-
Is the OP dead set on not using an amp? Even a small solid state amp would widen the horizon of options. I've only had tube amps but these ss amps I keep hearing about here sound wonderful and there are some really small ones as well.
Originally Posted by Stringswinger
In that $10k price range I would buy more than one guitar..again more options. Even two guitars and an amp. Guess I can't make up my mind which explains my somewhat large collection although I do admire those of you like the op who can keep it down to one or a few.
Good luck to the OP, great topic.
-
11-17-2019 08:52 AM
-
No amp, I'm too lazy to have to get it out and plug it in. I'm typically playing on my sofa. I actually have several other guitars, I just try to keep only two out at a time. And those two tend to be the Breedlove and Larivee. In fact, the only reason I have more than one out and as further proof of my laziness is that I'll keep one in std tuning and the others in an altered tuning. Originally Posted by 73Fender
-
I looked at this thread quite a bit and I understand:
- You want a vintage instrument
- You want an acoustic instrument and you don't plan to plug in
- You want an instrument that you can enjoy playing by yourself at home
- you want a 1 3/4 neck width
- You need a small instrument due to shoulder pain
An archtop guitar is basically constructed like a cello. And a cello is meant to be played with a bow – continuous stimulation. Played with a bow it is loud and it produces sustained notes. Picked – not so much.
As an archtop guitar is picked with fingers or a pick it it will always have a short sustain and strong attack. Small instruments are also very quiet. The reason why archtops got bigger during the swing area was the search for volume. They were played with a lot of force and strictly as rhythm instruments. If that's what you enjoy playing at home you'll be fine – even with a smaller guitar as you don't need the volume and sustain. For fingerpicking these kind of guitars will sound boxy and short though.
If you like to play everything else a flattop is way superior in volume and sustain and IMHO much more enjoyable at home. Did you think about a Selmer- or Maccaferri-style guitar instead of an archtop? Or a nice vintage Martin or Gibson flattop?Last edited by guavajelly; 11-17-2019 at 09:43 AM.
-
Fingerstyle Jazz? Why not get a Buscarino Cabaret? I can always sell you mine, it's very nice. (Been thinking about reducing my stable, need some floor space back).
Last edited by Jazzstdnt; 11-17-2019 at 11:59 AM.
-
Yes, you have the criteria down; although, as discussed previously, I would say relatively small dimensions, in other words, I am eliminating the 18" with a 4" box. Originally Posted by guavajelly
I recognize that neither the sustain nor the volume will be as 'nice' as my flattops. I'm more than happy to make the tradeoff between sound and looks (per my initial post, I've always wanted a nice archtop). So while I do appreciate the suggestions, a flattop isn't going to scratch this itch
-
Nice to meet you, Oldgoat.
I too own a nice little Larrivee Parlor.
I'm right handed but my sensitive shoulder is on the left, where the strap comes over.
Sorry, I have not read the entire thread so forgive me if I'm missing something here.
Have you considered your sensitivity to the weight of the instrument?
Also, you own two fiddles that are narrower (at lower bout) but deeper than your typical archtop.
I don't know anything about the new small-bodied acoustic archtops from Collings ('bout half your budget.)
I do know that I've got two ancient small-bodied archtops that I really dig.
Happy hunting & good luck!
-
Don’t need to use a cable anymore. There are several inexpensive wireless systems available that are small and reliable. Originally Posted by Oldgoat
-
Thanks...so, don't leave me hanging...what are the two archtops you have now? Originally Posted by rabbit
Weight is not the issue, it's simply the angle of my right shoulder.
-
Dangit Goat! I'll go out on the limb: you should just buy Omph's L-7. It checks every box. Well...almost every one. You're gonna have a lot of change left over. Bummer!
Instant access to the pre-war 16" Gibson L club. I'd be happy to be corrected by one of our forum experts, but I don't think you're gonna find a L-5 in this condition and vintage within your budget. And AFAIK this era is just about your only choice for a Gibson L with a 1 3/4 nut. (again...happy to be corrected)
The reason that I'm so happy to be corrected is that I've been wanting all the same things you're looking for. I just can't afford to do it now.
Please put me out of my misery so I can leave all my hand wringin' & head scratchin' & plottin' & schemin' behind :-)
-
It is definitely on my list, but I'm afraid you're going to have to a few more sleepless nights of hand wringing. Originally Posted by ccroft
-
Gene Bertoncini's Buscarino is the finest classical guitar I've ever played. A truly amazing instrument. Originally Posted by Jazzstdnt
-
Waterloo WL-AT Archtop Acoustic Guitar| Waterloo by Collings Guitars
1.75" nut width. Made by Collings. Acoustic 14 13/16" archtop.
-
Thanks for asking! Originally Posted by Oldgoat
Gibson L-2, 1924 & ca.1938 Vega "Vegaphone." Vega's a hair larger than the L-2.
I got no more $ and no job or Ooomph's L-7 would be causing me even more heartburn (than it already is!)
-
I really wish I could understand the price of these, as compared with the Waterloo flattops, but I can't. I am not sure what the street price will eventually be, but there are new Waterloo ft's that can be bought right now for $2200. - - $2700., while these start at $4500. Originally Posted by Jabberwocky
I'd have to bet there's a good percentage of components used on these that are also used on Waterloo ft's.
So where 's the extra $2000. ??
Just MHO, of course, but nonetheless to me a sad headscratcher.........
-
Originally Posted by Dennis D
Am holding out hope they sound good enough.
Wasn't knocked out by the flat top I tried.
No matter, I can't have one.
Last edited by rabbit; 11-17-2019 at 06:02 PM.
