5 Best Jazz Archtops Under $1,000

Many players and especially new jazz guitar students are always asking me to recommend a good "budget" archtop. In this video I review my 5 picks for best archtops under $1,000.
I have compiled this list as a result of my interaction with 100's of students at several music schools over the previous 10 years. So whether you're in the market for an entry level hollow body or want to consider adding one of these affordable beauties to your collection, here's a good opportunity to gather some collective info on them from real users!
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[@chrisnedbalek2866]

#5 4:06 Ibanez Artcore AF71F 4:39 24.75" is Gibson scale, 25.5" is Fender scale #4 5:20 Washburn J3NK 6:02 Washburn J600K 6:27 diff between 24.75 & 25.5 scales #3 7:21 Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II #2 8:23 Ibanez AFC95 #1 9:14 Godin 5th Ave Kingpin II HB 10:20 custom pickups

[@DanielTPeace]

This has become the default go to video for Jazz guitar beginners such as myself. Dr. Zellon has gifted the Jazz community in many ways and this is an important contribution.

[@GuitarversumSandraSherman]

I don't get, why this video has such a bad thumbs up to down ratio. Gear talk is always controversial, I think. People don't see their own guitar in that list and give it a thumbs down. This is a great video. It's on point and it's informative. Of course it is subjective. It's HIS video and HIS opinion. Just because some folks don't agree with this opinion doesn't make it a bad video.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks Sandra for your support! Like you point out, the list is based on my personal preferences and experience, yet I receive hate comments weekly over it (most of which are too nasty to even leave up). On the other hand I thank those that can still offer constructive criticism in a polite spirit. 😀

[@noi5emaker]

This comment has a better ratio because it’s absolute truth. Well said.

[@djabroni_brochacho4644]

I've heard somewhere that 10% is pretty normal in a variety of KZbin videos, this video is just under that. Not sure why. Of course, CNN pretty much stays in the negative haha!

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

sandra A lot of people that r fortunate 2 afford Gibson Gibson (not Gibson-Epiphone), heritage, benedettos,eastmans or price like r mad cause like Rich said if u upgrade then the ax can sound good as the pricey jazz guitars. It is kinda like if u ride a motor cycle or own 1 and it is not a harley those that own 1 say get a real 1. This is the same as a jazz guitar they'll tell u get a real 1.

[@tedparkinson6892]

@@RichieZellon for some reasons trolls have to complain. Although it is kind of startling it would happen on a video about inexpensive jazz guitars. Like really??

[@evanbodini4366]

This guy is the bob ross of jazz guitar

[@1980bwc]

He's what a love child of Bob Ross and Bob Marley would be like. Lol

[@itsallaroundyou7085]

@@1980bwc what?

[@dangeorge809]

When he's talking about the Loar, to me he has a bit of a George Carlin tone and vibe...

[@rolandmueller7218]

What does this post mean?

[@pandorasflame7742]

I know I'm 3 years late, but Richie is actually an influential Peruvian rock guitarist that turned to jazz. He's an interesting character for sure!

[@paulscheufler6208]

Enjoyed your video. Can you do another video: 5 Best Jazz Archtops from $1,000 to $2,000?

[@Nick-fb9uq]

Just discovered your channel! I've played for about 10 years but I'm a budding jazz enthusiast. Just bought an epiphone riviera p93 and im so excited about the soft buttery lead tones I can get out of it. Its nice to find people who are excited about jazz tones like I am :)

[@seanwoodburn2616]

I love that you reveal your bias. We all have them and your candor makes this one of the best 'buying guides' on KZbin. Cheers!

