Choosing the right archtop

[dallasblues]

Hey guys. I've been a member here on letstalkguild for some time now but have always been more of a "spectator" rather than a Guild owner. Lately I've been feeling the pull towards a new archtop guitar. I play mostly early blues and jazz. I lean towards guitarists like Kenny Burrell, Wes Montgomery, T-Bone Walker, and Charlie Christian. I've played guitar for over 20 years now and even made a career out of it for a while. I currently have several Fender solid body guitars as well as a Gibson ES-335 and a '52 ES-125. My main amp is a '51 Fender Pro.

I've been struck by the esthetic beauty of the Guilds I've seen on this forum. The problem is, I rarely see these archtops firsthand. I never see them in the local music stores. Can anyone tell me which models they like that fits my style preferences? I'd hope to buy something in the next year or so. As of now, I'd say a realistic budget would be around $1500... give or take.

 

[guitarslinger]

Guild just has SO much to offer you in this range. I would tend toward an X-175 based upon your range and preferences. Hey it was good enough for George Benson back in the day,

 

[Default]

Heya! I'd say an x175 with DeArmonds or Franzes, ideally. An X175 with humbuckers should get you in the Wes Montgomery ballpark.

 

[dallasblues]

I guess I need to decide if I'm looking for single coil or humbucker tones. And of the single coils, is it Franz or Dearmond? I'm not sure I know the difference, tonally speaking. My problem is getting my hands on one that I can try.

 

[Los Angeles]

I guess I need to decide if I'm looking for single coil or humbucker tones. And of the single coils, is it Franz or Dearmond? I'm not sure I know the difference, tonally speaking. My problem is getting my hands on one that I can try.

I think the big difference will be the price - dearmond equipped guitars seem to go for a few hundred more.

 

[keith7940236]

Over the past year I have acquired seven archtops looking for the "one". I have sold them all except for a couple of Heritage Eagle's (Custom Mahogany and Golden) that are currently for sale.

For me, the keeper is a single pickup Corona build X-150 with an aftermarket pickup.

If we had a dedicated archtop dealer in Portland, Oregon, I probably could have avoided all of the buying and selling. However, I have learned a lot about different materials of construction, different pickup types and different neck and body shapes. I have had a chance to really get to know a bunch of archtop guitars and now really appreciate the guitar that I have chosen to keep.

I'm anxious to hear about your odyssey!!

 

[dallasblues]

Over the past year I have acquired seven archtops looking for the "one". I have sold them all except for a couple of Heritage Eagle's (Custom Mahogany and Golden) that are currently for sale.

For me, the keeper is a single pickup Corona build X-150 with an aftermarket pickup.

If we had a dedicated archtop dealer in Portland, Oregon, I probably could have avoided all of the buying and selling. However, I have learned a lot about different materials of construction, different pickup types and different neck and body shapes. I have had a chance to really get to know a bunch of archtop guitars and now really appreciate the guitar that I have chosen to keep.

I'm anxious to hear about your odyssey!!

I'm rather excited about it too. Like I mentioned in the OP, I already have an early 50's Gibson ES-125. It's a great feeling guitar, but somewhere down the line I'd like another fully hollow archtop but with a cutaway. I haven't yet decided which pickup(s) are right for me.

 

[BarryMClark]

Awesome! Gear is such a personal thing. Everybody gets specific gear for their own reasons.

I am really into that old era of jazz previous to Rock & Roll gets its start and R&B from the end of that era through the early days of rock.

Right now, I get that sweet old tone from my Heritage H575. That's a never sell. I also have a Gretsch 6120 that I am less attached too but still has a WONDERFUL electrified tone and also likely a never sell. I keep trying and never seem to go through with it. haha.

Next, I am hoping for what will likely be a Guild x170. Just another flavor.

One thing that took me a bit to get around what not needing vintage gear to get the flavor. I use a JC120 from 2005 to get the old tones I get. Just the right mix of gear and style I guess. ...so it works for me. Just gotta find your mix!

I definitely think you are barking up the right tree though. I'd stick with the laminated bodies for a tighter, focused tone. Good for country.

Now, from what I understand, TV Jones is working on an English mount for their T-Armond pickups. So... if you find a guitar you like but want to really go for that older set up, TV Jones really has this stuff down. I have his Power'trons in my 6120 and they sound like Filtertrons but have a bit of PAF girth to them.

FLATWOUNDS!

I am keen to see where this journey leads you as well.