First Archtop

[HNS]

Howdy folks

I'm hoping to buy my first archtop this year. I'm naturally hoping for an es-335, but I'm also considering other less pricey options like an es-339 and Midtown, as well as the cheaper Epi Sheraton II (+ changing the electronics). The price differential is big, used is an option as well. I'm mainly a hobbyist who plays at home. I have a Gibson Les Paul and a Deluxe Strat and bunch of acoustic guitars. I heard that the more comfortable 339 has some of the woody/airiness character of a 335 but falls in between the 335 and a solid body. It seems that its resale value is less than the 335 as well.

 

 

Putting the allure of the Es-335 aside, what would you recommend.

Thanks for you advice in advance

Cheers

[Versatile]

Hi HNS...

 

A great place to be...looking for a first archtop...

 

There are many enthusiasts hereon who may add their own recommendations etc

 

For me personally, an archtop would be a fully hollow jazzer like the ES 175, Byrdland, L5 or similar...

 

Guitars like the ES 335, ES 339 etc are 'centre-block' semis with IMO less of the fine craft in construction of the hollow archtop...and 'stop' bridges and tailpieces rather than floating and trapeze typical of the hollow guitars...

 

All fine and dandy, each to their own as always...

 

IMO two great guitars in this category, as well as the ES 335, are the 'centre block' ES 137 and the 'hollow' ES 330 (very similar to the Epiphone Casino)...

 

Enjoy the chase...

 

V

 

[HNS]

Thanks V

I just have to find the dough for a Gibson, what do you think of the EPi's I'm now in Germany and prices are really high here with VAT and all.

Cheers

HNS

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Hi HNS...

 

A great place to be...looking for a first archtop...

 

There are many enthusiasts hereon who may add their own recommendations etc

 

For me personally, an archtop would be a fully hollow jazzer like the ES 175, Byrdland, L5 or similar...

 

Guitars like the ES 335, ES 339 etc are 'centre-block' semis with IMO less of the fine craft in construction of the hollow archtop...and 'stop' bridges and tailpieces rather than floating and trapeze typical of the hollow guitars...

 

All fine and dandy, each to their own as always...

 

IMO two great guitars in this category, as well as the ES 335, are the 'centre block' ES 137 and the 'hollow' ES 330 (very similar to the Epiphone Casino)...

 

Enjoy the chase...

 

V

 

[jimmyl51]

It doesn't sound to me that you are into straightahead jazz which would indicate your interest in the 335 instrument area. I would not even consider the full thickness archtop unless $$$$ is not an issue to you. The 335 cost is bad enough financially. If you can handle the cost you can do no wrong with a 335. Gibsons are very overpriced these days so if this is your first Gibson guitar I would keep it really simple possibly looking at a used Gibson so as not to break the bank. Good luck! jim in Maine

[archtop tom]

Have to echo Versatile and Jim. Without getting lost in semantics, I don't think the 335 is strictly speaking an archtop, but it's definitely incredibly versatile, and dialed right can do the same kind of jazz tones plus a LOT more - always want one in the back of my mind, but have to keep the GAS in check :-) That said, there's a model of 330 (I think) that's closer to archtop construction with a trapeze tailpiece, though I'm not sure the top is actually carved. On a budget you're going to do a lot better finding a used non-collector model or a fixer-upper, but I can't speak for your circumstances - don't know the German market at all. I have to be really careful with this next suggestion because I just rejoined this forum after a long time away and I really don't want to rub anyone the wrong way,but if your not set on vintage/Gibson, you might check out Peerless guitars. I am NOT a rep, but I do own 2 and they're both incredibly well built solid-wood instruments for the money. They're South Korean and have been private-labeling for pretty much every high-end Asian builder. You won't have any resale value whatsover, but you'll have a really nice playing guitar to keep. Check out Matt on their Rennaissance (335 copy):

 

 

HTH & happy hunting - it really is half the fun!

[Drog]

Epiphone Dot, Shearaton, or Casino are all good places to start. Just get a good setup, fret level and polish and you may want to change pickups and hardware later. If you want a Gibson, the new 2014 335 Studio is nice. Maybe even an Ibanez?

[Bernie69]

Hi;

 

I agree with the prévious answers;

I think that switching fom a Les Paul to a Hollow body is a big décision

but if it's your choice you can get a good Epiphone Emperor(500 euros) or Ibanez without too much impacting your savings.They are not too big and very well made.

