The Chetboard

Hi All,

I am in the market for an archtop; however, I do not wish to pay more than $1K. As a result, please provide any input that will help me decide on which models offer the best value with the highest quality for the money.

Thanks very much for your suggestions,

Steve

Ibanez Jazzbox if you're lookin' for an electric . . .

Good advice from Mike. I own an AFS75 transparent red like this one. A very good instrument, and highly affordable. The picture doesnt´do it justice, it´s much prettier in the flesh.

http://www.ebay.com/itm/IBANEZ-AFS75TRD ... 1017wt_871

Mike and Vidar,

Thanks very much. Does anyone have any experience with the Godin electric archtops, how do they compare?

Thanks,

Steve

PERSONALLY, I'd play 'em both BEFORE I'd make any decision . . .

I personally would go with the Jazz Box, as I'd had an on-going relationship with Ibanez as a dealer for years WITHOUT a SINGLE problem that wasn't easily resolved with the importer or distributor. Their quality control is second to none for a guitar at ANY price ! ! !

Godin is a good brand also.

You also have to remember that the price range your in is gonna get you a plywood top and back instrument, so the emphasis is going to mainly be on playability . . .

Steve,

Here is my two cents....I would recommend the new Strombergs...I have the old style with the awesome Kent Armstrong floating humbucker. Many Jazz player who do not wish to take their $20,000 archtop out on gigs use these
They go for ound $1000 and play great...I filmed my Chet Licks DVD with the Stromberg and the bulk of my Chet Tribute project is on the Stromberg, not a Gretsch (of course, everyone who has heard some of the tracks comment on how killer the Gretsch is on those tracks....I just smile, because it is the Stromberg).

John

Hi John,

What's the top constructed of . . . just curious ? ? ?

Thanks, Mike

Hi John,

Thanks very much for your reply. Are you referring to the Montreux model as shown in the link below?

http://strombergguitars.com/pages/montreux.html

Thanks,

Steve

Pretty impressive ! ! !

I'd seen them at NAMM a few years ago with a friend who's still in the business. I recall them being far more expensive then . . .

On the bay, a couple of Eastman guitars in the "T" series (used) have recently gone for under 1000. I played a few of these in the local store and, if I had not already had too many guitars (I suppose that there is such a condition!), I would have bought the first one I played right on the spot. I am pretty sure that all the Eastman guitars have a 1-3/4" nut, too. You might want to investigate their website. Do not confuse Eastman with Eastwood. Eastman quality and workmanship is second-to-none, so don't pre-judge these guitars based on the contry of origin. If you are patient, you might even be able to get a big fat Eastman jazz-box for 1000.

The D'Angelicos made by Vestax are also very nice instruments: http://www.ebay.com/itm/DAngelico-Excel ... 4ab372640d (I know nothing about this particular seller.)

And the Strombergs mentioned by John also look nice. Thanks John, it's nice to know that those are around! I'll be looking for those in the local stores!

Mark