Looking into getting my first jazz box

[Wei-Ming]

Hello all!

I've been thinking of getting a jazz guitar as I'm doing a degree in contemporary music. I really want to focus in on playing jazz and want to invest in a jazz box.

I've been reading up a lot and still am not sure whether to get a semi hollow or a full hollow body guitar. Can anyone shed some light on the major differences these two have?

I don't want to spend too much money on my first jazz guitar so I've been looking at these models

Hollow Body Guitars -AK95 | Ibanez guitars

Hollow Body Guitars -AFS75T | Ibanez guitars

I'm really into Wes Montgomery and I currently play a Tele.

Any thoughts?

Regards

[pingu]

Yeah any of the AKs would be good for a Wes-type vibe
But Note ............
get some FAT (Flat wound) strings on it
like these Jazz swings
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/guitars/index.html
13 top is best (12 if you must)
and then get it set-up properly with the guage you go with

Or you could use your Tele but do the above stuff in italics
youtube Ed Bickert he's a great staight ahead player
who uses a Tele

Others will dissagree with all this probably
just my tuppence worth

[Vihar]

Originally Posted by Wei-Ming

I really want to focus in on playing jazz and want to invest in a jazz box.

If that's what you want, do it. However, the Ibanezes you listed are not much in the way of what I would call an investment. They are fine workhorses - just like your Tele.

Originally Posted by Wei-Ming

I've been reading up a lot and still am not sure whether to get a semi hollow or a full hollow body guitar. Can anyone shed some light on the major differences these two have?

One thing to point out: a semi-hollow guitar with a centerblock inside (i.e. 335 and the likes) will sound pretty much like a solidbody.

Originally Posted by Wei-Ming

I don't want to spend too much money on my first jazz guitar...

Wait, you already have it.

Originally Posted by Wei-Ming

I'm really into Wes Montgomery and I currently play a Tele.

What's your problem with it?

[Revelation]

Though the Gibsons are great, so many play them and have that Gibson sound. I really like the Ibanez Benson guitar and that would be my first choice in wanting a jazz guitar.

[customxke]

Originally Posted by Revelation

Though the Gibsons are great, so many play them and have that Gibson sound. I really like the Ibanez Benson guitar and that would be my first choice in wanting a jazz guitar.

My Byrdland doesn't really sound that much like my ES-175, which doesn't really sound that much like my ES-350. Am I missing something here?

[fender]

Originally Posted by pingu

get some FAT (Flat wound) strings on it
like these Jazz swings
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/guitars/index.html
13 top is best (12 if you must)
and then get it set-up properly with the guage you go with

Or you could use your Tele but do the above stuff in italics
youtube Ed Bickert he's a great staight ahead player
who uses a Tele

Others will dissagree with all this probably
just my tuppence worth

I tried this on my strat (12 Fender flatwounds), but didn't really work, because it has 25.5" scale and there was too much tension on neck. All I could do is drop whole tone down to keep normal tension. and actually the sound wasn't good too. Cannot compare for jazzy tone to my Ibanez AS103 what i have now.
My point is that it's not meant for that.
But maybe I'm wrong, just my experience.

p.s.
My cheap full mahagony tele sounds sweet even with regular 10 strings.

[Revelation]

Originally Posted by customxke

My Byrdland doesn't really sound that much like my ES-175, which doesn't really sound that much like my ES-350. Am I missing something here?

I just have heard the West Mont sound on so many jazz records that I would prefer something different. I have not heard a Brydland guitar, so I can't comment on it. But a Les Paul, and a 335, L5 have that Gibson thick tone. Yes the L5 has more of an acoustic sound, but the thick Gibson tone is still there. I love it, but I personally would prefer a different sound since I hear this sound so often.

[Patrick2]

I find myself to be very frustrated and at an obvious disadvantage as it relates to my desire to respond to these types of questions. As stated in my signature, I am a representative of The Heritage Guitar Company. As such, any response I might offer with suggestions that the OP look into Heritage guitars as an option, would be perceived as nothing more than a not so veiled effort to sway business to Heritage due to a biased opinion. Trust me . . . that's not my style!!

I can think of 3 Heritage guitars that would be perfect for this application. I guess, I can only offer, to the OP, if he wants to PM me I'll make some recommendations.

If one of the moderators reads this and finds it to be inappropriate, please PM me with your thoughts. I will definitelty abide by your rules and protocol.

[Revelation]

Originally Posted by Patrick2

I find myself to be very frustrated and at an obvious disadvantage as it relates to my desire to respond to these types of questions. As stated in my signature, I am a representative of The Heritage Guitar Company. As such, any response I might offer with suggestions that the OP look into Heritage guitars as an option, would be perceived as nothing more than a not so veiled effort to sway business to Heritage due to a biased opinion. Trust me . . . that's not my style!!

I can think of 3 Heritage guitars that would be perfect for this application. I guess, I can only offer, to the OP, if he wants to PM me I'll make some recommendations.

