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The last of the "Jefferson" guitars. The Huss & Dalton "Jefferson" OO-SP is a profoundly significant, limited-edition acoustic guitar that honors one of America's most influential Founding Fathers, Thomas Jefferson, through masterful luthiery and a deeply meaningful connection to Virginia's natural and historical heritage. Having exhausted the supply of wood, no more of these guitars can be made.
Just holding this fine instrument instills a feeling of connection to the history of the nation and one of the most pivotal people of the time.
This final commemorative model was born from a remarkable collaboration between Huss & Dalton Guitar Company and the Thomas Jefferson Foundation, stewards of Monticello, Jefferson's iconic Virginia estate. A majestic tree stood for over two centuries, witnessing the evolution of the nation Jefferson helped found as the principal author of the Declaration of Independence and third U.S. President. When the tree eventually fell, the Thomas Jefferson Foundation preserved portions of its wood, recognizing its symbolic power. They partnered with Huss & Dalton—renowned Staunton, Virginia-based builders known for their uncompromising craftsmanship—to transform this historic timber into a series of extraordinary guitars.
The "Jefferson" OO-SP uses authentic tulip poplar from that very Monticello tree for the back, sides, and appointments, creating an instrument literally rooted in American history. Tulip poplar, a Virginia native species prized for its lightweight strength and warm, clear tonal qualities, imparts a unique, woody sweetness with balanced projection—distinct from more conventional rosewood or mahogany. The top is premium thermo-cured Appalachian red spruce,also native to Virginia, using a process that gently ages the wood to enhance stiffness, responsiveness, and vintage-like liveliness without artificial means.
The quill and inkwell inlay above the soundhole signifies the prolific writing and authorship of Thomas Jefferson, while his words are memorialized on the back of the guitar with the leading lines of the Declaration.
Signature Jefferson Edition features include:
- Tulip poplar back and sides, with matching rosette and peghead veneer featuring a wood-burned or inlaid representation of Monticello's iconic dome
- Native Virginia woods throughout: black walnut bindings, persimmon fingerboard and bridge, and other local species for neck and accents
- Thermo-cured red spruce top for enhanced resonance and maturity
- Slotted headstock and pyramid-style bridge for classic visual and tonal character
- 24.9" scale length
- Includes a book detailing the tree and partnership
- Includes an authentic tweed case embroidered with a facsimile of Jefferson's signature.
The significance of the Jefferson OO-SP transcends mere materials—it's a celebration of Virginia's legacy, Jefferson's vision of liberty and enlightenment, and the enduring craft of American guitar making. Each guitar in this rare edition (16 in total) carries a piece of living history: wood that grew on sacred ground, planted by a man whose ideas shaped a nation. The result is an instrument of extraordinary tonal beauty—warm, focused, and blooming with complexity—that improves with age, much like the ideals it commemorates.
For players, collectors, or history enthusiasts, the Huss & Dalton "Jefferson" OO-SP is more than a guitar—it's a tangible link to the past, a masterpiece of boutique craftsmanship, and a profound statement of heritage, tone, and timeless inspiration.