 

But having started with an epi hollow and bought later on a Gibson 339 I can only recommand this amazing little guitar. Makes audience crying when you play the blues and very good for jazz too thanks to the classic 57 pick ups ( I Play Jazz in a music school band).Never a technical probem with the amps or on stage, you quickly find the right sound. It keeps its resale price like the ES335 but on a different scale

example: I paid mine 1600 euros 5 years ago and the used resale price now is also 1500/1600 euros and you all know that keeping its value is the best deal you can think of ( usually the resale price of an used guitar is 30/50% the price of a new one).

If you can't afford it you are right to look for Epis, there is the SHeraton, the epi 339s

and again there is a very good 335 Ibanez clone a bit more expensive but with an amazing mellow jazzy tone.

I hope you'll find you Jazz axe soon and send pictures.

 

I'm not a fan of the Pearless sound on the video

[HNS]

Thank you everybody for these great comments, please bear with me I'm in the initial stage of confusion of a tough GAS attack !!! :lol: :lol: :lol: :lol:

 

Jim: Price is always a factor ... but so is tone and resale value, and I keep on tossing to and fro between them.. I'm looking for this airy tone that you cant get out of Gibson Les Paul or a Strat....I know it gets better with a true hollow-body, but then the size issue (and I'm not getting any younger) and the price issue kicks in. The Epi's may seem as good alternative pricewise, but would it satisfy this GAS attack, or is it just another stepping stone to a Gibson? Quo Vadim!

 

Archtop Tom: I agree with you, an ES-335 isn't a true hollow body archtop, and If I have a LP, then I might be better advised to go for an ES-330 as you said or an Es 137, which is within the same price range as a 339, but without the center block. As for Priceless guitars, I don't know if that would keep the GAS at bay, but it sure is a good alternative given the price factor.

 

Bernie: Right! .. if the price consideration would win, I was thinking of the Casino, Emperor, Epiphone 50th Ann. 1962 Sorrento, alongside with the semi hollow 335/Sheraton and 339. As for the Gibson es-339 I tried, I liked the size a great deal (much better than a 335 or a true hollow body), but it's tone sits in between the 335 and the LP. I have no idea why? is it the ratio of the center block to the cavity under the top? As you said the Price is very lucrative. What's your experience with the sound? The resale value as you stated is a major major issue for me, the Epi would be sold at a great loss, Gibsons hold value, used Gibsons hold value even better.

 

My major problem with Epiphone is that at some point I'd be tempted to change the electronics and pickups, that's around 300 Euros minimum. 300 + 500 gets you into Midtown territory, or used Heritage in the US.

 

Please keep your comments coming.. cheers

HNS

[JimR56]

Howdy folks

I'm hoping to buy my first archtop this year. I'm naturally hoping for an es-335, but I'm also considering other less pricey options like an es-339 and Midtown, as well as the cheaper Epi Sheraton II (+ changing the electronics). The price differential is big, used is an option as well. I'm mainly a hobbyist who plays at home. I have a Gibson Les Paul and a Deluxe Strat and bunch of acoustic guitars. I heard that the more comfortable 339 has some of the woody/airiness character of a 335 but falls in between the 335 and a solid body. It seems that its resale value is less than the 335 as well.

 

 

Putting the allure of the Es-335 aside, what would you recommend.

Thanks for you advice in advance

Cheers

I have no idea what to recommend. What type of music do you listen to and play? What type do you see yourself playing on an archtop? Are there any particular players or recordings that inspire you to want an archtop? Anyone's tone that especially appeals to you?

 

I don't mean to imply anything about you with the following, but I've noticed a trend with some players (mostly younger guys or newer players), where they just try to assemble a collection of popular/famous guitar models (or cheaper variations of popular/famous models)... because that's what everyone else is doing. Everybody seems to think that if you want to be a serious player, you have to own at least one Les Paul, one Strat, a 335, a Martin, a PRS, etc etc etc. I think it makes sense for some, but only if a sincere need and desire exists to be a versatile player with a diverse palette of tones available. Just something to think about.

