5 Best Jazz Archtops Under $1,000
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 29 พ.ย. 2024
- Many players and especially new jazz guitar students are always asking me to recommend a good "budget" archtop. In this video I review my 5 picks for best archtops under $1,000.
I have compiled this list as a result of my interaction with 100's of students at several music schools over the previous 10 years. So whether you're in the market for an entry level hollow body or want to consider adding one of these affordable beauties to your collection, here's a good opportunity to gather some collective info on them from real users!
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This has become the default go to video for Jazz guitar beginners such as myself. Dr. Zellon has gifted the Jazz community in many ways and this is an important contribution.
#5 4:06 Ibanez Artcore AF71F
4:39 24.75" is Gibson scale, 25.5" is Fender scale
#4 5:20 Washburn J3NK
6:02 Washburn J600K
6:27 diff between 24.75 & 25.5 scales
#3 7:21 Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II
#2 8:23 Ibanez AFC95
#1 9:14 Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II HB
10:20 custom pickups
This guy is the bob ross of jazz guitar
He's what a love child of Bob Ross and Bob Marley would be like. Lol
@@1980bwc what?
When he's talking about the Loar, to me he has a bit of a George Carlin tone and vibe...
What does this post mean?
I know I'm 3 years late, but Richie is actually an influential Peruvian rock guitarist that turned to jazz. He's an interesting character for sure!
I don't get, why this video has such a bad thumbs up to down ratio. Gear talk is always controversial, I think. People don't see their own guitar in that list and give it a thumbs down. This is a great video. It's on point and it's informative. Of course it is subjective. It's HIS video and HIS opinion. Just because some folks don't agree with this opinion doesn't make it a bad video.
Thanks Sandra for your support! Like you point out, the list is based on my personal preferences and experience, yet I receive hate comments weekly over it (most of which are too nasty to even leave up). On the other hand I thank those that can still offer constructive criticism in a polite spirit. 😀
This comment has a better ratio because it’s absolute truth. Well said.
I've heard somewhere that 10% is pretty normal in a variety of TH-cam videos, this video is just under that. Not sure why. Of course, CNN pretty much stays in the negative haha!
sandra A lot of people that r fortunate 2 afford Gibson Gibson (not Gibson-Epiphone), heritage, benedettos,eastmans or price like r mad cause like Rich said if u upgrade then the ax can sound good as the pricey jazz guitars. It is kinda like if u ride a motor cycle or own 1 and it is not a harley those that own 1 say get a real 1. This is the same as a jazz guitar they'll tell u get a real 1.
@@RichieZellon for some reasons trolls have to complain. Although it is kind of startling it would happen on a video about inexpensive jazz guitars. Like really??
Enjoyed your video. Can you do another video: 5 Best Jazz Archtops from $1,000 to $2,000?
This guy woulda been awesome as a high school guidance counselor.. “.. Come on Jimmy, everything’s gonna be just fine..”
☺️
Steve Bugni SPOT ON BRO MADE MY DAY🤣🤣🤣
Thanks - I Needed That :)
guitar-dance counselor. campus on the jazz cloud, baby
Seriously, he seems like he'd be a very knowledgeable yet suuuuuper chill guitar teacher
seems like a cool guy to smoke with tbh
Epiphone Broadway, $799. Full size jazz box. 17" at the hips,
3 1/8 " depth. Laminate maple back & sides. Select spruce top. Maple neck, Pau Faro fret board and full size humbucker pickups. A great and affordable guitar.
How would you compare the Broadway to other Epiphone archtops or even something like their semi-hollows? I've had good experience with some of their products but haven't had a chance to try their Emperors, Uptowns, Sheratons, etc.
@@grawman67 I too have not had the chance to try other Epiphones. But if we are talking full size Jazz Boxes under $1000, I think the Broadway is a great guitar!
I recently purchased a 2017 Epiphone Broadway Natural (made in China). 24.75" scale. I had it set up and strung with flatwouds (11s). I run it through a Fender Acoustasonic 30 Amp. I am extremely pleased with the results! Very fat, warm tone with a bit more attack than a 24.50" scale guitar. I enjoy the 'chime' that Epiphone guitars give, especially in the middle selector position with both humbuckers working.
I have a Washburn J-6 Montgomery for a number of years now, almost identical to de J-3 shown here, with maple sides and bottom. Absolutely no regrets. Very much Gibson 175-ish, with just a tad of more “bite” in the upper frequencies, noticeable in the pick attack, and easily tamed with very little tone knob tweaking. I just love it.