[@2Chron20]

This guy woulda been awesome as a high school guidance counselor.. “.. Come on Jimmy, everything’s gonna be just fine..” ☺️

[@teknomanning]

Steve Bugni SPOT ON BRO MADE MY DAY🤣🤣🤣

[@jimmymurphy7789]

Thanks - I Needed That :)

[@joshweigel1131]

guitar-dance counselor. campus on the jazz cloud, baby

[@ZergRushJohnny]

Seriously, he seems like he'd be a very knowledgeable yet suuuuuper chill guitar teacher

[@meowtrox1234]

seems like a cool guy to smoke with tbh

[@MichaelGrecoGuitar]

Thank you for this awesome list. I played the Joe Pass Epiphone for many years before upgrading to a Gibson ES-175. Definitely an awesome jazz guitar for the money. Just subbed! Looking forward to seeing more.

[@marcaskew61]

A refreshingly honest evaluation - certainly agree concerning the bang-for-buck qualities of Washburn and Epiphone Joe Pass models.

[@thomasnettleton289]

I recently purchased a 2017 Epiphone Broadway Natural (made in China). 24.75" scale. I had it set up and strung with flatwouds (11s). I run it through a Fender Acoustasonic 30 Amp. I am extremely pleased with the results! Very fat, warm tone with a bit more attack than a 24.50" scale guitar. I enjoy the 'chime' that Epiphone guitars give, especially in the middle selector position with both humbuckers working.

[@brandonholguin2872]

Epiphone Broadway, $799. Full size jazz box. 17" at the hips, 3 1/8 " depth. Laminate maple back & sides. Select spruce top. Maple neck, Pau Faro fret board and full size humbucker pickups. A great and affordable guitar.

[@grawman67]

How would you compare the Broadway to other Epiphone archtops or even something like their semi-hollows? I've had good experience with some of their products but haven't had a chance to try their Emperors, Uptowns, Sheratons, etc.

[@brandonholguin2872]

@@grawman67 I too have not had the chance to try other Epiphones. But if we are talking full size Jazz Boxes under $1000, I think the Broadway is a great guitar!

[@OrangePony75]

I have a Washburn J-6 Montgomery for a number of years now, almost identical to de J-3 shown here, with maple sides and bottom. Absolutely no regrets. Very much Gibson 175-ish, with just a tad of more “bite” in the upper frequencies, noticeable in the pick attack, and easily tamed with very little tone knob tweaking. I just love it.

[@tedparkinson6892]

Thanks so much for this. Cool rundown. I owned a Godin Kingpin and highly recommend it (or almost any Godin product). I agree this is a fabulous guitar for the price, or just to play at any price. I really enjoyed it and it was very nice for fingerpicking and playing more complicated chords and stretching out. I wound up selling it when I bought a Gibson ES-125 (which I still have and love). But if I had more room in the house I would have kept the Godin. If this is your "starter" jazz guitar it will be a long time before you have to move up.

[@zackcahill7966]

I’ve owned of a lot of Godins over the years and they’re just great guitars

[@edteaches]

Thanks for this video. I've always wondered the difference and this video helps a lot!

[@grawman67]

I just wanted to drop a comment and tell you how informative and fun this video is. Your personality and presentation remind me of the laid back vibes of the best educational and even professional public access videos and shows. As an experienced player, jazz is one genre I haven't dived much into and was intimidated by. But I've stumbled on such a great resource. Thank you for helping jazz become more accessible for people! I'm going to go to some stores and get a good idea of what I want out of an archtop, hollow body, and semi-hollow and really educate myself. Since these are a kind of instrument I have little experience with. Thanks again!!

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks, much appreciated!

[@grawman67]

@@RichieZellon You're welcome! Have a great day!

[@shannonmann7536]

I've been in love with the Godin 5th Avenue for about 10 years. The fretboard feel was amazing and the sound mellow and rich. I'd finally come home.

