I think it’s really important to love the way the guitar looks. Sounds silly, but it’s got to inspire you to pick it up and play! I recently got an Eastman T58 with filtertron pick ups. Not a traditional archtop by any means, but has a great sound to it.
Playability, the feel and ergonomic suitablity of the neck and action to your hand is to me the most important characteristic of a guitar, above even the tone.
Enjoyable video. My preference is the Epiphone Broadway. Balance between comfort and tone. Although I do have an Ibanez Af 153 I prefer the tone of the Epi. I played an L5 once in a dream. It was amazing.
Great video. Informative and well paced. I'm not much of a jazzer; a wannabee maybe, but I've always wanted a good archtop and love the sound others get from them. I even briefly owned a couple of larger guitars, one being a Gretsch Streamliner. I liked them, but almost knew from the day I bought them, that they wouldn't last. I've also had a 335 [Gibson] that I couldn't really get on with. It must be to do with the awkward nature of the size. Who knows.. It's back to stock solids, I regret to say.
I think having a comfortable sized guitar is one of the most important things. Those 335s can feel quite big if you are used to Fender solid body style size.
My own experience- 2 of the best sounding archtops I ever owned (Gibson ES-175 and Ibanez 2460) are both made of laminated wood. 175's have gone thru the roof. 2460's, unfortunately, were made with cellulose binding, and it's almost impossible to find one with binding that hasn't rotted and needs replacement. I still own my 2460. Eastman makes a very unique sounding archtop (most are carved). The Guild X-500 is another laminate archtop that is very highly thought of. Haven't played one. Guess what I'm saying is-don't judge a laminate guitar until you've played it!
You can easily change the position of a large archtop by using a strap.and how you angle the neck...or even when using a smaller archtop...check out how Joe Pass positioned his Gibson 175 with a strap.
I think that one other consideration is how you intend to use the guitar: mainly acoustic or mainly plugged in. If you are going to be plugged in almost 100% of the time you could get something with a center-block. If you plan to play mainly acoustic then you'll probably want fully hollow and quite possibly with a floating pickup -or only a neck pickup. All in all I think you hit some great points... size and feel I think was such an important one! Thanks & Great Job!
Yes, that was much of my problem. I go back & forth between hollow & Tele, but couldn't find the archtop that worked. Tried Ibanez, Washburn, and 2 Godins, but couldn't bond with any of them for various reasons. A big thing is I'm 99.9% a home player and wanted something with a nice acoustic tone that I could just pick up and play w/out plugging in. The Godins were close and the only thing I found with enough volume, but the lam body tone was so-so...lots of fundamental, but not what I call "rich". Finally found an all-carved Eastman with floating pickup that sounds wonderful. I've read their construction is based on Benedettos; whatever it is, it makes me want to pick it up when I walk by!
@@jim232777 Yes! Eastman's are excellent like that!! I'm recently fond of the Ibanez AG series and some of the Gretschs! My G100CE is awesome, and looking at a 6118 Anniversary JR.
I have a 1953 Gretch without a pickup. This is a beutiful sound guitar I have had for 70 years. It broadcasts well for playing rhythm. I would like to add a floating pickup, the very best I can find. Anh suggestions about a pickup or just leave it off.
Have you seen my video where I have a dearmond added to my Gibson L7? Are you going to be using the guitar out eg. is there a need to amplify it? If not. I would leave it as is.
i had an INCREDIBLE L-5 copy yamaha in blonde, the only reason i sold it because the neck was a little thin for my taste. soooooo maannnnyy great options nowadays!! us players are always the weakest link.
2nd piece is more important than people think, I picked up an Ibanez af7g iirc with a huge body, and my back still hasnt recovered from the pain of reaching over for 3 hours at a time
The Ibanez Artcore is a good choice for people dipping their toes into archtops. They are widely available used, the fit and finish are generally good, and the pickups are adequate. Having two humbuckers brings a lot of versatility for blues and rock styles. Neck p90 pickups in archtops start getting strange once you get into moderately high gain.
