Thinline Options - Output Jack on Front

[chaddukes]

Hello All! I’m looking for a thinline, dual humbucker guitar like an ES335. Here are the specific things that I’m looking for, and the options that I’ve been able to uncover so far.

I need the output jack to be on the front of the guitar. I use a wireless transmitter that sticks straight out, and the way that I sit and hold the guitar I’ve never found a guitar the a side mounted jack that doesn’t cause problems. I’ve found this to be the biggest limitation as most guitars have the output on the side.

I’d prefer the neck to be on the thinner side. The necks on my Eastman AR605 and my Fender Strat (the one with the “deep c” neck) are the most comfortable that I own. I also have an Epiphone Les Paul that is not very comfortable. This leads me to be concerned that an ES335 will not be a good fit for me…though I will definitely be trying one out before making any final decisions (my local guitarcenter has one).

It seems to me that my options are:

ES335 - Assuming the neck is comfortable
Ibanez AS2000 - Out of stock most places
Yamaha SA2200 - Out of stock
Epiphone Sheraton - concerns about the neck size
Sire Larry Carlton

Are their any that I’ve missed? Any other input on this decision? I’m leaning toward the Ibanez as I’ve had good experiences in the past. But, if the ES335 has a good comfortable neck I’d prefer something that I can play in person.

Thoughts?

[burchyk]

Gibsons tends to be on the thicker side.

I'd hate to pick the guitar based on the jack placement, and would consider replacing one of the tone controls with the additional jack.

I would add D'Angelico Excel and Deluxe series and some Guilds to your list.

[sgosnell]

I use a wireless transmitter also, and all positions have drawbacks. For the most part, endpin jacks work better for me, but it requires a higher stand to prevent the transmitter from hitting the floor. I've used it with a front-mounted jack, and I didn't like it much. But it's subjective, so you might like it. You won't find many archtop guitars with front-mounted jacks, though. That position puts lots of sideways pressure on the top when using a cable with a straight plug. Even a rim-mounted jack requires reinforcement around the jack. LPs and 335s feel very different, because they are, and the 335 is much more like a hollow archtop, just heavier because of the solid block down the center. IMO it's what the LP should have been, and similar to what Les originally made as 'the log', but thinner.

[EastwoodMike]

The ‘Lester and the 335 are different widths. A 339 is closer to the LP size, but side mounted jack.
An Epi Casino is thin, sort of hollow body, has top mount, but uses P-90s. (So did the LP)
A 330 I can’t comment on the internals but I am guessing it’s the authentic version the Casino is modelled off.
Eastman has a bunch of options you could consider if their necks are what you like.

[dconeill]

Mightn't it work better to change out your wireless transmitter to one that connects to the output jack via cable (thus allowing either a straight or right-angle plug at the guitar end) and then attaches to the strap or perhaps to the side of the body? Such a setup would give you far more installation flexibility than a transmitter that "sticks straight out [of the guitar]".

It would also allow you a far wider choice of guitar. It seems to me that allowing the wireless transmitter to determine what guitar you can use is very much letting the tail wag the dog.

[jim777]

It's not so much the AS2000 is out of stock as it is a brand spanking new model that hasn't arrived at every shop yet. You can likely find an NOS AS200 somewhere. Are you really only looking at new guitars?

[chaddukes]

It seems to me that allowing the wireless transmitter to determine what guitar you can use is very much letting the tail wag the dog.

I hear what you’re saying, and it is a wise statement. But for a variety of reasons that isn’t possible. Also, I prefer the jack on the front. I get that its a small factor for most people. For me it is bigger deal. And for the amount of money that I’m prepared to spend I want this guitar to be exactly what I want.

Having said all that…the thought has crossed my mind that I could get a luthier to move the jack to the front. But, I’d prefer not to do that.

[chaddukes]

It's not so much the AS2000 is out of stock as it is a brand spanking new model that hasn't arrived at every shop yet. You can likely find an NOS AS200 somewhere. Are you really only looking at new guitars?

I wasn’t aware it was that new. That is good insight.

As for the used market, I’m not opposed to used, but I’m not seeing a lot of used gear with these guitar brands/models in my area.

[chaddukes]

Eastman has a bunch of options you could consider if their necks are what you like.

Love my Eastman but haven’t found a model with the jack on the front.