[@cleberguima1]

I have a Godin 5Th Kingpin P90 Natural and I love her. I like non-cutway guitars. :D

[@gregorygetable]

I just bought Godin 5th Avenue Kingpin ll. I played a small club in a trio. It was terrific. I love it and have many low and high end vintage big names. This little Godin plays like butter for me who came from blues rock leaf. Played thru Yamaha THR10 ll amp in both electric and acoustic modes.. my 1st Godin way more fun to play than I could have imagined

[@tintinje]

Yes! I made the right choice buying the Godin. In addition, its a local company (I leave in Quebec) and I am more than happy to support them. And thanks to my local dealer who help me confirm that this is the guitar For me. All I need now is learn to play and understand how to make it sound good while using am amp!

[@mattavery1367]

I am really enjoying, the information your sharing. I am going back and checking out the older posts. What about the Artcore af105f, Any thoughts? Thank you and keep it coming.

[@rogerball6265]

Very interesting, I learned something today Richie.

[@jimsuber6784]

Great info Mr Zellon. Thanks

[@tommontgomery7325]

Excellent presentation! Thanks!

[@Kenneth9232]

Thank You, great information.

[@craigbrowning9448]

The Two I have are a Gretsch Synchromatic (G-100 CE). Has a Neck mounted Single Coil pickup. Which leads me to a question about a better compromise on an Electric-Acoustic guitar strings between the Bronze wound Acoustic Strings that electromagnetic pickups have troubles with and the tona compromise of Nickel strings on an acoustic?l The other one is a Gretsch 5420T Bigsby replaced by Fixed Tailpiece.

[@DavidGarcia-pi9wn]

Gretsch is indeed a rockabilly guitar but the neck pickup is so good for jazz, thick an articulate

[@edgarbach2002]

I really enjoyed the video. I am beginning to know the subject of Jazz guitars, I am a new student, but with 24 years of experience as a classical guitarist. I hope to be aware of the new videos on the channel.

[@AlbertoMartinezDelRio]

Great video! Congrats

[@phuxmusic7538]

I recently bought a Godin 5th avenue kingpin with the p90 and am very happy with the acoustic and amplified sound as well. P90 is an extremely versitile choice in my opinion

[@lindsaymugford4792]

I just purchased the Godin Kingpin in left hand. Beautiful guitar

[@theryanthiggins]

I have a Gretsch Synchromatic that I upgraded the pickup to a Lollar Johnny Smith. It sounds amazing for a classic jazz tone and would fit in great with any of the guitars on this list.

[@philipchau6019]

Was the stock pickup good ?

[@arianconejoylafaunaelegante]

Hello! What do you think about D’angélico Premier EXL 1, I’m thinking buy this guitar. Nice Chanel, and thank you!

[@ArkRed1]

I have a Korean Epiphone Regent sunburst that I got years ago for $500. I put a Bartolini Johnny Smith floating pickup to replace the factory one. It was like going from a VW to a Cadillac. The craftsmanship was there. Just needed a better pickup. I have a Guild X-50 Savoy, I got about twenty years ago I gave $1,200 for, but my main ax is the Epi. I play through a Polytone MIni Brute II. I sold my Joe Pass natural to a preacher who said the tone was great for gospel and country music. Thanks for the heads up on finding a nice jazz box for under a grand.

[@HowardRorke]

Nice episode. I do believe you might have missed a great one. I just purchased a D'Angelico Premier for $900. It might not be your thing but I love it. I put some Chromes Flatwound 11's on it and it's like butter. I play it through a Bose L1 Compact System with no effects so its "naked" and really fun to jam with. Mine is the blonde model with a single floating minihumbucker. I also dig that the controls and the pickup are mounted to the pick guard and not in the body. Cheers!

[@sunsetloungejc]

FWIW: I have used a Cort Yorktown since 2010, and love it! Laminated spruce top, maple back and sides, 2 humbuckers, violinburst open-pore finish. 24.75" scale. Nice dark tone. My #2 jazzbox is an early 2000's Samick HJ650-N, laminated all-maple, natural gloss finish, 2 humbuckers, 25.5" scale. Very happy with both!