I have owned 2 archtops in my time - a 1936 Epiphone Broadway, and a blonde 1993 Guild X700. Both amazing guitars, must haves when I was buying them, and I would never buy them again. Now my go to guitar is a Telecaster. Maybe that shows how we can change as guitar players over time.
What was the Broadway like? Did it have a V neck? The Tele is my go to solid body for jazz. There's definitely something in our changing tastes over time.
@@jazzguitarwithandy As I like both types of guitars (and so diffenrent), I was absolutely suprised with this Tim Lerch's video. ruclips.net/video/0cTcS_wPyHc/видео.html. I totaly failed guesing what is what.
Hey Andy, have you tried any of the more recent D'angelico Exl-1's? They switched up the pickups to a Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Floating Mini-Humbucker. I'm going back and forth between getting one vs an Eastman T59/v. I've never owned an archtop though, did/do you have any issues with feedback at all? That's one of the major factors pushing me more towards a semi-hollow. I wish these were around for me to try in person since buying off spec sheets is always a gamble like you mentioned.
Hey, they are very different guitars to choose between. What are you used to playing at the moment? Some people find archtop size hard to get used to. I’ve not tried the latest EX-1s. I have heard the pickups are an improvement though. I don’t get into problems with feedback. If I’m at a gig with high volume then my amp will be mic’d and put through the PA. what situations will you be using it in? What sort of tone are you after?
@@jazzguitarwithandy at the moment i simply play a classical guitar and have used plenty of fenders in the past on the electric side of things. For the most part i just play at home but was trying to think ahead for situations where i can play with others. As far as tone, the ideal sound in my mind is Wes’s playing on Round Midnight (not that my playing is even 1% as good lol)
@@moemedani8883 I’d go with an archtop if that’s the case. A semi/thinline makes a great jazz guitar, but it doesn’t have the depth of tone of a hollow bodied archtop. I’d also look secondhand. You could look at Guilds, Ibanez or Yamaha too. Some of the Korean made Epiphines too.
You never mentioned differences in roundwounds vs flatwounds? Ever try a Dearmond X155? Squier bought them out in 2002 & then rebranded the remaining stock of X155’s, but basically exactly the same but Squier pickups instead of the Dearmond Gold Tone pickups (very sought after & not cheap). I was lucky enough to score Squier version for $300, & WOW. Amazing instrument & I haven’t even had the urge or need to plug it in yet after having it for months. And it projects VERY well, I was shocked. Get one if you get the chance, they’re an incredible find many aren’t aware of.
Hi Andy, I clicked onto this video, because I thought it might be about acoustic archtops. I am a purely acoustic player, (mostly flat tops, but I have three acoustic archtops) and if I may, I'd like to ask your opinion on using a pressed laminate top vs a solid, carved top, with pickups installed onto/into the top. I had understood that for screw on p/ups - a solid top needs to be backed with a large/heavy centre brace to effectively kill the resonance and reduce feedback. This must surely also kill the acoustic tone (?) so I'm wondering, unless using a single floating p/up (I see you have a "monkey on a stick style elsewhere) then do you think that a carved top is a disadvantage, or am I missing something? Thanks in advance.
Firstly, sorry for the slow reply. If you want acoustic tone then I'd definitely stay away from set pick up and look for something with a floating pick up. The difference is huge. The ones with the set pick ups don't have the same resonance or fullness to the acoustic tone. My L7 is head and shoulders above my Super V in terms of acoustic tone. That said, I prefer the sound of amplified archtop with a set pickup and a solid top. I feel there's more detail to the sound than in a laminate with a pickup. What's your primary use for the guitar? Is it practicing at home or gigging?
I'm looking for an archtop. I'm confused about the bridge. Some have the wooden bridge and some have the fine tuner piece. Does it matter which type of bridge you have?
@@jazzguitarwithandy i run a RA100 Mesa boogie, a tube screamer, delay, phaser, and a vox whah. Covers 99% of the stuff I like to play. Tool, Lamb of God, Neil Young lol
I found this video informative, as I'm thinking about buying an archtop guitar. The lens used to record the video produces a funny effect of enlarging whatever moves towards the lens. Andy's hands grow to giant size when his hands move towards the camera and the guitar looks bigger than it really is. 😆
I have been an acoustic player my whole life.. is archtop hollow body versatile enough if I want to tap into jazz, while at the same time playing it like an acoustic guitar? Thx for the video!
