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The guitar arrived a couple of hours ago from Mak's Guitars in London, and I have to say I am very impressed. The case is excellent too.
Definitely the easiest neck I've played on an archtop - very comfortable throughout the range.
Sounds very acceptable when practicing unplugged. Of course, acoustically it doesn't come near the AR910 or AR804 which I have in the room, but for those nights when I awaken at 4am, I can come through from the bedroom and play happily for an hour, before heading back. I don't know why they don't mention that is a feature of the guitar
By the way, that strip in the middle of the headstock is easily removable to access the truss rod. Taking it off reveals two small magnets.
Tone-wise through an amp it still retains a slightly acoustic vibe, can be mellow or slightly bright depending on your settings. Very lush jazz sounds to be had. And with a proper amp, Jim Hall might be attainable too.
Talking of proper amps - mine is not proper at all: Yamaha THR 10. I've had good results from that amp with other guitars, but this guitar deserves something of a higher spec, which possibly includes valves. My head is in a spin deciding what would be best. [By the way, it is easy to get my head in a spin these days: just say "Hi"]
One slight niggle is the second-string Bb (the defining note of jazz!) is a bit wolfie. I'm not returning it because of that, but need to investigate ways to deal with it. Help accepted. Pickup screw height?
Your thoughts on an appropriate amp combo for living-room playing, possibly recording too, direct or with a mic, would be appreciated. Among current chin-stroking contenders are Henriksen Bud 6 (if I can find a used one), Roland JC22, DV Mark Little Jazz, or the English-made Laney Cub-Super12 CUB-SUPER CUB-SUPER12 All tube combo with Boost and Reverb - >1W & 15W - 12 inch HH speaker - Laney Amplification - Since 1967 (thanks Guy).
I had a DV Mark Jazz before, but returned it after half an hour because of the fan. I believe the fan is gone these days, but some owners now complain of a hiss at low levels, so I'm not too excited about that. My owner prefers the stylings of the Roland and the Laney, but the Bud 6 is probably the best out of the bunch if I can afford it.
Finally a shout out for Mak's Guitars Mak's Guitars - London's Premier Specialist Guitar Store - Mak asked me what strings I'd like on it, and was happy to grant my wish for TI 12s, flatwound.
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03-11-2026 02:41 PM
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Congrats Rob,play it in good health.I'm surprised about the acoustic sound.I've played both the 680 and 610 with the mahogony back and thought it sounded very nice.A different set of strings as you know can sometimes make a big difference.My DV Mark is my favorite jazz amp , i have a later model and have not had the hiss problem.
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Thanks, Chaz. Good to know of your experience with the DV Mark. As for the sound - remember what amp I was going through. That said, I'm not worried at all if there is a slight acoustic edge to the sound.
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I'm very happy with the sound of Markku's 8" TOOB paired with a DV Mark "Raw Dog" EG250. Not as versatile as the Henriksen, but not as expensive, either. A lovely sound.
Initial impessions of the new Toob Metro 8
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Rob, Get the Bud 6. You will be glad you did. I have trimmed down to two amps (from eight) and the Bud 6 was one of the two I kept (The other is a Quilter Mach 3 Combo).
The Bud 6 is both a Polytone like jazz amp combined with an acoustic amp all in one 11 pound package. Buy once, cry once.
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I've had my Pisano 880 for about 20 years now (label says 2005). I first saw them at NAMM. Everyone knows the spec-spruce top, maple B/S. The 680 came out a few years later with Mahogany B/S. Fantastic guitars both, and congrats on your 680!
I totally agree, the neck on these are just about as close to perfection as you can get. Not too slim, not too fat, comfortable profile. 1.75" nut 25" scale. Mine still has the stock pickup.
As far as amps go, I did literally 100's of gigs paired up with a Schertler Unico. I needed the P.A. feature for vocals and mic for a horn. It wasn't the best amp plugged straight in I used a L.R. Baggs Para in front of the input.
