Three Archtop guitars compared.
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- เผยแพร่เมื่อ 21 ส.ค. 2018
- a just f0r fun comparison of my:
Harmony Monterey (1968) pressed top, birch B&S
Gibson L-4 (1934)
Eastman AR805 (2007)
Oh BTW - ...040 - I said flat-tops ..I meant "arch-tops"! Doh!
Hmm -just watched this again and seen that the sound cut out at the end ..sorry about that - can't remember what I said but doubt it was very important. and doesn't spoil the interest of the video. so, if you have been ...thanks for watching. - เพลง
I appreciate you mentioning the strings! Very important, but so often overlooked.
Glad it was helpful!
Bloody beautiful collection old boy! Love it! Thank you for sharing!
Hi Tom, and thanks - all a little wasted on my I confess.
Thank you for the demonstration and interesting discussion. Best wishes from Australia
Hi Daniel, sorry for delay in responding - Y/T can be selective in how it shows me comments. Australia has one of the finest archtop and mandolin builders in Mr Gilchrist I believe. (hope those fires are under control now!)
Beautiful guitar collection... thank you for sharing your knowledge
Hi, Mister Sunshine (what a great handle!) thank you for watching. I'm always happy to receive comments and questions.
Wow. How lovely to share your Archtop collection with us. I also agree there is a certain respect and sophistication Archtops possess over round hole, like they're the Bourbon drinking, cigar smoking Big Daddy of guitars, somehow looking over all others (excuse my imagination!). My laptop even insists I spell Archtop with a capitol 'A'! The vintage tobacco sunburst finishishes most have just seem to suit them.
I guess my dream Archtop guitar would be a Wes Montgomery or Johnny Smith, and I came very close to acquiring a J/S at a Birmingham guitar show some years ago but hesitated and didn't. The seller even reduced the price at the end of the show and I have regretted it ever since. Only collecting vintage models would mean re-mortgaing the house which most long suffering guitar wives wouldn't be best pleased about! Anyway your three are wonderful, and beautifully maintained examples. We can only imagine the joy they bring each time you open the box. The Eastman is particularly impressive, very good on the eye as well as the ear. That's my pick.
I also have three Archtops. These include two Epiphone ES 339's purchased second hand and relatively cheap, one blonde, one sunburst. I have two because of different custom pick-up combinations on one 339 which offers a very contrasting sound, specifically a dead ringer for the Justin Haywood "Blue Guitar' tone on his famous 335, discovered quite accidentally. The other has standard factory pick-ups fitted with flat wound strings for a cool jazz sound. Both guitars are very comfortable semi's because of their reduced size, especially when played over the left knee.
The third guitar is a beautiful sunburst Godin 5th Avenue Jazz with floating pick-up and gorgeous flame maple neck, which of course is a truer Archtop. This also has flat wounds, but I remain undecided on what the best strings are for this guitar. A really good set up on Archtops I think is critical for good playability. Maybe you could talk to us one day about amp combinations for those Archtops with pick-ups, or whether you have experimented in achieving the desired sound.
Ps. regards Hofners. I recall the late great Bert Weedon playing one, and how I remember admiring it on his children's hour TV show in the early 60's. I guess this, and Play-In-A-Day started it all off for many of us back then. He was also at the same Birmingham guitar show I attended, very humble, still loving the guitars, still with that engaging smile.
Hi maxwellfan, thanks for your comments. As you see from this video, and my others, I only have acoustic guitars, although some of my flat-tops have K&K pure minis installed.
I did once have an Eastman with a floating pick up and , for an electric, it sounded very good to me, but every time I took it out of the case it said "electric" to me which is why I traded it.
The only guitar amp I own is a 15w Vox, and so you could say that I am fairly ignorant about amps as I don't plug in normally, and on the rare occasions that I might do so with a flat-top it would be into a p.a. mixer.
Regards,
This video was relaxing to watch. Thank you for sharing your collection.
Thanks for watching.
I started my musician life in 1964, in love with the Beatles. After playing, gigging and learning finger style, in 1969 I was coerced into playing in something called a Jazz Rock Ensemble in High School. In that band we also played some big band charts. It was then I noticed the 3 and 4 note voicings on rhythm guitar. String of Pearls comes to mind....plus lots of chord changes to the bar. Your explanation about the transition from banjo to arch top guitar makes perfect sense. Of course, by the late 60's I was playing an electric guitar and would have felt quite sonically naked trying to beat out rhythm guitar on an acoustic arch top with 20 horns and rhythm section in a "Jazz/Rock" ensemble! Love your channel!
