any recommendations for a super cheap no cutaway archtop?

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Thu May 20, 2010 3:03 pm

been really into NMH lately, and been kinda jonesing for an archtop with just a p90 in the neck, no cutaway.
that and i'm sure i can use it as an acoustic no?

BartMan · Post by **BartMan** » Thu May 20, 2010 3:36 pm

Josh wrote:been really into NMH lately, and been kinda jonesing for an archtop with just a p90 in the neck, no cutaway.
that and i'm sure i can use it as an acoustic no?

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/prod ... sku=500320

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Thu May 20, 2010 3:59 pm

saw that, 700 bucks ain't cheap bucko.
i was hoping for a cheaper alternative.
like some knockoff brand i can find on like... some website or some shit.

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:25 pm

$700 is very cheap for a good archtop.

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:27 pm

especially when you just want one because some band plays one and you've been really into them lately.

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:32 pm

really?!? hmm, i have alot to learn.
and actually hotrod i want one for a multitude of reasons.
not only just b/c of jeff mangum.

mickie08 · Post by **mickie08** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:37 pm

Also, they do not work as a true acoustic. YEs, they do project OK unplugged if you get a goo done (one reason you do not want a cheap one is the wood will be crap and it will not project well at all), but the pickup is not an acoustic pickup and will generally color the sound quite a bit. Try one out and if you like it great, but it is not a jack of all trade type guitar or something I would order online on a whim. They are very limiting as far as what you use them for. What they do they do great though (again, if you buy a good one)

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:47 pm

In fairness, if you're looking for something that will sound horrible and filthy, have terrible action and will need stuffed with toilet paper to be played live, and sound good overdriven, some cheap piece of shit might be just thing. I'm being quite serious here, if it's just a thick, dirty electric tone you're looking for, then that might do the job. Pawn shops and ebay are probably your best bet, but don't spend very much.

If it's a proper archtop you're looking that will sound good clean, be playable and project well I think you'll have to spend a bit of money.

Haze · Post by **Haze** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:53 pm

Here's my favourite, granted i've only played to archtops
1950 Gibson ES-125

heres the thread about it - http://www.shortscale.org/forum/viewtop ... ght=gibson

cheap? not by a long shot. Probably $2k + easy. BUT it sounds like an old archtop with a single p90 in the neck

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Thu May 20, 2010 4:59 pm

how does it sound unplugged?

Haze · Post by **Haze** » Thu May 20, 2010 5:05 pm

like an acoustic with electric strings, not much bass and a bit plunky. I've only plugged it into a 15w Frontman though. Its great for playing unplugged because its not too loud and booming so its easy to sing along to.

DanHeron · Post by **DanHeron** » Thu May 20, 2010 5:17 pm

Washburn HB15?

eBay link
$350.

Johno · Post by **Johno** » Thu May 20, 2010 8:30 pm

Ibanez Artcore?

Bacchus · Post by **Bacchus** » Thu May 20, 2010 8:36 pm

Johno wrote:Ibanez Artcore?

I had a look there, and currently they don't seem to offer anything that resembles a straight jazzbox, by which I mean arched top, no cutaway, with a single neck pickup (preferably floating and neck mounted).

CaptainGD · Post by **CaptainGD** » Thu May 20, 2010 10:06 pm

I'm in your exact position right now, including intense love for Jeff Mangum, but you probably have more money than I do.

This might work out well for you, cheap archtop, but no neck pickup. You could probably put one in, though, right?

http://www.guitar-museum.com/guitar-153 ... tic-Guitar

hotrodperlmutter · Post by **hotrodperlmutter** » Thu May 20, 2010 10:13 pm

man, if that was white, i'da sniped it!

Josh · Post by **Josh** » Thu May 20, 2010 11:16 pm

CaptainGD wrote:I'm in your exact position right now, including intense love for Jeff Mangum, but you probably have more money than I do.

This might work out well for you, cheap archtop, but no neck pickup. You could probably put one in, though, right?

http://www.guitar-museum.com/guitar-153 ... tic-Guitar

i'd imagine it'd be a pain though. otherwise i'd of snapped a few archtops up by now. haha
but yeah, i'm mighty broke, and might as well save up for a nice one.

James · Post by **James** » Thu May 20, 2010 11:25 pm

Adding a neck pickup is as easy as can be. You just buy a floating neck mount one. There are loads of cheap options for those.

serfx · Post by **serfx** » Thu May 20, 2010 11:33 pm

and oddly the buil,d quality on those 50s and 60s Harmony acoustics are amazing
i've a 52 harmony acoustic that has seen more possible destruction in the time that its been on this planet then any acoustic should ever see, and most electrics only get when they are in big bands, but it still plays perfect (although the back was repaired a few years back after some friends thought it was aidfferent guitar and took it to someones head in the late 90s)
for the price i'd say snap it up and toss on your pick up of choice

JJLipton · Post by **JJLipton** » Fri May 21, 2010 12:51 am

Haze wrote:Here's my favourite, granted i've only played to archtops
1950 Gibson ES-125

heres the thread about it - http://www.shortscale.org/forum/viewtop ... ght=gibson

cheap? not by a long shot. Probably $2k + easy. BUT it sounds like an old archtop with a single p90 in the neck

Charlie Christian style? Very cool but not exactly the best upper fret access in the world...
Think about this: Do you always play clean at low volumes? If not.. maybe a cheap hollow body guitar isnt the best option.

any recommendations for a super cheap no cutaway archtop?

any recommendations for a super cheap no cutaway archtop?

Re: any recommendations for a super cheap no cutaway archtop