Engel Guitars

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 04:07 PM

Anyway, got the engel today. It's fantastic!

It's a 14" with fralin pickups. Great "fusion" guitar for jazz, pop or funk stuff. Great jazz tone and great fusion sounds and with the coil taps along with the 25.5" scale, it gets a much better fender tone than the typical coil taps on a 24.75 scale gibson.

More later.
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**Woody Sound** · 01-16-2014, 04:24 PM

JAZ, which coils are "on" in split mode? I'm just curious how it sounds with both singles? Anything like the 2nd position of a PRS? (That quacky stratty sound.)

**kris** · 01-16-2014, 04:34 PM

nice!

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 04:37 PM

Hey Woody,

It's the adjustment screw coils so the one closest to the neck for the neck pickup and the one closest to the bridge for the bridge pickup. The middle pickup position with both coils tapped is very prs-like though I can't remember anymore what coils they used. It would be nice to get the 2 inside coils as an option but I'll have to rewire it if I want that.

**Klatu** · 01-16-2014, 06:16 PM

One of the most unique body shapes available. I was drawn to it the first time I say Bob Devos play. What size does he play?

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 07:12 PM

Well, it's heading back unfortunately. Ergonomically, it's just not a good fit for me. The guitar is a little heavier than i'm comfortable with. I had spinal surgery a number of years ago and need a guitar that's relatively light. This guitar is probably a bit over 8lbs.

Gorgeous and versatile instrument. I really regret not being able to keep it.

**iim7V7IM7** · 01-16-2014, 07:41 PM

Too bad....from a weight perspective, the 14" Thornton that I had made is 6 lb. 14 oz.

Originally Posted by jzucker

Well, it's heading back unfortunately. Ergonomically, it's just not a good fit for me. The guitar is a little heavier than i'm comfortable with. I had spinal surgery a number of years ago and need a guitar that's relatively light. This guitar is probably a bit over 8lbs.

Gorgeous and versatile instrument. I really regret not being able to keep it.

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 07:50 PM

Originally Posted by iim7V7IM7

Too bad....from a weight perspective, the 14" Thornton that I had made is 6 lb. 14 oz.

Just checked them out. $5500 for a semi is a bit rich for my blood...

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 09:44 PM

back to a 339 I think. Looking for something different just for different's sake is a waste.

**iim7V7IM7** · 01-16-2014, 09:55 PM

Originally Posted by jzucker

Just checked them out. $5500 for a semi is a bit rich for my blood...

Yes, they're not cheap. They start for $4368 (not $5,500).

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 10:25 PM

$5500 was the the 15" model. I think the 14 would be too small for me. That was one of the issues with the engel. It was kind of similar to the prs archtop in that the body was so small that the geometry didn't work for me. Going between it and my 17" archtop was very awkward.

**Ronstuff** · 01-16-2014, 10:32 PM

The 339 has such a neat shape. I have one of the Ibanez Artist guitars from the 80's that has that original size. I actually prefer it to the 339's. Very versatile, I can really do almost any gig with it. Great neck. Jack, your demos of the 339 sound great! Hey maybe it's meant to be your one and only love

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 10:47 PM

haha nice one Ron. I've had a couple of those AS-50, small body 335 style guitars. Ibanez makes that AS-153 which looks interesting too.

**iim7V7IM7** · 01-16-2014, 11:17 PM

Forgetting the cost, the 15" models are more in the 7-1/2 lb. range which is likely too heavy for you. I just moved down from a 15" H-535 to a 14" professional, although its early, it is extremely comfortable due to its ergonomic features, balance and light weight. My archtop is only 16" so perhaps the jump in size is less to your point.

Good luck with your search...

Originally Posted by jzucker

$5500 was the the 15" model. I think the 14 would be too small for me. That was one of the issues with the engel. It was kind of similar to the prs archtop in that the body was so small that the geometry didn't work for me. Going between it and my 17" archtop was very awkward.