Yes, I believe dance band guitarists prior to electrification had to be a hardy bunch.
That was a fun watch. Man the Harmony looks like new! Thanks.
Hi, yes it really still does. I bought it from a collector who had, I think, over 150 Harmony and Stella guitars. He had a dedicated room for them, but decided to sell them off as his daughter needed to come home after a marriage break up or some such and he sold his collection to help fund her future. Lovely guy.
The way I polish my guitars also helps a lot. It is a polish designed for antique furniture which contains no cellulose.
sooo cool man! really enhoyed listening to your stories :)
Hi Logan, thank for watching!
Really nice man, thanks for taking the time to make this great wee video :) (would love an L4)...
Well, you never know - I've been thinking about selling it !
Nice collection! I have a 57' Hofner blonde President and am currently sorting out an Aristone that is lovely.
Great stories bud! Made my day.
Thanks for watching.
Real nice video, thanks for sharing and good visiting with you.
Thanks Jim, please have a look at my other videos.
That harmony is gorgeous. And great chording
Thank you, I fear the Harmony is a better instrument than I am a player, but there we are.
I really liked your video and your unassuming friendly honesty.Western swing is great .I hope to learn some tunes soon!!A "tuneable hi hat""LOL i will remember that!
Hi Nick, thanks for watching! Pl. have a look at some of my other videos - questions and comments always welcomed.
Qué bellas y bien conservadas tienes sus guitarras, que las disfrutes, gracias por tus palabras y por compartir con nosotros.
Gracias Carlos, no somos dueños, sino cuidadores de estas cosas. Gracias por ver mis videos
Nice video, thank you. If you would have to go either with the eastman ar805 or the gibson L4, which one would it be? Reason for asking is that where I'm from trying guitars like these out is not an option, so it means buying online. And my preference keeps on shifting from lower priced vintage solid archtops to equally priced modern ones like eastman ar805, ar605 or loar lh700. In your video the L4 sounds nicer to me, but your comments suggest the opposite. So which one would it be and why?
Oh wow, nice collection especially the L4 !
I'm thinking of moving my L-4. It deserves a better player than me.
Man! These are gorgeous guitars!
Glad you like them! Thanks for watching
Thank you, I enjoyed your video! The following comment was probably already stated by someone below. With very much respect, I believe what you have there is a 1934 L7, and it's a very nice one. The L4 in that period was a round hole archtop. That distinctive fleur de lis headstock, unique fretmarkers, 16 inch body, and slender f-holes are the giveaways of the 1934 L7. I had the privilege to play one just like yours and it was beautiful to play and a stunner to look at. You're a lucky man. -Cheers! P.S. You can Google each model for pics and such. Great guitars, both.
Hi, Skipster. Sharp spot - BUT - the white oval label inside clearly has "L4" printed on it. Of course you are correct that the L-4 was a round hole until 1934 when it changed to the f-hole style in 1935. The serial number indicates a late 1934 build so possibly one of the first 1935 style , but actually built in '34. It "should" have a fret marker on the 1st fret, and a raised diamond on the tailpiece (which appears to be original) and I know the pick guard is a repro. gibson was not always as procuise in specs as some other makers, and there was quite a lot of spec changes in 34/35 as the L-5 became a 17" and so the 16" bodies were used on both the new spec L-4 and the L-7. Apart from cosmetics the 16" f-hole versions of both are effectively identical.
Thanks for watching and for your interest.
@@SillyMoustache Thanks for the reply. I believe you. I looked further in TH-cam and Google and saw postings for both L4s and L7s with this appearance. Very curious, but what the heck. Enjoy!
Beautiful instruments!
Thank you!
Thanks for sharing your beauties with us. Cheers
Glad you like them!
Lovely to see your archtop guitars. I enjoy your anecdotes. Thank you for sharing. I'm off to file down a saddle to lower action on my 12 string. Cheers, all the brst!
HiJerrel, sounds as if you are plowing through my "back catalogue" - thankyou. Be careful with that saddle - have you checked he relief first? maybe a quarter turn might help?
@@SillyMoustache Thank you! Yes, I did try adjusting the truss rod but it turns out I just filed the saddle too far down and got a buzzing on fret 12 for the high e. Luckily I had more saddles in the toolbox. You know the old saying. Second time's the charm!
@@SillyMoustache oh, I meant to add that this was a new bone bridge I had added (to replace the default plastic bridge) but it started out just too tall.
