10 Semi-Hollow & Thinlines for Jazz

[@caseylee12]

My pick....D'Angelico Premier DC. you can pick one up new for $659 with a stop tailpiece, or $759 for the stair-step tailpiece model ( the one I bought). GREAT guitars for beginner or intermediate player. Very comfortable to play, good tones with a good amp, and a beautiful guitar with that 'art deco' vibe.

[@PFB1994]

Good to know, don't think D'Angelico had that model out when this video was made.

[@gregoryboyce6871]

Where is it manufactured?

[@caseylee12]

@@gregoryboyce6871 Indonesia

[@guitarmansings]

I’ve been playing a German-made Hofner Verythin Standard for about 4 years and love it! The craftsmanship is excellent and it sounds great through any amp or powered speaker. It weighs only 4 lbs! I get compliments on it’s appearance and tone on every gig.

[@Bobby007D]

Vince , You are absolutely correct. I have owned a German Hofner Verythin Standard for about 8 years . At 4 lbs. I love it! It also has a neck thru body superior design.

[@RichieZellon]

NOTE BEFORE YOU COMMENT: I have included the Gibson ES-330 which is technically speaking a full hollow body as pointed out by several viewers. It is however known as a thinline as well as another of the guitars in this listing. These have a similar body depth and size to most semi-hollows. As you know, there are Fender Telecasters and other solid body type guitars that are made as hollow bodies too. However they don't fit the ES-335 style of guitar body depth, shape and size I am trying to profile here. Yes, I should have pointed this out. My intent in compiling this list was to provide a listing of what I have experienced (as a player) to be great alternatives for jazz, other than resorting to the full deep body hollows. In doing so, I mixed a few thinlines in there with the semi-hollows. Please don't sue me...😀

[@wherewoodbinetwines]

I'm glad to see you caught the 330 snafu because, as I guess others did, my eyes lit up when the 330 came up, having owned an original one for a time. Your note, above, is well received with the caveat that I felt a need to point out that, if I remember correctly, one of the "problems" you mentioned at the beginning that your goal was to solve with these suggestions was that of feedback. The 330, as great as it is, will not do that! Great review otherwise!

[@popev3887]

Thank you for your video. I enjoyed your posting. I have a Gibson ES 150 DCN that is a 1970 year model. I love that guitar! Got it a couple of years ago and could not believe the absolute perfect condition of the guitar. No finish checking. Just an incredible guitar. Only 2,500 of them made between 1969-1974 and only 500 of them are the natural wood finish DCN.

[@johnhaas951]

I got an Ibanez Artcore AG95 (bubinga wood) used , for 350 dollars.I dont think any player would be disappointed in it, nor any other in the Artcore line. Great hollowbody guitar, good price.

[@CSAndrewHenry]

I love this list, thank you!! I have a 1979 Gibson ES-347, so I completely agree with you about how amazing they are. I swapped the pickups to Seymour Duncan Seth Lover's and is it as warm and sweet and any semi-hollow body out there. Love that you mentioned it!

[@AvroBellow]

The Godin Montreal Premiere might be worth a look. Montreal is, after all, a major Jazz Mecca.

[@rickknowlan8949]

Who could ever argue with "Avro Arrow" - aside from John Diefenbaker. 😎

[@AvroBellow]

@@rickknowlan8949 Hahaha, love it!

[@wildorinj]

I have a 1964 Gibson ES 120T, and it does everything I want it to do as far as the Jazz/Blues style which I play. The playing action is low and smooth, the sound is rich and full of harmonics and it stays in tune for months on end. I've tried many other guitars, but this one has something about it that satisfies my ear and fingers.

[@flyingdutchman4you]

I have an Ibanez as73 tbc and I love playing it or just seeing it in the corner of my room....

[@scatterkatjatzen1655]

I have one too. Bought used for $350.oo, mint condition. These are great guitars.

[@moogyboy6]

AS73 owner here too. I have one of the slightly older ones with dot inlays and maple body, bought used for about $250-300 and have it strung with D'addario Chrome flats. It nails the sound imo and plays excellent. It's great for rock and blues too, especially if you like the occasional burst of controlled feedback.

