爵士吉他选购指南（转载自网络）
When looking to buy your first or upgrade your current jazz guitar, there are many factors that should go into that decision. What body type do you want? What tone range/quality do you want/need? How much money do you want to spend? Etc. In this article we will explore some of the more popular jazz guitars on the market today from a variety of brands and price ranges.
The first question one must ask when looking for a "jazz" guitar is "What style of guitar do I want?"
There are three options:
The first question one must ask when looking for a "jazz" guitar is "What style of guitar do I want?"
There are three options:
- Solid Body : This is the type of guitar that you usually find in rock, country and blues music, although solid body guitars do get used by many jazz guitarists as well. John Abercrombie has used an Ibanez Artist and Gibson SG, John McLaughlin has used many different Gibson solid body guitars over the years and Mike Stern has always used a Fender Telecaster, or a Yamaha version of a Tele.
Solid body guitars produce consistent tone, have a high volume output, and are almost always immune to feedback as compared to the other two types of jazz guitars listed below. - Semi-Hollow Body : This guitar is the "in between" model of jazz guitar. It is not as small as a solid body, but not as big as an archtop, it is somewhere in between. These guitars have some feedback issues, give a nice warm "jazz" tone and are known to be more versatile than the more specialized archtop guitars.
Some of the famous players that have used these guitars are, Emily Remler and Larry Carlton (Gibson 335's) and Ben Monder and John Scofield (Ibanez Artists). - Archtop Guitars : The archtop guitar is the quintessential jazz guitar as it has been used by numerous jazz legends throughout the history of the instrument. It is commonly associated with famous players like Wes Montgomery (Gibson L-5), Joe Pass (Gibson 175), Johnny Smith (Gibson Johnny Smith Model) and newer players like Russell Malone, Buscarino, Mark Elf, Benedetto and Craig Wagner (American archtops).
The archtop has two sides to its presence in the jazz guitar world, the collectable guitar, and the performing guitar. Many high end archtop makers routinely sell their guitars for $20,000+, and are geared towards collectors and the few top professionals who can afford these instruments. On the other hand many other makers, Gibson, Gretsch, Ibanez etc, are aiming their instruments at the average player and making instruments that are much more affordable to today's players.
Here's an overview of thirteen different guitars that are currently being used by jazz guitarists both amateur and professional.
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Gibson Guitars
Gibson ES-175
The 175 is probably the best known jazz guitar, along side its more expensive counterpart the L-5 CES, as it has been played by many jazz greats throughout the years. Though most professional players seek used 175's from the 1950's and 60's, the new reissue model is well built and caries many of the traits that made its predecessors legendary. Epiphone (Gibson's sister company) also has a more affordable ES 175 (around $500).
The number 175 came from the price tag of the first Gibson ES models (1949): $175.
Gibson ES-137 Classic
The ES-137 is designed to be an archtop that does not have feedback problems (semi-hollow body). It is similar to the Gibson 135 model, but is lower in price and has the added Mahogany center block that helps to reduce feedback. Though it is not in the same category as the 175, it is a great guitar for a student or intermediate level player that is looking for a good sounding, nice looking and affordable archtop guitar.
Gibson L-5 CES
The Gibson L-5 has been a staple of the jazz guitar world for decades, due in great part to its use by jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery during the 1960's. It was also the first-choice rhythm guitar in big bands during the swing era. The guitar is made with the highest quality one would expect from a high end Gibson guitar and it sounds as good as it looks.
The only downside to a guitar like this is that it is a bit pricey to be taken out to a club or bar for a gig. Most people would be a little wary about bringing a $9000 guitar to a room full of people drinking and having a good time. But for those who want a great guitar to play with at home, or to record with, this is a great buy.
Gibson Super 400
The Gibson Super 400 is one of the most sought after pre-electronic archtop guitars on the market. They are hard to come by as most people who buy them hang on to them for many, many years. This is due to the quality of the guitar, but also to its ability to increase in price over the years.
The guitar debuted in 1934 and is the largest guitar ever produced by Gibson. Besides the early acoustic version, Gibson also released a version with P90 pickups and later with a Charlie Christian Pickup.
Gibson ES-175
The 175 is probably the best known jazz guitar, along side its more expensive counterpart the L-5 CES, as it has been played by many jazz greats throughout the years. Though most professional players seek used 175's from the 1950's and 60's, the new reissue model is well built and caries many of the traits that made its predecessors legendary. Epiphone (Gibson's sister company) also has a more affordable ES 175 (around $500).
