Suggestions for Jazz Guitar - visuals are important

[wintermoon]

Gibson Solid Formed 17" Hollowbody Venetian | Reverb

The op said he preferred a single built in pickup guitar so I'm assuming that would rule this and a Heritage 550 out.

[dconeill]

If a 16" body will do, there's many choices. 17" are not as available. Since you specifically mentioned an ES-350 I'm guessing you want a laminated-wood body with a laminated maple top. Some of the following have laminated maple tops, some have laminated spruce.

A Comins GCS-16-2 might fill your bill. Around $2600. See cominsguitars.com or soundpure.com.

Ibanez AF-2000 - $2600, laminated top, 16.5" lower bout.

There are laminated-body Eastmans (ES350 is a laminated body). But I don't know whether they have 17" bodies available with laminate tops. IIRC Eastman models ending in "10" are 17-inch. See guitarsnjazz.com or soundpure.com. Guitars'n'Jaz also sell Peerless, which might have something for you.

[lumena]

I am getting a lot of nice suggestions thank you very much. I have started a correspondence with Walkin and I am hoping there is a guitar there - Westville may be an option depending on what is available. I see a lot of variance in suggestions which I really appreciate.

Just to focus a bit better, I checked out the heritage 550 and that is not quite the right thing. I think if I was looking at a heritage it would be more of an Eagle type.

I am starting to narrow my focus but to refocus, 17" set pickup, "1 11/16" Nitro, cutaway would be nice.
no poly, no antiques.
I see I may have to bump up to 4k. I am still actively looking so any eagle eyes out there let me know.

and by the way - I thought everyone knew but I am a she not a he.
I think I am pretty much the only one still even occasionally on this board.

[Skip Ellis]

I can see where the OP is coming from. As much as I like my Teles, and don't get on well with archtops (I've owned about everything from Super 400s, to Johnny Smiths, to ES5s, to 50s 175s, to 165s, to Peerless ....), I think I would be accepted more as a REAL guitarist doing a solo gig at the local restaurant or assisted living if I showed up with an archtop; Teles just don't look like REAL guitars. Maybe a cheapo AR371 would do the job, but I sure like the looks and neck on the GB10.......but......I guess, if I can hide 'behind the ferns', the Tele would be OK (but it would have to be a pretty blue one with curly maple neck, pearl pickguard and white Vintage Vibe CC pickup)....the search goes on.........

[BigDaddyLoveHandles]

I can see where the OP is coming from. As much as I like my Teles, and don't get on well with archtops (I've owned about everything from Super 400s, to Johnny Smiths, to ES5s, to 50s 175s, to 165s, to Peerless ....), I think I would be accepted more as a REAL guitarist doing a solo gig at the local restaurant or assisted living if I showed up with an archtop; Teles just don't look like REAL guitars. Maybe a cheapo AR371 would do the job, but I sure like the looks and neck on the GB10.......but......I guess, if I can hide 'behind the ferns', the Tele would be OK (but it would have to be a pretty blue one with curly maple neck, pearl pickguard and white Vintage Vibe CC pickup)....the search goes on.........

[AllanAllen]

The op said he preferred a single built in pickup guitar so I'm assuming that would rule this and a Heritage 550 out.

Yeah, but they're also looking for a guitar that doesn't exist so other "close enough" examples should be entertained.

[lumena]

yeah well it kinda does exist I am just waiting to hear back if it's in stock

[pingu]

yeah well it kinda does exist I am just waiting to hear back if it's in stock

A Barney !
Yes that's a nice looking guitar

I hope that it works out for you Lumena

[lumena]

I would like say thanks to everyone for their help and suggestions.
I appreciate the group mind helping me to think through all the options.

I was able to order the guitar there was a one like the picture in stock.
Barney Kessel model Archtop Tribute es350.
17" nitro, 1 11/16" cc pickup, ebony fingerboard, direct from Walkin.jp - ~3000 a bit more with PayPal fees.
I will post pictures etc. when I get it.


Ok just an update. There was an additional $212 for customs from DHL.
Glamour Shipping photos for fun.