 

I actually have sort of experienced things in reverse of the above scenario. When I started playing around 1975, I was into blues and jazz, and I was an archtop guy almost exclusively for the next 30 years, focusing mostly on playing jazz. I owned a few Strats early on, but flipped them pretty quickly. I had about 30-40 Gibson archtops during those years, and a handful of semis. To this day, I've never owned a Les Paul, a Tele, or a Martin (or any flat-top guitars... never my thing). Always preferred vintage guitars, and have never been tempted to buy a new guitar. About ten years ago, I began wanting (and needing, due to a couple of new playing partnerships) to play other styles of music besides jazz, and I sold a few of my Gibson archtops and bought a Custom Shop Strat, a vintage Epi Sheraton, a Gretsch 6122, and a classical guitar. Never been happier, but I never felt like I needed a few of these until the music-playing interests led me to diversify.

[HNS]

Thanks Jim for your comments

I started playing in 1975 as well, but I'm mainly an acoustic guitar player. Over and above that I played and still play blues on the various strats I've owned over the years. Around a decade ago I've mildly treaded into Jazz, nothing serious, just fooling around with backing tracks. I bought a couple of guitars with humbuckers, which were never my thing before, and I ended with a 2002 Gibson Les Paul. Unfortunately, it may not be doing it for me.

 

I played a few ES models at the local retailer here in Berlin as well some wonderful German custom made hollow bodies, they seem to be speaking to my acoustic inclinations.

 

I play mostly at home, so feedback is not my main concern, but guitar size could be...I see myself playing improvisation on simple chord progressions and other non complicated pieces ..nothing fancy. the Guitars doesnt have to be vintage I went through that on my strats with a lot of pain and disappointment. I'm ok now with newer well made guitars :)

 

There was a JimR at the AGF, I previously traded a Larrivee L-19 for a Gibson Songwriter deluxe with in 2007...could that be you?

 

Cheers and thank you for your comments

HNS

 

I have no idea what to recommend. What type of music do you listen to and play? What type do you see yourself playing on an archtop? Are there any particular players or recordings that inspire you to want an archtop? Anyone's tone that especially appeals to you?

 

I don't mean to imply anything about you with the following, but I've noticed a trend with some players (mostly younger guys or newer players), where they just try to assemble a collection of popular/famous guitar models (or cheaper variations of popular/famous models)... because that's what everyone else is doing. Everybody seems to think that if you want to be a serious player, you have to own at least one Les Paul, one Strat, a 335, a Martin, a PRS, etc etc etc. I think it makes sense for some, but only if a sincere need and desire exists to be a versatile player with a diverse palette of tones available. Just something to think about.

 

I actually have sort of experienced things in reverse of the above scenario. When I started playing around 1975, I was into blues and jazz, and I was an archtop guy almost exclusively for the next 30 years, focusing mostly on playing jazz. I owned a few Strats early on, but flipped them pretty quickly. I had about 30-40 Gibson archtops during those years, and a handful of semis. To this day, I've never owned a Les Paul, a Tele, or a Martin (or any flat-top guitars... never my thing). Always preferred vintage guitars, and have never been tempted to buy a new guitar. About ten years ago, I began wanting (and needing, due to a couple of new playing partnerships) to play other styles of music besides jazz, and I sold a few of my Gibson archtops and bought a Custom Shop Strat, a vintage Epi Sheraton, a Gretsch 6122, and a classical guitar. Never been happier, but I never felt like I needed a few of these until the music-playing interests led me to diversify.

[Drog]

In my experience, if you long for a Gibson, then nothing else will do. You will buy a guitar and still want a Gibson. If you just want an semi-hollow/ archtop and have no brand in mind, just long for an archtop, then there are lots of different makes to choose and to fill price points. ( Ibanez, Eastman, Collings, Framus, D'angelico, etc).

 

But, if only a Gibson will do...then only a Gibson will do!

[Bernie69]

Hi HNS

 

I'm afraid Drog is awfully right, somebody has to tell the truth some time.

I was in the same situation 5 years ago, I had an epi Emperor and I wanted to upgrade the pups and also I nedeed another type of guitar as I liked the blues more and more and discovered the limitations of an hollow body for Hendrix or SRV stuff .

After having read that my Iconic dream guitar the ES335 was fine for the blues and Jazz

I was looking in this direction but the cash did not follow the same direction , and exactly at this point the ES339 appeared, still too expensive for me .. but . After having sold every gear I had =amps, Gibson acoustic, effects, I was ready to buy it but I had the last question: OK the 339 is magic for blues , but what about JAZZ ??? and then came the light= A guy calling himself "soopajeanmi" posted many Jazz videos on Youtube and they are still there.

