Solomon archtop: audio demo!

[rpguitar]

As promised, here are some of the tones produced by my new 2011 Erich Solomon Imperial acoustic archtop.

(A reminder of what she looks like)



This first file showcases just the acoustic sound of the guitar. I've got a Beyerdynamic MC-930 small diaphragm condenser aimed at the 12th fret, and a Shure KSM-32 large diaphragm condenser aimed at the bridge area. The signal has just a wee bit of tube compression and digital reverb to liven it up.

The second file is an electric recording, with the Kent Armstrong 2D floater going through an AI Clarus 2R head, and the line out of that feeding the recorder. The same mild processing is applied.

[skiboyny]

Impressive sound out of a relativity small box. Congrats on your new side kick.

[Abaddon2005]

i've got to say this sounds really impressive, especially the chordal work. every note rings clear. seem to have an almost flattop like sound, which isn't a bad thing per se. has the ''pop'' of an archtop though, especially when you were playing Have You Met Miss Jones.

[Anandbhat]

Great tone and sustain.
Loved the blended sound the most!

[Steve Z]

I really dig the amplified sound! Wow!


Cheers,
Steve

[NSJ]

Very precise differentiations on the acoustic strumming. I dug the "Aggressive strumming portion" of that the most.

Overall, I prefer the amplified sound of this, particularly the blended version. Well done, sir.

[morroben]

Damn...I thought I was impressed at the first thread with pictures only. This is even better! That sounds really great! The electric tone is great, but the acoustic and blended tones are spectacular! Either you're a recording genius or that's a hell of a guitar.
I'm experiencing major guitar envy. But I just looked at the prices, and I don't see that guitar ever happening for me.

[Retroman1969]

That thing is a work of art, and I love the acoustic sound! It sounds clear yet mellow, and as rich and open as a flat-top acoustic.
Congrats on owning it!

[rpguitar]

Thanks everyone for listening, and for the nice comments. I'm sure that Erich will also appreciate the feedback. He cares a lot about how his customers get on with their instruments (and not just because he wants to avoid trouble!). He feels that there's a four way partnership involved - wood, builder, player, and music.

It's interesting in general that different people prefer a particular aspect of the sound - acoustic, electric, or blended. That's what makes the world go around. But also, it highlights how an acoustic jazz guitar with a magnetic pickup offers many tones to the player, and in some ways is the ultimate "box" for that reason. Especially for recording situations, where you can mix different sources for a complex, three dimensional tone.

[NSJ]

Originally Posted by rpguitar

Thanks everyone for listening, and for the nice comments. I'm sure that Erich will also appreciate the feedback. He cares a lot about how his customers get on with their instruments (and not just because he wants to avoid trouble!). He feels that there's a four way partnership involved - wood, builder, player, and music.

It's interesting in general that different people prefer a particular aspect of the sound - acoustic, electric, or blended. That's what makes the world go around. But also, it highlights how an acoustic jazz guitar with a magnetic pickup offers many tones to the player, and in some ways is the ultimate "box" for that reason. Especially for recording situations, where you can mix different sources for a complex, three dimensional tone.

When I get some money together (his prices are steep, but strangely, on the affordable side of steep--i.e., not outrageous), maybe I'll ring him up and see if he can make a 7 string version of this baby? I've sold many of my guitars, too, and am going towards the direction of smaller/lighter guitars, and of the 7 string variety.

Also, I noticed that your model, unlike the one pictured on his site, has a slight cutaway? And your model comes with a pickup. The one pictured on his site is straight out acoustic. I presume the pickup was extra (cost-wise). What kind of pickup can you put on this?

[rpguitar]

Originally Posted by NSJ

Also, I noticed that your model, unlike the one pictured on his site, has a slight cutaway? And your model comes with a pickup. The one pictured on his site is straight out acoustic.

In general, the photos on the website are not super current. This model has a "soft" cutaway as an option, which I chose. I initially received it without a pickup, but later asked Erich to install one while he had it in his shop for some tweakage. He got in touch with Kent Armstrong, who wound one of his "2D" floaters.

[msr13]

Originally Posted by morroben

...Either you're a recording genius or that's a hell of a guitar...

Or, a damn good player. Or, all three. I think all three.

Sounds awesome, Roger. Kudos to Mr. Solomon, and to you for making the sounds that come out of it.

[dmorash]

Sounds terrific. Loved the acoustic sound. Just great.

[fws6]

Let me be the first one to disagree (as usual). I hope I am not offending you, as I was also critical on your Ergo guitar before. So just to make clear, I am not saying it isnt any good - it seems like a majestic instrument indeed, extremely nicely built. And obviously I adore the looks of the guitar.

But soundwise it isnt my cup of tea. Too bright and very clear modern sound, not enough warmth or midrange punch for my taste. I wish it would have a larger body. I repeat 'to my personal taste'.

Out of all the dozen or so guitars you have demo-ed here and on youtube my fav still remains your blondie L5; and as its more warm and open souning alternative the L12

Again, sound is very personal thing and what is pleasing to one might not be to someone else. I liked the first part of the 'electric' demo but all the rest doesnt do it for me as an acoustic guitar, I guess I always look/listen for somewhat other tonal qualities in an archtop than you do.

[rpguitar]

That's cool, different strokes. But I don't "listen for different tonal qualities" necessarily. That's why I enjoy so many of these instruments. I am glad to have a modern guitar with that clear sound. Erich once told me that jazz guys don't always like this kind of guitar (i.e. his). It's definitely a rule breaker and I had it built partly for that reason.

That said, I think it sounds great, and is a really nice jazz instrument! It helps if you look away from the design and just play it.

[fws6]

Glad you took my comment the way I meant it. I dint know if it was OK to post what I posted. Many internet discussion boards are filled with unfriendly arguments and namecalling rather than frank discussion.

I can understand why Solomon said that; the acoustic clip gave me the idea that this type of guitar is more aimed at 'fingerpicking' rather than 'jazz'.

It wouldnt help me to look away from the design though - I love the way it looks. I have also looked at the one that Rudy's has for sale. Would love a Mirabella etc. In fact love the looks many of of the 'modern' styled instruments but havent found one that I like. I am just a sucker for the oldtime chunky sound.

[rpguitar]

Originally Posted by fws6

I am just a sucker for the oldtime chunky sound.

I love it too. But one can only have so many old Gibsons, right??

You'll probably say "Right, that's why I started buying D'Angelicos."

Well, I can dream...

Anyway, the Solomon is actually a pretty damn loud guitar. Not just for its size, but period. A demo with just that guitar doesn't convey it well, because there's no point of comparison. But it has a lot of punch actually - yet, it absolutely crosses over into other styles of music, which I think is really cool.

I have a jones for a modern archtop in the D'Aquisto Solo style. I just have no idea what I'm going to sell to afford one at this point! The Super 400 kinda knocked me out. It took selling 5 guitars to pay for that.