I recently bought a Godin 5th avenue kingpin with the p90 and am very happy with the acoustic and amplified sound as well. P90 is an extremely versitile choice in my opinion
I just purchased the Godin Kingpin in left hand. Beautiful guitar
I love that you reveal your bias.
We all have them and your candor makes this one of the best 'buying guides' on TH-cam.
Cheers!
Yes! I made the right choice buying the Godin. In addition, its a local company (I leave in Quebec) and I am more than happy to support them. And thanks to my local dealer who help me confirm that this is the guitar For me. All I need now is learn to play and understand how to make it sound good while using am amp!
Just discovered your channel! I've played for about 10 years but I'm a budding jazz enthusiast. Just bought an epiphone riviera p93 and im so excited about the soft buttery lead tones I can get out of it. Its nice to find people who are excited about jazz tones like I am :)
Thanks so much for this. Cool rundown. I owned a Godin Kingpin and highly recommend it (or almost any Godin product). I agree this is a fabulous guitar for the price, or just to play at any price. I really enjoyed it and it was very nice for fingerpicking and playing more complicated chords and stretching out. I wound up selling it when I bought a Gibson ES-125 (which I still have and love). But if I had more room in the house I would have kept the Godin. If this is your "starter" jazz guitar it will be a long time before you have to move up.
I’ve owned of a lot of Godins over the years and they’re just great guitars
I just bought Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin ll. I played a small club in a trio. It was terrific. I love it and have many low and high end vintage big names. This little Godin plays like butter for me who came from blues rock leaf. Played thru Yamaha THR10 ll amp in both electric and acoustic modes.. my 1st Godin way more fun to play than I could have imagined
I just wanted to drop a comment and tell you how informative and fun this video is. Your personality and presentation remind me of the laid back vibes of the best educational and even professional public access videos and shows.
As an experienced player, jazz is one genre I haven't dived much into and was intimidated by. But I've stumbled on such a great resource. Thank you for helping jazz become more accessible for people! I'm going to go to some stores and get a good idea of what I want out of an archtop, hollow body, and semi-hollow and really educate myself. Since these are a kind of instrument I have little experience with. Thanks again!!
Thanks, much appreciated!
@@RichieZellon You're welcome! Have a great day!
I've been in love with the Godin 5th Avenue for about 10 years. The fretboard feel was amazing and the sound mellow and rich. I'd finally come home.
Gretsch is indeed a rockabilly guitar but the neck pickup is so good for jazz, thick an articulate
I have a Korean Epiphone Regent sunburst that I got years ago for $500. I put a Bartolini Johnny Smith floating pickup to replace the factory one. It was like going from a VW to a Cadillac. The craftsmanship was there. Just needed a better pickup. I have a Guild X-50 Savoy, I got about twenty years ago I gave $1,200 for, but my main ax is the Epi. I play through a Polytone MIni Brute II. I sold my Joe Pass natural to a preacher who said the tone was great for gospel and country music. Thanks for the heads up on finding a nice jazz box for under a grand.
Nice episode. I do believe you might have missed a great one. I just purchased a D'Angelico Premier for $900. It might not be your thing but I love it. I put some Chromes Flatwound 11's on it and it's like butter. I play it through a Bose L1 Compact System with no effects so its "naked" and really fun to jam with. Mine is the blonde model with a single floating minihumbucker. I also dig that the controls and the pickup are mounted to the pick guard and not in the body. Cheers!
I have an Left Handed Ibanez Artcore..... they're really good.... thanks for the post.... All of these are beauties... we're spoilt for choice in todays world.... except us Southpaws....
Gretsch pickups are usually too bright for jazz tones. It's almost like a single-coil in a solid body guitar tone... It's possible to get some jazz sounds out of it, but it takes some adaptions and effort.
Gretsch is criminally underrated as a jazz guitar. I know when you think of Gretsch you think of, Brian Setzer, Reverend Horton Heat, Duane Eddy, and Eddie Cochran; All rockabilly royalty. But there are many saying how underrated Gretsch guitars are as jazz instruments. So please if you get the chance try one. Now I wouldn't place a 6120 in the same realm as a ES-175 in terms of jazz guitar and jazz history, but I think they can hold their own
I have a Gretsch Synchromatic that I upgraded the pickup to a Lollar Johnny Smith. It sounds amazing for a classic jazz tone and would fit in great with any of the guitars on this list.
Was the stock pickup good ?