To me it's perfectly Jazz, a least the kind of Jazz I like, I sent him a message and his answer was exactly Drog's answer.!!!

I hope this link will work otherwise type "soopajeanmi" on Youtube

 

 

What do you think of this ???? do you see the light? ( sorry but I cannot do anything for the cash !!!!)

[HNS]

Thanks Drog and Bernie , you're absolutely right .. I know the drill .. i've been there myself lol !!!!

 

Bernie ...the 339 I played was not as full, round toned and robust as the 335 I played.. I get a feeling that it falls between a solid body and the es-335.. was that you're experience ? but definitely the 339 is more comfy to play than the 335 which was like an acoustic dread.... Both are still great guitars ..... :)

Cheers

HS

[Drog]

Thanks Drog and Bernie , you're absolutely right .. I know the drill .. i've been there myself lol !!!!

 

Bernie ...the 339 I played was not as full, round toned and robust as the 335 I played.. I get a feeling that it falls between a solid body and the es-335.. was that you're experience ? but definitely the 339 is more comfy to play than the 335 which was like an acoustic dread.... Both are still great guitars ..... :)

Cheers

HS

 

If you like that airy quality of the larger body ES335, but like the size of the ES339, then I would suggest the ES336 which is a full hollow body arch top in the size of the ES339. They are fantastic instruments and a hidden gem.

[HNS]

If you like that airy quality of the larger body ES335, but like the size of the ES339, then I would suggest the ES336 which is a full hollow body arch top in the size of the ES339. They are fantastic instruments and a hidden gem.

 

 

That's good advice ! I need to try one. We don't get all the Gibson lineup here .... unfortunately !

 

Edit ... it seems that its also a semi hollow

http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Electric-Guitars/Archtop/Gibson-Custom/CS-336.aspx

 

I guess the 330 is the true hollow body

 

Thanks Drog

[Bernie69]

If you like that airy quality of the larger body ES335, but like the size of the ES339, then I would suggest the ES336 which is a full hollow body arch top in the size of the ES339. They are fantastic instruments and a hidden gem.

 

Hi

 

I fully agree with you

although my 339 is full of qualities, it's not the 335 magic sound, exactly like you said between the LP and 335. I would say rather on the 335 side because of the classic 57 pups.

As I said my choice was partly guided by the cash and by the fact that I have

never been really tempted by the "far east 335 clones" , their look is stunning =epis, Ibanez, peerless , even the amazing and expensive Yam SA2200 but I"m often disapointed by their sound.

I 'm presently gassing for a 335 but althought I have tried some, I'm not 100% sure that this guitar is for me? I have to check again the 2014 ones, because after years of 339 I'm accustomed of the TOP of playability, my playing improved 100% with this axe.

When I try a 335 I lose 20% of my ability,may be its the body shape, may be the higher frets ???

Drog I'm really interested about what you say about the CS336, could be an option for me an expensive one , but an option. I tried in UK a CS356, I have never seen such a jewel the koa top was amazing, and when I tried it I felt the same comfort as the 339.

 

Lord have mercy!!! ( as says the guy on the Wildwood guitar videos !!)

[HNS]

Hi

 

I fully agree with you

although my 339 is full of qualities, it's not the 335 magic sound, exactly like you said between the LP and 335. I would say rather on the 335 side because of the classic 57 pups.

As I said my choice was partly guided by the cash and by the fact that I have

never been really tempted by the "far east 335 clones" , their look is stunning =epis, Ibanez, peerless , even the amazing and expensive Yam SA2200 but I"m often disapointed by their sound.

I 'm presently gassing for a 335 but althought I have tried some, I'm not 100% sure that this guitar is for me? I have to check again the 2014 ones, because after years of 339 I'm accustomed of the TOP of playability, my playing improved 100% with this axe.

When I try a 335 I lose 20% of my ability,may be its the body shape, may be the higher frets ???

Drog I'm really interested about what you say about the CS336, could be an option for me an expensive one , but an option. I tried in UK a CS356, I have never seen such a jewel the koa top was amazing, and when I tried it I felt the same comfort as the 339.