@@MountainHomeJerrel Hope it works out OK. Remember to intonate the bit under the 2nd course.
@@SillyMoustache That's so kind of you, thank you. I'll take extra care and check that intonation. These saddles are precut for those intonation but you can never be too careful. Last month I replaced the plastic saddle, which didn't have any shaping carved for the intonation, on my old Fender Gemini. The action on it was so high, the guitar was basically a medieval torture device. All the best! Take care.
I really enjoyed that. I’m a newcomer to the arch top world but I just bought an Epiphone Masterbilt Zenith roundhole (the recent one) and after a string change and small set up it plays great. I love the feel and, the tone.
Great to hear!
Thanks for this! I am trying to decide if I should buy a Harmony archtop, or save up for a Gibson archtop. This did not make that decision easier. Haha. But it was interesting. Thanks!
Hi Simon, That is a rather extreme budget range.
There are two main types of gibson archtops - the ones with two digits - like L-50 etc., have a fretboard that is joined to the top like on flattops. The ones with single digits - like my L-4 has the rising fretboard. This is gernally considered a better design.
Frankly I think you'd be very satisfied in an acoustic archtop from Eastman - of you can find one!
👍🏽🙏 nice mention of Dave Rawlings
And from a fellow Archtop fan/collector
A nice collection 👍🏽
Keep on rockin
Cheers Keith!
thank you, for the comparison! in my ears the L-4 sounds lot better.. especially the single notes.
i have a 1940 17" L-5, wich is a real cannon, played with 14-58 strings.. but: they have to been played. they are built with super quality woods.. stiff and tight, built like a tank, as you already said.
they fall asleep, when you store them.. and wake up, if you play them often.
how much did that set you back?
That first one looks near brand new! Amazing!
You mean the Harmony? Yes, I bought it from a gent who was a collector of Harmony and Stella guitars. I confess that I put two small dents in the top when an ornament fell on it!
you are awesome my friend! thanks for the wisdom and inspiration!
I appreciate that! Thanks for watching!
@@SillyMoustache keep on posting videos. really enjoy your character and experience, from a fellow guitarist. cheers
@@alexwiz0 Thank you Alex!
The clear coat on that Harmony is perfect ! The Gibson , is gorgeous !
Thank you very much!
Great video
Thank you!
Great stuff!!! Thanks!!!🌞😎✌️
Glad you enjoyed it
You said David Rawlings. Right on Brother.
I've been fortunate enough to see him and Gillian 3 times and Dave Rawlings Machine with Willie Watson. Great stuff. I've been wanting an arch type. I appreciate the collection you showed off
Hi Daniel, you are most fortunate. I have not seen them in person. David R has certainly been a boon to the archtop world!
Thank you for the video.
My pleasure, hope you found it useful. Andy
I have a relatively inexpensive Loar L-5 copy which I got at a fair discount due to an errant fret that was easily fixed. I absolutely love that guitar. While it doesn't produce ringing sustain or sympathetic overtones like a large flat top, it's hardly a one trick pony. It does require a different approach, that's for sure. All that aside, your Eastman is among the best sounding acoustic only archtop f-holes I've ever heard for all round use, and a beauty to boot.
Hi Deorman, I have had a couple of the Loars, and one is with a friend now. Archtops are very different to flat tops and, as you say,need a different approach. The Eastman is a very fine instrument and does have more balance and sustain than one might expect of an archtop. Thanks for watching.
i had a Loar acoustic archtop with all solid wood. Lovely thing, but frets were a disaster. Previous owner to me clearly tried to fix them and butchered the job. My luthier was able to salvage them but they really needed replacing to be 100%. Couldn't get over that. I have an Eastman 905NC on order which I randomly found on eBay. So excited to receive it. It's a non cutaway fully acoustic guitar with the most stunning flame maple I've ever seen. Flame Maple binding as well wherever you can put binding.
I have an Eastman AR805 from 2007 which looks like a twin of yours. - I have some Heritage and Gibson archtops ( electrics) but this Eastman is pure acoustic. It is the most resonant guitar in my baker's dozen and truly rumbles your intestines . Solid woods all around and a true reflection of those days long gone bye of the big bands. I really appreciate your channel
Hi TJ, That's interesting, Does yours have a "UK- xxx number?" I used to have a classic finish AR805e which was number 19 but this one is later.
