The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
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  1. #1

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    Love the 335 but as you know it is big and heavy. Looking for 335 alternatives that are sub 7lbs, have the comfort carve-out on the back side, and are under $3.5K. At the moment the leading candidate is the Knaggs Chena (6.2lbs). Anybody play one?

    I like the new PRS McCarty 594 Hollowbody II (6.5lbs) but its pricey, and too new to find used. Older PRS Hollowbody II also an option but doesn't appear to be as 335 as the new 594 model? Anybody play one? I didn't find any vid comparisons between these models.

    Collings SoCo Deluxe a beauty but doesn't have the rear carve-out, is a lb heavier than the Chena, and pricey.

    Also, forgot to add I'm not very interested in the 339... which I see someone just suggested, thanks.

    Other models you might suggest?

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    The Jazz Guitar Chord Dictionary
     
  3. #2

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    339

  4. #3

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    Does it have to be a semi? There is a 330 with humbuckers (2018), solves the light part.

  5. #4

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    An older PRS Hollowbody might just be the ticket. There are a lot for sale e.g. on Reverb.

  6. #5

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    Maybe something from Ibanez AM series would be an option. They are smaller version of AS (which is moreless like 335 in terms of size). I have played low level model and it's super comfortable and handy. You can find some nice higher models for sure.
    Good luck!

  7. #6

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    Thinline Tele with 24.75" mahogany neck and humbuckers..... okay, not readily available, I know....

    (I made my own, but with a P90 ;-)

  8. #7

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    The Heritage Millennium (sized roughly like a Les Paul) — Don't know if they make them new at the moment though.

  9. #8

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    I 2nd the Ibby AM series. Not a heavy guitar, much more comfortable to play than a standard 335.

  10. #9

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    Try Engel Guitars. Excellent stuff!

  11. #10

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    Take a look at the Carvin/Kiesel semis. I've been playing the SH575 for several years now and I love it. Fit, finish and craftsmanship second to none. Great fretwork. The Frank Gambale model is probably closest to the 335 shape you want, but smaller and lighter. 14" across, and usually about 6-3/4 lbs. I saw one on Reverb the other day, pretty rare to see a used one.





    FG1 FRANK GAMBALE SEMI-HOLLOW CARVED TOP ACOUSTIC ELECTRIC GUITAR | KieselGuitars.com
    Last edited by Woody Sound; 12-02-2019 at 10:49 AM.

  12. #11

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    Epiphone casino coupe

  13. #12

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    The Gibson or Epiphone Johnny A. model is wonderful, form-wise.

    Or you can go with the Les Paul ES model. All three models check your boxes.

    Neither is cheap, but you didn't mention budget, so there you go.

  14. #13

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    Quote Originally Posted by LtKojak
    The Gibson or Epiphone Johnny A. model is wonderful, form-wise.

    Or you can go with the Les Paul ES model. All three models check your boxes.

    Neither is cheap, but you didn't mention budget, so there you go.
    Epiphone also makes an ES-Les Paul.

    Epiphone Ltd. Ed. Les Paul Standard Florentine PRO

  15. #14

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    casino coupe is actually a good suggestion...its slightly smaller body and true hollow..no center block...so lighter..maybe a bit under budget for you tho! hah

    also, take a look at new prs se hollows

    prs se hollowbody -new

    cheers

  16. #15

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    A couple of possibilities:
    Comins GCS-1 (maple-topped version)
    Godin Montreal Premiere line - several models

  17. #16

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    Quote Originally Posted by neatomic
    casino coupe is actually a good suggestion...its slightly smaller body and true hollow..no center block...so lighter..maybe a bit under budget for you tho! hah
    Like the epi casino coupe but more expensive you have the Gibby Es-390

  18. #17

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    The British jazz guitarist terry Smith said in an interview that he chose the 330 because he was a small guy and the 330 fit him perfectly.
    Not to steal the thread, but are there any other jazz guitars for small guys?

  19. #18

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    The OP mentioned PRS Hollowbody, but were too expensive. They just came out with a much less expensive MIK 'SE' model.

    Here's a video review of the new PRS SE Hollowbody II


  20. #19

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    That PRS SE is quite interesting... I'd like to hear a better demo (with better tones- something that would highlight whatever "woody" tones it has)

    Ignore all the "where it's made" stuff, just FFWD to the playing... the neck pickup sounds pretty good in this one, I'm interested....



  21. #20

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    I love my 335 but also find it too big for practicing and playing at home.

    Here's an unusual suggestion, but a guitar that has worked really well for me. These are made in Japan :

    Vox Virage
    335 Alternatives - Smaller / Lighter-img_0999-jpg

    It's the same size as a 339 but solid woods like a 336 and a great medium neck. The body is actually curved to fit your body and it's just a great feeling guitar. Discontinued, but available used. The stock pickups are ok, but I changed to p-90s and it sounds great. Mine was $1000 on eBay and a nicer guitar than comparable Gibsons. Very lightweight. I like it better than the Collings Soco Deluxe I used to have.

  22. #21

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    Vox! Very cool!

    How about the one Prince played during his final years...Vox HDC-77 Blackburst.

    Vox HDC-77 Blackburst | Madcats & Clouds


  23. #22

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    Quote Originally Posted by sgcim
    The British jazz guitarist terry Smith said in an interview that he chose the 330 because he was a small guy and the 330 fit him perfectly.
    Not to steal the thread, but are there any other jazz guitars for small guys?
    Collings Eastside Jazz. 15" lower bout, thinline, fully hollow, sounds great.

  24. #23

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    I like my ES-390. They aren’t quite the highly inflated ES prices.

  25. #24

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    How about an Eastman t484? Seem to split the difference between a 339 and a 335

  26. #25

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    There is a choice of telecasters or G&L ASATs, both with contour backs that might be perfect.