Heritage Kenny Burrell Groove Master

[2bornot2bop]

First off, I'd like to make a confession. My name is Klatu and I have a guitar problem.

Heritage Golden Eagle
Heritage Mahogany Eagle
Heritage 575
Hofner Jazzica (blonde)
Hofner Verythin Classic (blonde)
Hofner New President (aged vintage finish)
Epiphone Broadway Elitist
Epiphone 1946 Triumph (needs some work)
Eastman El Rey 2
Martin/American Archtop CF2
Dell Arte/John Kinard - Angelo Debarre Signature Model

I keep 4 guitars out on stands at a time in my living room and swap them out regularly.

11 archtops is a "problem?"

No way Jose. Not to another archtop addict it's not!

Semper Fi that collection brother!

Since my offer on that Guild Benedetto AA was shot down by a dealer who refused to reduce his percentage on a consigned guitar, I can't understand why, my next targeted archtop will be a Sweet 16...I've got one in sight but it will be a month until its auction is live...I've been wanting one for going on 2 years, and have gone from an SE to a GE, and won't rest until I finally experience a '16 to round out my Heritage experience.

[barrymclark]

It seems you prefer an electric archtop sound over amplified acoustic tones, and you've got a fine collection of electric archtops. The Yamaha SA-2200 is a guitar that I've always wanted to try because I have heard that it sounds every bit as good as a Gibson with comparable, if not better, build quality.

I love both electric and acoustic tones, but I will say that it can be frustrating to get a good amplified tone from a floater while avoiding boomy sounds or feedback.

What is it that you don't like about the 25.5" scale length? Does it have to do with a brighter tone or playability?

Klatu,

First, HUGE points on the Ash avatar.

Second, I am not a fan of the 25.5" scale. They do tend to be much more bright. I like the round, warm and fuzzy that tends accompany the shorter 24.75" scale.

I have a Late 60's Gretsch 6120 that I am trying to sell as I just can't warm up to its bright snappiness. It sounds very good... just not for me. My H575 is where it's at for me.

[2bornot2bop]

Klatu,

First, HUGE points on the Ash avatar.

Second, I am not a fan of the 25.5" scale. They do tend to be much more bright. I like the round, warm and fuzzy that tends accompany the shorter 24.75" scale.

I have a Late 60's Gretsch 6120 that I am trying to sell as I just can't warm up to its bright snappiness. It sounds very good... just not for me. My H575 is where it's at for me.

Well that's an interesting tidbit of info I never knew.

The Heritage 575 is 24.75 yet the decked out Heritage Sweet 16 is a 25.5" scale. Very interesting!

[helios]

First off, I'd like to make a confession. My name is Klatu and I have a guitar problem.

Heritage Golden Eagle
Heritage Mahogany Eagle
Heritage 575
Hofner Jazzica (blonde)
Hofner Verythin Classic (blonde)
Hofner New President (aged vintage finish)
Epiphone Broadway Elitist
Epiphone 1946 Triumph (needs some work)
Eastman El Rey 2
Martin/American Archtop CF2
Dell Arte/John Kinard - Angelo Debarre Signature Model

I keep 4 guitars out on stands at a time in my living room and swap them out regularly.

Hi Klatu,
I think everyone on this forum has a bit of twelve-step worthy GAS, although, you seem to have an acute problem (in an admirable way of course). Here's a couple of photos of my particular "issues":

[Kuz]

Klatu,

First, HUGE points on the Ash avatar.

Second, I am not a fan of the 25.5" scale. They do tend to be much more bright. I like the round, warm and fuzzy that tends accompany the shorter 24.75" scale.

I have a Late 60's Gretsch 6120 that I am trying to sell as I just can't warm up to its bright snappiness. It sounds very good... just not for me. My H575 is where it's at for me.

I have had two GEs, a Sweet 16, and my Custom 575(with ebony fretboard), and I agree the short 24.75" scale is much rounder and warmer than the snappier 25.5" scale.

I have one GE and the 575 left and it is wonderful to have the two different scale length tones. Like an idiot I sold my Sw16. I don't NEED a Sw16 tonally, but if I ever get another archtop it will be a Sw16 just because, but I think I have my tonal bases covered with the short scale 575 and the long scale GE.

[barrymclark]

I have had two GEs, a Sweet 16, and my Custom 575(with ebony fretboard), and I agree the short 24.75" scale is much rounder and warmer than the snappier 25.5" scale.

I have one GE and the 575 left and it is wonderful to have the two different scale length tones. Like an idiot I sold my Sw16. I don't NEED a Sw16 tonally, but if I ever get another archtop it will be a Sw16 just because, but I think I have my tonal bases covered with the short scale 575 and the long scale GE.

I can dig it. I am more of a one tone kinda guy. Maybe slight variation, but like them all to be in the same ball park. I once thought I wanted a variety, but then when I got it, I always just played one of the guitars. The others would just sit.