Since I went with a EV Evolve 30 for P.A. duties, I've had a number of amps lined out into the EV. However, these amps have been really chosen for how they sound with my Benedetto Cremona w/Bartolini floater. I know if I can get good sound from that rig I can get a great sound with the 880.
I was pretty happy with the Quilter Cub, however I never could get the low volume clean sound I was looking for. Maybe had something to do with 50 watts. I sold it to a rock friend and he cranks it up and loves it!
I finally found the best match-a Koch Jupiter Jr. hybrid. 20 watts, 26 lbs. 10" speaker. I'm very, very happy with it. And by the way, the 880 sounds superb through it!
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That magnetic truss rod cover should become the new standard.
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…until you lose it…I imagine that is possible. But, that aside, it is a great idea.
Originally Posted by AllanAllen
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Congrats Rob ! If you don’t need 2 channels get a Blu 6 and save some money but definitely go Henriksen. Best amps on the planet IMO.
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Thanks, ST. My AR910CE has maple b&s, and is a wonderful guitar, so I thought I’d opt for the mahogany this time. I never contemplated the Koch brand. So thanks for adding that to the growing list of possibilities! Originally Posted by SierraTango
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Thanks, Vinny. They’re hard to find in the UK these days, but I’ll keep searching. Originally Posted by vinnyv1k
Congrats Rob ! If you don’t need 2 channels get a Blu 6 and save some money but definitely go Henriksen. Best amps on the planet IMO.
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Another good shout for the Bud. If I get a Henriksen, it will be the Blu, as I’ll only need one channel. Originally Posted by Stringswinger
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So happy to hear your report and thumbs up, Rob. It's a beautiful looking guitar! WRT to amp recommendations, I have a DV Mark Little Jazz (late model, no fan). I'm not sure why it doesn't get more love here. A recent model without a fan is going to get you great tone and leave some simoleons in your bank account for your next GAS outbreak. PS: I gig with mine, and in larger rooms, DI into the house if necessary - which has only happened once.
I have a Quilter Aviator Cub, which the gang here helped me zero in on. It's fantastic, and I play it, low volume, every day in my studio. It models three iconic Fender amps, and I make the choice based on which guitar I'm playing. The fat arch tops get the Tweed channel, and the Sadowsky gets the Black channel. (The Blonde channel isn't getting much love from me!) I carry it out when I'm playing outdoors or in larger rooms with the band and I need a 12-inch speaker.
I had the opportunity to play my AR480 Pisano through a few different Henriksens at Frank Vignola's Winter Camp. Those amps are built for jazz tones. It would be hard not to like one. All things considered, I'm very happy with what I have today. Having said that, and having listened to you for more than a decade, I have to agree with Stringswinger; I think the Henriksen would fit your style like a glove.
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Thanks, Bb. The DV jazz is still a possibility. We shall see. I’ll not jump on the first thing I see. The Blu seems to be front runner…
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I’ve just noticed there is no strap button on the base of the guitar. Highly unusual don’t you think? I don’t need one, fortunately, but I am surprised.
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Sure, but you can lose the regular one too. Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
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Rob, I had a Blu 6 as well and I kept the Bud 6. In addition to the extra channel, the Bud has a wider range of EQ possibilities that make it (if you can swing the extra coin) a better choice. Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
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Thanks, friend. I knew this wouldn't be easy!
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Rob, you did well and what a nice score. The guitar checks many boxes and for me as a general Gibson is the king believer, think the Eastman guitars are for those interested in playing and performance but zero do to with vintage thoughts. I am with SS in that the Blu 6 is the real target, and you will be set forever. The Pisano would be a built in guitar that I would easily buy because it is still relatively alive and quality stuff.
I am so glad you are back at it playing and working through all the various things that make up the "guitar life." Gives a recording or an update when you can it would be cool.
