I have a 21" folding board and love it! I'm not exactly sure how to gauge "heirloom quality" but I do expect that if cared for properly it'll last longer than I will! 
JLP Chessboards?
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6 days ago
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#2
6 days ago
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#4
Chesshouse is my favorite vendor that I have purchased from (to be fair, the list of vendors I've used is not exhaustive - but Chesshouse's customer service is fantastic, and they have become my 'first stop' for chess purchases).
JLP produces exceptional products, from my experience. I have a 21" maple & walnut board (non-folding).
Only heard good things about JLP
6 days ago
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#6
Understood and thank you, but I’m asking is if “John” or “JLP” actually exists in reality outside a brand or if these are actually just nice factory made boards with a fun backstory. Again, not questioning the quality. I’m buying one either way as a gift. I just want to know where they actually come from and who actually makes them.
Idk it says rural Pennsylvania. Could be an Amish producer
5 days ago
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#8
rdbentley wrote:
Understood and thank you, but I’m asking is if “John” or “JLP” actually exists in reality outside a brand or if these are actually just nice factory made boards with a fun backstory. Again, not questioning the quality. I’m buying one either way as a gift. I just want to know where they actually come from and who actually makes them.
Maybe try contacting customer support at Chess House and see what they can tell you? I'm sure it's not a big secret and now you've got me interested, hahaha!
(Is anyone else noticing and wondering about all these downvotes that are popping up on our posts here in CBE? For a while I thought I'd just made a new "friend" but I've noticed it's not just my posts that are getting downvoted. Not that downvotes matter in the least, it's just curious.)
5 days ago
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#9
tried that. They stuck the script, wouldn’t reveal anymore. They said their supplier identity is confidential beyond that. The rep said John was Amish. Website story says Swiss. I don’t know. JLP isn’t registered in PA as a business, so it’s probably just a brand, but could be an independent maker. I’m pretty sure it’s a made up story. I couldn’t care less if “John” is real, provided I can confirm these board are actually handmade in the US at this price point.
My understanding is that the Amish movement traces its origin back to Switzerland - which could further lend to the theory this is an Amish builder
1 day ago
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#12
I own several JLP products, and lived in central Pennsylvania for quite a while. I don’t know if JLP/John is Amish, but he makes the absolute best chessboard out there - even better than a mint vintage Drueke.
World class board, and definitely US made. ChessHouse is basically the preeminent US chess online store, they wouldn’t fudge on this…
JLP are the initials of the person who makes those boards, which are sold exclusively by Chess House. The boards are in fact made in Pennsylvania. Check my post #1 and Raphael Neff's (owner of Chess House) posts #8 & #13 in the following forum thread...
Drueke vs JLP vs Colorado WoodWorker solid wood chessboards
https://www.chess.com/forum/view/chess-equipment/drueke-vs-jlp-woodworking-solid-wood-chessboards?page=1
Does anyone have experience with JLP chessboards? I’m looking for heirloom quality and based on the reviews, I don’t question the quality. What does seem suspect to me is that I can find zero evidence that “JLP Woodworking” exists in Pennsylvania or that “John” the “fifth generation craftsman” is a real person. I just want to ensure the board I’m paying a premium price for isn’t just a marketing fabrication by Chesshouse.