Peerless Guitars

[C.A.JO.]

Hello all,

Usually I play my Gibson Les Paul Custom. (I used to own a Gibson ES-335, but for some reason that I can't comprehend to this day I sold it 2 years ago). Generally I like my sound. I have 3 different setups for different styles and purposes, but I use my Les Paul as the main axe with all of them:

Practice setup:
- Amp: AHM Acoustic 10w amp
- Effectsboard: Boss Tu-2 tuner+Boss SD-1 Overdrive+Boss DD-3 Delay+Boss RC-2 Looper

Jazz/Blues setup:
- Amp: Fender Hot Rod Deluxe
- Effectsboard: TC Electronics Tuner+Dunlop Zakk Wylde Wah+Ibanez TS-808 Tubescreamer+Carl Martin Delayla XL Delay (slap back).
- When I play jazz I only use the tuner and the delay. Sometimes I add a little crunch, but it's rare.

"Party Band"-setup:
- Amp: Line 6 100w Duoverb.
- Effects: TC Electronics Nova System (The best multi-effect at this price IMO).
- Extra guitar: Fender Stratocaster (with EMG DG-20 pick up system).

Like I said initially I like these setups. But I miss the hollow-body sound, which I had from the 335. I've been wanting to buy one again. But a few days ago I discovered a brand called Peerless. The have very beautiful and (it seems so) well-build archtops.

I've put my eyes on a model called "Peerless Imperial". It has a D'Aquisto like headstock, ebony fretboard, spruce top, maple sides and bottom, ebony handles on the tuners, floating pickup, ebony bridge, saddle and pick plate... sunburst finish, gold hardware. It's very gorgous and as you can see... the specs are as they're supposed to. It costs 13,500 kr. (approx $ 2,400). So I wont call it "cheap", but compare it to another archtop with the same materials and looks from the top-brands, and then it's suddenly quite cheap!

Has anyone on this forum had any experience with Peerless? The Imperial? I would like to hear about it.

My other choices are a Gibson ES-335 once again or a D'Aquisto New Yorker. I tried the New Yorker last year, and it's a very nice instrument. Actually Peerless have a model called "New York", and it's seems to be a fine copy of it's big brother from D'Aquisto.

But, anyone tried these (The Imperial or other Peerless models)?

Thanks!

[brad4d8]

i haven't tried any Peerless models, but there are a lot of members of the Yahoo jazz guitar group who really like them and recommend them highly.
Brad

[brad4d8]

Here's a review of the Imperial:
http://www.guitarsite.com/news/whats...less_imperial/
Bear in mind that the reviewer is also an endorser, and may even be a seller/distributor.
Brad

[Squint]

The guy who wrote that review is Doc Dosco. Yes, he's a big fan of Peerless (and thanks to him, so am I), but he's also a very cool dude, great and I mean GREAT jazz player and a very honest person. I know, I've met him and would own a Peerless or two if something had not happened to keep me from getting them. Doc knows what he's talking about and he walks the walk to boot! Peerless is one of the best values in jazz guitars out there.

[spiral]

Here's a review of the Imperial:
http://www.guitarsite.com/news/whats...less_imperial/
Bear in mind that the reviewer is also an endorser, and may even be a seller/distributor.
Brad

Just to reinforce what Squint said: Doc = great guy. He isn't really a guitar dealer per se. He started "carrying" the Peerless brand because he believed so strongly that the Peerless guitars were amazingly built instruments, especially for the price, and they didn't have a US distributor at the time. Since then Peerless found a distributor but Doc still sells what you see on his site. I recommend emailing him. He has good prices, is super honest about what he sells, and can guide you to what is the right fit.

I was looking at Peerless last year as well and had a long email exchange with him which is how i know all of this. I wouldn't hesitate to buy from him in the future.

[mangotango]

I had a Peerless Monarch in mind for a long time until my D'Angelico came up. I'd also tried a couple of their other models, including the Jazz City and New York. The JC and NY were both good guitars, but very "new" sounding and had less appeal to me taste than the Monarch. However, these are all from the level below the Imperial, Cremona, etc.