[@apodicticstatement22]

thx alot for your video about "cheap" Archtops! Having worked hard on my blues skills, now i want to go to my limit and get into jazz. for this adventure, i m looking for a good and payable guitar. after searching the web i found out , that höfner build classic Archtops too. My question to you, do you have experience with Höfner guitars? like "Höfner HCT-SL-N-0 Blue Tone" or similar?

[@jedihorndog]

that was really helpful. thanks. I play mostly rock in all its forms but Im always quickly enamoured with jazz guitar due its gorgeous warm tones. hoping to make a good transition.

[@jedihorndog]

So I went off hunting the greater part of south west London for Richie’s number one choice but I couldn’t find any. I ended up trying out the much more affordable epiphone jo pass, Ibanez art core series and Godin 5th Avenue with P90. @ one #guitarguitar store plugged into a do it all amp. The results were mixed but the joe pass guitar from epiphone was I think a solid choice for sound and feel. Followed by the art cores. Too bad I didn’t get to try out humbucker on the godin 5th Avenue. Coz the P90 on a hollow godin guitar was to thin for my liking. Then again you can see and feel quality from Godin all throughout.

[@paulscheufler6208]

me too

[@HansenogCarlsen]

Thanks for sharing👍🏻

[@antonsavin72]

I love my Ibanez AF85. The only upgrades I made - rosewood bridge with bone saddle , and Kent Armstrong humbucker in neck position.

[@flaviosanguigni8783]

Hi, great video...I would mention the Cort in the Joe Pass Washbourn range and the Pearless for a bit more that look ans sound great!! As you said (and as I did) with 200 you can get great new pickups and electronics.

[@nickdeanovic5490]

BozD I have heard some great things about the sound and quality of the Ibanez AM93AYS. Any comments on this guitar?

[@austntexan]

I was at number nine and was wondering if Godin was going to make the list. I recently watched their factory tour. It's amazing a North American builder can produce a guitar that plays so well and doesn't cost a second mortgage. Great list!

[@johndettra8958]

I have a Ibanez H R archtop, from the late 70s. It's called the law suit model. What's your opinion on It's sound?

[@josephjordan5224]

Thank you for such an informative video. Originally, I had my eye on the Ibanez AG95 and the Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Pro. After viewing, I will more than likely go with the Joe Pass model. It's my first hollowbody electric and will certainly fit within my limited budget. I don't expect to be disappointed with my choice. I would have loved to purchase something above $1000, but I believe for someone with my talent and ability this guitar will a smart move. Someday if I can ever get paid for playing, I can invest in something more expensive. Thanks again.

[@dsb227]

Great video! Very helpful! Are you pretty happy with your Ibanez choices? I've been considering the AG95QA

[@brianpetersen3429]

I just bought a Ibanez AFC Sunrise red single floating pickup jazz guitar and am really enjoying it. It sounds beautiful, and is the perfect mix of form & function for a jazz player and was on sale at Musicians friend for $833.00 (including a nice hard shell case)..

[@davidluna3209]

LOL! I have that Gretsch 5420T. Brian Setzer TV Jones pups. Love it.

[@emacadar1]

Excellent video, presentation

[@michaelmurphy7987]

One question? What do you think about the D’angelico Ex-1 premier? By the way great video 👍

[@timramm1]

I find his delivery very relaxing

[@AndreBeauman]

Yeah, right? The amazing thing is how interesting he is without a guitar in his hands.

[@archangel4316]

What do you think about the Ibanez AF75 with Seymour Duncan Vintage Blues '59 Humbucker Set?

[@alanpickering4497]

Enjoy your channel immensely .Thanks

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks Alan, much appreciated!

[@jacquessalem8776]

I'm thinking of a washburn j10 Orleans, for $900, what do you think? Great video. Thanks for sharing.

[@jim232777]

Hi there! If you're still watching this discussion, I picked up an older but barely used Washburn J3 much less than list. Is there anywhere you detail the upgrades you made to this model?