If one of the moderators reads this and finds it to be inappropriate, please PM me with your thoughts. I will definitelty abide by your rules and protocol.

I personally welcome you giving your input, as long as you don't push the sales pitch. Being made aware of guitars not discussed and information about them is always a welcome. Especially since you clarified that you work with Heritage. Now where is your web site? Ok, I check out your web site. You have some guitars that look pretty similar to the 335. Are there any audio clips of your guitars? It would be nice if there was one saying, here is a 335 going through a Fender Twin, and here is the Heritage 535. An explanation of what sets your guitar apart from the Gibson. They look great by the way.

[Patrick2]

Originally Posted by Revelation

I personally welcome you giving your input, as long as you don't push the sales pitch. Being made aware of guitars not discussed and information about them is always a welcome. Especially since you clarified that you work with Heritage. Now where is your web site? Ok, I check out your web site. You have some guitars that look pretty similar to the 335. Are there any audio clips of your guitars? It would be nice if there was one saying, here is a 335 going through a Fender Twin, and here is the Heritage 535. An explanation of what sets your guitar apart from the Gibson. They look great by the way.

There are plenty of sound clips all over You Tube. Also, www.wolfeguitars.com has quite a few. Heritage has guitars that are very similar to many of those that are currently in the Gibson line. The Heritage guitars are pretty much consistent with the quality level coming out of Gibson's Custom Shop. The price, however, is considerably less than a Gibson Custom Shop guitar. (so too is the resale value of a Heritage vs a Gibson. Gibson holds its resale value much better than Heritage).

As to your question of what sets a Heritage guitar apart from its Gibson Custom Shop counter part . . . there are just a couple of small differences. Firstly, on some of the arch tops, the size of a Heritage is slightly smaller. For example; Gibson's Super 400 has an 18" lower bout, a 3-3/8" depth and 21-1/2" length body dimensions. Its counter part from Heritage is a Super Eagle, with an 18" lower bout, a 3" depth and a 20-3/4" length. There are some other slight aesthetic differences, most notably the snake head, head stock design of the Heritage. Other than that, they are pretty much the same guitar, built the same way as the Super 400s and in some instances, built by the same people who built some of those very same older Super 400s. The Heritage counter part to the L5 is Heritage's Golden Eagle. Similar slight dimensional and aesthetic differences. I don't want to hyjack this thread and turn this into a rah rah session for Heritage. But, for those who don't know the history . . it's quite interesting. You should research it.

As for me . . . I have a vast collection of Heritage guitars and Gibson Custom Shop Re Issues . . . including an L5CES and a recently acquired L5 Wes Montgomery. I also have an Historic Collection ES 335, 1963 Re Issue that is damn near perfect . . . in every way. I have a Heritage H535 that I consider to be just as damn near perfect too. If you were to ask me which company consistently produces the better guitar . . . I couldn't pick between the Two. One huge difference is that with Heritage, a person can virtually spec out their own guitar. Pups, color, neck dimensions, finger board inlay, binding . . . all can be done to a customer's preference with Heritage. Gibson's Historic Collection Re Issues are pretty much a recreation of guitars from decades ago. So, they're some what locked into what they can and can't do. But, I do love both product lines!! The Heritage H150 matches up pretty nicely against the Custom Shop Historic Collection Re Issue "R" series Les Pauls. I have a Gibson Historic Reissue R4, R6 and two R9s. But, I also have an H150 with Seymour Duncan Seth Lovers that is the equal to those beautiful Rs in every way.

We are currently in a very nice period of some superb guitars being built by an abundance of very talented craftspeople. Life is good!!!!

[Wei-Ming]

Originally Posted by pingu

Yeah any of the AKs would be good for a Wes-type vibe
But Note ............
get some FAT (Flat wound) strings on it
like these Jazz swings
http://www.thomastik-infeld.com/guitars/index.html
13 top is best (12 if you must)
and then get it set-up properly with the guage you go with

Or you could use your Tele but do the above stuff in italics
youtube Ed Bickert he's a great staight ahead player
who uses a Tele

Others will dissagree with all this probably
just my tuppence worth

Thanks for your feedback. I can't seem to decide on what strings to use. Wes used flats, but I really like Martin Taylor's sound as well. And he uses round wounds! I have no clue on what to do. Flat wounds cost a whole lot too

[Wei-Ming]

Originally Posted by Vihar

What's your problem with it?

No problem with it, just that I would really like to have the feel of a jazz box when playing jazz. And fusion with my Tele. Or rock or anything else.

[Vihar]

Originally Posted by Wei-Ming

No problem with it, just that I would really like to have the feel of a jazz box when playing jazz. And fusion with my Tele. Or rock or anything else.

The Ibanezes you were looking at will do the job really well.

[Wei-Ming]

Originally Posted by Vihar

The Ibanezes you were looking at will do the job really well.

That's good to hear. Thanks for the input!

