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In my free time I have been playing a decent but not very popular entry-level (?) Washburn J6N I had bought as a college student in the mid 1990s, and which is still in mint condition. As I approach an early mid-life crisis (as my wife calls it), I've been considering upgrading to something with a fuller, warmer sound, that also sounds good unplugged, but preferably still has two pickups - I mostly play a mix of blues and jazz, and tend to fingerpick more often than not.
If I didn't have a family I'd probably just go for a Gibson ES 175 or similar
...alas, I do have to be mindful of my budget - somewhere between $1500 and $2500.
And so I've been eyeing guitars like Eastman AR803CE 16D.. Ibanez SJ300 or LGB30... D'Angelico EX series... maybe even a Godin...
Knowing well that in the end the decision also comes down to personal preference for the tone, playability and feel, would you be able to offer opinionated advice on the quality and value, or recommend any other models I should check out in the similar price range and level?
Thanks so much for your feedback!
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02-15-2015 01:42 AM
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if you're after a 175 type, why don't you look for an es 165, they're usually cheaper. or maybe look out for vintage Japanese es 175 copies such as Ibanez or Greco.
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In that price range used vintage Guild is your answer. They are great guitars, imo they are just as great or better than Gibson, for much better price. American made ce -100 is it, if you are into Gibson 175.
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Interesting advice so far, thanks! ... and with a bias towards used vintage models - is there a general belief that the new models aren't as good? Or is it based more on the view "if already spending a fair bit of $$, why not buy used?"
The one obvious problem with used models is their sporadic availability (at least locally), compared to new guitars I can order through a dealer. But I'm in no big rush so can definitely keep perusing until I find something.
And is there a big difference in quality between American/Canadian-made versus those made overseas? (say, is a $4000 Gibson really that hugely better than a $2000 Ibanez?)
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I have a $290 Ibanez hollowbody, which I dare say sounds just as well as my teacher's vintage (60s) Gibson ES-175. My advice to you is don't believe what people tell you. Name and country doesn't matter.
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It would be ideal if you could get to some shops & try out some stuff. I'd way rather buy something that I knew felt good in my hands than a well-researched ebay dream. My Epiphone ES 175 Premium holds up pretty well to more expensive guitars IMO, but who knows what will work for you. Finding good vintage is pretty tough unless you live in a big city and enjoy the hunt. I prefer to buy new most of the time -- fewer hidden problems.
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This can't be overemphasized. You gotta try the guitar to know if you like it. I've played lots of really expensive and acclaimed guitars (such as high-end Martins and James Tylers) which I didn't like.
Originally Posted by Longways to Go
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Check out Craigslist- there have been a couple of used ES-175s for under 2 grand listed locally in the past 6 months (Norlin era 1974-78 guitars; despite their reps some of those years are really nice instruments). As for modern day Gibsons, their quality control is wildly all over the place. You may as easily get a superb instrument as get a clunker, so those too you want to play in person.
Heritage hasn't been mentioned yet but those are great, well-crafted US made instruments and can be found used for really good prices- because they don't say "Gibson" on the headstock they don't hold value as well. They are made in the old Gibson factory in Michigan by mostly the old Gibson craftspeople. For what you're describing I might look for a Heritage 575- an ES-175 with a carved top.
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If you are playing jazz and blues (especially with a little overdrive) a 335 style guitar might be more versatile. Have you considered the Eastman semi-hollows? A T386 or T186 would give you a bunch of tones and flexibility. You could play anything on one of those. If your heart is set on a 175-style, Eastman also makes the AR371 which is the same specs as a 175 and can be had for $800 or less (or a AR372 if you want 2 pickups).
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Great tips, thanks! I haven't tried Heritage yet - they're surprisingly hard to find up here in Canada - but they look very promising, and a used one would be well within my price range.
Personally I'd prefer something with a deeper body (Heritage tends to be 3" or less) but of course there are many factors behind the tone. Even with blues I don't play much overdrive, and I often practice unplugged - so a carved top would be ideal. I've only tried Eastman AR805CE and wasn't too impressed by the quality of the fretboard (compared to a 2005 Hofner President right next to it), although the sound was nice, if almost too bright.
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How about this one? Also in Toronto, easy to get to Ottawa, and well within yor budget.
