Help with hollowbody purchase...

[rmp]

I really like my Epiphones (Broadway, Regent, Swingster)... which are all hollow bodies in the price range you're looking at.

(Regent's are disco'd so you'd have to shop out a used one)

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by rdawsoniii

Oooo...Musician's Friend has the Gretsch 5422T for $599.

- and GC has the 2016 Gretsch 5622T-CB for $100 more:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-...tric-Guitar.gc

Depends exactly what you want out of your guitar: the 5422 is more traditional in terms of looks/feel/tone (if you've ever wanted a '64 Nashville but couldn't afford it this is as good as it gets, and better in most cases - I've played a couple dozen originals), whereas the 3-PU 5622 is the guitar Gretsch should have built in 1966 - more versatile as well as more high-gain-friendly thanks to the ES-335 style center block, and if you're a Strat player it's the only hollowbody that'll get you those #2 and #4 tones; quite frankly you can't go wrong with either one...

Originally Posted by rdawsoniii

...How do you like your Bugera V5? I have one and think it is great.

Picked one up myself at the GC Washington's Birthday sale - also own a mildly-modded V22 that's been well-documented on this forum - and you're not going to find anything with that level of tone/QC for anywhere near the price. Shame they use those $1.29 POS Chinese tubes - a good set of glassware turned my V22 into a 45-pound tone monster that'll hang with boutique amps at three and four times its cost; if you're interested in upgrading - a plug-&-play proposition with any single-ended Class-A amp like the V5 (my V22 needed to be rebiased) - thetubestore.com has NOS Soviet-era mil-spec tubes that are every bit as tough and rugged as their heritage implies:

http://www.thetubestore.com/Shop-by-...remium-Package

BTW, order the matched triodes in the preamp tube: tightens up your clean tone, smoothes out your OD, and well worth the extra $5...

[jim777]

Like Steve said earlier, the X-175 is IMHO by far the best of that lot, but not really what you're looking for, unfortunately. I had an older Epi Joe Pass model that I took the pickups out of and replaced with GFS Filter'trons. It was an inexpensive guitar, inexpensive pickups, and it did the rockabilly thing beautifully That was a fun guitar, no doubt - had a very Brian Setzer vibe to it at the end when it was done.

That said, I would likely look at a Tele or Strat as well, as they will also do what you want. Hollow bodies and "classic rock" don't really work too well together. I used to play my 175 for one tune a night, because I loved playing it, but with monitors it is a handful feedback wise. Maybe consider a semi-hollow instead of a straight hollow body? There are tons of 335 types out there in all price ranges and they are more versatile than full hollows and less prone to feedback. Heck, a PRS Custom 24 SE would do all you want and they are in your price range and very versatile, high quality instruments as well.

[rdawsoniii]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

- and GC has the 2016 Gretsch 5622T-CB for $100 more:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-...tric-Guitar.gc

Depends exactly what you want out of your guitar: the 5422 is more traditional in terms of looks/feel/tone (if you've ever wanted a '64 Nashville but couldn't afford it this is as good as it gets, and better in most cases - I've played a couple dozen originals), whereas the 3-PU 5622 is the guitar Gretsch should have built in 1966 - more versatile as well as more high-gain-friendly thanks to the ES-335 style center block, and if you're a Strat player it's the only hollowbody that'll get you those #2 and #4 tones; quite frankly you can't go wrong with either one...


Picked one up myself at the GC Washington's Birthday sale - also own a mildly-modded V22 that's been well-documented on this forum - and you're not going to find anything with that level of tone/QC for anywhere near the price. Shame they use those $1.29 POS Chinese tubes - a good set of glassware turned my V22 into a 45-pound tone monster that'll hang with boutique amps at three and four times its cost; if you're interested in upgrading - a plug-&-play proposition with any single-ended Class-A amp like the V5 (my V22 needed to be rebiased) - thetubestore.com has NOS Soviet-era mil-spec tubes that are every bit as tough and rugged as their heritage implies:

http://www.thetubestore.com/Shop-by-...remium-Package

BTW, order the matched triodes in the preamp tube: tightens up your clean tone, smoothes out your OD, and well worth the extra $5...

Yes, the 5622 isn't that much more...but I don't like the color choices. I know...picky picky picky.

I did replace the stock tubes in the V5 with a JAN Phillips 12AT7 and a
Tung-sol EL84. A lot of folks report a huge sound upgrade by replacing the stock speaker with an Eminence 820H ("Chemp"). This I have not done.

I keep coming back to the Godin......that is probably what I will end up with.