[@TheScreamingFrog916]

I want to recommend the Ibanez Artcore AF55 Hollow-Body Electric Guitar Flat Tobacco. I have had it for 6 years, and get lots of compliments on its looks and tone, at Jazz Jam sessions. I have lots of expensive and great sounding guitars, but I find myself playing the AF55 most of the time. It's that good. Only thing to upgrade on this, is the tuning machines. Would love to hear your opinion of this model. It would be easy to underestimate it at $329, but don't let the price fool you, it sounds great.

[@thelowmein9143]

What is your favorite pickup for jazz? Also what are your thoughts on the Ibanez AFJ series? You mentioned the AFC (contemporary) but not the AFJ (jazz) model. It has the super 58’s in it if that helps lol.

[@marcofernandes9455]

i bought a few years ago a korean made guild x135 archtop, whith dearmond pick ups, for it´s price, has a amazingly pretty sound, ! i feel no need to change for a more expensive guitar!!

[@puipui7382]

Would love to see a 2000$ version of this vid

[@brianpetersen3429]

Good advice! I play a Washburn J3 and a Hagstrom Viking (an affordable Gibson ES135).

[@stringbender57]

Good information and much appreciated! Finding a quality yet budget friendly archtop is not an easy task. These 5 all appear to be decent guitars.

[@goldenmonkeycolor]

What about the epiphone masterbilt archtops with solid spruce tops? You’d have to add a floating pickup for the modern jazz guitar sound? But I can’t find one locally and I’m intrigued?

[@charlescamiel7082]

Greetings from Boston and happy new year Richie. Thanks for a great KZbin channel! I've had my eye on this guitar for a long time. I just bought a new Godin Kingpin HB per your recommendation. I agree with you 100%. It's a great guitar for the money and my abilities. I appreciate your honest opinion and advice. I don't like the stock strings though. What do you recommend I replace them with? Thanks!

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks! I like Thomastik swing strings which are flatwounds. I use gauge 12 on my archtops.

[@timaskin3187]

I own a Gretsch G-100 and love it. Its got a great tone and i can sound like Johnny Smith did when he was using a Guild back in the fifties. I don't know why its never mentioned. I own six guitars and the G-100 is the most enjoyable to play. Only about eight hundred dollers if I remember correctly.

[@davekana8388]

Thanks, very helpful info, explained the differences between the 24.75 & 25.5 scale length very well. Where does the Epiphone Broadway fit in your list?

[@chicoarreguy]

Dave Kana very good question!

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks Dave...Great question! The Epiphone Broadway is a great guitar, I just couldn't fit it it into my list of 5. Personally, I think it is a step above the Joe Pass Emperor although the Emperor has always been a more popular budget choice among students than the Broadway, so I listed that one.

[@chicoarreguy]

The Jazz Guitar Channel like a 2.5?

[@HaraldEngels]

If I am not mistaken the Epiphone Broadway has also a 25.5. scale.

[@edmili1129]

The Ibanez AF 95 FM VLS is also a great jazz guitar for $649. It has a 24 and 3/4 inch scale and an ebony fretboard gold-plated Hardware 2 super 58 pickups and can cover jazz blues and even some light rock. I have one and I was very impressed for the value versus the money spent

[@martinfrog768]

I have an older (discontinued) DeArmond X-155 Korean made archtop guitar that I picked up for $350 which is about half price ... though I keep it tuned 1 whole step down it can easily be set up for Jazz, Blues or with lighter strings Rockabilly ... The pickups are quite good and well made for such an inexpensive guitar ... unplugged the tone is even with good articulation for single note runs ... Thanks for sharing your insight

[@paulscheufler6208]

So whats the deal between floating humbuckers and fixed to the body. I am looking at the Ibanez AFC95 and the LGB30. Can't decide. The AFC125 has a cool vibe. Looking for that buttery smooth warm jazz tone. Hoping it is the last guitar I buy. Any recommendations for good jazz guitars under $1,600?

