Contemplating a Higher End Jazz Rig

**Thecytochromec** · 07-07-2015, 04:35 PM

I've tossed the idea of selling my motorcycle to invest in a higher end archtop or semi-hollow and an amp. I don't ride much anymore and I think selling my motorcycle for a jazz rig is a healthy decision. I'm not going to do it today, or tomorrow, but sometime over the next year or two. This give me some time to really reflect over what I want in an instrument. There's one thing I know I like... blondes

I was thinking a Heritage 535, 550 or 575. I think a used one will leave a little room for a decent amp. I'm open to all the talk-downs, nay-saying and "be patient"s you have to offer. I plan for $3,000 to be my max on my budget.

**Patrick2** · 07-07-2015, 04:50 PM

Originally Posted by Thecytochromec

I've tossed the idea of selling my motorcycle to invest in a higher end archtop or semi-hollow and an amp. I don't ride much anymore and I think selling my motorcycle for a jazz rig is a healthy decision. I'm not going to do it today, or tomorrow, but sometime over the next year or two. This give me some time to really reflect over what I want in an instrument. There's one thing I know I like... blondes

I was thinking a Heritage 535, 550 or 575. I think a used one will leave a little room for a decent amp. I'm open to all the talk-downs, nay-saying and "be patient"s you have to offer. I plan for $3,000 to be my max on my budget.

If you go for a used guitar and amp, (which you should) you'll be able to get quite a good rig for $3,000. Used 535 or 575 will be in the $1,500 to $1,800 range. A 550 will break your budget on getting a good amp.

Either of the three Heritage guitars you mention will do a fine job in the jazz genre. But, there are many different interpretations of the *jazz* genre. Exactly wht type of jazz are you playing?

**Frethack** · 07-07-2015, 09:30 PM

Probably a good choice to sell the bike. I think about it every spring. The roads are getting more dangerouse with the texting drivers. Smart phones have been the doom of us all.

You could use the gear year round and maybe not get run down or cut off as often. I should get about $7k for mine. Now that would be a righteous rig! I have pondered a Heritage myself, but the more I research, the more I want. Its good that you are not rushing into something. Have fun!

**Thecytochromec** · 07-08-2015, 01:45 PM

Originally Posted by Patrick2

... there are many different interpretations of the *jazz* genre. Exactly what type of jazz are you playing?

Well, I listen to a lot of swing, big band and some bebop, so I'll probably regurgitate a lot of those tastes in my music. Right now I'm playing a les Paul and Marshal AVT100 which, according to my unrefined ear, sounds pretty good. I would likely use the LP for gigging, should the need arise, but I would like another alternative for sound.

**EpiJazz** · 07-08-2015, 04:06 PM

I would trade a motorcycle for a guitar. Of course, I can't ride a motorcycle, but still...

**Patrick2** · 07-08-2015, 04:44 PM

Originally Posted by Thecytochromec

Well, I listen to a lot of swing, big band and some bebop, so I'll probably regurgitate a lot of those tastes in my music. Right now I'm playing a les Paul and Marshal AVT100 which, according to my unrefined ear, sounds pretty good. I would likely use the LP for gigging, should the need arise, but I would like another alternative for sound.

Well, if you like the sound and feel of your Les Paul, I would suggest not getting too far away from it with your first foray into a *jazz guitar*. That in mind, I'd recommend the 535. It is an alternative sound to the Lester, but, whenm you crank them for over drive, they're pretty similar. It's also suitable, (not perfect) for just about any type jazz you might find yourself playing. Get some jazz tunes and bop lines under your fingers . . then, seek out a bigger box, such as the 575 or 550.

**DUBYA R M** · 07-09-2015, 01:32 AM

My hat is off to a man who is willing to sell his motorcycle, in order to get into Jazz Guitar in a more meaningful way !
I am glad that you are considering Heritage guitars, and a used one is still a real bargain in todays market.
I agree with the suggestions put forward by Patrick2.

I own 2 Heritage guitars, a 555 and a Sweet 16 . Didn't get these till I was in my 40's. I'm well into my 60's now.

The 1st really good guitar I purchased was made at the same place my Heritage guitars were made, and I played that Epi Riviera all over this country and a couple others during the 1960's thru most of the 70's. Sold it to a student of mine.
Ah but, I digress.. Good luck to you, may GOD bless, and use the neck pup, roll off the treble a bit, find that Jazzy tone...... and know that if you "want" to play Jazz, you just might. If you "NEED" to play Jazz, you will do whatever it takes to do it. Then, you will realize how much more you need to learn, practice, play, etc.

It never ends... Its not supposed to !

