Jim Kozel

Introduce yourself:

I’m Jim Kozel, a Cleveland, Ohio – based luthier.  I am also a guitarist, songwriter and teacher.  Music is the heart and soul of my life.  I have been performing my musical stories for well over half a century;  setting up, restoring, repairing and building instruments for nearly that long.

How you heard about Emerald Guitars:

I first heard an Emerald guitar at a live performance almost 15 years ago.  I was struck by the clarity and balance of the guitar.  Of course the player was pretty good, too.  I have also played and owned all of the other major carbon fiber brands past and present.  After spending some time on the Emerald guitars website, listening to YouTube demos and noting the sheer innovative design elements of the new Emeralds, I decided to order an X30.  After that there was no turning back.

Your thoughts on emerald:

As a luthier and performer in northeastern Ohio, many players ask me for recommendations for guitar purchases.  Emerald guitars are on my A-list.  Yes, they have carbon fiber durability and stability, Yes, they’re beautifully executed instruments: fit and finish, playability, tone, etc.  But most importantly, when you start playing one, you find it just wants to stay in your lap.  Emerald guitars  live up to the simple recommendation I give to my customers,, “Buy the guitar that wants to stay in your lap.”   That’s why I play Emerald guitars.

What projects you have been working on:

You can learn more about my life as a luthier and performer at www.jimkozel.com or on my YouTube channel #jimkozel