Help Deciding - Good for Jazz but handles classic rock

dmort · #1 04-09-2011, 09:42 AM

Hey All,

I'm getting ready to buy my first nice guitar... I mostly play jazz, by myself in a practice situation. (I take lessons so most of my playing is lessons or practice)

But every year or two, I end up in a classic rock band for a little while.

If I'm going to spend $1000 - $1500 I want the guitar to be able to handle both jazz, jazz fusion, and bluesy rock. I'm not playing metal or anything.

I'm going to buy used and the guitars I've been thinking about are a Westerly RI Guild Bluesbird, a Les Paul Double Cutaway, or a Hamer Artist.

Does anyone have any thoughts on these instruments?

Timbell · #2 04-09-2011, 09:50 AM

I would look into the Gibson semi-hollows. The full archs can be really pricey but they have some decent semis that will give you a nice jazz tone but can get crunchy.

Jabberwocky · #3 04-09-2011, 10:54 AM

Telecaster Thinline.

Timbell · #4 04-09-2011, 10:57 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

Telecaster Thinline.

The MIM RI thinlines are really good quality compared to some of the other teles they make there. Good way to go for cheap, but may lack enough jazz flavor, just up to your preference.

Jabberwocky · #5 04-09-2011, 10:58 AM

YouTube - Kanaal van CharlesCrosman

GodinFan · #6 04-09-2011, 11:02 AM

Of the guitars I have for doing both, the Godin Summit pictured in my avatar is probably the best. $900, ebony fingerboard, maple cap, mahogany body and neck, two Duncan Humbuckers, coil splitting, and active/passive switch.

Timbell · #7 04-09-2011, 11:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

YouTube - Kanaal van CharlesCrosman

Mahogany thinline tele with hums? sounds awesome.

pingu · #8 04-09-2011, 11:09 AM

Some kind of Tele
G&L Bluesboy ?

or a semi
Ibanez as 103 ?

jzucker · #9 04-09-2011, 12:18 PM

eastman 184/185/186, ER3, T165

mambosun · #10 04-09-2011, 12:26 PM

I (do my best to) play jazz but mostly rehearse and occasionnally gig with my rock/pop band.
My main guitar is a Semi Hollow Ibanez AS120 and I can tell you, it rocks !

bkdavidson · #11 04-10-2011, 01:18 AM

I still can't get over my Gibson ES-135. Those guitars are so awesome.

Archie · #12 04-10-2011, 02:32 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by bkdavidson

I still can't get over my Gibson ES-135. Those guitars are so awesome.

Yes, they are.

dmort · #13 04-10-2011, 06:06 PM

These are all great suggestions... Thanks all! Does anyone have any comments on those first three? Guild Bluesbird, Les Paul Double Cutaway, Hamer Artist.

And @jzucker, I've been seriously thinking about the er3. It seems to cover a lot of the sonic ground. Can you compare it to the t184? I've been thinking about that as well. I've realized that I prefer a slightly smaller body and those both have same width. Also, I've seen you with Hamers on youtube, any thoughts? What about a used soloway?

@pingu - I've been looking at bluesboys and actually the commanche semi hollow, with the z pickups. I need to get my hands on the commanche to try it out, but it seems like it should be a very versatile instrument. I just don't know about those pickups. If anyone knows how the body cavity is routed, if it could accommodate humbuckers or single coils, I'd be a lot more tempted to take a chance, knowing I could make a relatively easy switch at some point.

Does anyone know anything about Flaxwood guitars? They seem intriguing.

Gilles · #14 04-12-2011, 10:08 PM

Hmm, interesting thread. I would say : Gibson ES-137 and a *full body* G&L Bluesboy.

I own both

and I highly recommend them.

Lastly, I don't think that the hollow of semi-hollow is a must for jazzers. The bluesboy holds its own perfectly in jazz context. I even find that the solid-body "sounds" better than the thinline. (I know it's a big statement, but you have to try them side by side to hear that)

I would kindly attach some audio sample of my Saturday night gig with my sparkly blue Bluesboy, but they are not ready yet...

Cordially,
M-A