@@jazzguitarwithandy Thank you so much for taking the time to response. What would be a good example of a fully acoustic archtop with floating pickup? Thank you in advance! Merry Xmas!
does the lack of cutaway botehr you? For blues and fusion I have a 335. I got a 125 for more straight ahead, and don't find that I miss the cutaway. What do you think? Thanks
It doesn't bother me too much. The only time, is when I'm playing a gig and go to play an arranged part that is normally high up the fretboard and then quickly think 'I can't do that on this guitar!'.
9:34 I think one of The Most Important things in choosing a guitar is a neck shape !! I really want to order an Eastman archtop but I'm afraid of that "Even C" neck.. It just might be too big and chunky.. And there are none in my area so I can't try it :(
Thanks Brian. I don't find L5 size archtops to be a problem size wise for me. The neck profile and how that feels is the deal breaker on guitars for me.
Hello Andy, I am an amateur rhythm guitarist (dreadnaught). I have started to learn jazz. I am hoping to get your opinion on the best archtop guitar that is solid wood, hollow body and no pick up. I am looking the most affordable based on the specs (not ready to shell out on a Gibson). Thank you very much 😀
Hey, if you're looking for an acoustic archtop then non-cutaway is the way to go. You should try the Eastman aR610 or ar805. I've also heard great things about the Loar 700.
The idea that certain guitars are for specific types of music has always amused me. We can play any music on any guitar we wish to use. A good example is John 5 who played in Marilyn Mason's band. He plays a Telecaster and is an amazing musician who can play any style of music.
It is an interesting topic. I agree that you can play jazz on anything, but when it comes to era specific tones you might want an archtop. That John 5 is a killer player- doesn't he have a signature white tele?
I'm lefthanded & want an arch top. My budget is small, so my selection is limited. Any suggestions? Also, how do you think I'll find the size, considering I'm used to classical guitar dimensions?
Hi Gary, I can imagine that's frustrating given the lack of left handed guitars in general. Have you looked at Ibanez? The smaller arch tops have a 16 inch bout, maybe look for something that size.
I’m a lefty as well and have really enjoyed my Ibanez AF55. It’s cheap and the pickups aren’t great, but useable. I swapped them out and get some wonderful sounds out of it.
You have to sit down and play a scad of guitars. Never mind the model name. When you find "The One" buy it right then ! The exception might be if you have a chance to buy a custom guitar with a famous players name on it - a custom one off. Just buy it! If you don't love it.. it will pay for the one you do love. In my case, I had my hands on a Tal Farlow maybe $450 or $600 at Don Weirs Music City... and I dithered a couple of weeks. Dumb ! Look what Carla Motis does with her Ibanez.
It would be great if most guitar shops stocked a good range of archtops so people could just play a load of them. I guess most people just buy off the internet and hope it matches their expectations based on video reviews.
@@jazzguitarwithandy Exactly. My first Gibson es-175 was really a revelation. I did not know an electric guitar could sound that much. I eventually started building guitars, mostly for myself, and replaced my Es-175 with an archtop of my own. Even though it was my first archtop build, the solid-top did beat the laminate sound easily. I sold the gibson after a while. Thanks Andy for your youtube channel. Interresting content.
You get sick of carrying a massive case. They feedback like crazy even at moderate volume. Very easy to damage. A half decent one is going to be a big investment that you really don’t want to take it to the local pub. Very limited sustain. In short a tele with a neck pickup is what you actually need and will sound fine. Believe me, I’ve done it all and learnt the hard way.
Oh for sure on the case. I rarely get issues with feedback, but then my amp is usually mic'd up. You're right re damage, my Super V has picked up so many marks in just a couple of years. You can't go wrong with a Tele.
