This article was originally published in 2024 and has been updated and revised to reflect my experience with the guitar as of 2026.
My friends and people around me often asked me, “Why don’t you get a semi-acoustic guitar like an ES-335?”
The reason is that the size of a typical semi-acoustic guitar didn’t suit me, and I found it uncomfortable around my right arm. In addition, they are also quite heavy, which was another reason I never bought one.
However, although the SeventySeven EXRUBATO-STD/S-JT is about the same size as a typical semi-acoustic guitar, it feels surprisingly light and easy to handle. This is partly because the center block has a unique construction with a hollowed-out section. That was what finally convinced me to buy a semi-acoustic guitar.
Also, just when I really wanted a semi-acoustic guitar, the guitar shop I often visit had this one on sale at the old price. So I decided to go for it. If I remember correctly, I paid around 90,000 yen, so I think I got a great deal. I use this guitar for a wide variety of music
About SeventySeven guitars
Seventy Seven guitars is a Japanese guitar brand developed by Deviser Co., Ltd. in Matsumoto, Nagano Prefecture, focusing primarily on semi-acoustic and full-acoustic guitars.
I also own a HEADWAY acoustic guitar, as well as a Stratocaster and a Les Paul ordered from Momose through my local guitar shop. I have had good experiences with their instruments, and as a local, I’m happy to support the company.
The EXRUBATO-STD/S-JT is a semi-acoustic guitar and included in the Japan Tune-Up Series of SeventySeven Guitars
The guitar has two “AL5S” which is P-90 type pickup, and 335 style bode with weight-saving center block.
You can check the guitar specs at the link below.
First Impression
This was the only guitar available at the special price, but luckily, I really liked this Aged Red finish. It has a great vintage vibe.
The headstock shape is unique, but I’ve always liked this shape, so I really wanted one.
It’s light and easy to use without getting tired. As I mentioned before, the center block for this guitar is different from usual ES-335, which is a part of the block hollow out. This unique construction also affects the sound, giving it a slightly lighter character. I think whether you like it or not comes down to personal preference.
Actually, EXRUBATO-STD-JT (with humbucker type) is also good, but I have two les Paul so I don’t buy it. Also, I really want a guitar with P-90, so I choose the EXRUBATO-STD/S-JT.
The neck is neither too thick nor too thin. It has just the right thickness for me, so I can play for a long time without getting tired. My fingers are not long so it is very important for me.
Modifications
At first, I think this guitar doesn’t need to be modified. However, I got some parts so I tried to modify. Here are the current specs.
- Pickup：SEYMOUR DUNCAN Antiquity P-90 Dog Ear Neck & Bridge
- Capacitor：Jupiter Condenser Co. Red Astron Type
- Bridge：HOSCO GE104BN-BS300
Below are the reasons why I made these modifications and my impressions after using them.
Pickup
The main reason I replaced the original AL5S pickups with Seymour Duncan Antiquity P-90 Dog Ear pickups was simply that I happened to have a pair and wanted to try them.
I had no complaints about the original pickups or their specs. If I had to choose, If I had to point out anything, the Alnico 5 pickups had a very wide frequency range, with a little too much low end and a slightly hard sound.
After installing the new pickups, those issues were improved, and I can play in a more relaxed way.
By the way, both pickups have the typical noise associated with P-90s. It is what it is, but if noise is a concern, you might want to consider a stacked P-90 pickup.
Capacitors
I had the original capacitors replaced with Jupiter Condenser Co. Red Astron Type capacitors at the guitar shop I often visit. I left the choice to the staff, and he checked their compatibility before installing them.
With the new capacitors, the sound can change seamlessly and naturally when I control the vol pots and the tone pots. Default setting has a little of pain points, but now the problem is resolved.
Bridge
I had used to play this guitar without modification for a year, but now the bridge is HOSCO GE104BN-BS300.
I’ve replaced the bridges on all of my Les Pauls with ones that have brass saddles, so I followed the same approach here. I could already enjoy playing the guitar without the modification, but after installing the new bridge, the sound became warmer and the guitar became easier to play.
Sound
This is the first guitar with the P-90, so the noise bothers me a little. I think P-90 pickups are noisier than some other types of single-coil pickups.
However, the P-90s produce a nice, crisp clean sound, and they can deliver a wild rock tone when I turn up the gain. I can use this guitar in a variety of situations, such as Jazz, Funk, Rock, and Pop. So I can take this guitar with me without worrying about whether it will suit the music.
Final Thoughts
The semi-acoustic guitar is really great. I had never owned one before, but now I find it very useful. As a local, I’m happy to support the company, and I hope to keep playing this guitar and making music with it for many years to come.