The guitar corner

[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 May 18, 2008 by 7/4

[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 March 5, 2005 by AfricaBrass

[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 March 5, 2005 by AllenLowe

[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 March 5, 2005 by 7/4