[rdawsoniii]

Originally Posted by jim777

Like Steve said earlier, the X-175 is IMHO by far the best of that lot, but not really what you're looking for, unfortunately. I had an older Epi Joe Pass model that I took the pickups out of and replaced with GFS Filter'trons. It was an inexpensive guitar, inexpensive pickups, and it did the rockabilly thing beautifully That was a fun guitar, no doubt - had a very Brian Setzer vibe to it at the end when it was done.

That said, I would likely look at a Tele or Strat as well, as they will also do what you want. Hollow bodies and "classic rock" don't really work too well together. I used to play my 175 for one tune a night, because I loved playing it, but with monitors it is a handful feedback wise. Maybe consider a semi-hollow instead of a straight hollow body? There are tons of 335 types out there in all price ranges and they are more versatile than full hollows and less prone to feedback. Heck, a PRS Custom 24 SE would do all you want and they are in your price range and very versatile, high quality instruments as well.

I listed classic rock...but I don't really play that. If fact, I can barely play anything. I don't care for strats or teles. I suppose if I want to play classic rock my Les Paul will be sufficient. I am planning on taking lessons again (for blues guitar, and hopefully with a better teacher than I had 20 years ago).

Since I have a solid body and an acoustic, I am looking for hollow/semi hollow to fill the gaps. I don't go for the hard stuff...more vintage.

[6L6]

I've owned and gigged with a ton of very cool guitars since I started back in 1964.

After all the Pre CBS fenders, Custom Shop Fenders, ES-335's, Gretsches, etc., one guitar proved to be head and shoulders better than the rest...

Meet my 1960 Harmony Meteor:



This is what the Rolling Stones played early on and that's one reason I love their early records the best. Those INCREDIBLE DeArmond "Gold Foil" pickups just can't be beat for TONE! Put them in that hollow body and the result is TONE that is FAT FAT FAT!!!!!

Here's one for sale at Gryphon. I've played it and it KILLS! A little more than you wanted to spend, but worth every penny. I would have saved many thousands of dollars over the year searching for "my tone" if I'd found my Harmony Meteor early on. The search would have been over.

https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/prod...teor-h70-47783

[rdawsoniii]

Originally Posted by 6L6

I've owned and gigged with a ton of very cool guitars since I started back in 1964.

After all the Pre CBS fenders, Custom Shop Fenders, ES-335's, Gretsches, etc., one guitar proved to be head and shoulders better than the rest...

Meet my 1960 Harmony Meteor:



This is what the Rolling Stones played early on and that's one reason I love their early records the best. Those INCREDIBLE DeArmond "Gold Foil" pickups just can't be beat for TONE! Put them in that hollow body and the result is TONE that is FAT FAT FAT!!!!!

Here's one for sale at Gryphon. I've played it and it KILLS! A little more than you wanted to spend, but worth every penny. I would have saved many thousands of dollars over the year searching for "my tone" if I'd found my Harmony Meteor early on. The search would have been over.

https://shop.gryphonstrings.com/prod...teor-h70-47783

That is a nice guitar you have!

[FrankHudson]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

- and GC has the 2016 Gretsch 5622T-CB for $100 more:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/Gretsch-...tric-Guitar.gc

Depends exactly what you want out of your guitar: the 5422 is more traditional in terms of looks/feel/tone (if you've ever wanted a '64 Nashville but couldn't afford it this is as good as it gets, and better in most cases - I've played a couple dozen originals), whereas the 3-PU 5622 is the guitar Gretsch should have built in 1966 - more versatile as well as more high-gain-friendly thanks to the ES-335 style center block, and if you're a Strat player it's the only hollowbody that'll get you those #2 and #4 tones; quite frankly you can't go wrong with either one...

I'm not the OP, but I want to thank Steve for the very detailed and helpful descriptions in this thread. Really superior descriptive work.

Myself, I have just about any combination I desire in electric guitars, including three full hollow bodies, but I've never owned a Gretsch. It took me a few days to come to terms with needing to sell one to get one, but I've just ordered one of those $599 Gretsch Electromatic G5422T models based on that long-time "why don't I have a Gretsch" thoughts and Steve's words.

As to the feedback issues with full hollow bodies (I almost typed "howl bodies" there): you deal with it, no worse than flat top acoustics. The one sound not mentioned so far in the gallery of classic 60s Gretsch players was the Velvet Underground. Their first two albums and the Epi Casino used for the intro to The Beatles "I Feel Fine" let you know that you can sort of ride that wild beast for effect.

The three pickup model didn't fill a need for me as I tend to get that from "Nashville style" Telecasters or a couple of Strats I have access to.

[Rubsoul]

Hey Rdawson,

Godin A6 is a great choice on your list. If you go with a Tele, go with the Thinline.
I recently bought a new Guild M-75 (hollow and a great sound) They sell for $1049 and found one on Reverb 15% off, no tax, free shipping and was delivered to the door for $893 (guild hard-shell case too)

Good luck with your quest!

