Jazz Box Recommendation??

[Brian Chan]

Hello all,

I am in the market for a jazz box...budget is around $3-3.5k.I want a jazz box that I can play acoustically and in low volume trio setting..

I used to own a Gibson ES-335 50th model...but I think it sounds like a solid body...I want something got the airy tone...

What do you recommend?

Cheers,
Brian

[Jazzman301]

Lou Del Rouso over at Guitarsnjazz.com is a great place to look. The Eastman Jazz 16 and Jazz 17 are great. You could grab a used Benedetto Bravo for about your price range, a Peerless Cremona, vintag wise you should check out Guild. The Guild Artist series is really nice, the X175, x150, CE100 are all great instruments on par with Gibsons of that era.

'Mike

[msr13]

Yep, Lou at Guitarsnjazz is a great resource. The Eastman Pisano is awesome for both acoustic and electric tones. Right in the lower part of your range. A few months ago I got a used Gibson L4CES that was modified to one p90... I love this thing. Half the time I don't even plug it in. Lot's of great guitars that are very different from each other that will still meet the description you gave. You have a lot of fun coming up.

[Brian Chan]

Thanks guys..I really appreciate...I was an electric guitar guitar guy and know nth about jazz box..=P

What abut Gibson ES-175 and those who made by Sadowsky?

[msr13]

I have had several 175s. All three are gone and I have the L4 CES-- shaped like a 175, but solid top. 175s are awesome, but you really need to decide if they are for you, and the only way to do so it to try them. For me, it was living and playing with them. As for Sadowsky-- they rule!. I have a JB and it is a keeper for me. Ergonomic, tuneful, and sound wonderful. A near perfect instrument for me. I hear Jim Hall owners say the same thing about theirs.

[Brian Chan]

Thanks mate...I actually tried all Sadowsky archtop guitars when I visit their showroom in 2010..

I particular like the Jim Hall and LS-17 =)

[Retroman1969]

I agree that the 335 type guitars sound too much like a solid body, I couldn't get into them. But in that price range you have lots of good choices. Any of the Eastman guitars with single or floating pickups would be great for your needs. I have a 175 and love it, but it can't really be played acoustically in any live or group setting, mostly just for practice purposes.
Best of luck in your search.

[oldane]

Originally Posted by Brian Chan

What abut Gibson ES-175 and those who made by Sadowsky?

If you are into Sadowskys, also check out Tom Painters guitars.

[Rick Kay]

Check out James Murphy's guitars. JW Murphy Guitars - Custom Archtop Guitars

I have a blonde "Oakland" model due in about a month. It will be strictly acoustic. James builds some great sounding and great looking archtops.

[burchyk]

May I suggest you try some Heritage archtops. They have lots of Gibson vibe (in a good way that is) which should feel familiar to you coming from a 335. Solid carved woods configuration gives a different sound compared to laminates.

[jmstritt]

You really have a ton of options. You can look at the Eastmans like the Uptown Archtops or John Pisano models, You could probably find a Sadowsky in that price range (I really like the Jim Hall), and Heritage is another great suggestion. It just comes down to your personal preferences.

[Jazzman301]

Can't stress enough how much guitar can be had from the vintage Guilds...give those some serious thought. The old ones are killer and every bit as good as Gibson and Epiphone of that 50's-60' era. Some of the late 90's stuffmade in California are Benedetto era Guilds fyi.

[Jabberwocky]

$3-3.5K is a nice budget. Check out archtop.com to see what Joe's got.

How about an Gibson L-5 1934 Reissue? You can find those for about $3250.00 in used mint condition. It'll hold its value too. You could also get a Gibson Tal Farlow or an L-5 Studio for between $2500 and $2750.00. A Gibson L-4CES used runs you about $2750 to $3000.00.

You could also get a used Bryant Trenier Excel or Steve Andersen Streamline, both used for about $4000.00 when you find them. There is a nice Dick Knight archtop for $3495.00 for sale: 2000 Knight 445 Deluxe . www.myjazzhome.com has a Ted Megas Apollo 16" archtop for sale: http://www.myjazzhome.com/05_Megas.shtml . You could try offering Mr. J Stewart $4000.00 for it.

Heritage and Guild make great archtops. I have not played them for any length of time nor owned them but cursory experience showed them to be great guitars. I am still looking for a Guild Artist Award to call me own.

[jmstritt]

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

2000 Knight 445 Deluxe . www.myjazzhome.com has a Ted Megas Apollo 16" archtop for sale: Megas Apollo Guitar For Sale . You could try offering Mr. J Stewart $4000.00 for it.

If it were me I would be ALL OVER that Andersen.

[Brian Chan]

Thanks guys!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
I will take a look on all your recommendation.

[Jazzman301]

Guild Artist award....thas right. One of the most underated guitars

'Mike

[PascalD]

Brian

Have a look on this side: I've posted a lot of pictures and sound samples on our archtop in stock. If you are in Hong Kong, it might be difficult to come by and play some of our guitars in stock, but at least you can have an idea.

Website : Exxbox Guitars

Pascal

[coolvinny]

If you want to be able to play it acoustically, then look for a carved, solid wood guitar with a floating pickup. Take your time and look for a used, reputable instrument - you should have no problem getting a decent instrument on your budget given the economy. There are lots of guys out there that own guitars they can't afford to hold on to. Some dealers on Gbase have been asking the same unrealistic price on certain guitars for well over a year now, and they'd be foolish not to 'deal'. Make them an offer...