[@sudharshun]

I find him super relaxing to listen to. Made me realize how we just want to consume fast content and move on to the next one. This content was perfect. I had fun watching it. Thank You :)

[@Bkellyusa]

My favorite is the Gibson 137 which is no longer made. I had mine built in the Custom Shop here in Nashville. It has the larger L5 headstock, mahogany fingerboard and binding on the neck. Ithas Lollar pickups in it that were built for several of my guitars but is not much different that the Imperial models he has in his catalog. The thing that makes this guitar so nice is that the center block is made of mahogany and gives the guitar and especially wonderful tone. As it is I could use it to play just about any kind of music you can think of but I use it exclusively for jazz since it can be made to sound so much like an my L5. It also sustains like crazy which makes it very suitable for playing lovely chord melodies.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

I used to own two ES-135 guitars, similar to ES-137, but less fancy. One (1999) had humbuckers, the other (1992) P-100 (stacked, noiseless P-90). They were only valued at $600-$900 15 years ago, which I always thought was way too low in comparison to other Gibson models. Now they are going from $1,500-$2,000, so I'm sorry to have traded them both, loved the 1992 model, which I installed P-90 set in. They look like ES-175, but slightly thinner, and semi-hollow, which I thought was a great combo. WHY did I trade them?!!

[@davidkeller6156]

I bought an Ibanez AS 83 last year, only because the shop didn’t have the AS93. I have really happy with it. Has the same pickups and the 93 so I doubt there’s much difference in tone. For the price, I was really surprised by the build quality. It was much better than some of the Epiphones I was looking at, though the Sheratons I looked at were really well made. I love semi-hollowbodies. My favorite guitar style!

[@Guitar6ty]

The big surprise in 2021 is PRS Hollow body II which is being used by a lot of Jazz guitar players. It can do the plummy jazz tone and works great on Jazz chord medley. It can also rock with the best of them so its a great all round recording tool.

[@riclrk9947]

Love Gibsons,I was lucky enough to inherit a 1960 es 330 Gibson from my father,still sounds amazing after almost 50 of constant playing

[@georgerigberg4335]

Sheraton II before Pro model was available. MIK Samick factory. Seymour Duncan Jazz at neck Pearly Gates at bridge, independent coil taps. Set up with flat wounds. A dream for jazz and sweet blues!

[@정범진-b4q]

I totally agree with your choice of es 347. es 347 is really jazz machine which sounds dark, warm like tone of jim hall.

[@anthonymorales842]

I tried all kinds in all price ranges the one that knocked me out was Ibanez plays incredible for the price just unbeatable

[@donkqdonkq1747]

I've just tried the Hagstrom Viking series and fell in love with it immediately. Even for a bad player it sings with great tone.

[@amain325]

Agreed. I have one, it's my #1 gig instrument and it plays and sounds wonderful.

[@EugeneBorovikov]

ES-330 is actually a hollow-body; there is a limited run with hum-buckers of that guitar, which sound really nice. For the small size semi-hollows with carved top and backs, there is a Nashville made Gibson CS-336, which is not cheap, but is certainly worth checking out as a higher end alternative for ES-339.

[@perfectfan2006]

kona makes a real nice 335 copy guitar and hard shell case about 300 bucks last year i sold 12 of them and not one person was not blown away by the deal.. still happy a year later one guy came back and bought a second one in a different color he had red one and picked up a natural also..

[@teknomanning]

I picked up a D Angelico excel dc in vintage burst with stair step tailpiece for a grand at Sweetwater on Black Friday . Normally 1700

[@GeorgeHeil-gg6wv]

I am not a Jazz guitarist, but I do love a good sounding / playing guitar. Wife purchased for me some 10 +/- years ago a Custom Shop Gibson ES 339. She is a work of art . . . the guitar is also. As for budget friendly beautiful sounding guitars do not overlook the Gretsch 2655 with the Fidelosonic P-90 pickups.

[@dat219]

I love Emily Remler wonderful musician, teacher an early riser in jazz in my opinion . Her music lives on .

[@joycesanders4898]

it does. 😥

[@danieldesjardins6615]

Saw her play in duet with Larry in a jazz club in 1985 and I shaked her hand and talked to her between sets.

[@esdel1955]

I went to school with her. Nice girl.

[@georgerigberg4335]

I have a Sheraton 2 (MIK) modified. Seymour Duncan Pearly Gates at bridge, Jazz at neck. With independent coil taps and flatwound strings. Wouldn't swap her for any high end guitar!