Thank you for this awesome list. I played the Joe Pass Epiphone for many years before upgrading to a Gibson ES-175. Definitely an awesome jazz guitar for the money. Just subbed! Looking forward to seeing more.
I have that Godin guitar with humbuckers, It sounds great and it’s very good value. With the Canadian dollar being worth about 75 cents US, American buyers really get a nice discount. . It comes with an excellent case that’s lightweight but very protective due to it’s design and use of really interesting structural foam. It’s ok unplugged. In my opinion the price would be $500 more if the name on the headstock was one of the more well known brands. If you dabble in the blues, an overdrive pedal gives it a big, greasy snarl.
I have a Godin 5Th Kingpin P90 Natural and I love her. I like non-cutway guitars. :D
I want to recommend the Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollow-Body Electric Guitar Flat Tobacco.
I have had it for 6 years, and get lots of compliments on its looks and tone, at Jazz Jam sessions. I have lots of expensive and great sounding guitars, but I find myself playing the AF55 most of the time. It's that good. Only thing to upgrade on this, is the tuning machines.
Would love to hear your opinion of this model. It would be easy to underestimate it at $329, but don't let the price fool you, it sounds great.
Why do Jazz guitarist dislike Gretsch guitars? Yes the 6120 bassed guitars 5120 5420 etc. Are Rockabilly and Rock guitars.
Every video made buy a jazz guitarist puts them down. We associate that "Great Gretsch Sound" with the likes of artists like The Beatles, Stray Cats, Duane Eddy, and Eddie Chorcran. Jazz artists in the 30s and 40s played them. Django Rhinehart played an Eleromatic 400, its not his Selmer which was his favorite.
All of you seem to overlook the Syncromatic G100. ( under a $1000 )
This a very triditional archtop with a floating mini humbucker, very high quility build.
I think you also overlooked the Epiphone Emperor Regent, I have owned for many years, fantastic guitar.
I comend you for doing what you do.
Thanks Ed
A refreshingly honest evaluation - certainly agree concerning the bang-for-buck qualities of Washburn and Epiphone Joe Pass models.
Bought a Godin Kingpin II six months ago, based on this review. The one I have has the stock Godin P90’s, which I’ve left as is. Wanted to thank you!!! I am playing jazz nearly every day & very happy with the tone and results! Sounds great acoustic & amplified.
Thanks for sharing
I have an Ibanez SJ300. I was lucky to get one of the last ones just before they were discontinued. Beautiful tone and playability. It was $1300 new. If you can get a used one, I highly recommend it.
Thanks!
That's one rare guitar, and they still hold a good amount of their value. I agree, great guitar!
FWIW: I have used a Cort Yorktown since 2010, and love it! Laminated spruce top, maple back and sides, 2 humbuckers, violinburst open-pore finish. 24.75" scale. Nice dark tone.
My #2 jazzbox is an early 2000's Samick HJ650-N, laminated all-maple, natural gloss finish, 2 humbuckers, 25.5" scale.
Very happy with both!
Hi Richie, if you have time for it, then I'd be interested to learn what your choices are in 2022 for "5 Best Jazz Archtops under $1000". Not asking for an updated video. A written list of the five guitars would be appreciated. Thanks.
I have an Epiphone Emperor Joe Pass that was made by Samick, Korea. Production eventually moved to Taiwan and then on to China. The quality of the Chinese product is very decent for the money, however, if you come across a Korean made version snap it up. They punch way above their weight. Serial numbers are prefixed with the letter ‘S’
I'll pass on anything Chinese, as a matter of principle. I'd love a Korean version.
The Two I have are a Gretsch Synchromatic (G-100 CE). Has a Neck mounted Single Coil pickup.
Which leads me to a question about a better compromise on an Electric-Acoustic guitar strings between the Bronze wound Acoustic Strings that electromagnetic pickups have troubles with and the tona compromise of Nickel strings on an acoustic?l
The other one is a Gretsch 5420T Bigsby replaced by Fixed Tailpiece.
Ibanez AF71f
Washburn J3NK
Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II
Ibanez AFC95
Godin 5Th Ave CW Kingpin II HB
Thanks!
Ibanez has always made some really nice, playable instruments in all price ranges. They really do give alot of guitar for the $. Gibson messed up when they didn't make a Metheny signature ES 175. Ibanez stepped in and now I think PM only plays Ibanez. GB as well.
Epiphone 50th Ann 1962 Sorento is a good choice if you can find one. Gibby mini HBs sing nicely with right amp, has warm tone, plays very well with light flat wounds.