 

Lord have mercy!!! ( as says the guy on the Wildwood guitar videos !!)

 

 

Bernie

I totally understand your predicament !

I too moved from dreads to OM's and smaller bodied guitars, the 335 would give me the oomph I want just like a dread, but the comfort coefficient decreases. In the acoustic guitar world I could mitigate some of the loss of projection and volume by an adirondack top.

 

Most people who took to the 339 never looked back to a 335, full sound or not ... you can see the 339 more often even in bars and gigs these days ...something that would have been much less a few years ago.

You're blessed !

Cheers

HS

[JimR56]

Thanks Jim for your comments

I started playing in 1975 as well, but I'm mainly an acoustic guitar player. Over and above that I played and still play blues on the various strats I've owned over the years. Around a decade ago I've mildly treaded into Jazz, nothing serious, just fooling around with backing tracks. I bought a couple of guitars with humbuckers, which were never my thing before, and I ended with a 2002 Gibson Les Paul. Unfortunately, it may not be doing it for me.

 

I played a few ES models at the local retailer here in Berlin as well some wonderful German custom made hollow bodies, they seem to be speaking to my acoustic inclinations.

 

I play mostly at home, so feedback is not my main concern, but guitar size could be...I see myself playing improvisation on simple chord progressions and other non complicated pieces ..nothing fancy. the Guitars doesnt have to be vintage I went through that on my strats with a lot of pain and disappointment. I'm ok now with newer well made guitars :)

 

Thanks HNS. One thing which makes it tricky to answer your question and try to assist you is that "jazz" is such a broad term. There is traditional jazz, swing, gypsy jazz a la Django, bebop, hard bop, fusion, etc etc etc. Even in some of the older forms of jazz, I've heard players using solidbody guitars to sound pretty traditional. I think it can work if one has the right imagination (or tonal tastes). Canadians Ed Bickert (who used a Tele) and Lorne Lofsky (Les Paul) come to mind. Then again, many fusion guitarists used solidbodies, for obvious reasons. Anyway, I guess I'm still not sure what style and sound you prefer, and whether any particular players have inspired you in terms of style or tone.

 

There was a JimR at the AGF, I previously traded a Larrivee L-19 for a Gibson Songwriter deluxe with in 2007...could that be you?

I participate on several guitar forums, but I don't even know what "AGF" stands for. :) Anyway, that's not me. I use "JimR56" at every site where I participate.

 

Cheers!

[HNS]

Thanks HNS. One thing which makes it tricky to answer your question and try to assist you is that "jazz" is such a broad term. There is traditional jazz, swing, gypsy jazz a la Django, bebop, hard bop, fusion, etc etc etc. Even in some of the older forms of jazz, I've heard players using solidbody guitars to sound pretty traditional. I think it can work if one has the right imagination (or tonal tastes). Canadians Ed Bickert (who used a Tele) and Lorne Lofsky (Les Paul) come to mind. Then again, many fusion guitarists used solidbodies, for obvious reasons. Anyway, I guess I'm still not sure what style and sound you prefer, and whether any particular players have inspired you in terms of style or tone.

 

 

I participate on several guitar forums, but I don't even know what "AGF" stands for. :) Anyway, that's not me. I use "JimR56" at every site where I participate.

 

Cheers!

 

Thanks Jim ... it's much appreciated .. the AGF is the Acoustic Guitar Forum.

Cheers

HNS

[mike tango]

Your choice will depend on your style of music , your budget, what sound you imagine in your head and in the end, which guitar resonates with you aesthetically, acoustically and soulfully. Try them all , the right one will make itself known. If you are on a budget, that lennon tribute casino is a good deal. I am enjoying my Es195 (although there is a long story attatched , see other posts) . one of these days, I would love a 400 or an L5 or a 175. in fact , I would like them all.

[HNS]

Thanks Mike

 

I think I'm tending towards a full hollowbody for all the reasons you said ... I think I just have to try one for a few days and see how it will fit ergonomically. I've come to realize, in the acoustic world at least, that an uncomfortable guitar, irrespective of how it sounds, is usually not played at the end. In the same vein, a copy usually doesn't satisfy GAS. Thanks for the ES-195 and the Lennon tribute recommendation, I'll definitely check them out!