The number 175 came from the price tag of the first Gibson ES models (1949): $175.
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Gibson ES-137 Classic
The ES-137 is designed to be an archtop that does not have feedback problems (semi-hollow body). It is similar to the Gibson 135 model, but is lower in price and has the added Mahogany center block that helps to reduce feedback. Though it is not in the same category as the 175, it is a great guitar for a student or intermediate level player that is looking for a good sounding, nice looking and affordable archtop guitar.
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Gibson L-5 CES
The Gibson L-5 has been a staple of the jazz guitar world for decades, due in great part to its use by jazz guitar legend Wes Montgomery during the 1960's. It was also the first-choice rhythm guitar in big bands during the swing era. The guitar is made with the highest quality one would expect from a high end Gibson guitar and it sounds as good as it looks.
The only downside to a guitar like this is that it is a bit pricey to be taken out to a club or bar for a gig. Most people would be a little wary about bringing a $9000 guitar to a room full of people drinking and having a good time. But for those who want a great guitar to play with at home, or to record with, this is a great buy.
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Gibson Super 400
The Gibson Super 400 is one of the most sought after pre-electronic archtop guitars on the market. They are hard to come by as most people who buy them hang on to them for many, many years. This is due to the quality of the guitar, but also to its ability to increase in price over the years.
The guitar debuted in 1934 and is the largest guitar ever produced by Gibson. Besides the early acoustic version, Gibson also released a version with P90 pickups and later with a Charlie Christian Pickup.
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Ibanez GuitarsIbanez PM-120
The PM-120 is the Pat Metheny signature model guitar made by Ibanez. Though it is not as collectable at the Gibson 175 that it is modeled after, it is a great gigging guitar, and one that is not too pricey compared to other guitars of this quality.
Ibanez George Benson Signature
The George Benson Signature guitar is Ibanez's other custom made archtop that was designed for a famous player and currently on the market. One thing a player should know before buying this guitar is that it is designed for Benson's recent specifications, not from his "jazz" years, more from his pop/rock days. Because of this the tone is going to match Breezin' more closely than Beyond the Blue Horizon, though some players may desire this sound over the older one anyway.
Ibanez Joe Pass JP-20
The JP-20 is an out of print signature guitar from Ibanez that sold during the 1980's when Joe was under contract with the company. These guitars are hard to come by now a days, which is a testament to the quality of the instrument, so if you happen to see one on Ebay or at a rummage sale, make sure to pick it up!
Ibanez Artcore AS-73
The Artcore is the guitar that Ibanez has picked to replace the highly popular Artist series. The original Artist guitars have been used by many great jazz players such as John Abercrombie, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ben Monder and John Scofield. Though the Artcore series is not as well sought after as the Artists were/are, they are still a well made guitar for the price.
This guitar is priced as an entry-level instrument and is definitely one of the better bang for buck jazz guitars.
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Fender Guitars
Fender Thinline Telecaster
Though known better in the country/rock world as the guitar of choice for many players, the Thinline Tele has snuck its way into the jazz guitar idiom over the decades. Known for its warm tone, playability and build solid enough to take a beating, this guitar is a favorite among studio and traveling musicians of all styles.
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The PM-120 is the Pat Metheny signature model guitar made by Ibanez. Though it is not as collectable at the Gibson 175 that it is modeled after, it is a great gigging guitar, and one that is not too pricey compared to other guitars of this quality.
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Ibanez George Benson Signature
The George Benson Signature guitar is Ibanez's other custom made archtop that was designed for a famous player and currently on the market. One thing a player should know before buying this guitar is that it is designed for Benson's recent specifications, not from his "jazz" years, more from his pop/rock days. Because of this the tone is going to match Breezin' more closely than Beyond the Blue Horizon, though some players may desire this sound over the older one anyway.
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Ibanez Joe Pass JP-20
The JP-20 is an out of print signature guitar from Ibanez that sold during the 1980's when Joe was under contract with the company. These guitars are hard to come by now a days, which is a testament to the quality of the instrument, so if you happen to see one on Ebay or at a rummage sale, make sure to pick it up!
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Ibanez Artcore AS-73
The Artcore is the guitar that Ibanez has picked to replace the highly popular Artist series. The original Artist guitars have been used by many great jazz players such as John Abercrombie, Kurt Rosenwinkel, Ben Monder and John Scofield. Though the Artcore series is not as well sought after as the Artists were/are, they are still a well made guitar for the price.