Nevertheless, I found them all to be well made, eminently playable instruments and very good value for money. Additionally, whilst trying out the Monarch, I met a player I knew from the London jazz gig circuit, who told me that he had a Peerless and knew several other guys who used them rather than taking out their nice vintage Gibsons or whatever to gigs in "rough places".

[C.A.JO.]

Additionally, whilst trying out the Monarch, I met a player I knew from the London jazz gig circuit, who told me that he had a Peerless and knew several other guys who used them rather than taking out their nice vintage Gibsons or whatever to gigs in "rough places".

That's my intention too... I'm a wreck at the small clubs with my old Gibson Les Paul + I want big box guitar .

I think I'll buy either a New York or a Monarch, because if I want the Imperial I might as well just save up a bit more bucks and order a custom handmade guitar from a local builder. I gotta remember my purpose for buying one... getting a good looking, good sounding archtop at a decent price, that I can replace and not worry too much about when gigging crowded places, and dealing with drunk people dancing, pushing, etc.

Thanks.

[mangotango]

Yep, I already had my Epi Joe Pass and have dressed it up a bit...but if not, I'd have a Peerless. Given that I have my D'Angelico New Yorker with a floating p/up, I would go for the Jazz City with the pickup mounted in the top, for something a little different.

[82Benedetto]

Personally, I'm not big on the Peerless guitars. I think you get a lot more bang for your buck from an Eastman or similar guitar, but that's just me. They are two different beasts, but I wouldn't settle before trying an Eastman.

[C.A.JO.]

Okay, I'm not getting a Peerless guitar.

When I discovered the only dealer in Denmark 2 weeks ago, the price was 6.500 kr. for a New York model. Now it's 8.500 kr. That's insane! How can prices go up so fast? I suspect it's the smell of gold, because of great demand for these models. It's a brand shop, too. Anyways, now it's too expensive for the purpose I need it for.

I'm looking into an Ibanez PM-35 now. Anyone who's played this one?

P.S. 2000 Danish Kr. is $400.

[C.A.JO.]

Well, I didn't end up with a Peerless. Yesterday I was given an offer I couldn't refuse.

I bought a tweed Peavey Classic 30 and a Samick Greg Bennett JZ-233 model for $1000. Amp hasn't been played for more than 5-10 hours total, and the guitar has been modded with new knobs, pickups and a deluxe case. The guitar is in perfect condition, and it sounds and plays absolutely great.

Of course the amp is well known and can be used for many styles and events. Perfect size and look. I'll also use this in a blues setting. The guitar suits my needs at this moment. I needed a rather cheap but good looking jazz-box for gigs where I don't wanna bring my old Les Paul. This guitar does the trick fine. My next buy will be a high end jazz guitar. But for now I settle with what I have - or else the wife will start filing for divorce:-) (Of course not, just kidding:-))

Thanks to all who participated in this thread.

[RoyaleT]

What's the neck like on the Samick. Is it one of the newer Greg Bennett designs? I had a Royale 3 semi hollow from them which I liked the sound of, but prefer a larger body style.

[C.A.JO.]

What's the neck like on the Samick. Is it one of the newer Greg Bennett designs? I had a Royale 3 semi hollow from them which I liked the sound of, but prefer a larger body style.

The neck is fine... not to thin, not to thick. It reminds me of a fat Gibson neck which you'll find on some old 335's.