Ed Bickert Ted Greene Tim Lerch Would agree I do love my hollow body guitars and arch top acoustics but they are a lot more like a high maintenance girlfriend and every thing has to be just right or else there's trouble lol However I do have a really nice USA built guild with DeArmond pickups and a 16 inch maple body that's pretty good for feedback resistance and my trusty old Epiphone Joe Pass also easy to control and not a huge guitar while also being a little more boxy and sturdy to gig with ,, but I kinda agree a telecaster is probably the best for any style most versatile gigging guitar
I have the same model -- as shown in my pic. Marvelous guitar, with a very authentic acoustic archtop bark. No comparison between it and the Godin 5th Avenue, which so many have raved about.
Great topic and informative. I have a 90's Guild starfire 2 with two pickups and rosewood bridge, but- would like to find a second hand archtop with solid wood construction with floating pickup or option to add a floating pick. I find that they have more of an acoustic sound than a laminated guitar. Gibson L4c or equivalent in size, tone, and dimensions. The hunt is on.
There is far less choice these days. Gibson will only produce to order. Eastman order book is now over 6 months - very few in stores. Pearless have withdrawn from the market.
Yes, very sad that Gibson don't produce them as standard anymore. There's also been a decline in the levels of production of thinlines. Eastmans seem very hard to get hold of at the moment.
The sharp cutaway found on guitars like the ES 175 is called the Florentine cutaway.
Thanks Mike. Sometimes called the shark fin cutaway too.
it's called "a cause of esthetic injury and pain".
I like how you are letting us decide for ourselves and not trying to guide us in any one direction.
I think it’s really important to love the way the guitar looks. Sounds silly, but it’s got to inspire you to pick it up and play!
I recently got an Eastman T58 with filtertron pick ups. Not a traditional archtop by any means, but has a great sound to it.
Eastman make such killer guitars. I really want to try their version of the 330
Agreed. My archtop has this pouty rocker look to it. Inspires me to play Dm blues.
That’s funny. I don’t admit that out loud but it’s important.
I’m mostly a solid body but when you find the right style they are great guitars. I love the Gibson L5 myself
Playability, the feel and ergonomic suitablity of the neck and action to your hand is to me the most important characteristic of a guitar, above even the tone.
💯 on the ergonomic feel of the neck. It's a dealbreaker.
Enjoyable video. My preference is the Epiphone Broadway. Balance between comfort and tone. Although I do have an Ibanez Af 153 I prefer the tone of the Epi. I played an L5 once in a dream. It was amazing.
Those Broadways are great!
Great video. Informative and well paced.
I'm not much of a jazzer; a wannabee maybe, but I've always wanted a good archtop and love the sound others get from them. I even briefly owned a couple of larger guitars, one being a Gretsch Streamliner. I liked them, but almost knew from the day I bought them, that they wouldn't last. I've also had a 335 [Gibson] that I couldn't really get on with. It must be to do with the awkward nature of the size. Who knows.. It's back to stock solids, I regret to say.
I think having a comfortable sized guitar is one of the most important things. Those 335s can feel quite big if you are used to Fender solid body style size.
My own experience- 2 of the best sounding archtops I ever owned (Gibson ES-175 and Ibanez 2460) are both made of laminated wood. 175's have gone thru the roof. 2460's, unfortunately, were made with cellulose binding, and it's almost impossible to find one with binding that hasn't rotted and needs replacement. I still own my 2460. Eastman makes a very unique sounding archtop (most are carved). The Guild X-500 is another laminate archtop that is very highly thought of. Haven't played one. Guess what I'm saying is-don't judge a laminate guitar until you've played it!
I agree - those laminates shouldn't be discounted, especially if you mainly play plugged in. I really need to get my hands on a Guild and Eastman.
You can easily change the position of a large archtop by using a strap.and how you angle the neck...or even when using a smaller archtop...check out how Joe Pass positioned his Gibson 175 with a strap.
Good tip Marc 👍
I think that one other consideration is how you intend to use the guitar: mainly acoustic or mainly plugged in. If you are going to be plugged in almost 100% of the time you could get something with a center-block. If you plan to play mainly acoustic then you'll probably want fully hollow and quite possibly with a floating pickup -or only a neck pickup. All in all I think you hit some great points... size and feel I think was such an important one! Thanks & Great Job!
Cheers Greg. That’s a good observation.
