Guitar help.

[Hardbopjazz]

I have the itch to start playing again. I regret selling my main guitars many moons ago. I am in the market for a new one. My predicament is I am a lefty, and what is available is far less than what's out there if you are right handed.

I am looking for an arch top. Anyone play an Eastman guitar?

I am considering one these. My only concern is ordering online and when it arrives without playing the instrument I may not like the sound. Sam Ash music stores in NY has the Gretsch but their price is $400 more. I know whatever I order, I will need to have the action adjusted.

Guitar players here, what are your thoughts on these?

Eastman

https://www.southpawguitars.com/page747.html

Eastman

https://www.southpawguitars.com/page728.html

D'Angelo

https://www.southpawguitars.com/dangelo_archtop_1.html

D'Angelico

http://www.guitarcenter.com/D-Angelico-EX-SS-Left-Handed-Semi-Hollowbody-Electric-Guitar-H98792-i3167540.gc

Gretsch

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-Guitars-G5191-Tim-Armstrong-Electromatic-Hollowbody-Left-Handed-Electric-Guitar-105929202-i1509966.gc

Edited March 25, 2015 by Hardbopjazz

[Jim R]

Since you're in NY, I would go play some (as many as you can), rather than just ordering online. I would look at used instruments also (ask around about left-handed examples, look at private ads, etc). For me, I've always been seeking a fairly specific sound or tone when I've bought guitars, but I don't know if that's important to you. I guess start out with something most affordable to you, and perhaps work toward something better if you get more serious.

[Hardbopjazz]

The sound is the most important aspect for me. The guitar needs to sing if you know what I mean. I did go to several stores and only found two arch tops. Ordering one without first playing it is what scaring me. I used to have a Gibson ES 165. I did not like that guitar. It just did not sound good at all when I played it. I used to have a Guild X-500. That guitar sounded so beautiful. I also had a Gibson Charlie Christian model, circa 1939. It's the one with the three screws on the body. The fretboard was made with a black wood. It was like playing butter.

[BFrank]

Most of the big online stores will let you return guitars if you don't like them.

Here's the policy for Musician's Friend: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/pages/45-day-returns

[sgcim]

They're all good guitars, but I hate Gretsch for jazz.

Your best bet is to get to Guitars 'N Jazz in NJ. They have all those guitars, and you can play them before you buy. Here's the link:

http://guitarsnjazz.com/

I don't know if they have lefties, but give them a call.

What amp are you playing through?

[Hardbopjazz]

Thanks. I didn't know about this place. I will check them out.

[7/4]

Check Golden Age in Westfield too.

[Hardbopjazz]

Thanks. I will check them out too.

[sgcim]

I don't know about John's prices at Golden Age. I fell in love with a Beauregard MB there, and he said he wanted $9,800 for it.

He wouldn't go down a buck on it, and he wouldn't take anything for a trade, to bring the price down a little.

I even went out and bought another MB for 7K, and he wouldn't accept that for a partial trade.

I was able to get my bread back on the MB I bought, but i gave up on the MB at GA.

Edited March 26, 2015 by sgcim

[7/4]

It's just an option. He sold my Korean Excel for me last year.

[7/4]

I don't know about John's prices at Golden Age. I fell in love with a Beauregard MB there, and he said he wanted $9,800 for it.

He wouldn't go down a buck on it, and he wouldn't take anything for a trade, to bring the price down a little.

I even went out and bought another MB for 7K, and he wouldn't accept that for a partial trade.

I was able to get my bread back on the MB I bought, but i gave up on the MB at GA.

It could have been a piece he was selling for someone else and they wanted a specific price, cash only.

[sgcim]

No, he bought that with his own money. Mario stopped making them after Sakashta was murdered, so there's not that many around anymore.

I guess I'm just fixated on that one axe- the rest of his prices are probably cool.