Archtops for Jazzy sounds, but for Blues...

[SouthernSounds]

Hello Folks,

Newbie questions, once again... (is this the right place? If not, please, move it to the appropiated one)

Early this morning, I was seeing "V for Vendetta", for the 5th or 6th time (yes, I like it), and one song, one sound, caught my attention and it's the reason for this thread. John Pizzarelli's sound comes to mind,, to name someone. That provocative, wonderful, quiet and rhytmic, magical and astounding sound. That is what I'm looking for...

My tastes are divers, well who not?. But on the electric side I mainly looking to play jazzy and bluesy sounds. And my question is:

Can I get from the same guitar, a sound like SRV's "Little Wing" and Barnie Kessel's "Cry me a River"?

I know I can play with amps and effects (although I think is not the "solution"), but my "concern" is related with the fact that, and here I'm guessing, we are talking about two diferent body constructions and diferent sound tonalities, as consecuence. So I think it's a little complicated, to say something, to reach one sound or another depending of what guitar you have, right? I know I'm probably looking for something that doesn't exist, but maybe it does. That's why I'm asking you, folks.

Is easier to get a jazzy sound from a solid body guitar than a SRV's sound from a Archtop guitar, or vice versa? Are there any recomendations in terms of what guitars I should look for? Brands and models? Guild would be ideal. But keep in mind that I would like to spend a max of 1000 or 1200 bucks, in the near future.

Thanks, as always, and excuse this dispersed thread.

All the best,
B.

 

[AcornHouse]

I think one of the things to look at is the bridge material. With a wood archtop bridge, it's going to be hard to get a real edge to the sound. My ebony bridge on my X-170 gives pure jazz warmth, but doesn't get that edgy sound you could want for SRV. Look for one of the Guildsby equipped arches with an aluminum bridge (or even a tone pro or roller bridge.)

You certainly can get a harder sound from an archtop. Pete Townshend used a Gretsch Country Gentleman almost exclusively for the electric parts while recording Who's Next.


That's my take.

CORRECTION: Pete's Gretsch was a Chet Atkins model (6120).

 

[jimmyl51]

If you are looking to spend a maximum of $1200 your choices are somewhat limited. You are also speaking two totally different animals in comparing Barney Kessel and SRV. In short for an archtop look at either Godin or Ibanez. In Godin you can get a 5th Avenue for around $699 in your price range. You could also get an absolutely wonderful Ibanez for jazz the AFJ81. For SRV stick with the lower line Fenders which are quite good. Good Luck! jim

 

[zizala]

I like my older Guilds for jazz......no bias....I've tried many others and still do play my Gibson L-7's.\
As far as blues playing I guess its a matter of the voice you're looking for.

On your budget a CE-100, T-100, T-50 or X-50 might please more than a modern electric archtop in the same price range.
I'm especially fond of the ones that have Franz pickups. I love P-90's but I've sold two ES-125's and kept my Franz Guilds for some reason!

z

 

[AcornHouse]

Finding a used Starfire or X-170 Bigsby, or other thin hollowbody that Zizala mentioned should be possible for your $1200 budget, if you look for the '80s or '90s versions. Shop around and try them out. You might check nearby GC to see if they have any in stock, even if their price doesn't work. At least you could get a feeling for their possibilities.

 

[griehund]

Forty minutes left on this one. http://www.ebay.com/itm/251176284670?ss ... 1438.l2649

Buddy Guy played a blonde SF.

 

[charliea]

What you need exactly, SouthernSounds, is currently listed in the FS section by none other than yours truly. I love a shameless plug! A little out of your budget range though. Just food for thought!

 

[AcornHouse]

Just realized that you are in Chile. That's going to be a little harder with your budget, since you'll have more in shipping (and no local Guitar Centers :lol: ). It's still doable, it'll just take a little more searching to find the right combination of guitar, price, and shipping.

Good luck!

 

[jmac]

SouthernSounds,

The Guild X-160 Rockabilly is all you need.

Jake

 

[SouthernSounds]

First of all: Thank you folks. Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions.

I think one of the things to look at is the bridge material.

Thanks for pointing out this crucial point, Chris! One thing to keep in mind.

(...)you are in Chile

Just a little detail, that makes everything a little more complicated. But, fortunately, not too much for guitars, but for amps. That's the real problem... Shipping costs...

You are also speaking two totally different animals

Well, I was totally aware of it. My point (and every second I'm more conscient that it doesn't exist), was to try to know if some guitar could deliver such variety of sounds...

BTW, Jim: Have you tried a Godin or an Ibanez Archtop? Ibanez has mixed reviews. Thank you!

CE-100, T-100, T-50 or X-50

Thanks for those suggestions, Z. I'll have Franz pups on my mind.

Buddy Guy played a blonde SF.

