Semi-hollow guitar for a traditional jazz tone

[Edjara]

Hi!

I'm looking for a semi-hollow guitar mainly for jazz, and I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations.

At the moment I own an Eastman hollowbody, and I’m very happy with it both in terms of tone and build quality. That’s actually one of the reasons why I’m considering another Eastman, although this time I’d like to add a semi-hollow to my collection.

The problem is that there are no instrument stores in my area where I can try these models, so my only references are YouTube videos and other musicians’ opinions.

The guitars I’m currently considering are:

• Eastman T484 / T486
• Ibanez AS2000 or a used AS200
• Yamaha SA2200

My priority is to get a great traditional jazz tone.

And of course, I’m open to other recommendations within that range.

Thanks a lot!

[Rob MacKillop]

I've tried them all, and they're all good. Can't go wrong. Right now I have the T486, at it's a keeper.

[DawgBone]

At the price of the Yamaha I'd give a Gibson 335 a try too. There are also Edwards, Tokai, and Seventy Seven guitars at a more affordable price point though the higher end Edwards are approaching used Gibson prices. The upside to the Gibson is if you decide you don't like it you can still get most of your $ back.

[jads57]

Eastman Thinlines especially used are probably your best deal in terms of bang for buck! And if you like their neck shape,wider and flatter already,you’ll be happy!

[John A.]

Hi!

I'm looking for a semi-hollow guitar mainly for jazz, and I’d love to hear your experiences and recommendations.

At the moment I own an Eastman hollowbody, and I’m very happy with it both in terms of tone and build quality. That’s actually one of the reasons why I’m considering another Eastman, although this time I’d like to add a semi-hollow to my collection.

The problem is that there are no instrument stores in my area where I can try these models, so my only references are YouTube videos and other musicians’ opinions.

The guitars I’m currently considering are:

• Eastman T484 / T486
• Ibanez AS2000 or a used AS200
• Yamaha SA2200

My priority is to get a great traditional jazz tone.

And of course, I’m open to other recommendations within that range.

Thanks a lot!

If you're picky about neck profiles and know that you like your Eastman I'd say go for an Eastman semi. Otherwise, if you're willing to buy used you can find a Gibson ES-335 or ES-339 studio, ES-137, or ES-135 for <=$2k (potentially quite a bit under $2k). Ditto for a used Heritage 535 or a '90s Guild Starfire (which is closer to a 335 than other eras of Starfires). A regular (non-studio) ES-335 or 339 for a couple of hundred more.