Sadowsky SS-15 v.s. Sadowsky Jimmy Bruno

**Brian Chan** · 06-19-2014, 01:08 AM

Hey guys...I am newbie in archtop guitar and interested in both Sadowsky SS-15 and Sadowsky Jimmy Bruno.
Can you school me on these two guitars?

I mainly play some modern style jazz...CHEERS!

**Bill C** · 06-19-2014, 02:03 AM

Have you seen the videos of Leo Amuedo playing the SS15 and the Bruno - worth a look imo

**AlohaJoe** · 06-19-2014, 04:11 AM

I'd be interested in what folks who have them say about this too. Structurally, the SS15 has a thinner body (1 3/4" v 2 3/4") and slightly wider neck (1 3/4 v 1 11/16ths) than the Bruno. There may be other differences as well but both are <15" Maple laminate bodies with Mahogany necks. I have been able to get my hands on a few of the 16" Jim Halls. I didn't love the neck but they are beautifully made guitars.

**AlainJazz** · 06-19-2014, 09:07 AM

Brian, not sure if you are aware (or if it matters to you) but the JB has been discontinued and there are nine left at the sadowsky shop. That said, both instruments are really fine that sound to my ears very similar. I didn't realize they had different necks until the above poster mentioned it. I've played them back to back and really liked both. I think you can't go wrong with either if them but you'll have to look on the second hand market for the JB.

**Woody Sound** · 06-19-2014, 12:07 PM

Originally Posted by AlainJazz

Brian, not sure if you are aware (or if it matters to you) but the JB has been discontinued and there are nine left at the sadowsky shop. That said, both instruments are really fine that sound to my ears very similar. I didn't realize they had different necks until the above poster mentioned it. I've played them back to back and really liked both. I think you can't go wrong with either if them but you'll have to look on the second hand market for the JB.

Two Bruno's recently went for about $3200 on ebay, so that seems to be about the going used price. There's another one up right now with gorgeous wood.

**Jabberwocky** · 06-19-2014, 02:17 PM

Wow.That one looks Wow! If wood could give me a woody, that one does it in spades. (Kind of mixing similies but you get the point. Bad pun.) Tempting.

Is Jimmy Bruno a small guy? Because that Jimmy Bruno looks like a 16" full depth ES-175 on him.

**AlainJazz** · 06-19-2014, 03:55 PM

Originally Posted by AlainJazz

Brian, not sure if you are aware (or if it matters to you) but the JB has been discontinued and there are nine left at the sadowsky shop. That said, both instruments are really fine that sound to my ears very similar. I didn't realize they had different necks until the above poster mentioned it. I've played them back to back and really liked both. I think you can't go wrong with either if them but you'll have to look on the second hand market for the JB.

Oops. I meant there are NONE left at the sadowsky shop. Sorry for the confusion.

**Woody Sound** · 06-19-2014, 04:48 PM

Originally Posted by Jabberwocky

Is Jimmy Bruno a small guy? Because that Jimmy Bruno looks like a 16" full depth ES-175 on him.

Yes he is. Went to a clinic he hosted. Small and feisty.

**bmw2002** · 06-19-2014, 04:59 PM

I've told this story in another post, but I saw Jimmy Bruno and Peter Bernstein play together at Chris' Jazz Cafe in Philadelphia a couple of years ago. PB was playing his Zeidler, and during the break between sets very carefully put the guitar in a safe corner on a sturdy stand (and unfortunately away from sight). Bruno left his JB Sadowsky perched on top of a stool at the front of the stage, still plugged in, during the break. No harm done, but 'twas nerve racking to see.

**Woody Sound** · 12-12-2014, 01:32 AM

Originally Posted by AlainJazz

Brian, not sure if you are aware (or if it matters to you) but the JB has been discontinued and there are nine left at the sadowsky shop.

This post is several months old, but is it true? They are still advertised for order on Sadowsky's site.

**AlainJazz** · 12-12-2014, 01:48 AM

There are none left at the shop as far as I know. I was there a few months ago. It is definitely true.

**Woody Sound** · 12-13-2014, 10:27 AM

Originally Posted by AlainJazz

There are none left at the shop as far as I know. I was there a few months ago. It is definitely true.

Hmmm, it's still listed as one of the five archtop choices, along with reviews, etc. And examples in the color chart. Unless his web site is way outdated.

**AlainJazz** · 12-13-2014, 11:33 AM

It's probably outdated. I have spoke. To roger personally about this and Jimmy has also confirmed it.

**docbop** · 12-13-2014, 01:24 PM

Originally Posted by AlohaJoe

I'd be interested in what folks who have them say about this too. Structurally, the SS15 has a thinner body (1 3/4" v 2 3/4") and slightly wider neck (1 3/4 v 1 11/16ths) than the Bruno. There may be other differences as well but both are <15" Maple laminate bodies with Mahogany necks. I have been able to get my hands on a few of the 16" Jim Halls. I didn't love the neck but they are beautifully made guitars.

I've liked that SS15 ever since Sadowsky came out with it great spec's and have only heard compliments on it.

**Woody Sound** · 12-13-2014, 09:06 PM

Originally Posted by AlainJazz

It's probably outdated. I have spoke. To roger personally about this and Jimmy has also confirmed it.

OK, so does that mean that the "archtops in stock" section of the we site is also irrelevant? Currently there are only four guitars: three of them lefties, and a righty SS-15.

**AlainJazz** · 12-14-2014, 02:23 AM

Most of the time you have to pre-order Sadowsky archtops. The in stock section of the website is usually accurate. He also sells some used instruments sometimes. I don't know about the outdated status of all the pages. I just know that the JB model is discontinued and that there are definitely no new ones left to be had.