[@enriquegarza3127]

Gretsch is criminally underrated as a jazz guitar. I know when you think of Gretsch you think of, Brian Setzer, Reverend Horton Heat, Duane Eddy, and Eddie Cochran; All rockabilly royalty. But there are many saying how underrated Gretsch guitars are as jazz instruments. So please if you get the chance try one. Now I wouldn't place a 6120 in the same realm as a ES-175 in terms of jazz guitar and jazz history, but I think they can hold their own

[@Skinny_Karlos]

Thanks, Ritchie. These are the sort of "lessons" that are invaluable to players (even seasoned players that have just not really tried jazz, kind of want to, but don't want to sink a tonne of $ in before finding out if it is really their thing) especially the adult beginner, or parent of a musically sophisticated child, who is understandably at a loss as to just how to spending their $ and get something that is going to give back the motivation in sound/tone/, playability to them/progeny and even things like holding resale value etc. You must have had many a student who sought your advice in a lesson about the "next guitar to look at" when they were upgrading. I started with an Epiphone "Joe Pass" Emperor II, still have it and will all too often grab it from the rack (rather than the "cased" Gibson) as the fingerboard is either one of those "I got a really good one" or they just make great necks, the sound is different but not ugly or going to stop me playing her if I'm walking past and the mood takes me as opposed to regular practice time work, and maybe there's still a bit of nostalgia there. I am going to have to have a look at/play in a music store these Godins as I've never played one and though most of my "bread and butter" pedagogue work is Classical guitar and though I'll teach rock licks to a teenager (but I'll always be playing/practicing NON boring classical pieces every time s/he is due for their lesson - I've actually converted a few heretics over the years that way) even I've had that question about what is a good but reasonably priced jazz archtop instrument. I'll be showing or recommending that they view this video. As always, a great, helpful and informative lesson. Cheers from DownUnder.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks for taking the time to share!

[@bobburrell170]

Hi Ritchie I really enjoy your videos and wondered - now you've covered your favourite guitars and amps if you could do one covering how to set up a guitar and amp to get the best jazz tone.. Many thanks Bob (UK)

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks! Please check out the video I mention at the beginning, "How to get a Jazz Tone from any Solid Body".

[@Pinstriped5120]

Why do Jazz guitarist dislike Gretsch guitars? Yes the 6120 bassed guitars 5120 5420 etc. Are Rockabilly and Rock guitars. Every video made buy a jazz guitarist puts them down. We associate that "Great Gretsch Sound" with the likes of artists like The Beatles, Stray Cats, Duane Eddy, and Eddie Chorcran. Jazz artists in the 30s and 40s played them. Django Rhinehart played an Eleromatic 400, its not his Selmer which was his favorite. All of you seem to overlook the Syncromatic G100. ( under a $1000 ) This a very triditional archtop with a floating mini humbucker, very high quility build. I think you also overlooked the Epiphone Emperor Regent, I have owned for many years, fantastic guitar. I comend you for doing what you do. Thanks Ed

[@ReileyWilliams]

Love the Godin !

[@JackOperaMan]

Bought a Godin Kingpin II six months ago, based on this review. The one I have has the stock Godin P90’s, which I’ve left as is. Wanted to thank you!!! I am playing jazz nearly every day & very happy with the tone and results! Sounds great acoustic & amplified.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks for sharing

[@ZalMoxis]

I have an Left Handed Ibanez Artcore..... they're really good.... thanks for the post.... All of these are beauties... we're spoilt for choice in todays world.... except us Southpaws....

[@phretbord]

I'm happy to see Ibanez guitars on your list, I haven't played a Washburn so until I do I'll keep my mouth shut! I'm really happy you gave your honest opinion on Loar guitars as they are below par in so many ways, I find it hard to believe they're still being made!! ~Cheers!

[@gillesgenete9598]

fathand Robert hello , about The Loar , I have an acoustic blues LH250 all solid, and it is perfect build, and fantastic tone.May be was I lucky with this one!? I bought on-line from thomann for Euro350 .