Yes, that was much of my problem. I go back & forth between hollow & Tele, but couldn't find the archtop that worked. Tried Ibanez, Washburn, and 2 Godins, but couldn't bond with any of them for various reasons. A big thing is I'm 99.9% a home player and wanted something with a nice acoustic tone that I could just pick up and play w/out plugging in. The Godins were close and the only thing I found with enough volume, but the lam body tone was so-so...lots of fundamental, but not what I call "rich". Finally found an all-carved Eastman with floating pickup that sounds wonderful. I've read their construction is based on Benedettos; whatever it is, it makes me want to pick it up when I walk by!
@@jim232777 Yes! Eastman's are excellent like that!! I'm recently fond of the Ibanez AG series and some of the Gretschs! My G100CE is awesome, and looking at a 6118 Anniversary JR.
Peerless Monarch 17" floating Johnny Smith. Solid spruce top and maple back and sides. I might change the pick up down the road.
I have a 1953 Gretch without a pickup. This is a beutiful sound guitar I have had for 70 years. It broadcasts well for playing rhythm. I would like to add a floating pickup, the very best I can find. Anh suggestions about a pickup or just leave it off.
Have you seen my video where I have a dearmond added to my Gibson L7? Are you going to be using the guitar out eg. is there a need to amplify it? If not. I would leave it as is.
i had an INCREDIBLE L-5 copy yamaha in blonde, the only reason i sold it because the neck was a little thin for my taste. soooooo maannnnyy great options nowadays!! us players are always the weakest link.
I bet that was a nice guitar. Yamaha always do decent guitars.
2nd piece is more important than people think, I picked up an Ibanez af7g iirc with a huge body, and my back still hasnt recovered from the pain of reaching over for 3 hours at a time
It is very important. I find the neck profile super important too.
I have a ton of em. Love em all & none high end. Very good vid.
The Ibanez Artcore is a good choice for people dipping their toes into archtops. They are widely available used, the fit and finish are generally good, and the pickups are adequate. Having two humbuckers brings a lot of versatility for blues and rock styles. Neck p90 pickups in archtops start getting strange once you get into moderately high gain.
I agree, great value for money.
Another consideration is whether the guitar is set up with a metal tune-o-matic style bridge or an ebony or rosewood bridge.
Yes, very important.
I just picked up an Epiphone Broadway. It is a great guitar.
I've not had the chance to try one yet.
I have owned 2 archtops in my time - a 1936 Epiphone Broadway, and a blonde 1993 Guild X700. Both amazing guitars, must haves when I was buying them, and I would never buy them again. Now my go to guitar is a Telecaster. Maybe that shows how we can change as guitar players over time.
What was the Broadway like? Did it have a V neck? The Tele is my go to solid body for jazz. There's definitely something in our changing tastes over time.
@@jazzguitarwithandy The neck was slim and fast! A very light, playable guitar. The body was walnut, and it had amazing projection.
@@jazzguitarwithandy As I like both types of guitars (and so diffenrent), I was absolutely suprised with this Tim Lerch's video. ruclips.net/video/0cTcS_wPyHc/видео.html. I totaly failed guesing what is what.
The ES-300 is what Danny Cedrone used on Bill Haley's song "Rock Around The Clock".
Yes and very sad that he died soon after recording that.
Simply a good video.
Glad you think so!
Hey Andy, have you tried any of the more recent D'angelico Exl-1's? They switched up the pickups to a Seymour Duncan Johnny Smith Floating Mini-Humbucker. I'm going back and forth between getting one vs an Eastman T59/v. I've never owned an archtop though, did/do you have any issues with feedback at all? That's one of the major factors pushing me more towards a semi-hollow. I wish these were around for me to try in person since buying off spec sheets is always a gamble like you mentioned.
Hey, they are very different guitars to choose between. What are you used to playing at the moment? Some people find archtop size hard to get used to.
I’ve not tried the latest EX-1s. I have heard the pickups are an improvement though.
I don’t get into problems with feedback. If I’m at a gig with high volume then my amp will be mic’d and put through the PA. what situations will you be using it in?