I was at number nine and was wondering if Godin was going to make the list. I recently watched their factory tour. It's amazing a North American builder can produce a guitar that plays so well and doesn't cost a second mortgage. Great list!
Al Caliola played a Gretsch. he played a variety of music genres including jazz, country, rock, and pop. He recorded over fifty albums and worked with some of the biggest names in music during the 20th century, including Elvis Presley, Ray Conniff, Ferrante & Teicher, Frank Sinatra, Percy Faith, Buddy Holly, Mitch Miller, and Tony Bennett. During World War II Caiola played with the United States Marine Corps 5th Marine Division Band that also included Bob Crosby. Early Gretsch guitar had some of the best sounds attributed only to Gretsch. Saying "No" to a single manufacture is like removing all but one golf club from your bag.
You're entitled to your opinion, but like I said in the video, these choices are my opinion according to my taste and playing experience as advice to newer jazz guitarists on a budget. I can't endorse a guitar brand with a tone and feel I've disliked for playing mainstream jazz (eg. bebop or post bop). Furthermore, Al Caiola is NOT representative of jazz guitar and neither are all these names you mention. So, with all due respect I think you're missing the point of the video.
The LH-350 is a good guitar undone by a crummy pickup. Personally, I like Telecasters for everything. With the right strings and amp you can get a jazz, country, or rock sound.
Most versatile guitar...ever.
I have the LH600. A really nice loud acoustic and no complaints here about build quality. Going to add my own floating pickup and guard.
Telecaster tone is really worth the money for tone ...with a set of flatwound strings the tone is great.
I preface what I'm about to say with the fact that I've never owned a Loar archtop myself. But from what I've read and what folks have told me, the issue is that the build quality is erratic. I've heard Loar LH-650s that sounded absolutely incredible, and some players have spoken of them in raves. But then others have written about them coming straight from the factory with fret issues, or neck issues that can't easily be fixed, etc. And if you're not buying in person, then it's a crapshoot as to which one you'll get.
I agree. I would have liked to have the list he mentions in the video when I started my search, but among those I tried, none have the acoustic sonority of Loar guitars, not even the Eastmans (at least the two models I tried). Of course the quality in the details is not good, but something must be given for a solid top at that price. Maybe we are lucky it has so criticized, I bought mine for 450 dollars! As you say, the pickpup is very basic, but the same goes for other guitars. I'm still trying to figure out what's the point of a hollow guitar that does not produce any acoustic sound and that depends exclusively on the pickup. In that sense, the quality and versatility offered by a solid body like Telecasters at such a low price is unrivaled.
That Joe pass one has been $699 for the last 20 years
I went back and forth with the Joe Pass II Pro and the Ibanez AF105 and finally settled on the AF105. But both are pretty awesome guitars!
The Gretsch Streamliner G2420 is a steal at around $400. Also the Epiphone ES-175 is pretty good choice as are most of the Epiphone hollow and semi-hollow bodies. It’s not a hollow but you can’t go wrong with a Squier Classic Vibe Telecaster or a MIM. As another commenter mentioned, a Tele can play just about any genre.
I own a Gretsch G-100 and love it. Its got a great tone and i can sound like Johnny Smith did when he was using a Guild back in the fifties. I don't know why its never mentioned. I own six guitars and the G-100 is the most enjoyable to play. Only about eight hundred dollers if I remember correctly.
I find his delivery very relaxing
Yeah, right? The amazing thing is how interesting he is without a guitar in his hands.
Epiphone Broadway: It's an L5 essentially. Also EASTMAN guitars makes some excellent guitars for sub $1000 USD. Epiphone Emperor Regent is a VERY fun guitar that sounds good plugged in or not! You have to gbuy that one USED only as it's been OOP since 2012.
Love the epi emperor regents. Have a sunburst from from 1993 and a blonde from 98. Both still sound great and have had no upgrades. Acoustically strong instruments from that period I would agree. I am well over six foot tall with long arms and the larger/deeper guitar body is very comfortable for me to play. The neck profile in these two instruments are also nearly identical. I would not hesitate to suggest someone try them out as a good quality big ole jazz box!
It is amazing that they can produce a guitar at these low prices as it is an expensive thing just to get a proper set-up - or a re-fret job done.
Made in china bud.....