New-Old-Stock Hofner Vice-President.
25 1/4" scale | 16" carved spruce top | 3 5/8" rims | Ebony board | Schaller hardware or hardware of your choice | etc.
Last edited by Hammertone; 02-15-2015 at 11:58 PM.
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I would consider Peerless as well.
I had a monarch for a while and it is a really well made guitar with a great neck and a nice tone, unplugged too
in this clip I blended mic with amp
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you can get a real 175 for your price range.
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Check with Long & McQuade. They sell the new Epiphone ES-175 Premium for like a $949. With the left over $1500 you can buy a nice amp.
https://www.long-mcquade.com/49406/G..._-_Natural.htm
For $879 you can get a nice big jazz box. I recently bought a used 2005 Epiphone Emperor Regent made in the Peerless factory in Korea. If you check Kijiji in your area I have seen a couple of Emperors & Broadways for sale on their as well.
https://www.long-mcquade.com/7566/Gu..._-_Natural.htmLast edited by OldGuitarPlayer; 02-16-2015 at 08:46 AM.
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Here is a video clip on the vintage CE-100... Originally Posted by Hep To The Jive
Guild CE-100D Guitar FOR SALE!!!:
This model began in 1956 with a single pickup version, and soon a second pickup was added. Single-coils were used through1962, and in 1963 mini humbuckers were introduced. Full-sized humbuckers were introduced at the beginning of the 1970's. Each era is equally good, just different due to the pickups used. Typical prices are $1100 - $1500 in excellent condition.
As for new CE-100's, they are now made in Korea vs USA, and they are very good as well. At around $1100 they are worth a look.
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Go to the Peerless website and listen to their videos. then check out Guitars n' Jazz for prices and models. I have a Cremona which sounds great unplugged and even better amped. Spend most of the time un-plugged and actually like it that way. For a more bluesy sounding guitar check out the Hardtail on the GnJ site, has a nice sound clip to go with it.
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Thanks for all the advice. Great suggestions!
I'm in a reasonably sizeable city, and not too far from a couple of really big ones, so there are opportunities to try out a range of models, and occasionally find a nice vintage one too. But buying in the US and bringing it to Canada is currently not a worthwhile option (unfavourable exchange rate, customs etc.), except perhaps for the most amazing deals - and I don't jump on those quickly enough.
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I also recommed Peerless. Try a Martin Taylor Virtuoso or Maestro! Fun to play at 15" and has an incredible big acoustic sound.
Last edited by lapideusvir; 02-17-2015 at 05:07 AM.
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avalynx,
There are some really nice guitars from Canadian manufacturers, two brands actually, Godin and Prestige. The Prestige Double cutaway Pro model is a really nice piece, well made and has gotten great reviews. Especially when it goes for under a grand (U.S.). Then there's the Godin Montreal Premier. Can't say enough about that one. If you are keen on supporting your native manufacturers you can't go wrong with either of those two. You should not have any problems finding those to try out.
Good luck.
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Check out peerless gig master jazz
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Hi,
Since you mix blues (which may include string bending) with your jazz, why not consider a big box guitar with a fixed TOM bridge, like a Heritage H550:
They appear on Ebay, Reverb & Gbase within your price range.
1999 Heritage H 550 Archtop Electric Archtop Guitar | eBay
(Photo from reverb)
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If the day ever comes when I feel compelled to finally own a real jazz box, it will undoubtedly be a used Guild, my definition of a working musicians jazz guitar for a reasonable price.
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Es165 hands down. I still dont understand why they are so much cheaper than a 175.
Last edited by Max405; 02-18-2015 at 12:03 AM.
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Nice Gibby's Joe ! Another vote for a 165 but not the newer ones with the floater pickup. Get the first version with the humbucker.
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HI there
If you want there is two es-175 for sale for 2500$ canadian on kijiji Montreal. Thats your dream right there at a 2h30 drive.
Also, tundra music in toronto sells eastman ar371 for around 800$ can. tax included. I have one on the way.
Also, the Godin 5th avenue "composer" is their version of the es-175. Pretty cool, there is a video of Philippe Catherine playing one on youtube.
I am in Ottawa too and I'm telling you, a es-175 between 2300-2500$ canadian is easily obtainable around here. Just don't spread the word!
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