My next guitar (when the money happens) is a toss up between a model based on the Groove Master or another 575 with some minor alterations. I am leaning more towards the 575. I really dig how active the carved tops are.

[2bornot2bop]

I have had two GEs, a Sweet 16, and my Custom 575(with ebony fretboard), and I agree the short 24.75" scale is much rounder and warmer than the snappier 25.5" scale.

I have one GE and the 575 left and it is wonderful to have the two different scale length tones. Like an idiot I sold my Sw16. I don't NEED a Sw16 tonally, but if I ever get another archtop it will be a Sw16 just because, but I think I have my tonal bases covered with the short scale 575 and the long scale GE.

John, didn't realize you were here. Judging by your email apparently you didn't observe the thread on the Florentine GE just acquired.

https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guita...tml#post252118

[Kuz]

John, didn't realize you were here. Judging by your email apparently you didn't observe the thread on the Florentine GE just acquired.

https://www.jazzguitar.be/forum/guita...tml#post252118

Just saw it, thanks..... and then there were FIVE!!!

[Klatu]

Hi Klatu,
I think everyone on this forum has a bit of twelve-step worthy GAS, although, you seem to have an acute problem (in an admirable way of course). Here's a couple of photos of my particular "issues":

Thanks for the kind words; however, when I talk about my guitar hobby as a sort of addiction, I'm dead serious. There have been several instances where I've told myself that I wouldn't buy another guitar and then I saw something that tickled my fancy at I price I couldn't resist. Collecting and acquiring new gear has never been easier than it is now with the advent of the internet. GBase, Guitar Center, eBay, and Jazz Guitar Forum are some of the places that make GAS so difficult to resist.

I'm at a point where I don't want to have gear that won't be used. I make an effort to insure that all the guitars and amps that I have are in regular rotation as I would feel terrible having lovely guitars that aren't in use.

This compulsion to talk about and purchase guitar gear reminds me of a news story I read about back in the 80s. Back in the 80s and early 90s there was a park in Switzerland called Needle Park where heroin and other addicts were permitted to use as much as they desired within park limits. There were even government officials who distributed clean syringes to addicts as a health measure. This park produced some heartbreaking stories of addicts who wanted to turn their lives around and leave the junk but were unable to because of the ease in which they could pursue their habits.

While I don't equate Gear Acquisition Syndrome to heroin addiction, I would guess that if heroin addicts had a forum like this, they would use better stuff and/or argue about seemingly insignificant minutiae.

[helios]

"This compulsion to talk about and purchase guitar gear reminds me of a news story I read about back in the 80s. Back in the 80s and early 90s there was a park in Switzerland called Needle Park where heroin and other addicts were permitted to use as much as they desired within park limits. There were even government officials who distributed clean syringes to addicts as a health measure. This park produced some heartbreaking stories of addicts who wanted to turn their lives around and leave the junk but were unable to because of the ease in which they could pursue their habits."

"While I don't equate Gear Acquisition Syndrome to heroin addiction, I would guess that if heroin addicts had a forum like this, they would use better stuff and/or argue about seemingly insignificant minutiae."

Klatu,
I have hidden a couple of guitar purchases from household members to avoid discussion about how funds might be better appropriated. I have succumbed to making purchases because I felt I needed a hit of new guitar energy. I now maintain some form of balance--I'll make an acquisition, then let something go. Best wishes, Jeff

[Klatu]

How would you describe the difference in sound between the Groovemaster, 525, and 575? I would expect the 575 to sound brighter than the other two considering it is the only solid wood model of the bunch, but I've been wrong before.

[Kuz]

How would you describe the difference in sound between the Groovemaster, 525, and 575? I would expect the 575 to sound brighter than the other two considering it is the only solid wood model of the bunch, but I've been wrong before.

I have never owned or played a Groovemaster, but I did own a 525 (just sold it) and have a 575 Custom.

The 575 is solid wood but definitely not brighter than the 525. The 575 is a bigger guitar and thus has a much bigger, fatter, woodier, darker, and fuller tone.

[Klatu]

I found the Groovemaster darker than either the 575 or 525. As a carved top, the 575 had both a brighter and more complex acoustic sound than either the Groovemaster or the 525. The 575 was brighter plugged in than the Groovemaster but not 525.

Again, as a carved top, the 575 was heavier than either of the two laminates. Groovemaster and 525 are about the same weight.

Of the three, I like the 525 best. Though my Super Eagle is my all-time favorite guitar, sporting both a carved top and a nice deep full bodied mellow tone both acoustically and amplified.



It may have been more perception than reality, but I found the Groovemaster handled much more like a semi-hollow with the floating center block and TOM bridge. I actually disliked the extra sustain. I have a traditional wooden bridge on my 525 and it plays much more like an archtop. Maybe could have done the same after market mod on the Groovemaster for alot less, but decided to swap instead. Couldn't find a used 525 at the time, so modded a 575 instead.