[@phretbord]

Yes Gilles, I looked and heard one on here after I read your response. Sounds and looks great! I'll check one out next time I'm around one. I appreciate the heads up! ~Cheers!

[@braundgls5]

Hi, I really have been enjoying your videos. I recently had an opportunity to purchase an Ibanez ag95. How do you feel about the artcore series? This guitar has the super 58 pickups in it. Will it give me a classic jazz sound? I prefer a warm tone, lacking some high end. Please, what are your thoughts?

[@RichieZellon]

I think the artcore series are ok. Every guitar is different and there are too many variables to answer your question. A good player can make almost any guitar sound good. The bottom line is that you be pleased with its tone and feel.

[@2cakejake]

How does the neck on the Godin compare to the other jazz boxes? I played a couple of lower level 5th avenues and the necks felt weird and cheap.

[@jimmymurphy7789]

1. Mary Osborne on her Gretch White Falcon ("A Girl & Her Guitar" LP) - Killer "Bright Jazzy" tone. 2. Really appreciate your explanation of Scale Length differences at 6:31- the best I've heard. 3. TYVM

[@wayne6339]

I’m a new subscriber Richie. Very informative video. Do you have an opinion on the new Epi Century Zenith it the Deluxe? I am interested in buying either one of these or perhaps the Godin 5th Avenue.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks! Sorry not familiar with the Epi Century...too many new guitars to keep up with.

[@bobparsonsartist564]

I’m thrilled with the Eastman ar 371.

[@rickpeskett9447]

Me, too. Mine was amazing.

[@alvaroangulo8854]

As a native Spanish speaker I can say that you have a great pronunciation hahaha thanks again for the awesome video!

[@RyanHarris77]

I was a little sad we didn't get a "numero uno", but I will be OK.

[@deormanrobey892]

My experience so far is that the Ibanez Artcore series is good bang for your buck across the line. I have an AG75, not necessarily the best for orchestrated jazz, but a good easy playing general purpose guitar nonetheless, and well suited to players like me who's jazz influence is pretty much limited to use of alternate chording in blues/r+r and old pop songs. I also have a purely acoustic Loar. It needed a little tweaking straight from the box, but not much. Solid spruce top with good grain, decent action. I've heard that the quality varies a lot, especially with the cutaway models.

[@lydmo8073]

AF, AG, AK, AS, AM - all under the 90 designated model number have good necks and good builds, but don't have the Super 58s. The difference really is that noticeable. For 1 or 2 hundred more, get the model with the S58s. You'll be very happy you did. Or buy the lesser non-S58s and change out the pickups to Seth Lovers or something else. I did this with my AK75D. I had to have it - it was a unique gold top jazz box!!! Ha! Anyways, I put Seymour Duncan pups in it and it sounds great! Most all the Ibbys have great necks, too.

[@timothydaniels504]

I have that Godin guitar with humbuckers, It sounds great and it’s very good value. With the Canadian dollar being worth about 75 cents US, American buyers really get a nice discount. . It comes with an excellent case that’s lightweight but very protective due to it’s design and use of really interesting structural foam. It’s ok unplugged. In my opinion the price would be $500 more if the name on the headstock was one of the more well known brands. If you dabble in the blues, an overdrive pedal gives it a big, greasy snarl.

[@mikenoble9151]

I have an Ibanez SJ300. I was lucky to get one of the last ones just before they were discontinued. Beautiful tone and playability. It was $1300 new. If you can get a used one, I highly recommend it.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks!

[@lydmo8073]

That's one rare guitar, and they still hold a good amount of their value. I agree, great guitar!

[@bottleforty1]

I know this particular guitar costs more than a $1000, but I would like your opinion on it. It's a D'Angelico EX-SS. That's what I'm using.