Zal Moxis yes Zal, made in China, but still an amazing feat. I build guitars and can't compete. Having said that, I find their hardware often nasty, but easily swapped out. They are better than the cheap guitars of the 70s though. A guitar I owned, I swapped the humbuckers for Dimarzio paf's. I then de-soldered the metal casing to remove the coils and check them out, to find the "humbucker" was a fake. There was only one useless single coil under the cover. Good learning curve.
Which guitar are you referring to?
Godin 5th Ave CW Kingpin 2HB, Ibanez Artcore AF71F, Ibanez AFC95, Washburn J3NK, Epiphone Joe Pass emperor.
I have a Peavey Rockingham b6 American made and it is easier for me to play than a Gibson 175 because it has a wider neck. I might consider changing the neck pickup to a humbucker as you suggest as it does have a more pop sound. Thanks for the video
I know this particular guitar costs more than a $1000, but I would like your opinion on it. It's a D'Angelico EX-SS. That's what I'm using.
1. Mary Osborne on her Gretch White Falcon ("A Girl & Her Guitar" LP) - Killer "Bright Jazzy" tone.
2. Really appreciate your explanation of Scale Length differences at 6:31- the best I've heard.
3. TYVM
Hello! What do you think about D’angélico Premier EXL 1, I’m thinking buy this guitar. Nice Chanel, and thank you!
this is a good list for NEW guitars - but if you're willing to purchase used - go for an Eastman - you can get one used with a solid maple top for under $1000. I just got one that is 12 years old for $600 - and it plays better than a Gibson ES-175. Go used and go Eastman (solid top/back if possible).
I don't get a chance to play Godins very frequently, but I've really enjoyed everyone I've sat down with over the past 20 years. I've always thought Gibson murdered the Epiphone brand during the late 60s or early 70s. Of course, they murdered the Gibson brand also in that time period. BUT, a few weeks ago I was at a jazz club where the guitarist was playing an Epiphone Joe Pass through a Roland Cube 80. Fantastic tone. After his set we were talking and I asked him about the guitar. He said he liked the neck and pickups and it was inexpensive, so he didn't worry about taking it out on gigs. We discussed guitars for a while and then he took out his phone and showed me photos of his baby that didn't leave the house... a real D'Aquisto! I was floored. But what intrigued me most was the Joe Pass model through the Roland Cube. I love the great round tone of my carved top hollowbody, but it just goes to show that the tone is ultimately in the fingers and practice is what's most important.
My experience so far is that the Ibanez Artcore series is good bang for your buck across the line. I have an AG75, not necessarily the best for orchestrated jazz, but a good easy playing general purpose guitar nonetheless, and well suited to players like me who's jazz influence is pretty much limited to use of alternate chording in blues/r+r and old pop songs. I also have a purely acoustic Loar. It needed a little tweaking straight from the box, but not much. Solid spruce top with good grain, decent action. I've heard that the quality varies a lot, especially with the cutaway models.
AF, AG, AK, AS, AM - all under the 90 designated model number have good necks and good builds, but don't have the Super 58s. The difference really is that noticeable. For 1 or 2 hundred more, get the model with the S58s. You'll be very happy you did. Or buy the lesser non-S58s and change out the pickups to Seth Lovers or something else. I did this with my AK75D. I had to have it - it was a unique gold top jazz box!!! Ha! Anyways, I put Seymour Duncan pups in it and it sounds great! Most all the Ibbys have great necks, too.
Hi, I am curious what your opinion is of the Ibanez Pat Metheny model. I realize there are ones that command a much higher price than 1000 dollars. I think those might be the ones made in Japan. The ones made in Indonesia are around 1000 dollars. I have been watching your videos a lot. Very informative and thoughtful. I am retired, 66 year old ex bass player, how that came to be is a whole nother story. So, I want to focus on learning jazz guitar. I love jazz music. I have about 2000 vinyl albums and I spend a lot of time listening to them. My budget is around a thousand dollars which is reasonable I think. I like the Joe Pass guitar a lot. I really like the Pat Metheny model even more. I believe it even has an ebony fretboard. Well, thank you in advance for your thoughts on this.
don't get it unless you want to help Pat pay his bills. get yourself the AF75 its $400. It sounds as good as any and very confortable. If you look at most ibanez models their pretty much the same. I've had dozens of guitars including Gibson and guild and that guitar is the best bang for the buck period!
I have to agree on the Godin 5th Ave HB. Did my own archtop hunt 3 years ago and wound up with exactly that model. It came beautifully set up and squared from the factory and nothing that I looked at in its' price range came close to its' quality and sound, (in my opinion). Later I found that a pro-jazz guitarist friend had independently come to the same conclusion on his own and was gigging with the same model. Pick one up in your hands. It will sell itself.
