Jazz Guitar Gear for University

[ccannon1]

Wow, some really great advice going on here. Thanks guys!

Chances are I'm going to be living at home while I'm at university, so I don't have too many dorm worries.

Generally what I'm taking from this is that it's pretty safe to assume that practice rooms are going to have amps, so no need to bring my own (phew!) to school everyday.

And no worries, I don't plan on ever selling the Tele, it was a gift for my 16th birthday so it's got some nice sentimental value to it.

The points about a hollow body giving awful feedback in the rehearsal setting makes me a little wary of getting a jazz box, but I'll ask some senior students generally how bad it is. And even then, if I purchase a new guitar in the next year or so I'll get to try it out in a high school jazz band which if anything would be even noisier than a university ensemble (at least I'd assume so).

I'm really starting to feel the itch of the 175 as well, when I took my tele in for a set-up I saw an Eastman copy hanging up, I'll have to give it a try when I go back although I'm sure I could find a used Gibson for a decent price here.

[Gabe]

I'm currently studying Jazz at university. I'd echo the comments about hollowbody guitars. Not one of the guitarists here plays one as they just wouldn't be useable. We all play semi hollows or solid bodies. I often alternate between the two, but have been mainly playing my strat lately.

Also a small lightweight amp is a great thing to have, especially if you're planning on attending jam sessions. I currently have a Rivera Chubster and a Mambo 10", the Rivera is just way too big to cart around so lives up in our main classroom whilst my mambo is with me at dorms so I can take it out to gigs.

The biggest point I would make is to buy a GOOD gigbag, I cart my guitars around in either Mono or Protec cases and they're great. I live in Glasgow so I have to deal with the rain and all sorts of Scottish weather so a waterproof case was important, but the main benefit of a good gigbag is that it's so much more portable than a hardcase, and a good gigbag offers a similar level of protection - especially the protec cases.

I think the setup you have already would be perfect for your studies, maybe pickup a smaller amp as well just for jam sessions and you're good to go!

Oh and don't overlook pedals, the sound most of the guys I play with at least is for the modern guitar drenched in delay and reverb thing so they're pretty important. I use a Strymon Timeline and have really nice reverbs on my amp (but I'm probably going to pick up a pedal as well).

Remember portability is key whilst you're a jazz student, as transport is normally the biggest problem you're going to face!

As a final point, if you don't already have a smartphone (in particular an iphone), I'd try to get one before you head to uni. Many of the teachers - at least on my program - often recommend apps for us to use when practicing. Plus it's insanely handy having a device you can plug your guitar into to get some practice done. Using headphones in a practice room is so much better than using an amp and having to listen to people in the practice rooms next to you playing over the top of what you're doing.

[mangotango]

If your Tele has much sentimental importance, keep it at home; but since you're used to its dimensions, why not go for a (Squier?) Tele thinline or somesuch, thus satisfying feel, looks and practicality? (Personally I'd contemplate a JA-90 Tele , but that's just my taste).

And a Fender Mustang II or III amp. Inexpensive and replaceable. Include effects, so one thing fewer to carry.

Decent gig-bag - my Tribal Planet bag is the best I've ever encountered, but they're no longer made.

Also note Gabe's point about the iPhone. Last couple of gigs I've done, I've read charts from someone's iPhone or iPad. And since you'll be a student, you will (if my kids are anything to go by) spend a decent proportion of your time with your phone jammed up against your head. Might as well add some practical musical use to all of that.

IMHO.

[Jabberwocky]

I...

And a Fender Mustang II or III amp. Inexpensive and replaceable. Include effects, so one thing fewer to carry.

...
IMHO.

Now why didn't I think about that especially since I BLOODY GOT ONE? Too busy trying to use up his $3000 budget.

[ccannon1]

Yeah, the Mustang definitely looks like something I could use for practicing/jamming!

I think I'm going to steer clear of lower priced guitars for now because "I'm too cheap to buy cheap things" haha

And I've got the iPhone covered, already finding some really helpful apps. Has anyone ever used amplitube?

[GoergeBenson]

I think this would be a good choice. It's a slim line, with laminate spruce top and two hum buckers. It will be reasonably feed back resistant and offer you a better 'traditionl' jazz tone.

These guitars are also easy to play and have a very nice amplified tone.

Its getting near the top of its money but for $1,000 you can't go wrong. It will also hold that value IMO and you won't have to worry about it getting damaged too much because it already has a few battle scars.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/VINTAGE-70s-...item2ecf6b9709