[Wei-Ming]

Originally Posted by Patrick2

I find myself to be very frustrated and at an obvious disadvantage as it relates to my desire to respond to these types of questions. As stated in my signature, I am a representative of The Heritage Guitar Company. As such, any response I might offer with suggestions that the OP look into Heritage guitars as an option, would be perceived as nothing more than a not so veiled effort to sway business to Heritage due to a biased opinion. Trust me . . . that's not my style!!

I can think of 3 Heritage guitars that would be perfect for this application. I guess, I can only offer, to the OP, if he wants to PM me I'll make some recommendations.

If one of the moderators reads this and finds it to be inappropriate, please PM me with your thoughts. I will definitelty abide by your rules and protocol.

I checked out the Heritage stuff. It's really nice! One big problem though.. I'm in Malaysia.

[Vihar]

There are a couple of lower priced Asian (Indonesian, Chinese or Korean) made guitars similar to the Ibanez models. Just to have options, here are a few of them:

Greg Bennett (Samick): Greg Bennett Electric - LaSalle

Greg Bennett Electric - Royale


Cort: Jazz Box Series | Cort Guitars


Washburn: Jazz Series | Electrics


Dean: Dean Electric Guitars-Acoustic Guitars-Bass Guitars


I don't know if you like any of those or if you can get them in Malaysia, but price and quality wise, they are in the same category.

[Wei-Ming]

Originally Posted by Vihar

There are a couple of lower priced Asian (Indonesian, Chinese or Korean) made guitars similar to the Ibanez models. Just to have options, here are a few of them:

Greg Bennett (Samick): Greg Bennett Electric - LaSalle

Greg Bennett Electric - Royale


Cort: Jazz Box Series | Cort Guitars


Washburn: Jazz Series | Electrics


Dean: Dean Electric Guitars-Acoustic Guitars-Bass Guitars


I don't know if you like any of those or if you can get them in Malaysia, but price and quality wise, they are in the same category.

Actually, we get those brands around here. I've checked them out before but they don't seem to bring in the jazz boxes. Anyway, I went ahead and got the Ibanez AK95!

[Vihar]

Cool! I think you won't be disappointed, especially after a good setup. I love my Ibanez too.

[Wei-Ming]

Originally Posted by Vihar

Cool! I think you won't be disappointed, especially after a good setup. I love my Ibanez too.

I made a wrong choice with trying thick round wounds. Gonna put on some flat wounds while I get it set up.

Also, how do I string properly?! The posts are really short and I can't do my usual 3 winds around it. And do you have any tips on how to keep the ball end seated in the bridge while tuning up?

[Vihar]

I don't have the model you do (I have a Jet King II), so I have no idea why your tuners are different. Try to always replace one string at a time, leaving the rest of them on the guitar under tension so the bridge stays seated. Otherwise you would need to always re-intonate your guitar. Try to stuff a piece of foam or cloth under the tailpiece so the end of the strings and the ball ends stay put.

[BigMikeinNJ]

You'll like the Ibanez, they've done some nice things with the AK line.

I stole a "trick" from Pat Metheny's old guitar tech Patricia (can't remember her last name). I went to two successive gigs at Villa Montalvo in 1990 to see the Parallel Realities tour he was a sideman in, and got THIS close is trusty old ES175, she had all his gear setup on stage. The wooden bridge was affixed in place with a piece of yellow tape, one side of the bridge - so I'm sure restrings were a lot less complicated, I've done that any time I am going to change strings, I tape the bridge in place briefly while doing the restring.

That was one tired old guitar, and it had more duct tape on the body than you can imagine, but PM sure made it sing.
(the sticker just below the neck pickup said NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK)

[Wei-Ming]

Originally Posted by BigMikeinNJ

You'll like the Ibanez, they've done some nice things with the AK line.

I stole a "trick" from Pat Metheny's old guitar tech Patricia (can't remember her last name). I went to two successive gigs at Villa Montalvo in 1990 to see the Parallel Realities tour he was a sideman in, and got THIS close is trusty old ES175, she had all his gear setup on stage. The wooden bridge was affixed in place with a piece of yellow tape, one side of the bridge - so I'm sure restrings were a lot less complicated, I've done that any time I am going to change strings, I tape the bridge in place briefly while doing the restring.

That was one tired old guitar, and it had more duct tape on the body than you can imagine, but PM sure made it sing.
(the sticker just below the neck pickup said NEW KIDS ON THE BLOCK)

Thanks for the input!

How about the tailpiece? Other than stuffing foam in there to keep the strings in place while it's loose (While tuning up), any tips on this?

[Vihar]

Originally Posted by Wei-Ming

How about the tailpiece? Other than stuffing foam in there to keep the strings in place while it's loose (While tuning up), any tips on this?

Here's a nice tutorial on that issue: FRETS.COM

That FRETS.COM Acoustic guitar instrument care, repair for players, luthiers is a great site by the way.