[cmajor9]

A Japanese Tokai (ES-135 or similar; there model numbers change a lot) could be a good choice. The neck shapes tend to match the version of Gibson 335 they’re mimicing.

[jim777]

A Japanese Tokai (ES-135 or similar; there model numbers change a lot) could be a good choice. The neck shapes tend to match the version of Gibson 335 they’re mimicing.

The Tokais are very nice. The top level ES-224 is being replaced by the ES-240 at the moment, but the name change only reflects a price change - they are otherwise identical guitars. There is currently a Brazilian rosewood boarded ES-310 on digimart at the moment as well.

[wzpgsr]

Japan-built Seventy Seven Exrubato. There are several models: Standard (maple laminate top, center block), Jazz (spruce laminate top, fully hollow), Custom (I believe this is the Standard with more bling). Hard to find used, maybe harder to find new—pounce when you can. High-quality construction, fit, finish. Most of these will have Seventy Seven's own PAF-style humbuckers, which sound great, but occasionally you'll see them with P-90s or something else.

(More recent models with "JT" in the name are built elsewhere (Philippines?) and set-up ("tuned") in Japan. The "JT" series may very well be excellent guitars, but my own experience is with the Japan-built models.)

[sgosnell]

If you insist on having the jack in the top, at least get a 90 degree adapter. They're cheap, and work well. I often use one with my Line6 G10, which comes with one. That puts the wireless transmitter pointing down, instead of straight out. Unless you have something like the Xvive, which has that built in. As long as the transmitter isn't sticking straight out, you should be okay. But I still don't know of any solid carved top models that have the jack in the top. You need to look at semi-hollows similar to the Gibson ES335, and there are lots of those. The laminate tops are much stronger.

[Jabberwocky]

Exrubato Jazz.

[chaddukes]

You need to look at semi-hollows similar to the Gibson ES335, and there are lots of those. The laminate tops are much stronger.

I’m specifically looking for laminate top semi hollows. I should have done a better job of specifying. I have a carved archtop. This guitar will serve a different purpose.

[sgosnell]

Sorry, I misunderstood. There are lots of semis with the jack on top. I don't have a lot of experience with them, so no recommendations. The Yamaha SA2200 has some pretty good reviews, Jack Zucker has posted some videos of his on here. I've never seen one IRL, though.

[guavajelly]

I wonder why you want to play wireless while sitting – but that's none of my business, just curious ...

Have you considered an Ibanez JSM10? Nice guitar, affordable and a very comfortable neck.

[Woody Sound]

I wonder why you want to play wireless while sitting – but that's none of my business, just curious ...

I do all the time. Especially for theater pit work, where I am constantly switching between 2 or 3 instruments. Eliminates the cord tangle. Also in our home studio, keeps my wife from tripping over the cord. It's really so convenient to move from place to place in the room.

[Woody Sound]

Not what you're asking, but doesn't your wireless transmitter fold flat and flush with the guitar rim, either up or down? Both of the ones I use do, Xvive and Carvin.

[Woody Sound]

ps - If you're playing sitting down with the "waist" of your guitar resting on your leg, isn't the jack on the lower bout far away from your leg?

[chaddukes]

ps - If you're playing sitting down with the "waist" of your guitar resting on your leg, isn't the jack on the lower bout far away from your leg?

I play more classical style where the lower bout is between my legs putting the jack right on top of my right thigh.

[chaddukes]

I wonder why you want to play wireless while sitting – but that's none of my business, just curious ...

I have a child with sensory issues. So at home I play almost 100% of the time with Boss Waza Air headphones. These things have changed my life…so, changing to a different type of transmitter isn’t an option.

[chaddukes]

Not what you're asking, but doesn't your wireless transmitter fold flat and flush with the guitar rim, either up or down? Both of the ones I use do, Xvive and Carvin.

Unfortunately no. But, even if it did it wouldn’t matter. The way that I hold the guitar puts the jack on top of my right thigh. I’ve had a lot of issues with broken jacks over the years to learn this lesson. This is only an issue when sitting, but I don’t want to do 100% of my playing standing.

[Woody Sound]

I play more classical style where the lower bout is between my legs putting the jack right on top of my right thigh.

Ah, I see. I have a classical with end pin jack that I play in that position and I have to use a right angle cord, not wireless.

[chaddukes]

I’ll be getting an ES-335. I was afraid that the neck would be too chunky. I tried one yesterday. That was not the case at all. Great guitars!