[@wschorp1]

I have played the Eastman and it is a well built guitar, my favorite is also for me the one that got away. I bought a Guild StarfireV. I spent hours playing 335, 345, Fender Coronados.I even played a friends Gibson L5. After 3yrs of playing it I felt that the Dearmond pickups were too bright for the sound I was looking for. They were great for the hollow rock blues tones but I wanted a more even tone and I changed the albino magnets for Ceramics. It was spot on for me. Not to bassy and not too bright, just even across the spectrum. And then I lost it in A divorce.

[@joycesanders4898]

..heartbreaking.

[@RPSartre01]

I was in Tokyo recently on holiday and tried almost all of these guitars including a dozen or so ES-335. I walked away with a Gibson ES-275 thinline figured 2019 model. The 275 is just incredible compared to the other models. The 335 just felt too stiff even the vintage ones. Based on this experience, I would never, ever buy a guitar without trying it first. There was even a lot of variation in playability even among the same model of guitars.

[@bluegoose555]

I also tried quite a few ES 335s over the years (and very recently) Ive always wanted one...but I've found them...well....just very unsatisfactory feeling ( I cant seem to get any real warmth or nice tones or sustain out of any of them ?) It really upsets me... this last shop search (also more thwarted expectations ) Maybe they actually were sub par ?(these newer ones?) ..I dont know ? as ..Ive played mostly Tele's and Strats. The Gibson's bridge area felt "just wrong"...anyway... I struggled to bring any of them to life.....I just wanted to say here ...its not about the name or brand...its more about the hands and the feel...and the connection between player/instrument...anyway...Ill just say..I have yet to find a ES 335....that rings out (Id like to add..that hasn't stopped me looking !)...buy yeah...Ive never had a Gibson or Epi in my hands...that impressed me (I envy the guys who were lucky enough to get their hands on the older ones) Ive probably been spoiled by my Fenders? Gibsons are probably just too cumbersome and too heavy (for me)

[@bluegoose555]

I tell a lie... 8 years back ? I played a consignment 1959 ES-125 ? with a P90...it played absolutely beautifully and sounded an absolute dream..However..I passed on it...as the guy wanted $3500 !!! (and average value at the time was $2100) I now look back regretting not buying it...as tho not really "a collectable model"...or ideal to my desires....it actually was a special guitar ( a subjective fit)...and the extra cost was mostly irrelevant (it had already disappeared before I went back for it ( 3 days later) So dear readers ...take heed ...the time to buy...is the time you feel the magic !

[@jfar3340]

275 is not a thinline its fully hollow.

[@brianpetersen3429]

Personally, I love my Hagstrom Viking semi-hollow body for jazz and blues. It has a wonderful neck and fretwork that results in excellent action. It has a beautiful Tequila Sunrise finish.

[@joejazz67]

thanks for replying I have been interested in this model but I have only seen them online and even if I do buy online I like to try it out before purchasing

[@billhunt4539]

Brian Petersen-Hagstrom necks are incredibly comfortable to play. Dad had a '68 era Hagstrom III strat-style. Crappy sound, unbelievable neck. Cool tiger stripe lined case. :)

[@amain325]

I love mine as well. Would like to acquire another. Very versatile guitar for many styles, and a very smooth player. Plus it really screams for hard rock even with the stock pickups. It's also the only one of my guitars that the pickup and controller for my Roland GR-20 guitar synth would fit on, so it's the #1 guitar I use for gigs. And it looks great with its distinctive headstock and slimmer horns (I don't like the Mickey Mouse ears on the Gibsons and Epiphones). I always get comments on it at gigs. I played many makes of guitar while working at GC; if you're looking for a great semi-hollow under $1000, I think this one is way better than Epiphone, Ibanez or any other I've tried.

[@amain325]

@@joejazz67 see my other comment on this item. While working at GC I saw the Viking online and wanted to try one out, but we never had one in stock. I called HQ and was told that Hagstrom kept pushing back their delivery dates - they could not keep up with demand. I finally bought one from a customer who brought hers in to sell, and it's a great instrument. The store never did get one while I worked there; I don't know if the situation has improved. If you can't find one in a store, I suggest you go ahead and buy online if you can. I can only vouch for GC - you've got 30 days to try it and return it if you don't like it, no hassles - but I think all of the reputable online sellers do the same.

