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Archtops
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 3:48 pm
by scotty
Ive got my beady eye on this Gretsch G100 Archtop Natural finish i havent get had the opportunity to play this model and was wondering if any members has this or played this model.The reviews ive read all are great.this guitar in the UK is selling roughly for £499.Im looking for fat jazzy tones at a reasonable price.
http://www.guitarguitar.co.uk/images.as ... %20Natural
Re: Archtops
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 6:44 pm
by admin
Scotty: I have not played this Gretsch, but I would consider the Ibanez AF115.
I have the AF105 which is a great value and terrific jazz tone.
The AF115 is about 430 euro or so.
Re: Archtops
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 6:53 pm
by deaconblues
I've had my eye on those Gretsch G-100s for some time, but haven't been fortunate enough to play one. All-acoustic archtops are a rare thing these days.
Re: Archtops
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 9:44 pm
by lennon211
I've messed about on one of the G-100's. They have a good feel to them and the tone is warm imo. The finish is matte so it has a friendly feel about it. Overall, a lot of guitar for the money. I have 2 or three cheapo's that I'm probably putting on consignment to get one.
Re: Archtops
Posted: Tue Oct 28, 2008 10:08 pm
by kiramdear
I like the matte finishes. They feel softer, friendlier (as Matthew said) and look cleaner. I wanted very badly one of the Epiphone Dots just for the finish, but the neck was way too fat for my liking

I had a big Gretsch archtop that had seen better days, one of my first good guitars, about 1972. They're very special, very warm and jazzy.
Re: Archtops
Posted: Wed Oct 29, 2008 12:52 am
by paologregorio
I've read some good buyer-written reviews about those guitars at the Musician's Friend website; owners suggest changing to a heavier gauge of strings, but other than that buyers seem to be quite pleased with their purchase.
I have an old 1953 Gretsch archtop as well; mine has a De Armond p/u in it:
If one looks closely at the spot on the to near the bridge and the pickguard, a worn spot is visible from either picking away at the strings there, or else resting one's finger, or possibly both. The guitar sat under the previous owner's bed for so long that the case had disintegrated around the guitar!
Re: Archtops
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:00 pm
by rickosound
Guitar Player gave these guitars a positive review a few months ago. It sounds more acoustic in the video, but the tone knob can probably be turned down for a jazzier sound.
http://www.godinguitars.com/godin5thavenuekingpinp.htm
Matthew
Re: Archtops
Posted: Tue Nov 18, 2008 11:10 pm
by jps
A friend of mine has Godin Multiac Nylon and Multiac Jazz guitars, both are quite nice.
Re: Archtops
Posted: Wed Nov 19, 2008 1:45 am
by jingle_jangle
So far, none of Godin's dealers are showing the Kingpin electric for sale--only the acoustic version.
Re: Archtops
Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:23 pm
by whojamfan
Any closer to pulling the trigger there Scotty?
Re: Archtops
Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 2:34 pm
by sloop_john_b
I quite like this one ('62 Gibson ES-125):
Re: Archtops
Posted: Thu Nov 27, 2008 4:04 pm
by scotty
whojamfan wrote:Any closer to pulling the trigger there Scotty?
going to wait till after Jan its either going to be this which i could buy tomorrow or maybe another RIC !

and if its another ric im really going to save to save the pennies.(you know me i`ll be honest im trying to keep away from the guitar shops at the moment i go weak and fumble for the wallet)Everyone keeps tellin me there is a credit crunch.Why wait till jan you ask? its my Bday and im going shopping then!

Re: Archtops
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:39 am
by whojamfan
sloop_john_b wrote:I quite like this one ('62 Gibson ES-125):
JazzFuneral1.jpg
What's not to like?
Re: Archtops
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 12:41 am
by whojamfan
[/quote]
going to wait till after Jan its either going to be this which i could buy tomorrow or maybe another RIC ![/quote]
Why get another Ric if you're just gonna change the tailpiece on it Scotty?
Ok, your 360 looks smart with the trapeze on it.
Re: Archtops
Posted: Fri Nov 28, 2008 3:28 am
by scotty
BTW nice guitar john......