D'Angelico premier exl-1
Was literally thinking the same thing.
They sound nice and loud unplugged yet sound just as beautiful plugged in.👍
@joe bannon idk what you're talking about but you're alright 🥸🚬🥃👍
Great video! Very helpful! Are you pretty happy with your Ibanez choices? I've been considering the AG95QA
I completely agree on the issue of wood, I do not recommend laminate at all, because the sound is weak and artificial.
Greetings from Boston and happy new year Richie. Thanks for a great TH-cam channel! I've had my eye on this guitar for a long time. I just bought a new Godin Kingpin HB per your recommendation. I agree with you 100%. It's a great guitar for the money and my abilities. I appreciate your honest opinion and advice. I don't like the stock strings though. What do you recommend I replace them with? Thanks!
Thanks! I like Thomastik swing strings which are flatwounds. I use gauge 12 on my archtops.
Finally, a reviewer who is not gaga for the Loar fantasy guitar.
I own many great the loar archtops some all solid carved wood some laminate some half and half and find them very musical and a huge value for the money.
The 350 takes time to break in as do most guitars.
Guitars vary from guitar to guitar and the LH 700s are like an old 33 Gibson L5 with some
old Epiphone 30 40s early 50s New York Masterbuilt.
If I handed you three or 4 of my loars you would respect them.
The epiphone Joe Pass is very weak in the mid bass and sounds compressed and the loar LH 280 kills it
with more more tone and strong mid bass.. With all dues respect I think you need to spend more time playing the loar archtops
as they are the real deal and have a lot of soul and heart.
Thanks, very helpful info, explained the differences between the 24.75 & 25.5 scale length very well. Where does the Epiphone Broadway fit in your list?
Dave Kana very good question!
Thanks Dave...Great question! The Epiphone Broadway is a great guitar, I just couldn't fit it it into my list of 5. Personally, I think it is a step above the Joe Pass Emperor although the Emperor has always been a more popular budget choice among students than the Broadway, so I listed that one.
The Jazz Guitar Channel like a 2.5?
If I am not mistaken the Epiphone Broadway has also a 25.5. scale.
The Ibanez AF 95 FM VLS is also a great jazz guitar for $649. It has a 24 and 3/4 inch scale and an ebony fretboard gold-plated Hardware 2 super 58 pickups and can cover jazz blues and even some light rock. I have one and I was very impressed for the value versus the money spent
I just bought a Washburn j600 and it's a 24.5 inch scale. At least that's what it said. I'll be stoked if it's 25.5
I'm setting it up for slide blues anyway though so all good lol.
Received it a few days later. It is 25. And also a beautiful guitar in look and quality. Pretty sure they don't make em anymore so that's cool.
Would love to see a 2000$ version of this vid
Thanks, Ritchie. These are the sort of "lessons" that are invaluable to players (even seasoned players that have just not really tried jazz, kind of want to, but don't want to sink a tonne of $ in before finding out if it is really their thing) especially the adult beginner, or parent of a musically sophisticated child, who is understandably at a loss as to just how to spending their $ and get something that is going to give back the motivation in sound/tone/, playability to them/progeny and even things like holding resale value etc. You must have had many a student who sought your advice in a lesson about the "next guitar to look at" when they were upgrading.
I started with an Epiphone "Joe Pass" Emperor II, still have it and will all too often grab it from the rack (rather than the "cased" Gibson) as the fingerboard is either one of those "I got a really good one" or they just make great necks, the sound is different but not ugly or going to stop me playing her if I'm walking past and the mood takes me as opposed to regular practice time work, and maybe there's still a bit of nostalgia there.
I am going to have to have a look at/play in a music store these Godins as I've never played one and though most of my "bread and butter" pedagogue work is Classical guitar and though I'll teach rock licks to a teenager (but I'll always be playing/practicing NON boring classical pieces every time s/he is due for their lesson - I've actually converted a few heretics over the years that way) even I've had that question about what is a good but reasonably priced jazz archtop instrument. I'll be showing or recommending that they view this video.
As always, a great, helpful and informative lesson. Cheers from DownUnder.
Thanks for taking the time to share!
I'm thinking of a washburn j10 Orleans, for $900, what do you think? Great video. Thanks for sharing.
i bought a few years ago a korean made guild x135 archtop, whith dearmond pick ups, for it´s price, has a amazingly pretty sound, ! i feel no need to change for a more expensive guitar!!