[@joejazz67]

@@amain325 thanks for the information

[@JasonKanakis007]

ES-347.......ebony fretboard. That’s the difference. And along those lines, my favourite 335 model is the Yamaha SA-2000s. It’s essentially an ES-347 copy but I’d argue it’s even better.

[@tonygairomusic911]

AGREED!! I have a 1980 SA-2000 that is just sublime! The pickups were upgraded by its previous owner to Arcane Triple 8s. It is a killer guitar that I love just as much as my Gibson 335 (maybe more??).

[@jimwhite8891]

The ES-347 also has that big brass nut, which the 335/345/355 don't have.

[@oldrrocr]

Have a 339-Ultra III and LOVE it. (the ultra is a semi-semi-hollow body because of all the electronics in it - only one f-hole) It can plug right into your computer for recording. Anyway, love this guitar and glad you mentioned it.

[@johnlebarton9220]

I own a somewhat rare Gibson semi-hollow, a Howard Roberts Fusion. It looks like an ES175 that was left out in the rain and shrunk. About a 14 1/2” lower bout, about 2+” depth, 24.75” scale, with Gibson’s fancy “finger” tailpiece and gold hardware. It is Sandra’s main guitar on the Guitarveesum site. It is an early 90s. I just love it.

[@MarkusBoettner]

I owned an Ibanez AS73 before and now own an Epiphone Dot Deluxe Blue Burst. I really love it with one minor draw-back - and I don't know if this is a general Epiphone 335 thing: The neck up to the third fret is very delicate and doesn't keep the tuning well. This, however, was accidentally fixed after an accident. Someone knocked my guitar off its stand and it fell flat on its front onto a fluffy carpet. The crack noise was really, really not nice. I sent it to Thomann, and they fixed it (with bone glue, I think), and now it plays better than it did before as the neck is actually stiffer in that area. that doesn't mean that owners with similar issues should now break their guitars though. ;) I love the sound, love the feel, and at 399 Euros, it is good value for the money.

[@jayveno73]

Thank you for the recommendation I will be purchasing a epiphone Sheraton II pro very soon!

[@jimmyyoo19]

I tried and bought a peerless guitar and Namm show several years ago..they are well made guitar at reasonable price..thx for the vid

[@jwguitar]

Peerless makes a great guitar. I just wish you could find their guitars in stores…

[@jcwab]

jwguitar lol

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

@@jwguitar I heard that Peerless only make their own guitars when they're not making them for someone else. It may be total BS, but it would be a kind of explanation.

[@matthewharry5499]

You gotta check out the Gretsch options also - picked up a used G2655T for less than £300 a few months ago and it is a joy

[@philbrown6787]

Love my ‘96 Guild X170 Autumn Burst. As fine a semi hollow body as any Gibson. Still find them on Craigslist for ~$1400

[@helenerainey7330]

Veddy Intuhresting! I love my Epiphone Sheraton Thinline 57 (probably) model E212T SN 2868. I say probably because George Gruen in Nashville couldn't find any trace of the serial number but it still has the New Yorker pickups. 58s had humbuckers. I have never heard any instrument with such a beautiful tone. I bought it Sept 30, 1961 at Lawton Music in Oklahoma City. I am the only owner. LD (Ray) Rainey San Clemente, CA 92672. Thanks for the video.

[@rexhumanum3475]

I like my Gibson ES 275 T , Heritage H-535 and Eastman T-186 MX these are great guitars. I do have a es-335 and it is really nice but I find the ES-275T semi-hollow tone slightly warmer.

[@rickhandel336]

I have a D'Angelico Deluxe SS. It's a fantastic guitar.

[@cathytai]

I have one, too - beautiful thing. Sounds better through my solid state Peavey amp than my Ibanez 1-tube screamer for some reason. Gets boomy through the Ibanez - ?

[@pete5668]

4:20 As a Marriott employee that cracks me up because we bought Sheraton and all the other Starwood brands in 2018. I have to give this guitar a look. :)

[@davidcudlip6587]

Just bought a Heritage H530 in blonde and love it. The Lollar P 90's really growl.

[@pedrod.7576]

Starts at 3:04

[@steveokon5431]

I love my 1993 black n gold Howard Roberts Fusion lll,,, beautiful and a very slick player w ebony neck . Thank you and you have very good videos.

[@clarencevickrot3531]

Just bought a AM93AYS thanks to this video. Not usually a guitar I would be interested in but the neck feels great and it sounds great!

