The 2019 Novo Serus J in Amber is a masterwork of modern guitar craft, a luminous embodiment of Novo’s vision for tone, feel, and timeless style. Though it has seen careful use, this instrument remains in like new condition, having been meticulously maintained in a studio environment where every note has been cherished and every surface preserved. Its presence is both commanding and understated, a study in the beauty of restraint, with its softly gleaming Amber finish revealing the quiet artistry of its creation.
At its heart lies a tempered Butternut body, chosen for its perfect balance of warmth and resonance, a wood that sings with a voice that is clear yet deeply rooted. The tempered maple neck feels alive in the hand, shaped to a comfortable medium “C” profile that invites effortless playing across its Indian rosewood fingerboard. White binding outlines the fingerboard like a line of light, while Moto block inlays shimmer against the dark grain, calling to mind the elegance of classic instruments reborn through Novo’s unique design language.
With a 9.5-inch fingerboard radius, 21 Jescar 6125 frets, a 1.65-inch nut width, and a 25.5-inch scale length, the Serus J feels immediately familiar yet refined in every detail. The chrome and nickel hardware gleams with quiet confidence, anchored by a Mastery bridge and vibrato that deliver flawless tuning stability and expressive nuance. Kluson tuners with staggered posts complete the setup with precision and grace, giving each string the perfect balance of tension and resonance.
At its core, a pair of Fralin P-90 pickups bring the Serus J to life, offering a tonal palette that shifts effortlessly from crystalline clarity to raw, soulful growl. The Volume, Tone, and three-way switch layout provides intuitive control, allowing the player to sculpt tones that can whisper or roar with equal authority. The 4-ply tortoise pickguard adds a rich visual counterpoint, while the white witch hat knobs lend a touch of vintage charm that perfectly suits its aesthetic.
Weighing in at a comfortable 7 pounds 7 ounces, this Serus J feels perfectly balanced and endlessly inviting, its voice open and resonant, its playability sublime. Housed in its Novo Signature hard case, this guitar stands as a testament to the art of modern lutherie and to Novo’s rare gift for creating instruments that feel both familiar and utterly new. The 2019 Serus J in Amber is not simply a guitar but an experience — a perfect meeting of tradition, innovation, and the joy of sound made tangible.