What sort of tone are you after?
@@jazzguitarwithandy at the moment i simply play a classical guitar and have used plenty of fenders in the past on the electric side of things. For the most part i just play at home but was trying to think ahead for situations where i can play with others. As far as tone, the ideal sound in my mind is Wes’s playing on Round Midnight (not that my playing is even 1% as good lol)
@@moemedani8883 I’d go with an archtop if that’s the case. A semi/thinline makes a great jazz guitar, but it doesn’t have the depth of tone of a hollow bodied archtop.
I’d also look secondhand. You could look at Guilds, Ibanez or Yamaha too. Some of the Korean made Epiphines too.
Very interesting. You may not want to say and that's no problem, but how much did the L-5 set you back? Beautiful guitar
You never mentioned differences in roundwounds vs flatwounds? Ever try a Dearmond X155? Squier bought them out in 2002 & then rebranded the remaining stock of X155’s, but basically exactly the same but Squier pickups instead of the Dearmond Gold Tone pickups (very sought after & not cheap). I was lucky enough to score Squier version for $300, & WOW. Amazing instrument & I haven’t even had the urge or need to plug it in yet after having it for months. And it projects VERY well, I was shocked. Get one if you get the chance, they’re an incredible find many aren’t aware of.
Sounds like a bargain! I had to google that model, not seen one of those before.
Hi Andy, I clicked onto this video, because I thought it might be about acoustic archtops. I am a purely acoustic player, (mostly flat tops, but I have three acoustic archtops) and if I may, I'd like to ask your opinion on using a pressed laminate top vs a solid, carved top, with pickups installed onto/into the top.
I had understood that for screw on p/ups - a solid top needs to be backed with a large/heavy centre brace to effectively kill the resonance and reduce feedback. This must surely also kill the acoustic tone (?) so I'm wondering, unless using a single floating p/up (I see you have a "monkey on a stick style elsewhere) then do you think that a carved top is a disadvantage, or am I missing something? Thanks in advance.
Firstly, sorry for the slow reply. If you want acoustic tone then I'd definitely stay away from set pick up and look for something with a floating pick up. The difference is huge. The ones with the set pick ups don't have the same resonance or fullness to the acoustic tone. My L7 is head and shoulders above my Super V in terms of acoustic tone. That said, I prefer the sound of amplified archtop with a set pickup and a solid top. I feel there's more detail to the sound than in a laminate with a pickup. What's your primary use for the guitar? Is it practicing at home or gigging?
I'm looking for an archtop. I'm confused about the bridge. Some have the wooden bridge and some have the fine tuner piece. Does it matter which type of bridge you have?
I much prefer a wooden bridge.
I want to play rock and metal on it with an awesome sound while arpegiating. Use a dimarsio humbucker in the bridge and a P90 in the neck.
I've not really tried my archtop with my high gain, I should just to see what it's like.
@@jazzguitarwithandy i run a RA100 Mesa boogie, a tube screamer, delay, phaser, and a vox whah. Covers 99% of the stuff I like to play. Tool, Lamb of God, Neil Young lol
I found this video informative, as I'm thinking about buying an archtop guitar. The lens used to record the video produces a funny effect of enlarging whatever moves towards the lens. Andy's hands grow to giant size when his hands move towards the camera and the guitar looks bigger than it really is. 😆
Yes, I have to use a wide angle lens in this small space I'm working in. It definitely does that when I bring something closer to it!
I have been an acoustic player my whole life.. is archtop hollow body versatile enough if I want to tap into jazz, while at the same time playing it like an acoustic guitar? Thx for the video!
It can be, but I'd get as fully acoustic one, or if you do get an Archtop with a pickup ensure it has a floating one.
@@jazzguitarwithandy Thank you so much for taking the time to response. What would be a good example of a fully acoustic archtop with floating pickup? Thank you in advance! Merry Xmas!
does the lack of cutaway botehr you? For blues and fusion I have a 335. I got a 125 for more straight ahead, and don't find that I miss the cutaway. What do you think? Thanks
It doesn't bother me too much. The only time, is when I'm playing a gig and go to play an arranged part that is normally high up the fretboard and then quickly think 'I can't do that on this guitar!'.