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I agree with you. But back when I bought it, the EG250 cost me $299 on sale at MF, and it's one of the best jazz amps I've ever used. They're now $600 from the same source. The 8" Toob & EG250 combo will cost $900 today unless on sale, and a new Blu 6 lists for $1200. Thos who really need 125+ Watts should probably look at alternatives to the EG250 / Toob combo - you can't use all that power through the Toob 8. Originally Posted by Ukena
For lower key gigs, I agree that a Toob Metro is a great alternative to a Blu 6 when paired with a less powerful head. At least a BAM200 has a master volume that will limit maximum output, and it's only $179 when you can find one. A Superblock US is another great head for a Toob. Even at its current $329 or thereabouts, the pair lists for a little over half of the cost of a Blu 6. It's not as powerful, but it sounds great within its volume limits, and it's not at all underpowered for solo or trio gigs unless the trio is you, a B-3 with a huge Leslie, and a drummer on steroids.
If you need the power, I think the Blu is the better choice by far. It's a fabulous amp, and I love mine. I've pushed my Blu 6 pretty hard, and it never lets out a peep. It's hung in there with a nonet that includes 3 saxes, trumpet, trombone, keyboard and bass with high powered amps, a drummer who doesn't suffer from shyness, and me. We play a very large room at a local brewpub (main room about 75' x 100' plus 2 connecting rooms each about half that size, all with a high ceiling). The Blu really cooks, and it sounds fantastic with my laminated 16" archtop at pretty high volume.
Another great head for the Toob is the TC BQ500 ($179 new). Yes, it's grossly overpowered - but it also has a master volume, so you can effectively limit maximum drive by the signal. LIke the EG250, it's a warm and sweet sounding head. You hav to be careful with any head over 50W or so into a speaker rated for 30. An extraneous pop, buzz, hum etc can damage the speaker. So you need to be very careful about checking and maintaining the integrity of your cables, jacks, ground wires etc. You need to be sure you don't cause a transient by doing something dumb, like plugging in or unplugging your guitar cable while it's connected to the amp with the volume turned up.
The Pisano will sound great through any of the amp / speaker pairs discussed in this thread.
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You want easy? Buy one of each. How's that? Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
Thanks, friend. I knew this wouldn't be easy!
On neither end? That is unusual. I've only seen it on flat-tops, and even then, only on vintage guitars. Originally Posted by Rob MacKillop
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Ah! just got it - B/S = Back and Sides! Originally Posted by SierraTango
I've had my Pisano 880 for about 20 years now (label says 2005). I first saw them at NAMM. Everyone knows the spec-spruce top, maple B/S. The 680 came out a few years later with Mahogany B/S. Fantastic guitars both, and congrats on your 680!
I totally agree, the neck on these are just about as close to perfection as you can get. Not too slim, not too fat, comfortable profile. 1.75" nut 25" scale. Mine still has the stock pickup.
As far as amps go, I did literally 100's of gigs paired up with a Schertler Unico. I needed the P.A. feature for vocals and mic for a horn. It wasn't the best amp plugged straight in I used a L.R. Baggs Para in front of the input.
Since I went with a EV Evolve 30 for P.A. duties, I've had a number of amps lined out into the EV. However, these amps have been really chosen for how they sound with my Benedetto Cremona w/Bartolini floater. I know if I can get good sound from that rig I can get a great sound with the 880.
I was pretty happy with the Quilter Cub, however I never could get the low volume clean sound I was looking for. Maybe had something to do with 50 watts. I sold it to a rock friend and he cranks it up and loves it!
I finally found the best match-a Koch Jupiter Jr. hybrid. 20 watts, 26 lbs. 10" speaker. I'm very, very happy with it. And by the way, the 880 sounds superb through it!
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Evans amps are great, too , if you can find one on your side of the pond. I was able to get a great deal on an older (but mint) Bud (with A-B power amp and big heat sink as opposed to the newer class 'd' version) and it's become my go-to amp but I can't make myself get rid of my Evans RE200. How about the AER 60? They're supposed to be really good.
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I once briefly played through an Evans, and liked it a lot. Last I looked there was one for sale in the For Sale section here.
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Tommy Emmanuel & Martin Taylor use AER's, as far as I remember. Originally Posted by Skip Ellis
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