An Optimized Vision of the Classic Single-Cut

The Knaggs Kenai J is Joe Knaggs' answer to the question: "What if you took the iconic Les Paul formula and optimized it for comfort and modern performance?" After 25 years at PRS Guitars, where Joe mastered the art of designing and building world-class guitars, he created an instrument that retains the soul of the classic single-cut while adding thoughtful improvements developed through decades of experience.

Design and Construction

The Kenai J maintains the familiar silhouette and classic 24.75" scale length, but introduces key innovations. The body is carved from mahogany with a beautiful quilted maple top—thicker than a traditional Les Paul in the center, yet thinner at the neck. The back of the body is contoured to "wrap around" your body, with a belly carve and contours that make this guitar significantly more comfortable during long playing sessions.

The set mahogany neck with rosewood fingerboard offers a C-profile with a slight V—familiar in the hand, but optimized for modern players. The 12" fingerboard radius is flatter than vintage Les Pauls, making bends and fast playing easier.

Sound and Electronics

The HH configuration with Seymour Duncan SH2 (Jazz, neck) and SH4 (JB, bridge) pickups is a proven combination offering remarkable versatility. The SH2 in the neck delivers warm, creamy PAF tones with smooth, classic articulation, while the SH4 in the bridge provides powerful, articulate sound—hot enough for rock and metal, yet retaining clarity and detail.

The combination of mahogany body with quilted maple top creates a tonal foundation that is both resonant and balanced—mahogany's warmth combines with maple's brightness and attack for a sound with depth and character.

Aged Scotch Burst Finish

The Aged Scotch Burst finish is a visual masterpiece—rich, warm tones of brown and gold on quilted maple create an instrument of elegance and class. The high-gloss finish highlights the natural figure of the wood, while the black headstock and hardware add refined contrast.

Influence 2-in-1 Bridge

One of Knaggs' standout innovations is the Influence 2-in-1 bridge—a combination of tune-o-matic and stoptail in one element. This solution provides the perfect balance between vintage feel and modern standards of precise intonation and tuning stability.

Craftsmanship Without Compromise

Every element of the Kenai J demonstrates attention to detail: from the hand-fitted neck, through the precisely installed bone nut and Kluson tuners, to the professional setup with 10-46 strings. At only 3.26 kg, this guitar is lighter than most traditional single-cuts while maintaining a full, resonant tone.

Who Is This Guitar For?

The Kenai J is the ideal guitar for players who love the aesthetic and sound of the classic Les Paul but desire modern comfort and ergonomics. If you're looking for a single-cut built by someone who spent decades perfecting this type of guitar at PRS Private Stock, with innovations based on practical experience—the Knaggs Kenai J is an instrument made for you.

From jazz to blues, from rock to metal—the Kenai J handles everything with the class and confidence that can only be achieved through exceptional craftsmanship.

Technical Specification

Model: Kenai J
Color: Aged Scotch Burst
Finish: Gloss
Top: Quilted Maple
Body: Mahogany
Neck: Mahogany
Neck profile: .875"/.885" ½ fret to .975"/.985" - 12 ½ fret
Neck shape: Knaggs C w/Slight V
Fretboard: Rosewood
Fretboard Radius: 12"
Scale: 24.75"
Headstock: Black
Frets: Nickel
Number of frets: 22
Tuners: Kluson
Nut: Bone
Nut width: 1 11/16"
Switch: 3-way
Controls: Volume, Tone
Pickups: Seymour Duncan SH2/SH4
Strings: 10-46
Weight: 3.26 kg