**John A.** · 07-09-2015, 08:58 AM

Originally Posted by Patrick2

Well, if you like the sound and feel of your Les Paul, I would suggest not getting too far away from it with your first foray into a *jazz guitar*. That in mind, I'd recommend the 535. It is an alternative sound to the Lester, but, whenm you crank them for over drive, they're pretty similar. It's also suitable, (not perfect) for just about any type jazz you might find yourself playing. Get some jazz tunes and bop lines under your fingers . . then, seek out a bigger box, such as the 575 or 550.

I'd recommend the opposite. A LP and a semi are similar enough that you probably wouldn't get the different flavor you're looking for. In your shoes, I'd go for a full hollow.

John

**Longways to Go** · 07-09-2015, 09:06 AM

an es175 & a new Henriksen (or other amp of your preference) would fit the bill nicely

**DUBYA R M** · 07-09-2015, 10:11 AM

Originally Posted by Longways to Go

an es175 & a new Henriksen (or other amp of your preference) would fit the bill nicely

Depends on who is paying the bill.
We are talking $3000 MAX .

**Longways to Go** · 07-09-2015, 10:35 AM

Originally Posted by DUBYA R M

Depends on who is paying the bill.
We are talking $3000 MAX .

Oops

I guess I did overshoot the budget.
ES175s just aren't cheap are they? which is why I still don't have one . . .

An Epiphone ES175 premium is plenty cheap and gets a great jazz tone. Not exactly "high end" but fun!

**Bluedawg** · 07-09-2015, 10:44 AM

I keep seeing a couple of used Sweet 16s on line for under $2500 or there abouts ....

add Henriksen and your a little over $3K, but not much ... unless you can find a used one

a used Roland Cube 60 or 80 ... or a used Fender Deluxe Reverb Reissue or a used Princeton reissue would keep you in budget or close

**BigToe** · 07-09-2015, 10:54 AM

If you listen to a LOT of swing and SOME bebop then I would suggest a full archop (w/pickup). Eastman's have necks that an electric player would appreciate. You can't beat the intimacy of an acoustic archtop! You'll love not having to plug into an amp for shedding or jamming acoustically.

**backdrifter** · 07-09-2015, 02:57 PM

Good luck with your decision. I can't offer much in the way of help, but that would certainly be a tough one for me. I agree that it's more dangerous than ever to be riding on the roads, and as good a time as any to hang up your riding boots. And despite repeatedly telling myself I would never be "that guy" that stopped riding once kids came along, six years ago when my daughter was born I found my bikes just sitting and I sold them. But just like guitars and music, riding gets under your skin and tugs at your soul!

Since then, I had the honor of inheriting an old BMW from my wife's grandpa. It was a basket case and took a ton of work to get back up to snuff, but three years and countless thousands of dollars later, I have a true heirloom quality motorcycle that will stay in the family as long as I have a say over it. There was a time when I put 15,000 miles a year on a bike. I'm lucky to put 500 miles on this bike these days, but on those perfectly gorgeous spring or fall days when I find myself with a few free hours, there are many times that I'll choose the motorcycle over the guitar.

Again, I'm glad that I don't have to choose, and I think they compliment each other quite well! Best of luck with your decision, and let us know how it turns out!

**barrymclark** · 07-09-2015, 03:20 PM

$3K can get you plenty. Definitely look into a used Heritage. I've seen nice, used 550's and 575's and the occasional Eagle for under $2k. Gibson ES165 too. That frees up $1000 for and amp if not more. Used can help some in price but a new Henriksen will run right at $1000. Benedetto Carino 10 is a bit higher but might be doable. Mambo. All kinds of good options.

**rio** · 07-09-2015, 03:48 PM

Get a Roland Cube or used Polytone and save the extra cash for guitar money. You could get an ES-175 that way or something else; a 175 is pretty much always the easy answer. The money would be more wisely spent on an instrument anyway IMO since you can get amps that sound great for jazz without going into the price range of a Henriksen. You could even possibly find a Tal Farlow or something if you get a cheaper amp. I would also check out some Guilds and Eastmans if you can find any around you to play.

Who are some guitarist you like to listen to? You can choose an instrument more easily if you have an idea of what kind of tone you like since "jazz guitar" tends to have some subtle differences from one type of guitar to the next.

**helios** · 07-09-2015, 03:58 PM

My Two Loves:

**SierraTango** · 07-09-2015, 04:16 PM

Selling a bike to buy a guitar or upgrade is a noble thing to do if you are questioning your ability and skill set in regards to riding. Plenty of great suggestions for your future rig here.
I have had thoughts along the same line, however they all go away in about 5 minutes after a blast up the local canyon on my Ducati. Yes, I am a twisty addict. So I did the sensible thing. I sent the title to my sister with instructions to safeguard the document. She will not release the title to me unless certain conditions are met. For example, life threatening emergency, etc. She won't give it up for me to sell my Mistress off for another guitar.