1831 replies to this topic

[7/4]

My most recent acquisition, an used Epiphone Joe Pass, made in Korea. I have guitars, but I don't own an archtop. Just picked it up last week.

Note autographed photo of Robert Fripp on the wall.

Edited by 7/4, 17 May 2008 - 09:30 PM.

[AfricaBrass]

Sweet!

[7/4]

I think so. There's a couple of dings, but I don't care. I have been working on chord melody and the Strat is too thin sounding, the L6-S's neck too narrow, plus I wanted the real thing!

Like the blue light? It's just a florescent light. B-)

[AfricaBrass]

Like the blue light? It's just a florescent light. B-)

I thought you were being artsy in Photoshop.

Sometimes it's nice to play a jazz box instead of a solidbody. The only guitars that I have like that are my Gretsch's, but they're different. One of these days, I'll probably get one.

[tonym]

Looks nice, bet it sounds great.

[7/4]

So Jeff, how do you feel about Fender Teles vs. G&L ASAT?

I tried a couple of Teles while they were setting this guitar up. I was checking out the new Lite Ash Telecaster (made in Korea, with a real discusting glossy finish) then an American Telecaster (sounded about the same, maybe a little fatter). Then I tried a ASAT that was kinda heavy, but sounded amazing.

???

[Sundog]

7/4 that's a very nice guitar. I really want a new archtop. Been thinking about the one below for a couple of months. I don't believe it's shipping yet (Spring 05'). The big problem is I have no Sadowsky dealers anywhere close to my home, and I won't buy a guitar unless I can play it. I may have to take a road trip to Elderly Instruments in Lansing at some point.


My next archtop?

[7/4]

Like the blue light? It's just a florescent light.  B-)

I thought you were being artsy in Photoshop.

Sometimes it's nice to play a jazz box instead of a solidbody. The only guitars that I have like that are my Gretsch's, but they're different. One of these days, I'll probably get one.

I think this will do for a while. That's why I bought a cheap used guitar. The screws for the pole peices rattle a bit, so I might have to change the pickups. And it looks like someday this axe could use a fret crown refinish.

A buddy has a Gretch.

[7/4]

Looks nice, bet it sounds great.

It works for me!

[AfricaBrass]

Like the blue light? It's just a florescent light.  B-)

I thought you were being artsy in Photoshop.

Sometimes it's nice to play a jazz box instead of a solidbody. The only guitars that I have like that are my Gretsch's, but they're different. One of these days, I'll probably get one.

I think this will do for a while. That's why I bought a cheap used guitar. The screws for the pole peices rattle a bit, so I might have to change the pickups. And it looks like someday this axe could use a fret crown refinish.

A buddy has a Gretch.

I dig those hollowbody Epiphones. I appreciate that Epiphone makes this type of guitar at affordable prices. I have two Epiphones myself; a John Lennon '65 Casino model and a Elite Les Paul.

Changing pickups might make a big difference. There are some great aftermarket pickups out there.

Now you've made me want to go guitar shopping... but I'm broke.

[7/4]

7/4 that's a very nice guitar. I really want a new archtop. Been thinking about the one below for a couple of months. I don't believe it's shipping yet (Spring 05'). The big problem is I have no Sadowsky dealers anywhere close to my home, and I won't buy a guitar unless I can play it. I may have to take a road trip to Elderly Instruments in Lansing at some point.


My next archtop?

Try a guitar show.

Living near NYC is nuts. Just a few miles east of here is Mandolin Bros. in Staten Island. For a $6 toll to SI, I can try anything out in their store.

Last week I found out that one of those guys left an opened a store a few miles west of here. Golden Age Guitars I stopped by there a few days ago, but didn't try anything out. Lots of obscure luthiers and some real fine Gibsons.

I thought I'd just settle on a cheap Epiphone. I don't want to jones over a real nice archtop, I 90% doubt I'll be playing Jazz in public. My "composer" music gig is enough.

but that Sadowsky does look nice...

[7/4]

Changing pickups might make a big difference. There are some great aftermarket pickups out there.

Now you've made me want to go guitar shopping... but I'm broke.

Another reason I bought it used: cheap.

Pickups: If the screws come out all the way, I could mute them with tissue paper. Otherwise I think DiMarzzio PAFs are the way to go, Gibson '57s too pricey.

I should have just bought a new guitar, but I just don't don't see myself playing this in public.

[AfricaBrass]

Here's a picture of the DeArmond X-155 I used to have. I paid $350 for it on closeout and sold it at a profit.



I wish I would have kept it. I installed flatwound strings on it and it was a sweet jazz guitar, but I couldn't find a case for it for less than $200.

I traded it towards my Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary, so that's some consolation.

[7/4]

I wish I would have kept it. I installed flatwound strings on it and it was a sweet jazz guitar, but I couldn't find a case for it for less than $200.

I traded it towards my Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary, so that's some consolation.

Nice.

The Epiphone didn't have a case. I bought a $40 gig bag. It looks like a techno sneaker. When I do play a gig, I use gig bags, I unload and I'll wear the guitar to the bathroom, to the diner. I don't like carrying guitars in guitar cases.

[AfricaBrass]

I wish I would have kept it. I installed flatwound strings on it and it was a sweet jazz guitar, but I couldn't find a case for it for less than $200.

I traded it towards my Gretsch 6118 Double Anniversary, so that's some consolation.

Nice.

The Epiphone didn't have a case. I bought a $40 gig bag. It looks like a techno sneaker. When I do play a gig, I use gig bags, I unload and I'll wear the guitar to the bathroom, to the diner. I don't like carrying guitars in guitar cases.

That makes sense, especially in New York.