Buddy, IIRC and if not, please correct me, used to play a Cherry SFIV, a late 60's or 70's model, and a Nightbird during the 80's. Not sure about a Blonde SF.

Anyway thanks for the link, GH.

What you need exactly (...)

Well, that's a nice deal, my friend. And although she looks gorgeous and the package is really tempting, I can't afford it... Good luck with the sale!

(...) The Guild X-160 Rockabilly

Is that the guitar on your avatar, Jake? Not sure if she is into my "budget range"... Any comments or details about her?

Thank you folks! I really appreciate your time and impressions!

A hug & All the best,
B.

 

[AcornHouse]

SouthernSounds,

The Guild X-160 Rockabilly is all you need.

Jake

One is coming up onthe Bay quickly; still at $1200. They don't mention shipping worldwide,so you'd have to check with them before the auction ends.
http://www.ebay.com/itm/Guild-Rocka...r-/130793519276?pt=Guitar&hash=item1e73e6b8ac

 

[guildman63]

Bruno,

Someone mentioned the X-170. Here are a few clips that give a good idea of the versatility of this guitar. They can be had for around $1200 USD, but international shipping would obviously be more.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pgIQ_0Mz36k (Clean blues/jazz)

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=npJyhi0ZqZI

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JHFmRasLUxk

Enjoy the links, and best of luck!

 

[AcornHouse]

Go through the Guitar Center Used area and do a national search for Guild. http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedGear/index.cfm I saw a few, just on the first couple of results pages, that might fit the bill (X-170 w/Bigsby, Starfire IV, Starfire III), and be within budget. I don't know their Int'l shipping policy, but they usually have pretty good shipping deals. Call the particular store to get an in hand appraisal as to condition, since it'll be harder for you to take advantage of the 30-day return policy.

(Oh, don't we just love to enable! :lol: )

 

[griehund]

Go through the Guitar Center Used area and do a national search for Guild. http://used.guitarcenter.com/usedGear/index.cfm I saw a few, just on the first couple of results pages, that might fit the bill (X-170 w/Bigsby, Starfire IV, Starfire III), and be within budget. I don't know their Int'l shipping policy, but they usually have pretty good shipping deals. Call the particular store to get an in hand appraisal as to condition, since it'll be harder for you to take advantage of the 30-day return policy.

(Oh, don't we just love to enable! :lol: )

If you find a gitfiddle that peaks your interest you can also check with the forum to see if there's anyone in the neighborhood who would be willing to go look at it for you. Stranger things have happened.

 

[SouthernSounds]

One is coming up on the Bay quickly

I saw it yesterday, Chris. But thanks for the heads up.

Enjoy the links, and best of luck!

David, the man of the GRS's. Thanks for the links & In gratitude:

They can play, uh? - Oscar, Barney & Niels. Nice

Go through the Guitar Center Used area (...) (Oh, don't we just love to enable! :lol: )

If you find a gitfiddle that peaks your interest you can also check with the forum to see if there's anyone in the neighborhood who would be willing to go look at it for you. Stranger things have happened.

Thank you guys. If something catch my attention, I'll be bothering you (generally speaking)

Thanks once again!

A hug & All the best,
B.

 

[jmac]

Southern sounds,

Maybe a generic copy of a gibson 335 would be a good option. Are you interested in having a bigsby on it?

Jake

 

[guildman63]

They can play, uh? - Oscar, Barney & Niels. Nice

Now that's how it's done!

 

[SouthernSounds]

Maybe a generic copy of a gibson 335 would be a good option. Are you interested in having a bigsby on it?

Given the fact that I love the look of the SFIV, I wouldn't like to have a Bigsby. And if in some moment I need the tremolo, although, I guess, is not the same, I always can use a Tremolo pedal... So yeah, a 335 style could be a good option. But nothing better than a old SFIV...

Thanks Jake!

Now that's how it's done!

Oh yes!

All the best,
B.

 

[Jeff Haddad]

It may have been mentioned, but you can probably find an '80's or '90's SF IV in your price range. The semi-hollow construction makes it very versatile - rock, blues, jazz. A fully hollow SF II (no bigsby) or SF III (with Bigsby) from the 90's would fall in that price range too, you might even find the SF III 90 or whatever the model was called that had P90 pickups.

There might be a few members here attending the Philadelphia guitar show this weekend that can keep an eye out for something suitable. Good luck!

 

[SouthernSounds]

Thanks for your suggestions, Jeff. I'll take a look to the models you mentioned.

One is coming up onthe Bay quickly

What could be wrong with this guitar? Too expensive for its age? She has been listed three times on the Bay with no succeeded at all and for the same price, (almost) always...

All the best,
B.

P.S. Well, with a starting bid of $1200... Too much, isn't it? Shouldn't it be her selling price?