[@pdy666]

I have an both an Ibanez AS93 and AS103...both great guitars. I had a Hagstrom Viking which I liked but the neck felt too thin for me. It was nice though and I traded it for an Epiphone ES339 P90 Pro. Affordable with a really nice P90 tone.

[@nazmoking3171]

Nice review - I totally agree Gibson, Ibanez and Epiphone are the 3 major players in thus space. I personally like the Ibanez models.

[@asgeirosnes3850]

Usually I would try a guitar before buying it. But a couple of months ago I walk into a guitar shop, saw a nut brown Gretsch G2655T hanging on the wall and went "That one is mine". Just baught it, and sold my Les Paul afterwards. This is by far the best guitar I've had. And I guess it only costs around 700 $. For a Gretsch! I like the neck a lot better than a Gibson neck, and a lot lot lot better than a Fender neck.

[@orion410]

I purchased an epiphone sheraton ii pro recently, and it sounds incredible. Unfortunately, quarantine started before I could go and get it set up, so the action is a little high for me. Still, for seven hundred dollars, it really surprised me.

[@gillesgenete9598]

Hi, thanks for your presentations and comments. On my side I have a sheraton 2 with modded pick ups , but more for blues-rock tones. I also chose an Ibanez AS153, the size of the ES335, so larger than the AM93 you presented, paid 900€ new with hard case, the black finish is piano like, I fitted chrome string12-48 for real jazz tones with the Super 58 pick ups. I tested the Eastman T59 with Seymour Seth Lovers: so beautiful and an incredible good tone, was1600€, slightly under the T186 MX you presented, I would have loved to buy it if I had the money . Last but not least, I tested a Tokai ES162, a pure copy of the Gibson ES335, selling at €1900, but far better than the Gibson Memphis ES335 that I tested in 2012, 2016 and 2018: each time disappointed with tone and finish, selling at €2800 now. So , all in all of my experience , my best choice would be the Eastman T59 for Jazz, and Tokai ES162 for blues-rock, but I'm happy with my Ibanez AS153BK, and may sell my Sheraton.

[@zoomzoom3950]

What I find interesting are the current guitar choices for different genres, if I go back in time I've seen jazz guitarists with all different types of guitars including strats, les pauls, and more. You might be surprised at the capabilities, playability and sounds of guitars not considered "jazz guitars" if you don't constrain yourself. Many players of the past created tradition by surpassing the traditions of their times. IMO

[@svenolofandersson2572]

I agree, I have played jazzy stuff on my Telecaster, much to the surprise of the other players. Nowadays I bring my Sheraton, which improves my ”jazz credibility”.

[@johnmcgrath8886]

Hi Richie, I've been using an Epiphone ELITE 1963 335 that I bought new in 2004? for 1400 euro -not cheap - beautifully made and sings out - they've been discontinued now.

[@earlycuyler2295]

Ive found that semi hollows are the most versitile guitars for multiple genres. From folk, jazz, blues, classical, metal, punk, bluegrass, rock, soul, and anything in between. My preferance if for epiphone dot studios. Simple controls, light weight, awesome neck profile. I just wish they made a barritone scale model.

[@EliPorter456]

Hey Richie. I'm a big fan of Fender Telecaster Thinline Modern Player. It's a semi-hollow tele. I love it because I'm a fan of rock and roll too and teles are one of the few lines that can do both well. I went for the cheap one because I'm in high school and don't have the biggest budget.

[@RichieZellon]

Agree...I had one...sold it on a tour overseas thinking I would buy another one when I got back and it's been 2 years...I've been craving a Tele lately :)

[@MrMewsique]

comins GCS. Amazing guitars for the 1500.00 price range. Each one is set up by Bill Comins himself and they play and sound great. Made in Korea

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

a company called grote sold on amazon makes a nice beginners semi-hollow ax worth checking out

[@rickfrancismusic]

Great breakdown of all things semi-hollow. Nicely done. I have been playing for 53 years. My fave is my 335 (customized). I would still love a 330. I regret having sold my Ibanez (335-style that Scofield still uses). I SOOOO rgret selling my pristine 1963 Gibson ES-175. Makes me cry. (excuse me. I am having a tissue moment....) Okay. I am back. Anyway, I appreciated your vid demo here. It all helps people in a quandary. I am the guitar tech at Long & McQuade Stratford, Ontario, Canada. My 335 (copy) with added Duncan pickups and a bunch of stuff is my solo go-to guitar. Flat-wound D'Addario strings. It's a dream guitar. Again, great video brother. Always good to see stuff out here that comes from wisdom and experience. Thanks. Keep the myth alive. Cheers.