My serial #8571 no prefix or suffix. It too has more of a burgundy color vs. black on the sunburst. I bought it second hand from my local shop here in Jupiter FL - Prior owner was a collector. I have mostly Eastmans because I like the 1.75 nut (long boney fingers) 905ce w/inlays, 905-7string, 580ce, So nice to hear from you. I enjoy your "show" best wishes
@@SillyMoustache
The Eastman is the better choice for me ,,,and then the Gibson L4 ....and no interest for the Harmony .
This was a nice walk down memory lane. The very first guitar I was able to play at home was my grandfather's Montgomery Wards (Harmony) arch top. The neck had lifted to the point that he had removed the adustable bridge and built one twice the thickness of a popsicle stick with a nail lying in a slot for a saddle. The strings were still very high. It sounded like your Gibson L4. He said it came off the train with finish checking. The neck continued to lift until it was totally unplayable, the neck also shrank until the frets had pushed the neck binding loose. Cracks developed in the top and sides. It was basically a wall hanging decoration for decades until I finally had it completely rebuilt a couple years back for double it's resale value, then passed it along to my son.
Hi, good to hear stories like this. Thanks for watching and sharing.
4:48 I thought you were about to play Seven Nation Army, which was played on an archtop! Great video by the way!
Hi, not aware of that. Perhaps I'm too old! Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache it’s a retro sounding song by the 90s duo called the White Stripes (Jack White). The song sounds like a Led Zeppelin song. The bass line and guitar part was recorded using an archtop. Check out the song, you might like it if you like the classic rock. 🙂
Nice guitars thanks for sharing.
Thank you too!
I have been enjoying your videos. I have a Guild A150-B Savoy that I bought used a few years ago. I’ve been using flat wound strings since I bought the guitar but I thin I might have try the NB. My question - have you used flatwounds on these guitars or have you always used NBs?
Hi Don, no I have never used flat wounds because they are all acoustic guitars. The Guild that you have is an electric, so will have very different requirements. NBs? No I haven't "always" used them, and as I don't use these guitars a great deal they don't get changed a lot. I've used EJ22s and others but the NBs since about 2018.
Great video. My favorite guitar is my Godin Jazz model guitar. Floating pickup.
Thanks for watching.
Beautiful Harmony mate.
Thank you kindly! I'm very fond of it.
i got nice headphones on and man you have great audio what did you use
Hi, I use a simple Zoom Q8. No extra mics, and no post editing.
Crisp clean sound.
Thank you. Unprocessed or edited recording from my Zoom Q8.
That L4 sounds incredible
Hi Bruno, not bad is it? Thanks for watching.
I really liked the video...thanks. The audio cut out on the last few seconds for me.
Hi John, I just checked on the original, and the sound failed on that too - I can't actually "lip-read my lips from behind that bush growing under my lip, but I think I just said - "I hope you find this of interest and if you have been - thanks for watching".
@@SillyMoustache sounds good...thanks again for such wonderful TH-cam content!
That Eastman sounds amazing!!! Is it a 17”?
Hi, no, it is an AR805 (which is a 16") Quite big enough for my feeble purposes! thanks for watching.
Silly Moustache you have beautiful collection!
@@MrSlimbullfrog Thank you.
Casual sipping 😇 love it! 😂
I have to keep drinking when I speak due to the effects of throat cancer treatment, sorry about that.
@@SillyMoustache no need to be sorry! I actually thought it was cool man!
I'm glad you got interested in "flat tops"....(archtops actually, but we understand), because we love them too! Totally different response and sound - eh?
Yeah, like my hands, my mouth says something I didn't mean - old man, old parts, nothin' to do with me - I just live inside!
To my ears, purely in terms of tone the Eastman knocks spots off the other ones. I had this video on in the background while working and as soon as you started playing it I sat up and listened.
Hi, to my old ears, the Eastman has a more modern rounder sound, a bit like a flat op in some ways, but the old Gibson typifies the harsher but more projecting "rhythm" box sound ideal for "comping" Freddie Green style. The Harmony kinda follow that road.
Lovely guitars! I have two archtops myself currently, a 1969 Kay K6878 Leader and a 1960 Framus 5/6 Missouri and I love them both! My first ever acoustic was an Airline N-2 so I have an affinity for archtops, despite not being a jazz player, I love how unique their voices are and looks wise, I always found them prettier than flattops! Excellent video, absolutely loved it, I'm curious to ask however, do you have a favorite or one you think sounds best?
Hi Brian, I'm putting the Gibson up for sale - it is "the real thing" but we never really bonded, The Harmony - I love the look and feel of it, but thinking of permanently loaning it to a friend. So the answer to your question is - The Eastman.
