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Hello, I am an amateur jazz guitarist, and I decided that I want to invest in a good semi-hollow guitar.
Currently, I own three guitars I use for jazz gigs:
-strat
-ibanez 2355 (archtop)
-sumi custom made archtop
For some background, I gig frequently in a combo setting, and I am also part of a big band that requires me to play strightahead jazz and also a more funky fusion jazz style. Because of that, I have to go through the hussle of bringing both my archtop and stratocaster.
Are there any good recomendations for a semihollow jazz guitar that is capable of doing both straightahead jazz and pedal heavy distortion stuff for my combo and bigband gigs? My budget is around $1500 (preferably $1000, maybe $2000), and I do not care if the instrument is vintage, new, or used.
Some guitars I came across already include:
comins gcs 1
godin montreal
deangelico exss
eastman t59v
lary carlton H7
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03-05-2023 03:02 AM
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This one, of course. Happy to sort out a suitable deal:
Hofner Verythin Standard - made in Germany
In all seriousness, the spruce block of the Verythin Standard that I'm selling gives the instrument a lot of air to its sound, which is great for jazz. It's very lively, much more so than a typical ES-335-style guitar. At the same time, the block allows for whatever level of high-gain fun is required without feedback issues. And it's light!Last edited by Hammertone; 03-05-2023 at 04:57 PM.
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Not clear what your Sumi is. I have a Sumi as well, but that is a S5 model, a 20s L5 type archtop. Apperantly, you are looking for someting additional that your present arsenal is less good at. For bigband more funky/latin stuff, I use a Gibson ES335 with HBs. IMHO, a 335 type of guitar is very versatile. I take my 335 almost always together with a L5 to the bigband. There are affordable ones out there. Think of Ibanez, Greco, Burny, Heritage and many others. I think I would go for a used Greco 335 type.
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I would say pretty much every semi is good for straightahead and more rock-ish stuff, none particularly better or worse than another. For big band, I would say any semi is fine for comping and lead; none is ideal for Freddie Green style, but they’re probably all about the same. It comes down to what feels best to you. So my first recommendation is to pick the one you like best from what’s available for you to try.
Originally Posted by Ryo17
From your list, I’ve only tried the Godin Montreal and the EX-SS. Both are nice and sound good on straightahead. I prefer the necks on D’Angelicos (I have an EX DC)
Additional recommendations are the usual suspects - several different Ibanezes and Guild Starfires are in that range new. Used, you can find higher end Ibanez (look for an AS 180), D’Angelico EX DC, other Eastman Models, Yamaha SA2200, maybe a MIJ Seventy-Seven Exrubato, definitely one of th “JT” variants made in the Philippines at that price point, maybe Gibson Midtown or ES-335 Studio.Last edited by John A.; 03-05-2023 at 01:17 PM.
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Invest $1500? I'd get an L50 or L4, or some other carved top Gibson. I don't think one would lose money with those. They are inexpensive but will continue to match inflation, maybe even do better.
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Yep, 335-style or tele thinline style would work!
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I own a Ibanez 205 AV. I have a bunch of guitars. I never bonded with a 335, even though I have played bunches of them. (That is not 100% true. In 1994ish, I played an old (vintage) white 335. I really liked that one. At the time, I could not afford it). For what ever reason, the 205 works great for me. I think maybe the body shape is a little smaller. It could also be the burled mahogany top… IDK. They do not make them anymore. If you get a chance that is a guitar I recommend taking a look at.
A tele is always good. There is the option of putting in some PUs that focus into the sound you want.
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With usd 1500 you can get a very good semi-hollow, I think even cheaper ones can be quite good.
Scofield signature model is very good.
Or old original Ibanez AS200 from 80s that is a prototype for this signature model.
And I like very special headstock design.. I think it is the only model where they still use it. Probably because Sco asked to keep it.
Though you cannot be sure it will work for you but my friend has one and I played it quite a lot, it is very good.
On the other hand I think that there are a lot of other semi-hollows in that price range that are as good.
I recently tried old Yamaha es-335 (from 70s I believe) style it is great guitar too.
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I have the Eastman T59/v. Stunning guitar. Probably the best value of all guitars, other than other Eastmans.
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