Cheers

[Bernie69]

Hi HNS

 

so the choice is narrowing ! but unfortunately, as the market is also narrow

it will be more difficult for you to find good hollow bodies and TRY them

You must have seen that I got involved in the ES195 post, just because in my quest for a 335 I went in a shop having one of the few 195 delivered in Europe ( they still have it , it's in LYON France) and I had a try as a comparative test against the 335.

What I liked:

The body size, closed to the epi Emperor which is to me the perfect HB size, smaller

than the 175 and big enough to feel you have a guitar in your hands and not a wooden plank with pups on it ( hello strats and SGs

The comfortable neck.

The amazing amber finish.

What I less liked:

The P94 , they where very good , but less Jazzy than the C57s.

The Bigsby, I have no use of it and I 'm afraid it would bring more tuning problems !!

 

After you have played a 195 , the 335 body seems weird ! you cannot say the 335 is a big guitar, it has a big surface but no depth ! strange, may be the ratio between surface/depth is more balanced on the 339 ??

 

For the other HB brands:

Epis Emperor/Broadway/ Broadway Elitist.

Guilds Savoy/Manhattan

Gibson ES137 ( not a Hollow but same look) ES 139 less expensive but not available yet

Hagstrom

Eastwood/Peerless/Dangelico

 

A whole New world !!!

 

Good quest !!!

[HNS]

Hi HNS

 

so the choice is narrowing ! but unfortunately, as the market is also narrow

it will be more difficult for you to find good hollow bodies and TRY them

You must have seen that I got involved in the ES195 post, just because in my quest for a 335 I went in a shop having one of the few 195 delivered in Europe ( they still have it , it's in LYON France) and I had a try as a comparative test against the 335.

What I liked:

The body size, closed to the epi Emperor which is to me the perfect HB size, smaller

than the 175 and big enough to feel you have a guitar in your hands and not a wooden plank with pups on it ( hello strats and SGs

The comfortable neck.

The amazing amber finish.

What I less liked:

The P94 , they where very good , but less Jazzy than the C57s.

The Bigsby, I have no use of it and I 'm afraid it would bring more tuning problems !!

 

After you have played a 195 , the 335 body seems weird ! you cannot say the 335 is a big guitar, it has a big surface but no depth ! strange, may be the ratio between surface/depth is more balanced on the 339 ??

 

For the other HB brands:

Epis Emperor/Broadway/ Broadway Elitist.

Guilds Savoy/Manhattan

Gibson ES137 ( not a Hollow but same look) ES 139 less expensive but not available yet

Hagstrom

Eastwood/Peerless/Dangelico

 

A whole New world !!!

 

Good quest !!!

 

 

Thanks Bernie

 

The ES-335 is definitely more versatile and ergonomic no doubt than a true hollow body, and it will keep its resale value and get sold quicker than a hollow body copy. Tonally, at least to my ears, they are closer to a Les Paul despite being more airy, than a hollow body, that's why I was thinking of expanding my tonal palette. What's your experience here ?

Cheers

[Bernie69]

Hi

 

I'm very happy to share my experience;

but in the Jazz field and hollow bodies it's very limited, I only had this low cost epi which satisfied me to a certain extent and that I sold half price used.

It's true that you need an HB with a tailpiece if you want this "woody" sound that no semi will give you.

It's also very difficult to try jazz guitars ; as the shops are rather full of LP or strats than Jazz axes.Usually they have Arias or Gibson ES175 and nothing in between.

May be it's different in your country!

 

So I wish you good luck ;)

[JazzGtr]

Howdy folks

I'm hoping to buy my first archtop this year. I'm naturally hoping for an es-335, but I'm also considering other less pricey options like an es-339 and Midtown, as well as the cheaper Epi Sheraton II (+ changing the electronics). The price differential is big, used is an option as well. I'm mainly a hobbyist who plays at home. I have a Gibson Les Paul and a Deluxe Strat and bunch of acoustic guitars. I heard that the more comfortable 339 has some of the woody/airiness character of a 335 but falls in between the 335 and a solid body. It seems that its resale value is less than the 335 as well.

 

 

Putting the allure of the Es-335 aside, what would you recommend.

Thanks for you advice in advance

Cheers

 

 

Beware of the dark side. Once you give in to the deep melodic tone of the hollow and semi-hollow jazz tones, there's no going back to "normal". I like them all and own a few.

 

Jazz