Chasing Guitars: 1962 Guild A-150: 1949 Epiphone Zephyr Deluxe

[@michelgiachino5887]

How can you just look at these treasures and not play two tunes???

[@archtopheaven9549]

Time and lack of practice? :)

[@terrywebb5380]

Thanks for sharing. Did you buy either? I too have made the 150 miles return trip Guitar Village. I was unsuccessful in finding the right instrument but enjoyed visiting the shop. Wish I lived closer so I could spend more time there to make the right decision. Surrey and surrounding counties have more guitar shops, there is nothing to speak about here in Kent. I worked for most of my life near Ivor Mairants Music Centre (Maks GUitars) and was spoiled for choice. I’ve seen 100’s of very desirable guitars there over the years, many regrets. Unfortunately those days seem to be over.

[@archtopheaven9549]

Hi Terry I didn’t but am thinking about the Epiphone. I was raised in Guildford so spent lots of time at Andertons. Unfortunately there are very few archtops in either shop these days. It seems jazz guitars in the Uk are becoming a bit thin on the ground and what is available is not in collectors condition. Likely because they’ve already been collected and or shipped out of the country. Kent is a wonderful place but it does have a somewhat ‘out in the sticks’ feel to it. Personally I like that but it has its down sides. It’s a shame we can’t buy all the guitars but on the plus side, we usually always end up with something we wanted. All’s well that ends well. Thanks for commenting. Kind regards

[@terrywebb5380]

@@archtopheaven9549 Thanks for replying. Yes, I liked the Epiphone best out of the two. I like Epiphones and am fortunate enough to own 2 very nice 1980,s MIJ Epiphone Emperors made at the Matsumoku factory. One is full body and the other is the thin version with a centre block more like a 335 but with a single cutaway. Both have wonderful necks. The full body version is often stated incorrectly on line and by sellers as having a carved top but is in fact laminated. I can understand this mistake being made as the laminated top is so resonate. Really like your channel and will be watching with interest as your business takes off. You certainly have the energy and youth to make this project successful. Good luck and best regards, Terry.

[@archtopheaven9549]

@@terrywebb5380 Yes I’m familiar with those guitars. I actually started out very much as a mij fan and collector. I’ve had all the old copies. Some very rare ones too! I’ve moved in a bit since then but I still have a soft spot for them. Great value and build quality. Btw the sunburst Westone guitar village have, is a good guitar but perhaps not worth more than £1,350; £1,500 on a good day. I very much appreciate the support and kind words. We’ll no doubt speak again!

[@archtopheaven9549]

Hi all, hope you enjoy the footage of these two classic archtops. I left a lot of 'worts and all' footage in there, especially around the playing and tuning. I feel they are a good examples of what a guitar really sounds like. We can all hear something plugged in and played perfectly but how does it sound when it's being tuned up and when it's being played er... badly? :)

[@ishd59]

Worts & all highlight: finger stuck in F-hole 😂.

[@rjhoopoe587]

I saw no warts - the minute and a half of close up footage of your trouser leg was a bold and innovative artistic vision for which I applaud you. The guitars were alright as well. Thanks

[@archtopheaven9549]

@@rjhoopoe587 Haha! I’m glad someone appreciates my art. Lol

[@DavidMazza-e6q]

Wish that guild was in the us, I just worry how it would survive the trip to New England( Massachusetts) but it remains on my reverb favorite list, in hopes another shows up in the states.

[@archtopheaven9549]

If it makes you feel any better, I would have bought it if I thought it was good. It's pig to play and the sound is so so. Looks wonderful and the Dearmond but... it's not the one!