I don't use soft cases because every show I've ever played, we loaded the guitars into the car. I'm terrified of anything happening.

This brings up something. You have a Gibson; I'm terrified of snapping the headstock on my Gibsons. I keep them in their cases all the time and don't play them as much as I would if they were out.

That's one reason (among many) I love Fenders and G&L's.

[7/4]

I don't use soft cases because every show I've ever played, we loaded the guitars into the car. I'm terrified of anything happening.

My guitars get a special seat in the car. B-)


So come on man, answer my Tele vs. G&L question!

[7/4]

Hell, my Gibson doesn't go anywhere!

[Sundog]

You got it made living close to NYC! I'm trying to convince one of the better guitar shops in the area to order the JH model. Even if I don't buy it, I'm sure that they could sell it no problem. What I don't know, is if it would be worth their time since they are not currently a Sadowsky dealer. Golden Age Guitars looks impressive, and Mandolin Brothers.... well, is down right scarey

[7/4]

You got it made living close to NYC! I'm trying to convince one of the better guitar shops in the area to order the JH model. Even if I don't buy it, I'm sure that they could sell it no problem. What I don't know, is if it would be worth their time since they are not currently a Sadowsky dealer. Golden Age Guitars looks impressive, and Mandolin Brothers.... well, is down right scarey

Yeah, I didn't even go into the shops in NYC. I's crazy.

I know Sadowsky had an office in NYC, but it looks like he's in Brooklyn now. Smart move!

[Herb]

7/4, Gibson '57's are the way to go, but if they're too pricey, try to score a used SD Jazz for the neck and a used SD '59 for the bridge. The Dimarzio's are a little hot for an archtop. I know a good tech in Jersey that may have them used and will do a good install and set up for you.

[AfricaBrass]

So Jeff, how do you feel about Fender Teles vs. G&L ASAT?

I tried a couple of Teles while they were setting this guitar up. I was checking out the new Lite Ash Telecaster (made in Korea, with a real discusting glossy finish) then an American Telecaster (sounded about the same, maybe a little fatter). Then I tried a ASAT that was kinda heavy, but sounded amazing.

???

I'm sorry, I missed this post.

I love them both.

When it comes to Telecasters, I love the traditional, box bridge, 7 1/2 inch radius neck version. I don't get into American Standards and the like. I figure if I want a modern Tele, I'll go for a G&L.

I think the G&L's are better quality. I feel so good when I'm playing one of my G&L's. I just think that a real Telecaster has a different sound. I think the MFD pickups in the G&L just sound different.

If I could only keep one of my Telecasters and G&L's, my choice would be my ASAT Z2 model. They only made 10 of these and I LOVE mine. It's natural wood with tortoise binding, rosewood neck, 2 z coil pickups (unlike the usual ASAT Z3 which has three pickups). I call mine the Twangmonster.

Here is a picture of this model from the G&L site:

Edited by AfricaBrass, 04 March 2005 - 07:30 PM.

[AfricaBrass]

Hell, my Gibson doesn't go anywhere!

Okay... I feel I'm not so paranoid.

[AllenLowe]

hey - I just bought a Dearomnd X-155; finally a hollow body that doesn't drive me crazy. It's in the shop getting new pickups installed -

Edited by AllenLowe, 04 March 2005 - 07:52 PM.

[AfricaBrass]

hey - I just bought a Dearomnd X-155; finally a hollow body that doesn't drive me crazy. It's in the shop getting new pickups installed -

That's great! I bet it will sound really nice.

Now I feel even worse about getting rid of mine.

[7/4]

7/4, Gibson '57's are the way to go, but if they're too pricey, try to score a used SD Jazz for the neck and a used SD '59 for the bridge. The Dimarzio's are a little hot for an archtop. I know a good tech in Jersey that may have them used and will do a good install and set up for you.

I'm in no hurry, but who is your Jersey tech? I may know him.

Edited by 7/4, 04 March 2005 - 08:21 PM.

[7/4]

Teles: I think i have to try more.

G&L Zs: I spent an afternoon a few years ago and decided the Zs sounded the best. I think I tried one with three Zs.

[AfricaBrass]

Teles: I think i have to try more.

G&L Zs: I spent an afternoon a few years ago and decided the Zs sounded the best. I think I tried one with three Zs.

I really like the Mexican made Classic series Telecasters.

I think the 50's & 60's reissues are really nice. I have a '72 Custom reissue and I like it a lot. I had a U.S. 52 reissue which was nice, but I traded that for my Gretsch Firebird. I'm just going to get a 50's reissue someday. I kept my American made 62 Telecaster custom, though, it's black and double bound.

One thing that is cool is that they've reissued the one pickup Esquire in the Classic series. I've heard the Esquires really are harmonically rich because of the lack of magnetic pull of the neck pickup. That's what I'd buy. You can get those for around $600 or less.

Regarding the G&L Z's; some don't like them, but I find that if you adjust them, you can get some sweet sounds out of them. I also have a Comanche, which is a strat type guitar with 3 Z coil pickups. I like those pickups a lot.

[AfricaBrass]

Oh yeah... Check out the Mexican made Muddy Water's Telecaster. You can get those for around $600 and they come with American pickups.

They're basically a 50's body (ash) with a 60's neck (rosewood). They are a real bang for the buck. I've been wanting one of these for a long time.

They only come in Candy Apple Red (which I like).

[7/4]

Guitar safari timmmmme....

I can show more restraint that I did 5 years ago.


Really I can.





Really.

[AfricaBrass]

Guitar safari timmmmme....

I can show more restraint that I did 5 years ago.


Really I can.





Really.

Have fun!

Seriously, the made in Mexico Classic series Telecasters are great guitars. I know I want more.