A-150 or X-175? Need advice please!

Could someone with experience of both the above please comment on the acoustic qualities of each? Here's the thing; I'm leaning more toward jazz in my playing and would like a dedicated instrument. I'm aware that the Savoy is essentially a true, solid-top acoustic with an added pickup, which attracts me as I enjoy playing purely acoustic as well as amplified. However the versatility of an extra pickup on the Manhattan is also attractive. So, how much is the acoustic tone of the X-175 compromised in comparison to the A-150, or would it be acceptable for quiet, unamplified practise?
I'm unable to try either guitar as neither are available locally.
This will be my only guitar as I need to liquidate my existing guitars (M-120 and F-130) in order to finance it.
Thanks for your help and advice.

Andrew

I have the new A-150 and a Corona X-150B. The A-150 has a much richer fuller sound, the base is so strong I have to roll off the base on my Fender Princeton amp where with the X-150 I can never get is strong enough. The highs on the A-150 really have a gorgeous singing to them that makes me want to play it, the X-150 has a more rockabilly tone, brighter but not full. I'll probably sell the X-150.

I have the X-170 Mini Manhatten, and it's definitely an electric jazz box. With its ebony bridge, it's definitely a warm jazz sound rather than the rockabilly sound that one of the metal bridge/bigsby equipped ones can give. But you wouldn't want to perform with it acoustically.

Should I assume that you are referring to Newark Street models for both, and not vintage? The A-150 will be slightly more acoustic unplugged than the X-175, but probably not by a huge amount. The NS X-175 will be much more versatile. On the other hand, a Westerly X-175 would be an excellent choice, and could be had in excellent condition for less than 2K. A Hoboken model may be a little more expensive, but is also a fantastic guitar. If you don't expect to ever use it for anything other than jazz the A-150 would work very well, otherwise, I would go with a Westerly or NS X-175. Plenty of youtube clips can be found on all three models. Best of luck!

This week I tried an X-175B, and X-175 and an A-150 (all Newark Street models), for the same kind of reason as yours, for jazz purposes. First of all, I found that the X175B sounded better than the X175, so that was down to the individual guitars, never mind that I don't need a Bigsby. The A150 sounded about as good, perhaps slightly better, but I bought the X-175B for its greater flexibility, not just the extra pick up, but also the tone controls. I think you'd get enough good acoustic tone from the unamplified X-175B to practice at home. But really, if you can, find somewhere not too far from Exeter where you can compare the two together. As my experience of the X-175s show, individual guitars will differ. I live in London and went out to Stevenage to do my testing and buying.

By the way, I have an M120e which I will never part with. It's great for acoustic jazz as for everything else.

Good luck!

AndrewG said:

Could someone with experience of both the above please comment on the acoustic qualities of each? Here's the thing; I'm leaning more toward jazz in my playing and would like a dedicated instrument. I'm aware that the Savoy is essentially a true, solid-top acoustic with an added pickup, which attracts me as I enjoy playing purely acoustic as well as amplified. However the versatility of an extra pickup on the Manhattan is also attractive. So, how much is the acoustic tone of the X-175 compromised in comparison to the A-150, or would it be acceptable for quiet, unamplified practise?
I'm unable to try either guitar as neither are available locally.
This will be my only guitar as I need to liquidate my existing guitars (M-120 and F-130) in order to finance it.
Thanks for your help and advice.

Andrew

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Correction to my previous post. It is my F20e that I shall not be parted from.