides with fearless modern design—exactly the blend that has made Dennis Fano one of the most admired and influential voices in the boutique electric guitar world. For over two decades, Dennis has reshaped the conversation around what a modern electric guitar can be, championing fresh silhouettes and thoughtful tweaks on classic formulas. His Novo Guitars embody this ethos, delivering instruments that feel familiar yet daring, timeless yet wholly original.
At the heart of the Serus J Custom is its tempered pine body, treated to Novo’s “light distress” finish that gives the Candy Apple Green an inviting, well-loved vibe right out of the case. Subtle front and back contours make this offset-inspired shape supremely comfortable whether standing or seated, adding to the guitar’s effortless playability. The figured tempered maple neck and fingerboard lend a touch of visual sophistication, elevated further by striking black binding and block inlays—details that hint at the guitar’s boutique pedigree while nodding tastefully to classic design cues.
In hand, the Serus J feels substantial yet agile. The medium ‘C’ neck carve, measuring in at a satisfying .830", paired with the 9.5″–14″ compound fingerboard radius, strikes a sweet balance between vintage heft and modern finesse. Whether you’re digging in for raw, bluesy bends or gliding through complex chords, the 21 Jescar jumbo stainless-steel frets ensure long-lasting playability and silky, consistent action up and down the 25.5″ scale length.
Under the hood, the Serus J Custom is as inspiring plugged in as it is in the lap. The Novo Gold Foil by Lollar pickups deliver all the snarling growl and sparkling clarity you’d expect from classic pickups—without the hum that usually comes with them. Articulate cleans, gritty mids, and punchy highs make this guitar a flexible companion for genres from indie rock to rootsy blues.
No detail is overlooked on the hardware front either: the Mastery M1 bridge and NV vibrato system with lightning bolt arm deliver rock-solid tuning stability and smooth, expressive pitch control, while the Novo 18:1 locking tuners ensure quick string changes and reliable performance. Finished with a 3-ply black pickguard and strung up with robust 10-48 Stringjoy strings, the Serus J Custom weighs in at a comfortable 7 lbs 8 oz—light enough for long sets, resonant enough to feel alive in your hands.
Packed lovingly in a Novo gig bag, this Daphne Blue beauty is more than just an instrument—it’s a statement piece, a workhorse, and a tribute to Dennis Fano’s tireless pursuit of the “modern classic.” The Novo Serus J Custom proves that you don’t have to choose between retro mojo and contemporary playability—you can have both, and you can have it with style.