9:34 I think one of The Most Important things in choosing a guitar is a neck shape !!
I really want to order an Eastman archtop but I'm afraid of that "Even C" neck.. It just might be too big and chunky.. And there are none in my area so I can't try it :(
It is extremely important and you won't know for sure until it's in your hands! Can you return one if you don't like it?
Enjoyed your video, Andy. BTW, the L5 looks HUGE in your hands! I assume that it is, NTL, comfortable to play or you wouldn't have kept it.
Thanks Brian. I don't find L5 size archtops to be a problem size wise for me. The neck profile and how that feels is the deal breaker on guitars for me.
Hello Andy, I am an amateur rhythm guitarist (dreadnaught). I have started to learn jazz. I am hoping to get your opinion on the best archtop guitar that is solid wood, hollow body and no pick up.
I am looking the most affordable based on the specs (not ready to shell out on a Gibson). Thank you very much 😀
Hey, if you're looking for an acoustic archtop then non-cutaway is the way to go. You should try the Eastman aR610 or ar805. I've also heard great things about the Loar 700.
@@jazzguitarwithandy Thank you. I will check it out. 😀 I was looking at the review for Loar 600 and 700 and some video for Eastman.
I don't need any more guitars: said no one ever.
I have one Ibanez PM2. It looks good, plays great but I would sell all my gear for that Gibson L5. 😁
Is that an Ibanez with a single pickup? I stupidly have just sold that L5!
@@jazzguitarwithandy Yup. Really! I keep browsing reverb for a good deal on L5. But all of them are north of $10k.
Great video Andy, interesting guitar Journey. Ever played a Guild Artist? Looks great.
I've not played many Guild archtops. Is that one of their older models? I'd love to try out the George Barnes signature model.
@@jazzguitarwithandy yes, it's a beauty. Maybe you might do one on solid bodies for jazz sometime??
The idea that certain guitars are for specific types of music has always amused me. We can play any music on any guitar we wish to use. A good example is John 5 who played in Marilyn Mason's band. He plays a Telecaster and is an amazing musician who can play any style of music.
It is an interesting topic. I agree that you can play jazz on anything, but when it comes to era specific tones you might want an archtop. That John 5 is a killer player- doesn't he have a signature white tele?
I’m in the market for one, but my wife is not! 😀I looked at an Ibanez AF95 recently and really liked it.
Love it! I don't think mine is either lol
🙄
A lot of the KOREAN-MADE archtops are made by Peerless.
They make some very decent guitars.
I've not managed to try one yet.
And Samick - Greg Bennett LeSalle JZ4 I just got delivered yesterday
Also there’s a JZ2
I'm lefthanded & want an arch top. My budget is small, so my selection is limited. Any suggestions? Also, how do you think I'll find the size, considering I'm used to classical guitar dimensions?
Hi Gary, I can imagine that's frustrating given the lack of left handed guitars in general. Have you looked at Ibanez? The smaller arch tops have a 16 inch bout, maybe look for something that size.
I’m a lefty as well and have really enjoyed my Ibanez AF55. It’s cheap and the pickups aren’t great, but useable. I swapped them out and get some wonderful sounds out of it.
Awesome lesson
does anyone know anything about the vintage archtop jazz guitar by OscarTeller (Telson?).?
Not heard of those.
You have to sit down and play a scad of guitars. Never mind the model name. When you find "The One" buy it right then ! The exception might be if you have a chance to buy a custom guitar with a famous players name on it - a custom one off. Just buy it! If you don't love it.. it will pay for the one you do love. In my case, I had my hands on a Tal Farlow maybe $450 or $600 at Don Weirs Music City... and I dithered a couple of weeks. Dumb ! Look what Carla Motis does with her Ibanez.
It would be great if most guitar shops stocked a good range of archtops so people could just play a load of them. I guess most people just buy off the internet and hope it matches their expectations based on video reviews.
I think that every guitar player should have a chance of trying a nice one. There will be either a revelation or not, then you'll know what to do.
I agree. I've tried guitars out that I've wanted for ages and felt deflated when trying them.