**Soco** · 01-16-2014, 11:17 PM

Check out the 15' Collings soco deluxe, both of mine(maple version and spruce versions) are under 7lbs, closer to 6 1/2.
The most reasonable one is the I-35lc, for 3960$. Fantastic guitar. They are also launching a new model at NAMM, (going there next week.)Even if this is a bit more than you are willing to spend it might be worth it if you get a guitar that really works for you, otherwise you will be buying and trading all the time.
I am sure also if you find a 339 without quality issues, it could be a keeper.
Not sure if you like the 336, they seem to be slightly better built.
Sorry it didn't work out with the Engel. Did you get it used?

**jzucker** · 01-16-2014, 11:25 PM

i bought the engel direct so I can send it back within the 72hr trial period. I found a used 339 on TGP. The caramel one I had originally was really nice so hopefully this one will be similar quality. I'm going to put a set of fralin unbuckers in there which should give me the versatility I'm looking for.

**monkmiles** · 01-16-2014, 11:42 PM

Originally Posted by jzucker

haha nice one Ron. I've had a couple of those AS-50, small body 335 style guitars. Ibanez makes that AS-153 which looks interesting too.

I think he's speaking of the Ibanez AM models rather than the AS models. AM are 339 sized, whereas AS is 335 sized I believe.

**mr. beaumont** · 01-17-2014, 12:08 AM

I think the body's bigger than you like, but my Hofner verythin is just a shade over 6 lbs...great neck, and gets closer to an archtop sound plugged in than a lot of semi hollows I've played...but it can do the versatile thing too.

It's super thin body makes it feel smaller than it is...but I'm a big dude.

**jzucker** · 01-17-2014, 12:19 AM

i was an endorser for hofner about 10 years ago and played a verythin. Loved the tone but the neck heavy aspect was a deal-breaker for me.

**marcwhy** · 01-17-2014, 01:50 AM

Originally Posted by Klatu

One of the most unique body shapes available. I was drawn to it the first time I say Bob Devos play. What size does he play?

I'm pretty sure Bob plays the 16". I've always liked the shape, too.

**kris** · 01-17-2014, 05:04 AM

I've used Ibanez AM-200 in early 90's-great small body semi-hollow with ebony fingerbord.Very comfortable.Simlar to339...I think.I 've sold it 5 years later and found Fender D'Aquisto.
Now I use Ibanez As-200/1982/-for me it is the best semi-hollow.Ergonomically- it's exelent.Also great in standing position-very well balanced-you will get 45'...As-200 is not light like Am-200 but the sound is much better and geometry fit me better.
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**David B** · 01-17-2014, 06:43 AM

Hi Jack. I'm sure you've already considered it, but as I recall, when the Sadowsky semi-hollow launched, some were available with 25.5" scale. Not sure how many got out there before Sadowsky went to 24.75" only, but may be an option on the used market?

**jzucker** · 01-17-2014, 07:40 AM

i think it'd be really tough to find a 25.5 scale sadowsky though.

Kris, I had a as-200 a while back. Great guitar but 9lbs.

I ended up buying a 339 which is a great semi hollow. Nice and light. Not quite the jazz tone of some of the other semis like the comins or the engel but a very light, comfortable instrument. Ordered fralin unbuckers to put in it for the versatility

**kris** · 01-17-2014, 08:44 AM

Originally Posted by jzucker

i think it'd be really tough to find a 25.5 scale sadowsky though.

Kris, I had a as-200 a while back. Great guitar but 9lbs.

I ended up buying a 339 which is a great semi hollow. Nice and light. Not quite the jazz tone of some of the other semis like the comins or the engel but a very light, comfortable instrument. Ordered fralin unbuckers to put in it for the versatility

Sure the 339 is a comfortable and light guitar .That is a big plus.Fralin humbuckers that is very good idea.
Good luck Jack.