Beginners Jazz Guitar?

jazzblaster · #1 12-05-2011, 09:33 PM

Hey All,

I'm looking at getting a jazz guitar (hollow body) and was just wanting to get some feed back on a good beginners jazz guitar. I'm not a beginning guitarist, just new to jazz music. I was looking at the Ibanez ak95 wondering if anyone's played it? I've played a Hagstrom and wasn't to fond of it. Any advice would be much appreciated!

Thanks!

Jim Soloway · #2 12-05-2011, 10:11 PM

I would suggest waiting until the Eastman AR371CE comes out. It's their take on the ES175 type guitar. I'm not a fan of the really low end jazz boxes and the street price on the 371 should be under $750. I'm pretty sure it will be widely available with a few weeks and if my experiences with the new 503 are any indication, it may be a really nice guitar for the money.

jazzblaster · #3 12-05-2011, 11:05 PM

I've played a few higher end Eastman's and I really liked them! The only downside was the cost... I have looked at the AR371CE and it intrigues me the only problem is that I cant find it online anywhere... I was reading a post from a Eastman rep. and he said that it was going to be hitting the U.S. mid-November along with the AR503. So what I'm wondering is where you picked up your 503 so I could inquire about the 371.

Thanks

Jim Soloway · #4 12-05-2011, 11:20 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jazzblaster

I've played a few higher end Eastman's and I really liked them! The only downside was the cost... I have looked at the AR371CE and it intrigues me the only problem is that I cant find it online anywhere... I was reading a post from a Eastman rep. and he said that it was going to be hitting the U.S. mid-November along with the AR503. So what I'm wondering is where you picked up your 503 so I could inquire about the 371.

Thanks

My understanding is that the 503 has just started to ship in quantity but I'm not sure if the 371 has really fully entered the distribution pipe line yet. If not, I'm sure you'll be seeing it in the next few weeks. My recommendation is to be patient. I'm sure it won't take long.

Hammertone · #5 12-05-2011, 11:26 PM

How about these? Anywhere from $530 - $795 new on ebay:

burchyk · #6 12-06-2011, 05:46 PM

That non-cutaway single pickup Hofner looks very interesting!

Jazzblaster, please try as many archtops as you can.

Those Ibanez Artcores are a good starting point. They may not sound as good as 5x more expensive laminate boxes but you can find a well built example that will be a great practice/beginner guitar, especially with a pickup swap. I enjoyed my AF105 for about 2 years until moving on.

Dad3353 · #7 12-06-2011, 06:32 PM

Good evening, jazzblaster...

I would recommend a look at the Hofners, too. Here's a link to their page...

Hofner J17 Cutaway Guitar

...I had one in my hands a few months ago, and for the price (or more...) they deserve a listen. The one I tried was brand new, nicely set up from the factory (but had to remove the foam from under the bridge, of course...). A slight 'taughtness' that will doubtless play itself away, but I was impressed.
Just my tuppence worth...

mr. beaumont · #8 12-06-2011, 06:36 PM

I always give a shout out for the godin kingpin. Well made, very affordable]ood vintage tone.

Plus my hippy dippy side likes that it's made with about 90% local (to la patrie quebec) and sustainable woods.