$600: What would YOU buy? - Page 2

DESERTRAT1 · #16 03-06-2015, 08:04 PM

Ibanez AR 325 = $600

WannabeWillie · #17 03-06-2015, 08:40 PM

What I did a few years back was walk in to a Guitar Center store to shop for an electric bass, but I got sidetracked by a "worn brown" finish Epiphone Dot Studio and made the mistake of plugging it in to a Vox AC30 and giving it a whirl.

I made the bigger mistake of doing that when my wife was with me.

I walked out with the Dot Studio and no electric bass. She walked out with her purse lighted by $180.00.

Now, I have played many of these that did nothing for me. I don't know what it is about this one that makes it special. It was supposed to be new, so it should have whatever the OEM pickups are and be otherwise stock. But it impressed She Who Must Be Obeyed enough to get her to try to pay for it before I had a chance to make up my mind whether it was something I wanted or not. She's my harshest critic, but she thinks me and a given instrument are a match, she's be right, 100% of the time, so far.

I couldn't be more delighted with it, and really don't forsee a need or desire for another semi-hollow instrument.

Gutch · #18 03-06-2015, 08:47 PM

I went through this just recently, looking for a reasonably priced hollowbody for jazz work. Search resulted in picking up a new Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II. Call me old fashioned, but I still trust Epi more than the newcomers to the market like The Loar and Eastman - even if they come out of the same factories.

The JP model has been around for years and has built in a variety of Asian factories. The latest version's finish is a lot thinner than the tone deadening glooped on poly boat anchors of years past. You can actually see the Spruce grain coming through on the top of this one. The Maple lam b/s and the three piece Maple neck still make this one fairly heavy, but I really like the tone. The neck is very comfortable and easy to play. I was ready to upgrade the electronics, but I found the pickups are perfect for old fashioned jazz soloing.

I'm sure there are better archtops out there, but for $599 new, I think it's a great deal.

Texsunburst59 · #19 03-07-2015, 08:10 AM

This is a good guitar and for your asking price:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/reverend-man...item35e603fdfe

Gasworker · #20 03-07-2015, 08:23 AM

Oo oops Never mind

Dadzmad · #21 03-08-2015, 01:32 PM

I really like my Godin 5th Ave Kingpin (single pickup) both unplugged and amplifed. Has a real punchy sound.

dagobert · #22 03-08-2015, 06:59 PM

I may be a little biased- Ibanz Artcore AF75TDGIV

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...lectric-guitar

Or a Epiphone DOT Studio if you can find one that speaks to you.

fuman · #23 03-17-2015, 12:57 PM

PRS SE Zach Myers. Playability is great on these SE's and even the stock pickups sound pretty good. This model has an intonatable bridge. The guy who suggested Ibanez Artist is on the right track. You can get a semihollow (AM-193) that's pretty similar but price might be a little high for you. If you're going solid I would get a Fender Baja Player Tele.

DM728 · #24 03-17-2015, 02:52 PM

Epiphone ES-339 PRO
http://www.epiphone.com/Products/Arc...S-339-PRO.aspx

It can be had for less than $600. I like the idea of the coil tap. I have it on my epi Nighthawk Custom reissue. Good stuff!

Edit : I posted this before I saw the thread on the 339. Still my choice! Giddy -up!!

GHS · #25 03-17-2015, 07:56 PM

I do not own one but I have played the Epiphone Les Paul Tribute Plus and love it. Right now they are about 700 but they do knock off 20% during the year and with the hard case its hard to beat.

BoneDigger · #26 03-17-2015, 08:30 PM

I think I'd opt for an Electromatic.

Todd

SFCRetired · #27 03-18-2015, 08:53 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dagobert

I may be a little biased- Ibanz Artcore AF75TDGIV

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...lectric-guitar

Or a Epiphone DOT Studio if you can find one that speaks to you.

I agree,

I picked up this AG85 for 375 shipped. Took it in and had it set up and looked at and I was told this was a steal. Of course I always felt like it was. The replacement for this model is the AG95 for 700 bucks.

oatsoda · #28 03-18-2015, 11:03 AM

I'm really pleased with my Gretsch Electromatic 5120. I traded a Squier CV 50's tele for it. If you're not a wang bar enthusiast, you can retrofit it with their trapeze tailpiece and look like Steve Miller at Monterey Pops for about $25.

Feels great, and I find the stock pups to sound good too. Heard lots of reports of folks replacing them with TV Jones, but it sounds great as is for the stuff I do.

maxtheaxe · #29 03-18-2015, 01:13 PM

I would have to agree with the Epiphone Casino, with the caveat that, if you're playing anything louder than typical jazz/bebop style, you may have feedback issues since there is no center block like a 335 has. These things can really get to howling...it can be fun but it can also interfere.

In this case, might try an Epiphone Sheraton, Dot or possibly one of the Ibanez Artist semi-hollows in that price range...really nice guitars for the money.

psychojohn · #30 03-18-2015, 02:23 PM

EPIPHONE LES PAUL 60'S TRIBUTE PLUS: Although an Epi, it is built with two different Gibson Humbuckers (one is the classic and I don't recall the other) and Gibson tuning hard wear and beautiful AAA flamed tops. $599 with hard case at Sweetwater last time I checked. Very nice playable neck and a tone that rivals any Gibby LP.

John