Unplugged M-65?

[walrus]

How do the full-size M-65 or Aristocrat archtops sound unplugged? I like my X-50 unplugged compared to a T-100 I used to have, I assume because of its wider body. For example, I'm guessing a Capri would be better unplugged than the T-100 for the same reason. Just wondering about the M-65's.

walrus

 

[teleharmonium]

How do the full-size M-65 or Aristocrat archtops sound unplugged? I like my X-50 unplugged compared to a T-100 I used to have, I assume because of its wider body. For example, I'm guessing a Capri would be better unplugged than the T-100 for the same reason. Just wondering about the M-65's.

walrus

They are not impressive unplugged. I like the T100/Starfire bodied guitars unplugged, I think that's a sound that could be useful for recording, but the M-65 is not close to that amount of projection (which itself is a lot less than a larger bodied guitar designed for acoustic playing).

 

[guildzilla]

I know we both appreciate that unplugged X-50 sound, Jeff. But the M-65 3/4 size (I've never played the full size) doesn't have the same acoustic character as the X-50, Starfire, T-100 hollow bodies. The unplugged tone is bright but brittle.

 

[walrus]

Thanks - that was my assumption, but I wanted to check with the experts! I found the X-50 better unplugged than the Starfire or T-100 (I've had both), it's one of the reasons I went to the X-50. Since I previously had an A-50, I knew the X-50 would sound pretty good unplugged. Certainly not the same as a full bodied acoustic guitar, but quite a bit of projection for an archtop.

I had acoustic guitar strings on the A-50, which clearly projected better than the X-50 with electric strings on it. But the X-50 is no slouch unplugged!

walrus

 

[teleharmonium]

As an aside, the body is exactly the same on the 3/4 and full scale length versions of the M-65, only the neck differs.