That's a nice collection! :-). That Eastman is superb. They are as you say, lightly constructed - and they really sing! Sound is of course a very personal thing, but I doubt that in a "blind test" anybody would not prefer it. I have an Eastman AR905 (among other makes`) and love it.
Couldn't agree more!
Hi Andy, Don here from Hamilton NZ ( on my Wife's tablet) I loved your video on your 3 Archtop's, your right they were (and still are excellent rhythm guitars) and yours all sounded great, the Eastman just slightly better. I tried out some Eastman Dreadnought's, nice but l felt not quite as loud(volume wise) as good quality Chinese made dreadnought, but otherwise beautiful made instruments, and looked superb. I have a third about an acoustic guitar's volume, it Must be capable of sounding loud ( like a Martin or a maton) because then when you play quietly they still sound beautiful and when you want more volume it's there without having to thrash them. Well done keep it up and take care
Hi Don, I'm confused - Eastmans are Chinese, and so I'm interested to know which Chinese brand Dreads you think are better. (I've never played a n Eastman dread, but enjoy my E20-P and E40-00, my dreads are Collings.
Not ALL Martins are as loud as others, esp. the budget levels.Don't know much about Matons.
A good well made resonant guitar is a little like a high powered car. you can play it/ drive it gently, but open it up when necessary.
@@SillyMoustache Hi Andy, I didn't realize Eastman's were Chinese made, out here we get a lot Cort Acoustic's and l have 2 and they keep getting better, thanks for your update, take care
"a much shorter neck, which is fine" > Got my love.
OK, thanks,
I love archtop guitars. Thanx.
You are most welcome. thanks for watching, and if you look at some of my other videos, you'll see Rupert the cat too.
@@SillyMoustache thanx a lot.
I saw a one hour talk given by Ken Parker recently. He discussed the Gibson L5 quite a bit. From what he said it's good news that your L4 is a 1934 because for a few years shortly after the crash of 29 the bean counters imposed some really compromised construction techniques during manufacturing that really dampened the sound quality. One thing they had done to save time was use a kerfed brace that had a thin piece of veneer glued along the top to give it back some structural strength.
I like the archtop but overall I am more inclined to a nicely made flat top. The Rosewood back and sides on something like a Martin D45 I think provide a nice bass image and gives the impression of wider frequency range.
Nice channel. I'll have to explore more....
Hi, my L-4 is a 1935 style, built in late '34. I understand that the body (16") is essentially the same as the same size L5 which changed to 17" in '35. Despite Martins attempts with the OM )first the 14 fret 000, then the '34 14 fret dread, they never made the grade on big band/orchestra seats, compared to the hard cutting mid range projection of the Gibson/Epiphone archtops. Martin was very fortunate that the folk/country circuit was opening up in the mid '30s and folks whatever they could so they took the rhythm necked dreads, and of course Gibson bought out the Jumbo, influenced by the shape of the original dread, but with their short scale neck.
I would love to find a harmony like that one
Hi Don, they are out there ! keep looking!
I loved the 3 archtop. I have a 1950s Silvertone archtop in very good playing condition, cosmetically it is fair. I also have a 1920 something Regal parlor guitar. Thank you for sharing
Thanks for watching.
Can you recommend a reasonably priced 12 string? Mandolin? Thank you
I'm afraid that's not really my area, but consider Eastman.
Nice collection Silly, I think I like the sound of that Gibson the best, but all three are quite nice. I once had a Epiphone Olympic, but I couldn't make it sound like David Rawling's Olympic so I ended up selling it... to Dave Grisman of all people. :)
Interesting. However, I suspect it is David R who makes his sud like him rather than the guitar.
@@SillyMoustache Quite true mate.
Thank you. I too, have a 30's L-4 (1936) looks just like yours. I like it, too...original case isn't much, though.
Hi Joel, my case isn't up to much either, but I never take the guitar out so ... Thanks for watching.
That Eastman: I’m in love!
Pretty isn't it! Thanks for watching.
These guitars look brand new！
I try to keep my instruments in good condition.
Lovely guitars! Listening through my high quality Sennheiser headphones, I think the Eastman sounds much better than the other two, which, for a number of reasons, is a good thing.
Hi, to me, the Eastman is more like a flat top tone -more musical and with a wider spectrum, but the Gibson projects. It is far more "middle focussed and would "bark" across a dance band.
Randy Shartiger is working on a 65' Harmony Hollywood, over on his channel. Very similar to the Monterey, but with a pickup. Lovely guitars. I'm still hoping to get a Harmony archtop.
Hi Frank, Yes - an H39 - very similar finish - earlier than mine - no adj. truss rod. looks to have been messed around somewhat. My '64 Monterey (H1325) was largely "as new" when I got it but I've put two small dings in it. Shame that the Hollywood had a De Armond p/u "screwed" into the top, so probably a post '59 model. A floating p/u would be far less intrusive and probably sounded better. If you want to find your own Harmoney guitar , do you research on : harmony.demont.net and have a look on Ebay - there are usually some good, modestly priced Harmony archtops around. I suggest a post 1960 with adjustable truss rod.
Silly Moustache Thanks Andy. That's good to know about the truss rods. I've looked on eBay and there are some nice ones. I'll look at the link you posted also.
Beautiful guitars! I would really like to have one some day, maybe an old Harmony or Epiphone. :-)
Hi Frank, Harmonys do come up pretty frequently and tend to be very reasonably priced compared to the more favoured brands, and, frankly they can sound and play very well.
@@SillyMoustache That's good to know, and encouraging in hopes of acquiring one. Thanks. :-)
Hello Andy. Nice guitars! After a few years of having seen your video on archtops again, im still playing guitar and now i play a lot better im thinking of buying one to get into it.
I love how they look and sound. Im very excited and play everyday!
I noticed its the more expencive type of guitars. Maybe i should play them in music-stores first to get a feeling for the rigth one that speaks to me. I prefer the unplugged ones becouse i play anywere everytime travelling or visit family.
I have not a cleu of wat is for sale and were to look? But i will get there eventually 😂
Any suggestions?
Thank you for getting me into them and pointing me in the rigth direction.
Greetings from holland
Archtops are best suited for jazz and 20's-'40 type songs which are more complicated than modern songs. Sometimes you can find good ones from the '50s and '60a by Harmony or similar.
I'm pretty sure the finish on your Harmony didn't come out of the factory like that? I could be wrong? Been known to happen
Pretty much! it was like new when I got it from the Harmony Collector, and apart from the two little dings, that I added, I polish it in the same way as all my others, which truly adds a lustre.
Both archtop guitars looks fabulous
Hi Thanks. You mention "both" but I show three . Is there one tat you don't care for?
Why do archtops have such lesser body and lower end than flat tops and why are they so less resonant? I suspect the positioning of the f holes takes the bass register away. I suspect theyd have more bass if the f holes were placed near the neck, say above and below.
I also suspect the lesser resonance comes from the lesser surface contact of the bridge. Might I be correct?
Could an archtop be made to sound like a Martin flat top?
Hi boxerfencer, the archtop was the invention of Gibson making a guitar stronger and more projecting by emulating the design of the violin family with a carved top and back.
It was in production in various forms from the very early 1900s and probably louder than the small flat tops available at the time.
Remember that Martin didn't market a Dreadnought until 1931, and Gibson, the Jumbo, until 1934. Both were hoped to serve the orchestral market but neither projected like the Gibson archtop, which had become the tool for the job as a rhythm instrument replacing the tenor banjo.
YOU put an interesting observation .....and it leads me to the positionning of " F " holes on DI
MAURO guitars . French luthiers ( lot in fact Italians ) ....and SELMER .....produced specific and
powerful acoustic guitars completly original ...mixing flat top and archtop qualities . DJANGO
reinhardt was disappointed using a L5 gibson as touring the states with DUKE ELLINGTON ....
and missed his SELMER guitars .In fact you have to relate the " tool " to the target ....the guitar
to the style of Music . ....since there is historical aesthetic and successful references .
How many guitars do you own? Thank you. Love the videos. I take abuse for having 5 guitars. The woman just doesn't get it.
Hi Burt, I'm making a short video of al my guitars, one by one, so keep watching and all will be revealed. Sorry to hear you are getting "abuse" from your wife. Do you get her concerns? You've given me an idea for another chatty video!
You looks like a cool wizard.
I think I lookS like an old man. Thks for watching.
That Harmony is beautiful respect on the tache
Thank you sir! I think it is a rather splendid piece. frmerly owned by a gent who collected Harmonys of all shapes, size and types. It was in showroom condition when I got it and pretty much as good now. (Regarding the 'tache, I grew it myself! )
I believe the birch was used during the war effort. Materials being scarce, cheaper materials were used by Harmony in their guitars between 1942 and 45 I think. I have a war time harmony made from birch.
Hi, Robert, thanks for that info. I do believe that maple was also used in aeroplane construction - certainly the Hurricane and the Mosquito.
Love that Eastman- got GAS for an archtop now !
Hi, the Eastman AR805 is a very fine, and open sounding archtop, but I'm fairly sure that Eastman have dropped acoustic archtops now. Let me know if you find me wrong.
The Eastman is a stunner!!!
Yes it is! It was a very lucky find! Thanks for watching.
What strings do you use?
Hi Fausto, I had to go down to my workshop to look up my records, but now I see that I mention this at 11:55 - D'addario Nickel Bronze. I rarely play these beauties so they dolt need to be changed much, and the nickels don't corrode like PB strings. medium gauge. Thanks for watching.
Love that L4! Even though Maybelle Carter played an L5, no reason you shouldn't learn the "Carter Scratch" and play Wildwood Flower or strum a few Don Gibson tunes like Sea of heartbreak and Oh, Lonesome Me! ;)
Thanks for watching and your suggestions.
Always thought of the archtop as the granddaddy to the electrics.
Hi, or electrics were the ugly stepchild of "real" guitars. Thr rapid progress of the developemnt of the guitar in Europe and , mostly the USA was all about making them louder. Technology such as radio and recording took popular music to a larger audience and te big band and jazz eras developed rapidly with the guitar moving from a small combo, fingerstyle or accompanying instrument to a rhythm instrument sitting alongside the drums, bass and piano in bands and competing against the brass. The Gibson style archtop was far more percussive and projecting than the flat-top guitar and whilst Martin developed the 14 fret thin necked guitar -they could not compete with even chaper archtops like that Harmony.
Les Paul, Beachamp, National Rickenbacker were all looking for ways to make even the archtop louder, and eventually the magnetic pickup was nailed to a log and things changed.
@@SillyMoustache I agree - the first thing Les Paul did after he invented 'The Log', was to attach the sides of an archtop to it - to make it look and be held like a 'real' guitar (at the time, Gibson was not interested in producing it - however they stole his idea a few years later with the ES335, which is nothing but a thinline version Les' log).
Some people try to compare a flat top with an archtop. While the body shape may be similar, the difference in their stringing make them almost two different instruments. Archtops are designed for, and sound best with heavy gauge strings. If someone puts the same heavy gauge on a flat top, they will eventually destroy the top by pulling the bridge from the body.
@@bleikrsound6127 Hi string choice is a very personal thing. I put Nickel mediums (56-13) on mine - as I do on my dreads and jumbo.
@@SillyMoustache I once installed heavy strings on my Arch (DAddario EJ18 14-59), thinking this would bring out more bass. While it did amplify the sound of all strings, barre chording was too much for my old fingers - even with the action as low as possible.
I like David Rawlings music he plays and sings with Gillian Welch. This Harmonie is a very pretty guitar also and has lots of volume for an acoustic. Is that a raised pickguard on the Gibson? I don't think I've seen that before on a guitar. It looks like a wider neck on it. That Eastman is really beautiful with the sunburst color. very nice. Would you say that the arch top guitars have more resonant than the flat top with the holes?
Hi Angie, as these are "ARCHED" tops, which are carved in a non flat shape, you'll never see a pick guard stuck on like on a flat-top. IF they have one at all, they are usually screwed into the body by the neck and suspended with a L shaped racket affixed to the under side by the waist. Fretboard width on all is 1 & 3/4" - I am unable to use a 1 &11/16" rhythm neck. String spacing tends at the saddle does tend to be narrower on archtops - simply due to the purpose for which they were built. These are around 2 & 1/4"
Does this sound the same as the box guitar?
Box guitar ???
@@SillyMoustache um the normal guitar
Cool story, bro
Thanks for listening
I thought I had all the guitars I needed...now I need an Eastman Archtop. My wife WILL be pleased 😜
Yeah, sorry about that!
Seriously considering the Eastman. A bit scared about the wide and allegedly thin neck. I would have to buy it online.
The nut width is 1 & 3/4" and the profile is rather shallow, but is doesn't give me much of a problem. AR805s are difficult to find - if you can get one, I'd say buy it! d
Three little beauties, would you tell me what you use to keep your collection looking so good, is it a polish or simply a soft cloth. Cheers Gerry.
Hi Gerry. I made a video about this - see : th-cam.com/video/ucadcS4_FKc/w-d-xo.html Regards,
Anybody ever Make an acoustic f hole guitar with center hole?
Google Gibson L1, L3 and L-4.
Eastman makes the other two sound like plywood duds.
The point of most archtops is to project a comping rhythm focussing on the the middle tones -so the Harmony (pressed top) and the Gibson Carved top perform that function. The Eastman would probably not project that cutting rhythm in a dance band so well, but is far more open and tuneful. Thanks for watching.
He’s a flub master!
Indeed!
I've been fooling around with guitars since'68, mostly electric but any acoustics were flat tops as the only arch-top I'd heard was awful. I must get one.
As acoustic archtops are so different sounding to flat tops and 'lectrics, one has to adjust one's ear to the less bassy and percussive projection Try th-cam.com/video/pTfvSeNbNR4/w-d-xo.html
Have a look at Loar archtops you may be tempted my son! Mr Loar was involved in making Gibsons
Hi, Yes I'm aware of them. Named after lloyd Loar, but resemble early Gibsons only in basic looks. I had two. One was rapidly sold on and the second was returned. Thanks for watching.
The Eastman will sound better once it has aged but have to admit the Gibson sounded the best of all 3. Barney Kessel had a Harmony named after him but he never played it and even had his name removed from the headstock. Your Harmony still sounds good.
Hi, the Gibson is a '34, the Harmony mid '60s (IIRC) and the Eastman is from 2007. None seem tohave been heavily played. Thanks for watching.
Are f-cut guitars good, plz reply someone!!!💯
Hi Sahil, I'd like to help but I'm a little confused as to what you are asking. Are you referring to the "f-hole style archtop guitars as shown in this video? If so, then lke every other design there are good, poor, indifferent and very fine versions. However, the three guitars i've shown here are of hree very differnt cost/value ranges although all do the job pretty well.
The "job" is the important part.
Are they "good" for playing gentle fingerstyle, or bluegrass? No, not really, but are they good for hammering out a solid, percussive rhythm in a dance/jazz band or combo ? Yes very much so. This design of acoustic guitar was developed by the Gibson company in the early 20th century as a stronger more stable form of guitar, based on violin designs (carved top and back), and floating bridge. They don't have the smooth sustain of flat top guitars or the bass response we now expect, but they do cut through as rhythm instruments, and there have also been may fine solo players - mostly in the '20s to '50s, but this style of guitar has largely been overtaken by electric "jazz" guitars, nowadays, so they are less used that they used to be.
Watch this to get a better idea of how good archtops payed well sound.
th-cam.com/video/fzXrtNiUclc/w-d-xo.html
I hope that helps. Questions always welcomed!
The Eastman 805 sounds the best. I also have a Gibson L7 but the 605 blows it away.
Hi bob, L4s and L7 are very much alike. However, to me my L4 sounds like they were supposed to, while the far more open and resonant Eastman tone almost sounds like a good flat top. I'm happy with both. Thanks for watching.
4:27 Harmony
7:39 Gibson 9:07
11:17 Eastman... he talks and plays for the next 2 minutes
Ok, and your point is .... ?
To my ears the Eastwood sounds best, which I wouldn't have expected against the Gibson
The EastMAN ? It is a far more "modern" sound -almost resembling a flat top tonality. I still think that the Gibson would be more "percussive", but the Eastman is certainly sweeter. Thanks for watching.
@@SillyMoustache Sorry, Eastman (Eastwood makes repros of 60s budget guitars).
Liked the sound of your Harmony better!
Well it a fraction of the price but they made some good stuff! Thanks for watching.
I believe we may have had dealings with the same dealer in Seattle. Your story is not singular.
Hi Melinda, interesting. I hope your purchase was happily resolved.
Harmonys are great. The Epiphone Master buily are the best budget archtops around. Dude put down the coffee cup. Im sure you can make it through on video without the stuff. LOL.
Hi I can no longer drink coffee - it is tea (I am a Brit!) I had throat/tongue cancer treatment in 2017, and I have no working saliva glands so in order to talk/sing, I need to constantly lubricate.
An L4 is not the same body as an L5. It's smalller.
Darrell, The L-5 was a 16" from 1922 until 1934. when it was increased in size and the L-4 became the prime 16" bodied offering. Mine is a 1934 -i.e. one of the frst L-4s with f-holes and the same body as the previous L-5, but lacking the sunburst back and sides and the three piece maple neck. The '35 L-4 and L-7 were very similr and often confused.
The 805 is THE ONE. sounds BEST, looks BEST, and probably costs less.
Thanks. They all have their charm really though.