-
I wasn't that knocked out by the Waterloo ft I tried either, and I really wanted to be. It sounded like the old Harmony Patrician / Sears Silvertone I started on. Originally Posted by rabbit
Am holding out hope they sound good enough.
Wasn't not knocked out by the flat top I tried.
No matter, I can't have one.
Then I read that Bill Collings aimed for the sound of a classic Regal for his Waterloo archtop, which if he succeeded, is a 'never mind' for me.
And now it's a $4000. +/- 'never mind'.
-
My first guitar was also a Sears. I remember my first electric guitar as well, single pickup Decca. Bought it used. Guitar AND amp for $100. I'll never forget the amp. While I don't remember the brand, but I do remember it had a tremolo built in. Crimson and Clover for the win! Originally Posted by Dennis D
Last edited by Oldgoat; 11-17-2019 at 09:40 PM. Reason: clarity
-
So I'm derailing this thread a little, so shoot me.
I certainly can't play mine with the same authority as this guy but the boxes, vintages & tones
of our fiddles a quite similar.
A luck stiff, I am:
-
Not vintage, but what about Dan Koentopp?
-
Wow, beautiful guitar!
-
Well, out of fear or be subjected to the wrath of this forum, I went with the L7 Juan (omphalopsychos) had listed. Received it on Tuesday. I am very happy with it. The neck took a bit to get used to and I've ordered a new pickguard; however, there is absolutely no stress on the shoulder. Nice, well-balanced sound and easy to play. I was actually very surprised at the setup...very low (yes, I know I can raise it). Coupled with a lighter weight string and shorter scale length than my other guitars and it is very 'user-friendly' Now, if I can only get my fingers to go where I want them to!
Shout our to Juan. He was very patient with my flood of questions...in addition to sending some more pics, I had him measure several dimensions for me (I won't bore you with the details, but that was a learning experience). Anyhow, definitely a great buying experience. I discovered awhile ago, with other, non-music, forums I am on that when you get multiple recommendations from the community at large, you pay attention.
Which brings me to a second shoutout. I'm not a Jazz player, so I don't know how much time I will spend on this forum in the future; however, I really appreciated all the helpful advice. Several of you opened up my eyes to some potential future options. Now it may have just been the topic (try discussing which motor oil to use on a car or motorcycle forum!), but it was great to read a thread without any sniping. Maybe if I started a thread on what strings to use, I'd have a different opinion (maybe that is the guitar equivalent of motor oil)?
Thanks
-
Wow Oldgoat, Happy NGD !!!
I think you made a very fine choice, but I may be biased a bit as a happy owner of a '34 L-7 myself.
If you are used to playing flat tops, you will probably notice much less bass in the sound and perhaps a "dryness" to the tone. But as you get to know your L-7, I assure you that you will find the tone dripping with character and inspirational mojo.
Regarding strings, I have tried 3 different approaches on my L-7 with mixed results. My first sets of strings were phosphor bronze round wound 12's and they were perfectly fine. They did the job well and the guitar sounded good, but I decided I wanted to experiment anyway. My next set of strings were Monels and frankly I couldn't stand them. They made the guitar sound very thin, so they didn't last long. My next experiment with strings was flatwounds. I ended up putting on a set of light Curt Mangan flats, and subbing a 12 & 16 for the top two strings. This set has worked out just great for me. I think they've been on the guitar a year now and I think the guitar sounds just the way it should. I'm planning to stick to this formula for now. The only downside of the flats vs the rounds is I think you loose a little acoustic volume. But I like the sound better.
-
Only a complete, mouth breathing, lowest common denominator would use flatwounds on an archtop!! :P Originally Posted by Longways to Go
Wow Oldgoat, Happy NGD !!!
I think you made a very fine choice, but I may be biased a bit as a happy owner of a '34 L-7 myself.
If you are used to playing flat tops, you will probably notice much less bass in the sound and perhaps a "dryness" to the tone. But as you get to know your L-7, I assure you that you will find the tone dripping with character and inspirational mojo.
Regarding strings, I have tried 3 different approaches on my L-7 with mixed results. My first sets of strings were phosphor bronze round wound 12's and they were perfectly fine. They did the job well and the guitar sounded good, but I decided I wanted to experiment anyway. My next set of strings were Monels and frankly I couldn't stand them. They made the guitar sound very thin, so they didn't last long. My next experiment with strings was flatwounds. I ended up putting on a set of light Curt Mangan flats, and subbing a 12 & 16 for the top two strings. This set has worked out just great for me. I think they've been on the guitar a year now and I think the guitar sounds just the way it should. I'm planning to stick to this formula for now. The only downside of the flats vs the rounds is I think you loose a little acoustic volume. But I like the sound better.
I like monels FWIW.
I'm jealous of the L7!
-
Now that's more like it...I'm thinking steel and silk is the only way to go! Originally Posted by Littlemark
Actually, here is what was on the guitar "The strings are made by Philippe Bosset. The gauges are light (12-53), but I increased the trebles to 13 and 17 to give them more body. So it comes to 13 - 53 for the gauges."
They sound good to me.
-
Ahhh.... Blessed Relief! I was happy to see that guitar sell and wondered if it was you. Thanks for the update. I wish you many years of enjoyment.
Sorry I can't be more obnoxious, but that's exactly how I handle string gauge on mine. Bronze for the more acoustic and nickel for the more electric. Heavier really helps the unwound strings sing for me.
OK... one question: I've never handled an L of this vintage. You say the neck took some getting used to. What was it about the neck: shape, girth or....?
Reply With Quote
Henriksen Bud or Blu 6
Today, 07:53 PM in For Sale