[@mechadroit]

The 339 is great. I ended up going with a Sheraton II (just a prettier 335), but I nearly went with the 339. The resonance and bass response seemed just a bit better on the Sheraton II.

[@dimitrisaivaliotis5616]

Mr Barnes.. sorry i didn't understand.. at resonance and bass response..wins 339?? Thank you

[@ParaBellum2024]

I have an Epi 339 and it's superb. I prefer the smaller body. Sheratons are very well appointed, but when I've played them, I find that I don't get on with their necks.

[@dimitrisaivaliotis5616]

@@ParaBellum2024 thank you but which is more bass responce?? Sheraton or 339??

[@ParaBellum2024]

@@dimitrisaivaliotis5616 There's plenty of low end with the 339. I haven't compared it to a bigger-bodied guitar. Can you go to a shop and try one of each?

[@dimitrisaivaliotis5616]

@@ParaBellum2024 thank you!!

[@jeremyacton4569]

I have a GREAT semi-hollow Chinese-made 2008 Ibanez Artcore AS73T in transparent cherry with cream binding, and a Bigsby-type tremolo., very much in the pattern of the ES-335, and it can do mellow jazz, screaming overdriven blues, and even the heaviest metal crunch. I totally recommend it as a very versatile (and affordable) guitar, and mine had a perfect set up direct from the factory. Thanks for the great video,. Greetings from Cape Town, South Africa.

[@carybowden4291]

The Sadowski hollow body is superb. I picked one up for around $2700 + tax w/case in excellent condition a few months back. This is a luthier in New York.

[@carybowden4291]

These sell new for $5000.

[@kevinchandler4409]

Check out the Ibenez am153qa. No it has it has a bound ebony fingerboard on a 3 piece neck with stainless steel frets. I tried one and found it very playable

[@handybunny]

I have a Sheraton and love the tone so much…

[@AllenPinchloaf]

Heritage is great. I have The Prospect. 1 inch smaller than a 335.fantastic

[@balybaloo]

i bought a yamaha 2200 and am still happy whith it!!!...yamaha is a very serious mark....

[@nathanrobertschultzmusic2609]

Think John was using the S 200 when I saw him at the bistro in St. Louis a couple years back. Luckily enough to speak with them shortly after the show; what a nice guy. Thanks for the awesome and informative video! Peace and safety my friend.

[@tompelham4648]

Thanks for that one,informative and to the point. Liked the tip about the Eastman with 1.75 nut width,will look into that

[@roberthildebrand9561]

I have an 1978 Ibanez GB10 (George Benson) that I rather like. Plays nice, sounds great. I can't speak to newer models

[@checkpointcovid8021]

At 6'-6" I make normal-sized guitars look tiny. I once saw a picture of myself playing a Les Paul. Ever since then I keep the proportions correct by playing full size guitars. There's nothing quite like the sound of a semi-hollow guitar. I still love playing my Epiphone Sheraton after 8 years.

[@clarencevickrot3531]

I'm shrinking. As much as I crave a 16" body, the AM93 does....fit...a little better.

[@timealigntransformationloc3145]

The. Es 347 has ebony board adds meat mid bass sustain to the tone

[@bluegoose555]

I recently purchased a Bill Comin's 16" Thinline Archtop (Philadelphia Luthier) An extremely nice instrument for a very affordable $1400 to my door on the West Coast (in a nice solid plush case) That price was actually an introductory sales offer (so..maybe $1500-$1600 these days ?) ...after seeing and hearing Jimmy Bruno's take on them) it arrived with a perfect setup (beautifully dressed Ebony neck). Apparently Bill personally sets them up before they go out . I cannot fault it in any way...its stunning ! Lightweight and balanced ..it plays and sounds a dream. I cant honestly say its in league with my Guild X700 ...but at less than 1/2 the price (and far less cumbersome to play) Id probably choose it over your top 8 or 9 here ? I recommend Bill Comin's...check him out

[@bluegoose555]

oh yeah...its a 16" Thinline Cutaway...super comfy

[@clarencevickrot3531]

@@bluegoose555 Are you sure it's 16"?