[rdawsoniii]

Well.....I finally decided on the Gretsch 5422....Musician's Friend was out of stock but I could reserve one at $599. I added it to my cart Sunday evening but failed to actually finish the purchase (something came up and I had to log off the computer). Monday morning when I went to complete the transaction, it went back up to $799. When I contacted MF to see if they would still honor the $599, they refused (but offered me a whopping $10 discount instead).

Technically I missed the boat, but figured since it had only been 10 hours, they would work with me. Nope. So no Gretsch for me unless someone else puts in on sale.

I found the Godin I was looking at for a steal of a price...but it just sounds too much like a jazz box...I can't find any you tube videos that show that the guitar will give me rockabilly, twang, or a George Thoroughgood "crunch". I have been told it WILL give me those, but I want to actually hear it.

So.....no guitar for me right now. I took too long to research the Gretsch. Should have pulled the trigger earlier.

[Yamaha Man]

+1 on the Gretsch.

[#GoKingsGo]

Originally Posted by mr. beaumont

The Godin is an outstanding guitar. Not flashy, but I think the best of the bunch.



You could even put a Bigsby on that for the rockabilly stuff, I suppose (man, I hate Bigsbys)

I second this.........the Godin KP II is marvelous...... I used to have one w/P90's and it was indeed very versatile and easy to play......

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by rdawsoniii

...I found the Godin I was looking at for a steal of a price...but it just sounds too much like a jazz box...I can't find any YouTube videos that show that the guitar will give me rockabilly, twang, or a George Thorogood "crunch." I have been told it WILL give me those, but I want to actually hear it...I took too long to research the Gretsch. Should have pulled the trigger earlier.

My thoughts:

• ES-295 sounds like a jazz box - didn't stop Scotty Moore...
• ES-175 sounds like a jazz box - didn't stop B.B. King or Steve Howe...
• ES-350 sounds like a jazz box - didn't stop Chuck Berry...
• ES-125 sounds like a jazz box, through a clean amp - George Thorogood saw other possibilities...
• Byrdland was designed as a thin-body jazz/country guitar - ask Ted Nugent what he thinks...
• Gibson intended the '58-60 PAF LP to be a solidbody jazz guitar - Keith Richards was arguably the first (in late-'63) to discover its potential as an all-out rock machine...
• None of those guys had YouTube videos to show them the "right" guitar for their style of music...

That said:

• If it's a CL ad, you're going to need to deal in person anyway - bring your own amp with you when you try it out...
• If it's an online ad, see if the seller has a return policy - plenty of AGF'ers (myself included) buy this way, and you can try it out with your own equipment in a low-pressure setting...
• If it's really a steal move on it before you regret it, even if only out of curiosity - I got my Godin brand-new for just a tick over $600 (versus $1K street), and I'd be kicking myself to this day if I didn't...

[rdawsoniii]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

My thoughts:

• ES-295 sounds like a jazz box - didn't stop Scotty Moore...
• ES-175 sounds like a jazz box - didn't stop B.B. King or Steve Howe...
• ES-350 sounds like a jazz box - didn't stop Chuck Berry...
• ES-125 sounds like a jazz box, through a clean amp - George Thorogood saw other possibilities...
• Byrdland was designed as a thin-body jazz/country guitar - ask Ted Nugent what he thinks...
• Gibson intended the '58-60 PAF LP to be a solidbody jazz guitar - Keith Richards was arguably the first (in late-'63) to discover its potential as an all-out rock machine...
• None of those guys had YouTube videos to show them the "right" guitar for their style of music...

That said:

• If it's a CL ad, you're going to need to deal in person anyway - bring your own amp with you when you try it out...
• If it's an online ad, see if the seller has a return policy - plenty of AGF'ers (myself included) buy this way, and you can try it out with your own equipment in a low-pressure setting...
• If it's really a steal move on it before you regret it, even if only out of curiosity - I got my Godin brand-new for just a tick over $600 (versus $1K street), and I'd be kicking myself to this day if I didn't...

Actually...the Goden is a blem for $699 from an online retailer. Maybe not the best price in the world but it was a steal in my mind. I have purchased blems in the past and the imperfections were so small you had to look for them. Full warranty and 45 day return. I would love to try one out, but there just isn't a Godin in Des Moines, Iowa.

I did get MF down to $650 on the Gretsch. I will decide tomorrow.

[Steve DeRosa]

Originally Posted by rdawsoniii

Actually...the Godin is a blem for $699 from an online retailer. Maybe not the best price in the world but it was a steal in my mind. I have purchased blems in the past and the imperfections were so small you had to look for them. Full warranty and 45 day return. I would love to try one out, but there just isn't a Godin in Des Moines, Iowa...

I'd go for it on that basis alone...