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  #1  
Old 09-19-2011, 02:23 PM
Rossw Rossw is offline
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Default Woul'd like your opinion - Best Archtop under $10k

It took me a long time to realize it, but I'm in love with an Archtop. I recently bought an Eastman 605ce from a member of AGF and can't put it down. It's everything I want in a guitar as is sounds great acoustically as well as plugged it.

I played some lower end Ephiphones and Ibanzez that almost sound like toys compared to the Eastman, which got me thinking....How much better would a higher Archtop end sound compared to the Eastman?

This one will last me a while and I have no plans of upgrading soon, but I will certainly start obsessing over my next one (whenever that will be).

So please help me start my obsession. If you had $3k-$10k to spend on an Archtop (Floating pickup as a strong preference)..what would it be?

Gibson, Benedetto, Heritage, D'Aquisto, Hofner, Gretsch, Eastman...??
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Old 09-19-2011, 02:25 PM
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drcmusic7 drcmusic7 is offline
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I can't say enough good things about Erich Solomon. Highly recommended. If I buy a new archtop, it will be from him.

http://www.solomonguitars.com/

Kindly,
Danny
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Old 09-19-2011, 02:42 PM
rgregg48 rgregg48 is offline
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Luthier Walter Lay make a model called the Eva-Marie which is one of the best
i have ever played and he is well within your price point,
http://www.walterlay.com/guitars.html

You can check it out,
best
Rick
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Old 09-19-2011, 02:54 PM
Dr. Jazz Dr. Jazz is offline
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Huge fan of Steve Andersen. Great guy and truly wonderful guitars.

http://www.andersenguitars.com/
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Old 09-19-2011, 03:00 PM
bohemian bohemian is offline
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An original Stromberg if I could find one in that price range...

other than that...

http://www.slamanguitars.com/

Last edited by bohemian; 09-19-2011 at 03:11 PM.
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Old 09-19-2011, 03:20 PM
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Tele1111 Tele1111 is offline
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Heritage Golden Eagle. I've always wanted to own one. I've owned a couple other archtops of theirs, but that's the one I still want. I'm sure I'll find one someday..................

There are a lot of small luthiers I'd consider as well. What specifically you want in terms of build and sound will/should dictate what you get. But you did ask what I would get, so now you know!
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Old 09-19-2011, 03:28 PM
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Larry Pattis Larry Pattis is offline
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Steve Holst Guitars


Aaron Andrews Guitars
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Old 09-19-2011, 04:13 PM
Rossw Rossw is offline
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Default very nice

Regarding these small production Luthiers; Do you buy them sight unseen?

I'm surprised no one said Gibson? yet
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Old 09-19-2011, 04:48 PM
bosrocker51 bosrocker51 is offline
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Default new v old

You are considering new and old? Somebody mentioned a Stromberg. They are vintage... There are a LOT of vintage archtops, and the design and type of pickup will make a huge difference in sound.

There are a ton of really nice archtops out there for pretty small money, but I have not had one since I sold my Lee Gibbs Concertone years ago - kind of a budget guitar, but my first, and not a bad one.

I love vintage Gibsons, so I suggest you try some, but ultimately, it's your choice

Good luck in your search...
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Old 09-19-2011, 04:51 PM
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossw View Post
Regarding these small production Luthiers; Do you buy them sight unseen?

Some customers are comfortable with this, some are not...

...and each circumstance is different.

I see you're in NY...are you going to (or even aware of) the Woodstock Luthier's Invitational Showcase in Woodstock (doh!), NY next month.

There are sure to be some archtop builders with guitars on display there. Sometimes these regional/national shows provide a good opportunity to meet the builders, and provide some hands-on experience with small-shop builders.
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Old 09-19-2011, 04:52 PM
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Check out our friend Michael Lewis' work.

http://www.michaellewisinstruments.com/
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Old 09-19-2011, 04:54 PM
RiloKiley RiloKiley is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Rossw View Post
Regarding these small production Luthiers; Do you buy them sight unseen?

I'm surprised no one said Gibson? yet
I would think that you more or less have to. Many luthiers do not build guitars unless they have a specific order. Some of them may have other guitars kicking around the shop, but probably not too many (if any). When you're talking that price range you probably can't afford to keep a whole bunch on hand.
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Old 09-19-2011, 04:56 PM
mr. beaumont mr. beaumont is offline
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Small shop: Hofner. Amazing guitars, new, well within your budget, and used, a ridiculous bargain.

Independent lutheir: Campellone. Beautiful work.

Andersen makes some amazing guitars, but I've not seen a full sized archtop from him under 10k...but I'm only commenting on what I've actually seen and played, not stuff I've heard about.
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Old 09-19-2011, 05:03 PM
Dr. Jazz Dr. Jazz is offline
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I wouldn't buy an arch top builder's instruments without at least playing an example. There is such variation. There is even variation in the same product line. The great Doug Green once told me that there are good D'Angelicos, L5s, etc and lesser ones. I love the old archies, but they, like all vintage instruments, can be a handful to keep up. They are harder to work on and not many luthiers feel comfortable with doing extensive work on them.

A good dealer for vintage arch tops is Joe Vinkow at www.archtops.com
He is particularly fond of New York Epis which I feel are still a bargain. Old L5s are going for 7 - $20K but you can still find a good Deluxe or Emperor under $5K and in many cases can be every bit the instrument.

I currently own a '65 L-5C, a '36 Epiphone Emperor, a 50 L4, a '48 L-50, and a 90s Andersen Streamline.
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Old 09-19-2011, 05:59 PM
jimmi423 jimmi423 is offline
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Buscarino guitars - John Buscarino. Find one used for under 10K.
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