[@jeromeengelberts7078]

Indeed, a good overview - but the ES330 is fully hollow (not a semi-hollow) and sounds quite a bit different. I actually prefer them to 335's and their clones, simply because of the warmer and woodier sound.

[@pharmerdavid1432]

Thank you for that, which I caught too - VERY careless imho. He seems to not understand it's totally hollow, even though the next guitar is a semi-hollow ES-335...I guess he thinks the only difference are the P-90 pickups vs humbuckers? Frankly, all he does is give us specs we can look-up ourselves, so the video is not very useful - didn't even play them - wtf?! Learn about guitars before making videos......?

[@jfar3340]

@@pharmerdavid1432 and proceeds to say that the order is based on price, right after presenting the heritage after the 335

[@freecitizen2760]

Look at my avatar. It’s a 1983 Ibanez AS-200 similar to what Scofield plays. ‘81-‘82-‘83 are the best years. It has the tri-sound switch and the Super-58 pickups, I love it!

[@timothydaniels504]

Beautiful painting+ excellent video. Glad I found your channel.

[@What_If_We_Tried]

Really appreciate this video for several reasons, and one of them is the information about Heritage Guitar, Inc. I had no idea. However, I'll be looking for an affordable Ibanez, or Epiphone as Heritage guitars are beyond my Jazz play ability at this point in time.

[@reneperrin1628]

Missing from this list is the Guild Startfire IV. Another ES 335 style guitar. Priced around $1100 new it is a great guitar to play. At the time I purchased it, I was also looking at Heritage and Eastman guitars, both superior brands in my personal opinion. I just couldn't touch one of those for the price of the Guild, and, given how great the Guild sounds, I couldn't have justified the price difference to upgrade. If money is no object, and if you have a perfect ear, go with the Heritage or the Eastman. But if you are like me, the Guild is a great guitar for the price.

[@K7PKB]

I love my Godin Monteal Supreme Semi Hollow!

[@RyanAmplification]

Check out Sire guitars. They are made with Larry Carlton. Also harley Benton makes super affordable guitars. I am not sure what the quality of the semi hollow 335 style guitars is but for $200 it might be a good one to take on gigs if you are afraid your gibson might get damaged or stolen.

[@robertdouglas4293]

Nice to hear your passion young fella, good stuff!

[@77pearcearrow]

Comins GCS 1 is my go to and priced at under $2000.

[@CenzoL]

Yamaha SA2200 - I have one love it.

[@Domingojazz]

I have one too, one of the best semihollow you can get on the market at a very good price.

[@johnlebarton9220]

Very interesting video. Happy to see you give some love to Eastman. Those folks should soon be a dominating force in java guitars (if they aren’t already).

[@RPSchonherr]

Everybody keeps missing the Epiphone Wildkat. It's a single cut away semi-hollow with P-90 pickups. Standard Gibson scale with a Bigsby tremolo. Price point is under $500.

[@williambhurt]

started playing Gibson Les Paul guitars in the mid 60's. My wife bought me a Gibson ES 137 Classic in early 2000's. It is now my all time favorite and less $ than a Les Paul standard.

[@MrRubenrivera9649]

I have a D'Angelico premier S-S is a good choice 4 the affordable working and gigging musician I have 1 and the pick ups r warm 4 jazz

[@TJ-kj7qu]

My favorite is the Ibanez artcore as53. I've played many Gretsch and Gibsons over the time I've played, and it's still my favorite. Maybe it's just because the time I've had it for.

[@ParaBellum2024]

I had an Artcore AS73, and it was excellent. One of the few guitars I've regretted selling.

[@cello64]

I have the Ibanez as153, and it is a beautiful guitar....maybe a bit heavy, though.

[@truthmanifestingtruth]

Hollowbody Blues by Orangetree Samples has an awesome Gibson 335 that keyboard players can play.😁👍🏾

[@JJMMWGDuPree]

A friend of mine picked up a 2nd hand Godin Montreal, the original model. He figured that the additional acoustic pickup would make it a good rhythm guitar. In fact it makes it great for jazz. A flick of a switch will take you from Django to fusion... Well, maybe. I am now torn between buying one of the current models and searching out an original... and saving up the spondulix to actually buy the thing.

[@jwguitar]

I would add the Washburn HB35 and HB15 semihollows.