@@jazzguitarwithandy Exactly. My first Gibson es-175 was really a revelation. I did not know an electric guitar could sound that much. I eventually started building guitars, mostly for myself, and replaced my Es-175 with an archtop of my own. Even though it was my first archtop build, the solid-top did beat the laminate sound easily. I sold the gibson after a while. Thanks Andy for your youtube channel. Interresting content.
You get sick of carrying a massive case. They feedback like crazy even at moderate volume. Very easy to damage. A half decent one is going to be a big investment that you really don’t want to take it to the local pub. Very limited sustain. In short a tele with a neck pickup is what you actually need and will sound fine. Believe me, I’ve done it all and learnt the hard way.
Oh for sure on the case. I rarely get issues with feedback, but then my amp is usually mic'd up. You're right re damage, my Super V has picked up so many marks in just a couple of years. You can't go wrong with a Tele.
Ed Bickert
Ted Greene
Tim Lerch
Would agree
I do love my hollow body guitars and arch top acoustics but they are a lot more like a high maintenance girlfriend and every thing has to be just right or else there's trouble lol
However I do have a really nice USA built guild with DeArmond pickups and a 16 inch maple body that's pretty good for feedback resistance and my trusty old Epiphone Joe Pass also easy to control and not a huge guitar while also being a little more boxy and sturdy to gig with ,, but I kinda agree a telecaster is probably the best for any style most versatile gigging guitar
That USA Guild is known as the “gig mister” a buddy of mine plays the one with only one pickup, great guitar and built like a Battle Ship!
@@PoodleoopWhat? 😂
I've got a Loar LH700VS sitting beside me. Fantastic guitar and got it for a bargain. I can answer questions, if anyone has any.
I've heard great things about those Loars. Never had the chance to try one myself yet.
@@jazzguitarwithandy Check out the Model 33. It's not in production anymore sadly.
I have the same model -- as shown in my pic. Marvelous guitar, with a very authentic acoustic archtop bark. No comparison between it and the Godin 5th Avenue, which so many have raved about.
thanks
Great value New $1499 used $1000 to $1250
NUFF TALK, I'LL TAKE THAT ONE YOU'RE HOLDING. I'LL FORWARD YOU MAILING ADDRESS.
LoL! Sadly, I sold that one - regret it big style!
@@jazzguitarwithandy WOW BROTHER. THAT IS ONE OF MY DREAM GUITARS. I'M SURE WE'LL BOTH HAVE ONE SOON ENOUGH. BLESSINGS AND HAPPY HOLIDAY.
Great topic and informative. I have a 90's Guild starfire 2 with two pickups and rosewood bridge, but- would like to find a second hand archtop with solid wood construction with floating pickup or option to add a floating pick. I find that they have more of an acoustic sound than a laminated guitar. Gibson L4c or equivalent in size, tone, and dimensions. The hunt is on.
Good luck with the hunt Steve. I think you're re the acoustic tone. Not played a Starfire before, is that the thinline style one?
There is far less choice these days. Gibson will only produce to order. Eastman order book is now over 6 months - very few in stores. Pearless have withdrawn from the market.
Yes, very sad that Gibson don't produce them as standard anymore. There's also been a decline in the levels of production of thinlines. Eastmans seem very hard to get hold of at the moment.
Dangelico excel 1
I've had one of those, I quite liked it, but the pickup wasn't great.
Sure wish you had to played the guitar you were holding.
Very sensible idea
The "Vee' shape cutaway is florentine, and the FLOWING curved cutaway is VENETIAN.
Yeah, exactly opposite of what you would expect.
Did I say it the other way round? I much prefer Venetian. Can’t stand the Florentine.
There are only three colors for an archtop:
*Blonde
*Honey blonde
*Butterscotch blonde
Blonde wins!
List of things to consider:
1. not having any money.
End of list.
So true 💯
Peerless make great guitars !
They sure do
"So much choice available." Yeah, not in New Zealand hah
I can imagine! What about being left handed and in NZ? Here in the UK a lot of the shops don’t have too much stock right now.
PLAY PLAY PLAY !!!!!!!!!