It's an old guitar, the seller told me it was from the nineties, and this model is quite a rare one, since they didn't produce that many. It looks like jazz guitar, which you'll play country on because of the bigsby vibrato arm, but I make it sound very jazzy. I've already gotten used the vibrato arm... Now I'm adding subtle vibrato on all the beautiful chords:-) Have to downscale this new habit before gigging again:-)

[Patriots2006]

Can anyone tell me how the acoustic quality is on the Peerless models unplugged. I have had G.A.S for the longest time for a nice jazz box. I would like to contact Chris Walsh but I don't have the money right now for something in his price range. I could wait while I get bills paid off which never seems to happen or I can go with a less expensive guitar. I am left handed which complicates finding one to actually play. I am 3 hours from Chris and maybe he would let me come visit and actually play something and get a feel for his instruments. Demonstrations from Matt Otten sound really nice plugged in with the Monarch but I have to wonder if an accomplished musician such as himself would really like to own one. I do not want to settle but the G.A.S. is killing me. I am also 61 years old and don't wish to wait to much longer to get something. The new D'Angelico looks nice but then again it is made in Korea I believe.

[barrymclark]

Don't underestimate Korean guitars. Granted, nearly every one of my guitars are made in the US but one of them is a Peerless built Epiphone and it absolutely holds its own against those American made ones that are several times more expensive.

The Peerless Epi I have sounds absolutely great and I wouldn't flinch to take out and gig with it. Absolutely solid. Nice acoustic sound and volume. My experience with Peerless branded as opposed to Peerless built (I have had two of these) is very limited but if their branded guitars are ANYTHING as good as the ghost-builds like the Epiphones and Gretsches, then they are definitely solid guitars. The branded ones I will leave others to comment on but I have heard nothing but good things about them. The only negative thing I have ever heard is that it just wasn't to someone's taste. That can be said for any guitar.

In fact, I like my Peerless built Epiphone so much, I'd like another. Just look at the wishlist in my signature.

[Bigsbyguy]

I bought one for similar reasons and to use strictly as an acoustic. It was easy to remove the pickup and guard. The tailpiece ground wire needs to be unsoldered or clipped.
Sounds good for the price. I put 12-54 Phos. Bronze on it. Decent projection and sustain. I'm not sure how'd they'd do acoustically with horns or a piano. The necks are good, nice width at the nut. The back of the necks a bit flat for my taste but it's designed for the majority and not bad. I do wish they used figured maple laminate and offered a non cutaway. I mean there's a huge market for non cuts! lol
I'm not sure if the stock nut is plastic or bone, it came with bone, and the saddle on it was a rosewood base with an ebony saddle, not sure if that's stock. I picked up a bridge with a bone saddle and swap back and forth between the two. The bone saddle is a bit brighter to my ear and took a minor bit of set up for string spacing.
I bet there's lefty's out there. Would the cutaway bug you? I'm guessing you've "flipped" guitars before. I'd recommend a set up with a good luthier if you don't do it yourself. Jazzbow has posted a great step by step tutorial to check out elsewhere in this section.
I was surprised to find the neck blocks are laminated in the Peerless models. That was something I never considered.
I'm happy with it as an acoustic archtop and I'd recommend one. And when you end up with a better one you've got a good platform for a project, like a CC p.up. That's my plan.

I don't know if these, and the Broadway's were made by Samick as well? I've got 3 Korean Epi's, '94 Samick J Pass, '04 Peerless Emperor and 2010 UnSung Broadway. I'm not Epi crazy, it just worked out that way. It's easy to tell them apart by the serial #'s. There's a web site that will tell you for sure called the Guitar Dater Project. I'd go for a Samick or Peerless. The UnSung models lack some attention to detail and the bodies are a bit different.
I've played the new DA's and they seem to be the exact same guitar as the Emperor just fancier. They are bit headstock heavy. I have seen those Left handed but the price was several hundred more then a righty.
The Loar co makes lots of models, electric and acoustic at similar prices.

[jazz.fred]

I am very happy with my Peerless Monarch 16. It plays well and sounds great! The unplugged tone is highly respectable. IMO, the Peerless demonstrates an excellent Price/Performance Ratio. Excellent value for the money.

Contact Lou @ Guitars-n-Jazz. I am fairly certain that he has a decent selection of "lefties" available.

Good luck with your search!

[Al Br.]

