What do you guys think of the $800 price point for NS S-100's?

[Quantum Strummer]

Aaron told me that Al was a pretty decent jazz player, but he liked that (in Aaron's words) "muddy" tone. My impression was that the was never satisfied with the minibuckers.

That probably accounts to an extent for the HB-1s, though I wouldn't call them muddy either.

There's a good amount of wonderful early 1960s video footage extant of Wes Montgomery playing on European television. He's got his Gibson L-5—neck pickup only—and a Standel amp. Given that he's picking & strumming mainly with his right thumb his tone is very clear, bright even. When I first played my Bluesbird through a Hiwatt it reminded me of that tone. (I also enjoy playing with my thumb, but sadly I'm no Wes Montgomery.) But the guitar's tone pots work pretty well for darker stuff! I like the Steve Khan technique for getting simultaneous warmth & clarity: two-pickup hollow or semi-hollow guitar, both pickups on, neck volume rolled halfway off, bridge tone rolled down a couple notches. Vary a bit to taste if needed. Works great with DeArmond 2000s and P-90 type pickups as well as HBs.

-Dave-

 

[TVeye]

Sam Ash just dropped the price to $699.77.

 

[S100]

Saw a black one on eBay for $650 shipped w/ case

 

[Walter Broes]

I think the price is about right on the Newark Street guitars, I'd go further and say you're getting a lot of guitar for your money.