Your Favorite “Woody” - Toned Hollowbody, Electric Archtops Under Around $1100??

[VanEpsInDeChirico]

Hi All.


I’m looking for an electric, fully hollow, archtop with an old school “woody, round, hollow” guitar tone. It seems there are so many guitars being made these days that replicate the LOOK of a classic mid-century archtop, but so often they have a completely different sort of sound. The Eastman AR371 for example, looks just like a Gibson ES-175 but sounds nothing like it. That's not a bad thing, but not what I’m looking for.


I don’t have access to a guitar store with many choices so its difficult for me to try many guitars out.


Recently I tried a 2019 Epiphone Broadway. It got close enough to the sound, but it was just too big for me. I assume the Joe Pass Emperor Pro ii has a similar sound, but I'v not been able to get one in my hands to find out.


I’ve heard a couple D’Angelico EXL-1 demos that seemed pretty close as well, but they’re a little out of my price range, and I’d prefer a set, non-floating humbucker(s).


Here are a couple examples of my ideal sound (the guitars start right away):

Thanks For You Help!

[mad dog]

Not sure if thinner hollowbodies are of interest. If so ... I've been playing a few that really impress. Eastman T146smd, single cut archtop, carved maple back and sides, carved spruce top, 2 humbuckers. Used, right around your price point. It doesn't seem to give much tone or low end away in trade off for the thinner body. Has a warm, balanced sound, nice acoustic voice. And yes, woody. Really enjoying this one.

The other is an Epiphone Sorrento '62 Reissue. MIC, not pricey. All laminate maple body, mahogany neck. 2 x minihumbuckers. I hoped for the best with this one, and actually got it. Not much acoustic voice, but plugged in, big, warm sound. Not as woody as the Eastman. Outstanding p/us.

I tend to prefer less than full depth archtops, so figured I'd try even thinner. No disappointments so far.

[Gitterbug]

Look into the 16" Ibanez offering, present and past. My favorite is a single Super 58 PU equipped AFJ-91 from a few years back. I had to replace the fracture-prone tailpiece, though. Despite a Benedetto and two Gibsons in the stable, it's my go-to archie. If you hadn't ruled out a Broadway as oversize, I would have recommended an Emperor Regent as well.

[sgosnell]

The Epiphone ES-175 Premium is a nice guitar if you can find one with the original Gibson pickups. IMO it's as good as the Gibson.

[Gitfiddler]

Since you included George Benson as one who's tone you enjoy, why not consider one of his less expensive 'SE' or 'EM' models?
They will get you close to his amplified sound, but maybe not the acoustic sound you are seeking. The smaller bodied Benson models are full hollow, but not robust acoustically. They can be bought new or used under your $1,100 budget.

[guavajelly]

I'd second that. If you can, try the GB10 SE. I think it's a nice guitar. If you really want the built-in humbuckers you could also try the LGB30 – but IMHO the GB10 has the woodier tone. Both are nice guitars for the price.

[jazzkritter]

Having had both the LGB30 and a GB10; if you want a woidy traditional tone the LGB30 would be a good choice. Bigger body than the GB10’s hence a fuller warmer tone. Pull the pup and replace with a Fralin Modern PAF or a 36th Anniversary and you have as good an archtop sound as you could as for.
There is a youtube video out there off George demoing (and selling))) the LGB30 when it came out, it is worth looking for. (I sold mine to upgrade to an AF200 at the time.)

heres one each in natural and sunburst:

Ibanez LGB30 George Benson Signature Hollow Electric Guitar Natural GM-295958 | eBay


Ibanez George Benson Signature LGB30 Vintage Yellow Sunburst | Reverb

Good luck! jk