Tired Ol' Question about Acoustic Archtops

[jdmulli]

I'm sure it has been asked before, but I don't get along with the search function.

I want an all acoustic archtop for playing with an acoustic string band. I'm going to mostly be chunking out chords, but I might play over a few changes occasionally.

Musical styles will vary from jazz to bluegrass to western swing to singer songwriter. This guitar doesn't have to fit perfectly with every style we will be playing, but I want it to be loud.

My budget is $2000, but I'd like to stay substantially under that because this guitar will be played outside a lot and I don't want to subject a 2G guitar to the elements, unless I have to spend that much to get a quality sound.

What guitar should I get?

Thanks

[Bruce Sexauer]

There's no question in the post.

[jdmulli]

Originally Posted by Bruce Sexauer

There's no question in the post.

Thanks for pointing that out. I added the appropriate punctuation.

[funkymonk#9]

Just because you can spend $2,000 doesn't mean you have to, most will advise going slightly over that anyway.

What archtops have you played thus far?

[jdmulli]

Originally Posted by funkymonk#9

Just because you can spend $2,000 doesn't mean you have to, most will advise going slightly over that anyway.

What archtops have you played thus far?

I've played most of the pac-rim offerings - The Loar, Eastman, and Gretsch in the sub-1000 category. I haven't, however, played any of the higher number Eastman Archtops. Other than a few old catalog guitars (silvertone, harmony), that's about it.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by jdmulli

...I want an all acoustic archtop for playing with an acoustic string band. I'm going to mostly be chunking out chords, but I might play over a few changes occasionally. Musical styles will vary from jazz to bluegrass to western swing to singer songwriter. This guitar doesn't have to fit perfectly with every style we will be playing, but I want it to be loud...

Yunzhi custom-builds Eastman-style archtops to order - a few of the forum regulars have them and they've been well-reviewed. If it's volume you're after, they'll build you a Gibson Super 400/Epiphone Emperor-style 18" non-cut '40s comp box to your specs (scale length, finish, neck width, etc.) for under $1200 last time I checked - and you're not going to beat that anyhow, anywhere; here's the link:

http://yunzhiguitar.diytrade.com/

[Spook]

I'm a big fan of Yunzhi/Mr Wu guitars and have several of them. Great guitars at any price but thanks to globalization, they've been the best deal in guitars for many years now. Thing is they build on the Benedetto model and I'm not sure that would be best for what you have in mind. Benedetto style guitars tend to be on the bright side and while the chunky chord thing would certainly cut through, it might be too metallic.

[jdmulli]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Yunzhi custom-builds Eastman-style archtops to order - a few of the forum regulars have them and they've been well-reviewed. If it's volume you're after, they'll build you a Gibson Super 400/Epiphone Emperor-style 18" non-cut '40s comp box to your specs (scale length, finish, neck width, etc.) for under $1200 last time I checked - and you're not going to beat that anyhow, anywhere; here's the link:

http://yunzhiguitar.diytrade.com/

I gave the website a look, and honestly, I'm a little overwhelmed by the options. I suppose I need to do more research.

[cmajor9]

If you want the classic, mid-focused sound of a 20s Gibson, try a Loar 600 or 700. They have good projection to cut through, and are reasonably priced.

For a good source on swing-era guitars and playing styles, check out: http://www.campusfive.com/swingguitarblog/

[mr. beaumont]

The Loar is the only budget box I'd consider for that application.

Keep in mind, the non-cutaway models have a pronounced V neck.

Eastmans are nice, but as mentioned above, they build on the Benedetto model, X braced, much more "polite" sounding acoustically. Not Where I'd look to go for this sound.

At the 2k mark there are some lower model vintage Gibsons in your bracket, but I'll be perfectly honest, I've never been impressed by an L-50 or similar.

Not an archtop, but have you looked at any "gypsy jazz" style guitars?

[Howard Klepper]

If my goals and budget were yours, I would be looking for a used pre-Gibson Epiphone, most likely a Triumph.

[jdmulli]

I'm going to try and get my hands on one of those higher model Loars and give it a test drive.

I haven't really considered a gypsy jazz guitar. I don't know much about them. I'll check out some videos.

[Archtop Guy]

I'll second Howard's suggestion of an Epi Triumph. Suggest late 40's.

[mr. beaumont]

A used Epiphone like a Triumph is a good choice...depending on where you live, you might get one in your price range.

Here in Chicago, I dunno...people are getting hip to the older Epiphones, I guess...prices are going up around here.

[Howard Klepper]

There is almost always at least one on Ebay at an OK price. Like today:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/1942-Epiphon...sAAOSwL7VWnAXv

or on Reverb:

https://reverb.com/item/947835-1943-...archtop-guitar

https://reverb.com/item/2250143-epip...h-1951-natural

Or on gbase: https://www.gbase.com/gear/epiphone-...-dark-sunburst