[@misterknightowlandco]

Washburns are very underrated

[@raffyzoo2130]

ibanez jsm100 with anigre wood, the newest one, is top choice.

[@daveg4236]

Jazz? MAD respect for Jazz players...I cannot do what you guys do. But man I play hard rock and metal on a 335. I get some messed up looks when I'm head banging with a 335. When I need a Floyd I grab a guitar that has one but my Pelham Blue 335 is my main

[@jarrilaurila]

D angelico excel dc here bought new for 700 € from Thomann few months ago. What a treasure!

[@USRA1971]

I recently bought a Grote 335 copy on Amazon for $160. Made in Korea. I was actually searching for the Firefly that I had seen youtube reviews on but when I did the Google search the Grote came up. I figured what the heck, for that price I'll roll the dice and I'm very happy with this guitar. The neck is a bit thicker than the Gibson but really to my liking. I have an Epiphone 339 and a Les Paul (Gibson Tribute) not vintage, bought within the last 10 years. The fret ends on the LP were quiet jagged and I had to do some finish work to get it up to par. The Epi had some high frets which also required some finish work in my amateur Luthier garage shop. The Grote came ready to play right out of the box. For my experience I would recommend the Grote for a budget jazz or blues guitar.

[@georgeharatzoglou]

I have a Yamaha SA2200 and a Duesenberg Double Cat.Both are exceptional instruments, much better quality than any Gibson I've ever played, including the one I still own, a Gibson Les Paul Studio Light from the '90s.I've also once played an Ibanez George Benson model, which was also very, very good.I would like to add a Duesenberg Fullerton Elite CTB, but this will take some time...But then again I don't consider myself a "jazz player"...

[@billdyke9745]

The Gibson ES 330 is fully hollowbody as I understand it. Which, together with the single coils would make it my choice. A different sound than all the others. Good selection, though. Thanks.

[@benjaminking3677]

I would suggest looking at some of the semi hollow & hollow body Reverends too. Reverend guitars range from $700-1,300 USD. They are well worth looking into.

[@jeremyacton4569]

Yes, I really enjoy my Reverend Tricky Gomez which is a semi hollow.

[@Kimomaru]

What a helpful video! Thank you!

[@perfectfan2006]

a washburn hb 335 is a great guitar holds its own with any gibson

[@ParaBellum2024]

I had a Washburn HB35 and it must have been assembled by a trainee, using components from the reject parts bin. I bought it for a good price, off ebay, and it went back on soon after.

[@perfectfan2006]

@@ParaBellum2024 sorry to hear that the one we had was great top to bottom even the book match on the top and back were very good

[@valueofnothing2487]

The Ibanez ax120 for $200 is really a good deal. I just bought one and was going to replace the pickups except that I like to pick up stone stuck with one more wonderful sounding guitar. Cheap Ibanez's with medium jumbo frets have a good action and nice pickups. I would not get the ones with jumbo frets because they have a tendency to stick out and be uncomfortable. The semi-hollow guitar -- unlike the full hollow body -- probably has no effect on tone. I would also add the wood does not and I can prove that if anybody wants to see the research paper. The ibanez GART I didn't think it was quite as good has the ax120. The $400 Ibanez guitars are really nice.

[@davidnordon-angus4181]

Interesting survey Ritchie. In fact, a great deal of misunderstanding re- 'Epiphone' pickups on Peerless guitars due to translation in catalogue. In fact, closer reading reveals that they are '90% Epiphone style' humbuckers. They are in fact Korean OEM generic manufacture. I introduced Peerless into France 10 years ago and had to explain this aspect constantly!

[@RichieZellon]

Thanks David for clarifying that!

[@steenjoel]

About the Gibson Es-347 I think Mitch Holder was involved in the design. I personally bought mine back in 1980 and love it.

[@stevelacombe5291]

What does the extra switch do?

[@steenjoel]

Steve LaCombe The extra switch is a coil split.

[@grahamwitchalls3067]

I really think you should check out the Gretsch range. They have economic and and pro level models. I have a G6609 Double cut-away 'Broadkaster' Model with tones that can sing, cry or howl. It would make any professional jazz player sound even better.

[@RichieZellon]

I definetly will if I can get my hands on one...thanks!

[@israelcrook4629]

Love Ibanez!

[@chriscerna808]

I have a Gibson ES 135 that I really like. To me it’s very versatile and plays real nice.