Favorite inexpensive hollow body guitars

[GNAPPI]

So you all know none of my toys like cars, motorcycles, firearms, boats or others do I expend effort on performance customization. Generally I "see" products from the designer's intent and either buy or not based on that premise.

That said, with all the talk about upgrading gits to make them usable, I think there should be a thread on inexpensive makes/models (UNDER $1000 new or used) that sound and play great WITHOUT sound improvement MODS.

Mine are:

CORT Triggs NAMM model:

I think the Bigsby, tacky pearl buttons and lack of fret markers killed this EXCELLENT guitar. It's weird "hollow " body is light and responsive and the buttons and Bigsby are easily replaced. The lack of fret markers? I would have no problem if they were banned by international accords :-)

Epiphone Joe Pass (Korean):

This one is IMO Epihone's winner of all the models I own have owned, or have played. I cannot say enough good about them.

Ibanez AF/AG/AK models:

Fit, finish, and sound on these models are only surpassed by their beautiful appearance.

Aria Herb Ellis:

Anyone who owns one or has had one will agree, this git plays and sounds Waaayyy beyond the price.

D'Angelico reproductions:

My experience with these (EXS-1DH) has been very satisfying. They are among the most consistent I have owned. Action, sound, appearance are all excellent.

I own more than a few Gibson gits, and love them all but any of the above could easily serve me in place of many (not all) of my Gibson models.

I think new players deserve an owners perspective on models that may serve them as they are from the factory.

[Longways to Go]

Epiphone ES-175 Premium.
The classic 57 pickups make it sound great with no mods

[Boston Joe]

Epiphone Joe Pass (Korean):

This one is IMO Epihone's winner of all the models I own have owned, or have played. I cannot say enough good about them.

I've got one of these (The Emperor II). It's a good guitar, but it doesn't blow me away. But for $500, it's hard to find a better archtop.

[lammie200]

Hagstrom HJ-800. $850 new and $600 used. Solid carved spruce top, decent pick ups, really fast playing neck and excellent quality control.

[mr. beaumont]

Godin Kingpin, and though I haven't played one in person yet, I can assume since the construction is pretty much the same with a cutaway and a nicer finish, the Godin Composer.

[jbucklin]

D'Angelico EXL-1. Stock (Asian KA) pup kinda sucks, so I put a Zoller floater on it and this is now an incredible instrument.

[blackcat]

Ibanez AFJ95 - all stock.

[lawson-stone]

I'd also toss in the Aria Pro II FA-70. Almost identical to the Herb Ellis, but usually quite a large bit less expensive. A guitar that feels and plays great, and has punch.

[lawson-stone]

I would also point out you can get an Epiphone Broadway quite inexpensively, and I love mine, which came in well under $1000 like new, with a like-new case.

[Jabberwocky]

Anything with "Ibanez" on the headstock.

I have 2 Ibanez guitars that I love to bits: AF105NT and SJ500VLS. Takes a licking and keeps on ticking.

[gmek]

I have a Ibanez AFJ95 (and AF75T). It needed a set up and fret leveling, but after that it's been great.

[GNAPPI]

D'Angelico EXL-1. Stock (Asian KA) pup kinda sucks, so I put a Zoller floater on it and this is now an incredible instrument.

Wanna sell that sucky pup?

[jazzimprov]

Ibanez PM2 - awesome sound -playability....etc..etc..

Epiphone 175 Premium --got the Thunk!

Peerless Monarch 16 --got it used @ Mint for $950.00

[vinnyv1k]

Es175

[rsclosson]

Epiphone Zephyr Regent if you can find one.

[jbucklin]

Wanna sell that sucky pup?

I'll sell it to you!

Price: $0.00

PM me your address and I'll mail it to you.

[Doctor Jeff]

Epi JP--Korean models are outstanding.

Also +1 on the Godin Kingpin.

My definition of cheap may go a bit lower, but the Peerless Sunset is still a steal at <$1000. I am continually amazed at what a nice guitar it is.

[Frank67]

+1 on Epi Joe Pass

[neatomic]

I'll sell it to you!

Price: $0.00

PM me your address and I'll mail it to you.

nice move bud!



cheers

[jbucklin]

I try to practice a random act of kindness at least once every decade. 😏

[GNAPPI]

Es175

An ES175 for $1k or less? Maybe in 1970 :-)

[Chazmo]

Any of the Godin 5th Avenue line.

[rdwhitti]

I just bought an AFJ95 and I think it is by far the best of the few jazz boxes the local GC had in stock. Plays very smoothly, well beyond my ability.

[whiskey02]

Ibanez AF85, no longer in production but they're out there.

[ronjazz]

Phillips Nouveau 16, incredible archtop electric for $199 new. Ebony fingerboard, mini-humbucker, Grover Imperials, deep cutaway, 21 frets, just fantastic. I don't play it any more, since all my work is on 7-string, but it's one of the best buys ever.