[@rillloudmother]

That Joe pass one has been $699 for the last 20 years

[@lydmo8073]

I went back and forth with the Joe Pass II Pro and the Ibanez AF105 and finally settled on the AF105. But both are pretty awesome guitars!

[@fusion-music]

It is amazing that they can produce a guitar at these low prices as it is an expensive thing just to get a proper set-up - or a re-fret job done.

[@ZalMoxis]

Made in china bud.....

[@maggiewright7843]

Zal Moxis yes Zal, made in China, but still an amazing feat. I build guitars and can't compete. Having said that, I find their hardware often nasty, but easily swapped out. They are better than the cheap guitars of the 70s though. A guitar I owned, I swapped the humbuckers for Dimarzio paf's. I then de-soldered the metal casing to remove the coils and check them out, to find the "humbucker" was a fake. There was only one useless single coil under the cover. Good learning curve.

[@paulscheufler6208]

Which guitar are you referring to?

[@fusion-music]

Godin 5th Ave CW Kingpin 2HB, Ibanez Artcore AF71F, Ibanez AFC95, Washburn J3NK, Epiphone Joe Pass emperor.

[@dimiaraujo90]

Gretsch pickups are usually too bright for jazz tones. It's almost like a single-coil in a solid body guitar tone... It's possible to get some jazz sounds out of it, but it takes some adaptions and effort.

[@Isosceles1]

For used under $1K, the Guild A-150 is super nice. Solid spruce top, maple, ebony fretboard, floating pickup, 17” width, beautiful tone as an acoustic or electric.

[@coaststrings]

Great video, Richie! It's been 5 years and Godin has released their new 5th Avenue Jumbo series. I'd really like to hear your take on the new Jumbo Dual HB and the Jumbo P-Rail with Bigsby Bridge,

[@Cavie1974]

I've been looking at the Epiphone Masterbuilt Century Deluxe Classic. Haven't had a chance to play one yet but was attracted to the solid spruce top and frankly the very classic look of that guitar. Priced right at the 1K mark. Do you have any thoughts or experience with this model?

[@RichieZellon]

Sounds like a good deal but I haven't had a chance to try it...too many guitars and choices to keep up with...🙂

[@buzroberts9807]

Have several Eastmans and love them. I have a small 15" lower bout one that's especially good.

[@urbaniteproductions.4391]

Is the finish notably fragile? Ive read the finish just comes off is this true?

[@leocmen]

Ibanez AF71f Washburn J3NK Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II Ibanez AFC95 Godin 5Th Ave CW Kingpin II HB

[@tmpecho]

Thanks!

[@bobfurman2739]

Got a 2010 Ibanez AG 75 TR ,from a pawn shop.What do you think of the model??

[@johnperiard9594]

Great video Richie.

[@johnperiard9594]

Ive got the Artcore. Very happy.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks 👍

[@jackp.walker6247]

I deff agree with you on your No. 1 choice - TWO thumbs up on the Godin. I was also impressed (to a lesser degree) with a Joe Pass Epi ;)

[@chrisdunn1155]

Any thoughts on the Samick Lasalle (Gregg Bennett) as an entry level jazz guitar?

[@georyans]

To me one of the greatest value in arch tops this the second one I’ve own but they don’t make them any more is Oscar Schmidt oe40 a great l5 maple guitar of great neck and body needs tuner and pickup upgrade

[@epserps5055]

Great. Thanks.

[@jabeles1]

excellent review

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks Josh!

[@mairenared]

Great video. I play mostly blues, rock and country and have several guitars which do the job for me (a Strat, a Les Paul and a Tele). However, I've thought about learning some jazz tunes and am drawn to a secondhand Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor II. This video has definitely given me food for thought.

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks for the feedback!

[@anikashangar]

@@RichieZellon Hi! Thanks for the video, it is extremely informative! I have a question. Which, of the listed guitar, is acoustically loudest, in order to be used without amplifier, for exercise and, perhaps, quieter jamming?