I'm a couple of months away from 61 and a current Peerless Cremona (17") owner. Love the guitar. No problems of any kind from day one. Purchased from Guitars 'n Jazz in Jersey. Thank you Lou.
I spend most of the time playing it unplugged, by choice. It sounds that good and has an excellent acoustic delivery.
I'm using 0.11 on the E. No buzz anywhere and a dream to play. I wish I could produce better. The guitar is light weight and easy on the bod. There's been many a day where I've plunked away for 2 to 3 hours without a hitch. No regrets and absolutely satisfied with the purchase.
Much better quality and finish than any of the Epiphones I tried at the time. Cannot speak about the model above as it was not available.
There's plenty of guitars to choose from and I don't envy you the task. Try as many as you can and let your ears and fingers decide.
Good luck.

[Al Br.]

And....there is a really nice Cremona in the for sale section at a really nice price. No affiliation. Just sayin.

[Teddyfm]

I agree with Al. Mine was just rearing to go from the start. Light, lovely and lomfortable.

[vintagelove]

Can anyone tell me how the acoustic quality is on the Peerless models unplugged. I have had G.A.S for the longest time for a nice jazz box. I would like to contact Chris Walsh but I don't have the money right now for something in his price range. I could wait while I get bills paid off which never seems to happen or I can go with a less expensive guitar. I am left handed which complicates finding one to actually play. I am 3 hours from Chris and maybe he would let me come visit and actually play something and get a feel for his instruments. Demonstrations from Matt Otten sound really nice plugged in with the Monarch but I have to wonder if an accomplished musician such as himself would really like to own one. I do not want to settle but the G.A.S. is killing me. I am also 61 years old and don't wish to wait to much longer to get something. The new D'Angelico looks nice but then again it is made in Korea I believe.

Hello my fellow lefty!!! I have a monarch, honestly I don't know what more you can ask from a guitar. I have the action slammed to the board so it plays effortlessly. It tunes and intonates perfectly. It sounds great too. Now, the acoustic sound I would characterize as mellow. It doesn't have that zingy acoustic guitar sound, which I personally don't like. It's warm, mellow plugged in tone, is a pretty fair representation of the acoustic sound, which I like. The peerless is going to be far better than the other brands mentioned (a friend played a d'angelico and my monarch and said it wasn't even close). I'll pm you with a couple other things.

[Max405]

Great topic.
the emperor regent is a great guitar. I would still own the one I had if it weren't for a warped and twisted neck. Acoustically it was very impressive. The guitar was one of the best I've owned. It was beautiful and I bonded with it immediately. If you can find a lefty, snag it. They are nice guitars.

[Bigsbyguy]

Looked at the Cremona. Definitely a cut above. Maybe that's why the Epi's they made were plain?

[Jazzman301]

Well you are in luck because arctop.com has a LEFTY Monarch for cheap money right now!

Peerless MONARCH > Guitars : Archtop Electric & Acoustic - Elderly Instruments


I have a 17 Monarch with a HB route in Autumn burst that I bought from Lou at Guitarsnjazz and man its a huge value. It has a decent acoustic presence with my LaBella flatwound 14's on it so I imagine with more acoustic friendly strings it would be even better. Plugged in its awesome with the HCC pickup from Pete Biltoft.

Its well constructed and its a working mans es350. No fret issues. Binding is wonderful. The burst finish I have is fantastic and I have never seen another one like it. It holds a tune very well and was easy to intonate according to my luthier.

To many cork sniffers that think you can only sound good on vintage stuff. Those cats were playing instruments of the era off the shelf.


You will not regret buying a Peerless branded box or a Peerless made guitar.

'Moe

[docdosco]

Well you are in luck because arctop.com has a LEFTY Monarch for cheap money right now!

Peerless MONARCH > Guitars : Archtop Electric & Acoustic - Elderly Instruments

This is a spectacular price for a lefty model, which is usually 25% more wholesale from Peerless than righty models. This will make some lefty guitar player very happy.

Doc Dosco