Jazz guitars Detroit area?

**deke** · 02-18-2023, 10:28 PM

Hello. There doesn’t seem to be a store with a good selection of jazz arch top guitars anywhere around Detroit. Even Elderly, the most amazing music store in the Midwest, only has a couple arch tops. Any suggestions? I’m willing to make a day trip out of it.

I play mainly for myself and am older. I want to upgrade from my Ibanez Pat Metheny PM2. I could spend up to 3k, maybe more. I definitely want the 175 laminate top kind of sound. In fact, ages ago I had a 1970s Ibanez 175 that was fantastic, but for some stupid stupid reason I sold it. I’d like to try in person used Gibson 175s, Heritage 575s, and the higher end Ibanez arch tops like the George Benson.

**Hammertone** · 02-19-2023, 03:12 AM

2 hour drive to Kalamazoo.
3 1/2 hour drive to Toronto.
4 hour drive to Chicago.
4 hour drive to Pittsburgh.

**Gitterbug** · 02-19-2023, 04:13 AM

Sorry to intervene but this looks universal. I experienced quite a shock at the Helsinki Tonefest guitar show yesterday: among the innumerable flattops, solid bodies and semis, new and old, just one archtop (a Godin 5th Avenue, which I consider entry-level.) At the same time elsewhere: Kitarapaja, top vintage dealer in town, announces one ES-175 from mid-80s, priced at around 8,000 $. A few years back they'd have a wall full of Gibsons, Gretsches, Hofners and Levins. Where have all the flowers gone?

**deke** · 02-19-2023, 10:16 AM

Originally Posted by Hammertone

2 hour drive to Kalamazoo.
3 1/2 hour drive to Toronto.
4 hour drive to Chicago.
4 hour drive to Pittsburgh.

I’m guessing you work in IT support.

**AllanAllen** · 02-19-2023, 10:32 AM

Check out Chicago Music Exchange. Call them and tell them what you want. Don’t just look at the website and drive over expecting everything to be on the floor.

**Steve Z** · 02-19-2023, 12:07 PM

The PM2 is a great guitar. What are you looking for regarding an “upgrade”?

I totally get just wanting something different if that is the end goal.

**Hammertone** · 02-19-2023, 02:56 PM

Originally Posted by deke;[URL="tel:1249229"

1249229[/URL]]I’m guessing you work in IT support.

I just drive a lot.

**deke** · 02-19-2023, 06:27 PM

Originally Posted by Steve Z

The PM2 is a great guitar. What are you looking for regarding an “upgrade”?

I totally get just wanting something different if that is the end goal.

Good question. Mainly GAS and I think about my old 1970s Ibanez 175 that had THAT perfect warm sort of muted jazz guitar sound that the PM2 doesn’t quite get. Maybe I could try a pickup upgrade on the PM2? Classic 57 ot something?

**Dave70** · 02-19-2023, 08:45 PM

Huber Breese Music might have a few:

https://huberbreese.com/products/eastman-ar380ce-hb-john-pisano-archtop-electric-guitar-2?_pos=3&_sid=0915704f0&_ss=r

**Steve Z** · 02-19-2023, 10:21 PM

I doubt changing pickups would do much. Nothing wrong with the PM2 pickups.

**Steve Z** · 02-19-2023, 10:36 PM

A search on Gbase shows a store in New Jersey with a blonde ‘78 Ibanez 2385

1977 Ibanez 2385 (Lawsuit ES-175) Natural > Guitars Electric Semi-Hollow Body | Groovy Guitar

**dconeill** · 02-20-2023, 03:22 AM

I don't know where you could try one, but the Comins GCS line guitars are nice. Prices up to around US$2600 depending on model. I happened to be able to play one that came through a local music shop awhile ago and really liked it.

Four models of interest:
GCS-1: semihollow, 14.675" body lower bout, thin body, maple plywood, rosewood fingerboard
GCS-1ES: similar to GCS-1 but with spruce plywood top and ebony fingerboard; said to be better for jazz tones
GCS-16-1: 16" at lower bout, fully hollow, deep body, plywood construction, one pickup
GCS-16-2: similar to GCS-16-1 but with two pickups

Your best bet might be to buy a guitar from someone with a good return policy. An example of such a vender, who I know by reputation only, is soundpure.com. Then if you try it and don't like it you can return it.

**rictroll** · 02-20-2023, 12:20 PM

Elderly has two 175’s and a Tal listed currently…

**deke** · 02-20-2023, 12:53 PM

Originally Posted by rictroll

Elderly has two 175’s and a Tal listed currently…

Thanks. You solved my problem. I bought all three at $4000, $5750 and $11000

**unknownguitarplayer** · 02-20-2023, 01:28 PM

It's a problem. Some stores that used to carry archtops either went out of business or cut way back. Elderly is a good example. In addition to vintage and used guitars, they had new Hofner and Eastman guitars out on the floor, along with some higher end luthier models. You could drive up randomly and find plenty of interesting things to try. Going back there now - almost zilch.