This guitar is priced as an entry-level instrument and is definitely one of the better bang for buck jazz guitars.
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Fender Thinline Telecaster
Though known better in the country/rock world as the guitar of choice for many players, the Thinline Tele has snuck its way into the jazz guitar idiom over the decades. Known for its warm tone, playability and build solid enough to take a beating, this guitar is a favorite among studio and traveling musicians of all styles.
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Gretsch GuitarsGretsch G100
The G100 is Gretsch's version of the pre 1950 acoustic arch-top guitars that were popular among swing and big band players of the time, such as the Gibson Super 400 and others. The guitar is kind of a stand out in today's market it as it is one of only a few acoustic archtop guitars still in production.
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Epiphone Guitars
Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor
The Epiphone Emperor is a classic jazz guitar that stands up against many higher priced guitars and holds its own. The laminated body makes it similar in nature to the Gibson 175, but the body shape and look are more reminiscent of the early Gibson electric archtops of the 1950's.
This is a great guitar for someone who is looking to take it on the road or just play it regularly. Since the price is so low, one does not have to worry about a few dings or scratches than if they were playing the Gibson version of this guitar.
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Aria Guitars
Aria Pro II Herb Ellis Model
The Aria Pro II Herb Ellis model guitar was made from the mid 1970's to the early 1980's and was designed to be an affordable alternative to the higher priced Gibson's of the day. The fact that these guitars are hard to find is a testament to the quality of the workmanship and the collectable nature of these axes.
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Gypsy Guitars
Gitane John Jorgenson Signature Selmer Style Guitar
The Gitane John Jorgenson Signature model is the company's attempt to bring back the same quality Selmer style guitar that Django used at a moderate price. The guitar looks and sounds fairly authentic and any gypsy style player would enjoy this guitar. Aside from the positive points it must be said that outside of the gypsy genre this guitar has limited use.
One more tip: don't judge the sound of a guitar amp in the music store, ask if you can test drive it for a couple of days. Guitar amps sound completely different in the shop than they do at your place or in a rehearsal. The best option is to buy them online, most shops offer a 30 or 45-day return policy.
The G100 is Gretsch's version of the pre 1950 acoustic arch-top guitars that were popular among swing and big band players of the time, such as the Gibson Super 400 and others. The guitar is kind of a stand out in today's market it as it is one of only a few acoustic archtop guitars still in production.
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Epiphone Joe Pass Emperor
The Epiphone Emperor is a classic jazz guitar that stands up against many higher priced guitars and holds its own. The laminated body makes it similar in nature to the Gibson 175, but the body shape and look are more reminiscent of the early Gibson electric archtops of the 1950's.
This is a great guitar for someone who is looking to take it on the road or just play it regularly. Since the price is so low, one does not have to worry about a few dings or scratches than if they were playing the Gibson version of this guitar.
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Aria Pro II Herb Ellis Model
The Aria Pro II Herb Ellis model guitar was made from the mid 1970's to the early 1980's and was designed to be an affordable alternative to the higher priced Gibson's of the day. The fact that these guitars are hard to find is a testament to the quality of the workmanship and the collectable nature of these axes.
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Gitane John Jorgenson Signature Selmer Style Guitar
The Gitane John Jorgenson Signature model is the company's attempt to bring back the same quality Selmer style guitar that Django used at a moderate price. The guitar looks and sounds fairly authentic and any gypsy style player would enjoy this guitar. Aside from the positive points it must be said that outside of the gypsy genre this guitar has limited use.
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One more tip: don't judge the sound of a guitar amp in the music store, ask if you can test drive it for a couple of days. Guitar amps sound completely different in the shop than they do at your place or in a rehearsal. The best option is to buy them online, most shops offer a 30 or 45-day return policy.
观众反应
I think the Gibson ES175 is good choice to me.
First,I'm a Gibson's fans.and 175 has a nice classic looking...
second,ES175 is a real hollow bady guitar（I don't wanne semi-hollow bady!）
and...175 is not expensive~!
I had play a ES175 in my studio(no mine),the strings was not fxxking right~!they were 012...jesus christ~!
I think 010 on the guitar is feel well.
play jazz on a Fender guitar...forget it~!
Ibanez...I don't like the fxxking brand~!George Benson is great,Ibanez is shit~!
[ 本帖最后由 combo 于 09-11-16 14:58 编辑 ]