Archtop Electric And Acoustic Guitar Buyers Guide
So you’re getting good at jazz and all the greats play an archtop guitar. So naturally you need to play an archtop also! However, before we dive into the buying tips don’t feel that you have to be tied to an archtop. There are MANY legendary jazz players that have not complied to the “archtop guitar standard“.
Guitars are very personal to begin with. Above all buy something that you like. Not just something that your favorite player or the latest and greatest plays. It has to feel good to you! Also, don’t get caught up in the name of the guitar. I personally play a custom made guitar from a builder only a handful of people have heard of. BUT, I love the guitar. It’s MY guitar.
However, to contradict what I just said, consider how long you’ll have and what your plans are for the guitar. If you plan on selling the guitar in the next few years or if you plan on keeping it for a while. There are certain name brands and models that can be good investments. They consistently hold their value. Some have even been known to sell for MANY times the original price tag.
Lastly, be sure not to overlook the option of buying a used guitar. