If I were using a flat top for jazz (which I do occasionally, for more modern sounds) I prefer something medium sized and mid rangey in tone...like an OM or a Taylor x14 size...right now I have a Taylor 214, and I'm planning on upgrading to a 414 in the Spring, as I find the sound is actually pretty similar--with a little more bass and better sounding electronics. Probablly I'd ideally find a 614 becuase Maple's great for jazz, but I doubt I'll find one in my price range.
I really want clarity...not a lot of overtones that get in the way of complex chords...that's why gypsy jazz guitars and archtops are so great for jazz--not to mention their percussive tone and quick attack and decay.
volume is nice, but few flat tops are gonna hang with a group unamplified anyway.
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