Archtop Gas

[Pine Apple Slim]

I would like a big ole 2 HB trapize tail Archtop.
Specifically in blonde, some flame would be nice.
And it needs to be affordable. Say under $1000.
I know of the Joe Pass Emperor, is there anything else out there like it?
I've seen a few older Samicks in the past that would fit the bill, and some decent Oscar Schmitts but nothing lately.
Is there something else available new in the same ballpark?

 

[dodgechargerfan]

I will be following this.
I'm still missing a big fat jazz box in my pile.

 

[Scott_Abene]

So this is a 1996 Samick Made Joe Pass. It is amazing

And this is a 1996 Samick HJ650 17" L5 Super type Model. It is a total beauty. If you can find one from that time frame I would jump on it.

 

[Scott_Abene]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Samick-HJ-6...733764?hash=item3f575e3e44:g:6PkAAOSwIwhWS3u8

 

[Mark Wein]

I also have a Joe Pass:

Great value for the money. I'd also look as Eastman as they make really solid instruments in that price range.

 

[CBHScott]

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Godin-5th-A...220644?hash=item4af3e17ba4:g:-7YAAOSw4UtWRLFW

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

Yes the Samick made Emperors were nice.
Like the Godin but she ain't blonde.
I saw these, $450-$550 new street.
Kinda diggin the Florentine.
Plus it comes w a HS case
I ain't skeered o no Washburn.

 

[Help!I'maRock!]

Yes the Samick made Emperors were nice.
Like the Godin but she ain't blonde.
I saw these, $450-$550 new street.
Kinda diggin the Florentine.
Plus it comes w a HS case
I ain't skeered o no Washburn.
View attachment 24413

if anything, you could use that tailpiece as an implement of destruction.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

Mark is your's new? If so
how was the set up off the shelf, did you do much work on it?
What do you think of the pots and pickups?

I havnt played a Joe Pass since the 90s. I toyed with it for weeks back then but ultimately passed over it for an Epi LP Custom. Both were great guitars.

 

[Pine Apple Slim]

if anything, you could use that tailpiece as an implement of destruction.

And install another style one on the guitar. It does look too massive.

 

[Mark Wein]

Mark is your's new? If so
how was the set up off the shelf, did you do much work on it?
What do you think of the pots and pickups?

I havnt played a Joe Pass since the 90s. I toyed with it for weeks back then but ultimately passed over it for an Epi LP Custom. Both were great guitars.

Mine was new but it had obviously been on the wall at GC for a long time. Surprisingly the setup was pretty good. At some point I might look into different pickups but overall the quality is great for the $550 I spent on it.

 

[Rick 381]

I have a Joe Pass but this is the one that love,

They run $1299, but you can get them open box stock for around $899. There seems to be a shortage of open box right now but it's something you have to check on a regular basis.

 

[Scott_Abene]

I have a Joe Pass but this is the one that love,

They run $1299, but you can get them open box stock for around $899. There seems to be a shortage of open box right now but it's something you have to check on a regular basis.

I have played three of these and they have all been wonderful to play and they sounded great.

 

[Kerouac]

http://www.eastmanguitars.com/archtops-ar371ce-bd

If you feel like splurging...

http://www.eastmanguitars.com/archtops-ar910ce

 

[Scott_Abene]

I would take my Samick HJ650 over either of the Eastmans.

 

[Kerouac]

I would take my Samick HJ650 over either of the Eastmans.

Feel free. I'm a big Eastman fan.

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Does Ibanez make an affordable version of the one George Benson has used?

 

[sunvalleylaw]

Does Ibanez make an affordable version of the one George Benson has used?

Answered my own question. http://www.americanmusical.com/Item...TxpNSqFvlVOkbjjgbMJpFZ5R_OzBQhknTwaAjQf8P8HAQ

$1099 new. A used one would have to be reasonable. As an alternative.

 

[Scott_Abene]

Feel free. I'm a big Eastman fan.

I love them too. It boils down to the neck feel for me and that is why I love those 1994-1996 Samicks. I know that I am a weird creature of habit.

 

[Scott_Abene]

Answered my own question. http://www.americanmusical.com/Item...TxpNSqFvlVOkbjjgbMJpFZ5R_OzBQhknTwaAjQf8P8HAQ

$1099 new. A used one would have to be reasonable. As an alternative.

So when I worked for George in 1985 / 1986 I was personally responsible for his guitars. He was playing stock Ibanez GB models and they sounded great. They were also pretty hassle free. I would definitely think about picking one of those up.