I just bought a Ibanez AFC Sunrise red single floating pickup jazz guitar and am really enjoying it. It sounds beautiful, and is the perfect mix of form & function for a jazz player and was on sale at Musicians friend for $833.00 (including a nice hard shell case)..
All under $1000: Epiphone ES-175 Premium w/ USA Gibson Classic 57s ($899); Ibanez AF95FM w/ Super 58 pickups ($649); Ibanez AF105 w/ Super 58s ($500 used); Ibanez AFJ91 w/ Super 58 pickup ($599). I own all of these and they are fantastic. I also own a Ibanez LGB30, but that's priced at $1100 new, just over the $1000 mark, however, you can find them used usually around $800 in great condition. My faves? The Epi ES-175 Premium (not the non-premium) and the LGB30, and the AF105. They're all great! :)
Mo Cee i think the Lgb30 is unbeatable for the price. I think it is significantly better than the 5 listed here. I am impressed by the epiphone as well.
Thank you for such an informative video. Originally, I had my eye on the Ibanez AG95 and the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro. After viewing, I will more than likely go with the Joe Pass model. It's my first hollowbody electric and will certainly fit within my limited budget. I don't expect to be disappointed with my choice. I would have loved to purchase something above $1000, but I believe for someone with my talent and ability this guitar will a smart move. Someday if I can ever get paid for playing, I can invest in something more expensive. Thanks again.
I’m thrilled with the Eastman ar 371.
Me, too. Mine was amazing.
I love George Benson's tone , which guitar on this list or not on this list can get you close to that tone? Budget is between $1000 and $2000 dollars... note: I hate cheesy feeling knobs and stuff and I like the jack to be well constructed(sturdy) !
George Benson had played Gibbies for a number of years before changing over to Ibanez. Also, his choice of amp is a factor. Maybe try out Fender's GB (George Benson) Hot Rod Deluxe model. It's a 40 watt tube combo unit.
Great video, Richie! It's been 5 years and Godin has released their new 5th Avenue Jumbo series. I'd really like to hear your take on the new Jumbo Dual HB and the Jumbo P-Rail with Bigsby Bridge,
I have an older (discontinued) DeArmond X-155 Korean made archtop guitar that I picked up for $350 which is about half price ... though I keep it tuned 1 whole step down it can easily be set up for Jazz, Blues or with lighter strings Rockabilly ... The pickups are quite good and well made for such an inexpensive guitar ... unplugged the tone is even with good articulation for single note runs ... Thanks for sharing your insight
I have just bought an Ibanez AGS 73 FM Made in Indonesia NOT CHINA, for a trip from blues and spanish, into Jazz. Twin Humbuckers Flamed maple, looks great. Sounds /great, but I am learning. Anyway no thought of swapping yet. A lot of guitar for the Money
Hello from Sweden.many thanks för your presentation. When I hear what you say about the Godin Kingpin II I deeply regret that I did'nt buy that guitar for "miles" below the price you talked about. Kindly Christer
Gretsch G2420 is a great jazz box. One of my favorites.
Any thoughts on the Samick Lasalle (Gregg Bennett) as an entry level jazz guitar?
As a native Spanish speaker I can say that you have a great pronunciation hahaha thanks again for the awesome video!
I was a little sad we didn't get a "numero uno", but I will be OK.
this guy would have been dope to have as a highschool guidance counselor.
I have a Ibanez H R archtop, from the late 70s. It's called the law suit model. What's your opinion on It's sound?
So whats the deal between floating humbuckers and fixed to the body. I am looking at the Ibanez AFC95 and the LGB30. Can't decide. The AFC125 has a cool vibe. Looking for that buttery smooth warm jazz tone. Hoping it is the last guitar I buy. Any recommendations for good jazz guitars under $1,600?
I love my Ibanez AF85. The only upgrades I made - rosewood bridge with bone saddle , and Kent Armstrong humbucker in neck position.
One question? What do you think about the D’angelico Ex-1 premier? By the way great video 👍
Gotta tell you, I've owned several of these guitars. The Ibanez AF75, the Joe Pass Emperor (first edition) found it finish and top wood to be very thick and "dull" sounding. This may have changed since my first run edition. The Ibanez AFC 155, just OK-very bright. The one you mentioned, the AFC95 might be the better choice. I found the Godin's also to be very bright, maybe due to their Cherry Wood consturction, While I like most of your picks; I think the Eastman AR403 ce would top them all. It plays and sounds like a dream, and the construction is second to none in its price range and can be found for under a grand. Great video. I subscribed and it gets a like from me!