All three gutiars are great, but it's always about finding the right fit for you.

I checked out your Myspace page and was mighty impressed. Very fine playing and tone to die for. You get present woody tones from your guitar that sound more acoustic than the typical electric jazz guitar fare. Did you use your Heritage guitars for this recording?

I also liked the way you stated the melodies of tunes like "Yesterdays" with lines combined with chords. Very nice.

How much support is there for traditional jazz in Kuala Lumpur? What is the popular music over there?

[ESCC]

[QUOTE=Klatu;253065]I checked out your Myspace page and was mighty impressed. Very fine playing and tone to die for. You get present woody tones from your guitar that sound more acoustic than the typical electric jazz guitar fare. Did you use your Heritage guitars for this recording?

I also liked the way you stated the melodies of tunes like "Yesterdays" with lines combined with chords. Very nice.



+1

[2bornot2bop]

How much support is there for traditional jazz in Kuala Lumpur? What is the popular music over there?

Fabulous playing Matt. Plus one on love of your tone!

What a coincidence. Don't look now, but 24 hours ago I shipped a jazz archtop to a buyer in Ampang, Selangor, Malaysia. Apparently there's some jazz interest in that corner of the globe.

Best wishes on your 9/13 concert! I dig it when folks chime in from all parts of the planet.

[Klatu]

Reviving this thread in hopes that helios and ingenri will post some more. It's been a while since we've heard from you cats.

It looks like you guys are either full or part time pros. Maybe you could post your equipment evolution and how the early stuff you played on compares with what you are currently using.

[helios]

Reviving this thread in hopes that helios and ingenri will post some more. It's been a while since we've heard from you cats.

It looks like you guys are either full or part time pros. Maybe you could post your equipment evolution and how the early stuff you played on compares with what you are currently using.

Hi Klatu,
Ingenri may be a working professional jazz guitar player, but I'm just a goofball who loves jazz guitars! The guitars I have and like aren't fancy (they're laminates with fixed bridges etc) so there's little to say that would light many fires (for those with an interest in pursuing rarefied beauties). I do admire and like the Heritage Super KB that 2born recently acquired though-I'll bet it sounds real nice! My friend's Golden Eagle turned me off to carved tops with floaters though (too bright and boomy for me). Best wishes, Jeff
PS: Here is an updated photo of my Heritage KB Groove Master with gold hardware:

[Bluedawg]

Can someone explain the raison-d'etre for the GM and Sweet 16? What are the similarities and differences, the philosophies behind each?

I know that the Golden Eagle is the H version of the L5, and the 575 is the version of the L4/175.

Where do the Groovemaster and Sweet 16 fit in? Thanks.

Gibson's Lee Ritenour L5 comes close to matching the Sweet 16 for size and construction ... The LR L5 is a little smaller and a hair deeper than the Sweet 16 ...

In this case the Sweet 16 came first ... the Lee Ritenour L5 has only been around about 10 years ... maybe a little more ...

I think I saw it listed as the L5 Signature in its earlier years ..

Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Lee Ritenour L-5

And it will cost you a lot more money ...

But I have Sweet 16 already and it's quite nice It's a nice solid carved wood archtop that's small and easy handle ... mine has a floater and is equally good as an electric or an acoustic

[2bornot2bop]

Gibson's Lee Ritenour L5 comes close to matching the Sweet 16 for size and construction ... The LR L5 is a little smaller and a hair deeper than the Sweet 16 ...

In this case the Sweet 16 came first ... the Lee Ritenour L5 has only been around about 10 years ... maybe a little more ...

I think I saw it listed as the L5 Signature in its earlier years ..

Gibson.com: Gibson Custom Lee Ritenour L-5

And it will cost you a lot more money ...

But I have Sweet 16 already and it's quite nice It's a nice solid carved wood archtop that's small and easy handle ... mine has a floater and is equally good as an electric or an acoustic

Yep, she just sold a few days ago. Originally listed at $4500, and nipped at the end just over $6k.

Gibson L5 Lee Ritenour Signature Model | eBay

I had no idea the Gib LR was almost the size of a Sweet 16. Really!

[Bluedawg]

Yep, she just sold a few days ago. Originally listed at $4500, and nipped at the end just over $6k.

Gibson L5 Lee Ritenour Signature Model | eBay

I had no idea the Gib LR was almost the size of a Sweet 16. Really!

Wow

that looks nice ... what a lucky seller ..

If it had been mine it probably would have sold for $4515 ...

[2bornot2bop]

Wow

that looks nice ... what a lucky seller ..

If it had been mine it probably would have sold for $4515 ...

Hot lookin' guitar. All this time I assumed a Gibson Rittenour was the same size as an L5 but with specific changes. Fleabay, one never knows. Best to post without a bidding auction, just post the price high and let someone make an offer...that's my style.