Professional Guitars at 9 and Woodward in Ferndale tried to specialize in archtops but closed up a few years ago.
Joe's Music on Gratiot used to be a Heritage dealer, but I don't see that listed on their website anymore
Something might occasionally turn up at Detroit Guitar in Birmingham, but not often.
The most surprising find I've run across in MI was the Traverse City Guitar Co. Very pricey, catering to the wealthy folks with 2nd homes up there, but walked in a few years ago to find several beautiful 50s Gibsons.
Someone upthread mentioned Huber-Breese. That a great old family business but archtops really aren't their thing. They were, maybe still are, an Eastman dealer for a while, but I never saw more than 1 or 2 in stock at a time.
Bottom line: As someone recommended above, you probably have to drive to Chicago, although the last time I visited CME, the results were disappointing, so check the web first.

**SOLR** · 02-20-2023, 06:24 PM

Originally Posted by deke

Thanks. You solved my problem. I bought all three at $4000, $5750 and $11000

S

**wintermoon** · 02-20-2023, 06:30 PM

Originally Posted by rictroll

Elderly has two 175’s and a Tal listed currently…

11 grand for a narrow nut late 60' 175??
something must be in the water in east Lansing

**Stringswinger** · 02-20-2023, 06:43 PM

Originally Posted by wintermoon

11 grand for a narrow nut late 60' 175??
something must be in the water in east Lansing

And how about the non original tuners, bridge saddle and case? Even if that guitar had a pair of original PAF's, that price would be pushing it..

**Steve Z** · 02-20-2023, 09:01 PM

The 1947 (?) Gibson ES300 listed in the for sale section is a beauty. A bit more than your goal budget though a vintage Gibson should have “that sound@ you seek as well as a ton of mojo.

Gibson ES-300 late 40's

Years ago I played a ‘47/48 blonde ES300… absolutely wonderful. I regret not buying that ES300N.

**rictroll** · 02-20-2023, 09:18 PM

Well, I suggest you wait for Zucker to offer something for sale. You can trust his taste, knowledge, and care of the instruments.

**deke** · 02-21-2023, 09:41 AM

Originally Posted by unknownguitarplayer

It's a problem. Some stores that used to carry archtops either went out of business or cut way back. Elderly is a good example. In addition to vintage and used guitars, they had new Hofner and Eastman guitars out on the floor, along with some higher end luthier models. You could drive up randomly and find plenty of interesting things to try. Going back there now - almost zilch.

Professional Guitars at 9 and Woodward in Ferndale tried to specialize in archtops but closed up a few years ago.
Joe's Music on Gratiot used to be a Heritage dealer, but I don't see that listed on their website anymore
Something might occasionally turn up at Detroit Guitar in Birmingham, but not often.
The most surprising find I've run across in MI was the Traverse City Guitar Co. Very pricey, catering to the wealthy folks with 2nd homes up there, but walked in a few years ago to find several beautiful 50s Gibsons.
Someone upthread mentioned Huber-Breese. That a great old family business but archtops really aren't their thing. They were, maybe still are, an Eastman dealer for a while, but I never saw more than 1 or 2 in stock at a time.
Bottom line: As someone recommended above, you probably have to drive to Chicago, although the last time I visited CME, the results were disappointing, so check the web first.

Thanks for super detailed and useful information! I grew up here, but just moved back from many years in Philly and am kicking myself for not checking out Guitars 'n Jazz Archtops in New Jersey while we lived there. I have bought a few guitars online (Reverb) and it has always worked out, but not an archtop. For some reason I am more hesitant to buy one online. I would really like to hear, first hand, how a carved top might sound different than a laminated top, and really compare some side by side... Too bad about Elderly. I mean, they have 100 banjos, 80 mandolins, and 300 Martins to play - why not 10 jazz guitars!

To anyone who has the chops, please go to that high priced store in Traverse City and show the rich guys can't buy talent. :-)

**deke** · 03-09-2023, 04:39 PM

Somewhat on topic, a new twist. To satisfy my semi-rational guitar lust and wanting to try something different I bought a used Peerless Monarch. It is sitting here in the case and I am waiting for it to acclimate after getting off the UPS truck. I'm thinking/hoping this will be different enough from my Ibanez PM2 to be a nice compliment - and without spending 3-4k. Of course there are endless opinions on how much time to let a guitar acclimate in the case. 4-5 hours? 24 hours? I suppose it is better to be safe than sorry.