Thanks for the feedback! It's amazing how just upgrading the pick ups and using the proper strings on some of these guitars can improve the sound and even get rid of the excessive brightness. At least this has been my experience.
that was really helpful. thanks. I play mostly rock in all its forms but Im always quickly enamoured with jazz guitar due its gorgeous warm tones. hoping to make a good transition.
So I went off hunting the greater part of south west London for Richie’s number one choice but I couldn’t find any. I ended up trying out the much more affordable epiphone jo pass, Ibanez art core series and Godin 5th Avenue with P90. @ one #guitarguitar store plugged into a do it all amp. The results were mixed but the joe pass guitar from epiphone was I think a solid choice for sound and feel. Followed by the art cores. Too bad I didn’t get to try out humbucker on the godin 5th Avenue. Coz the P90 on a hollow godin guitar was to thin for my liking. Then again you can see and feel quality from Godin all throughout.
me too
Would you recommend D'angelico?
Hi Richie, what do you think of the Ibanez AG95QA Artcore Expressionist? It may have just been on the market when you did this video.
Sorry, didn't have a chance to try it.
It's great for Jazz and Blues.
Sorry that you have such a low option of The Loar. I own a flat top 250, and have played a number of their archtops. I think that they have a sound that lends itself to an older Eddie Lang type sound, but maybe too thick for bebop. Thanks for your channel
It's not the sound, mainly the craftmanship. I can only go by the models I played and a couple of students that claimed they had a lot of problems with them. That said, they may have gotten better since this video was made several years ago.
Hi Richie, as always great reviews! I just yesterday purchased a D'Angelico archtop which is the Excel -1a ffully acoustic with piezo for about $1K used in mint condition. Still waiting for it to be delivered. They came out in 2017 might be made in Indonesia and later on discontinued. Have you ever played a D'Angelico and did you like it? I know different moderls and makes have different sounds etc but just wanted your take on those guitars based on what you may have played or heard? Cheers!
I played one of those D'Angelico Excel's made in Indonesia and all I can say is that it was awful! But like I tell everyone, each person has to judge for themselves. You may love what i hate. :)
@@RichieZellon thanks for the honest feedback. I love my 2 D'Angelicos!
Got a 2010 Ibanez AG 75 TR ,from a pawn shop.What do you think of the model??
I love the accent that seems to be a delightful mashup of Lima, Peru and Oshkosh, Wisconsin.
How about a Samick JZ4. I picked one up to play at salt air gigs(SE coast) great and inexpensive guitar. Plays wonderfully and sound very good. New this list under $1000.00
But you can find them for $400 - $500 most anytime.
I play red Hofner archtop HI-J5-CN that I purchased from the late Rick Stone. Laminated wood , one humbucuker in the neck. can sound a little bright but you can find the sweet stop! Made in Korea
Did Rick pass on? How...when? Sorry, I wasn't aware...
The Jazz Guitar Channel Yes Richie. was very said and it happened suddenly and quickly. He passed away in 2016. He had a seizure on night while at home and was diagnoses with an aggressive form of brain cancer called Glioblastoma. His left arm was paralyzed and could not play. He was gone a few months later. I went to see him before this, was just horrible
www.jazzguitar.be/forum/players/53998-r-i-p-rick-stone.html
I am shocked. Rick was a great player and very nice guy. The last time I chatted with him must have been in 2015. He will be missed!
I owned an Epiphone Joe Pass model and got rid of it because the pick guard was too close to the high E string. It got in my way, but I personally like to rest my pinky on the pick guard so didn't want to take it off of the guitar. I never could adjust it so that it felt comfortable.
I noticed on videos, that Joe Pass's Epiphone did not have a pick guard.
I have the Epi Joe Pass. Nice build, plays and sounds good after minor fretwork. My only complaint is it is very heavy. Looking into Peerless and Eastman.
Thanks Bob brilliant ol'boy
thx alot for your video about "cheap" Archtops!
Having worked hard on my blues skills, now i want to go to my limit and get into jazz. for this adventure, i m looking for a good and payable guitar. after searching the web i found out , that höfner build classic Archtops too. My question to you, do you have experience with Höfner guitars? like "Höfner HCT-SL-N-0 Blue Tone" or similar?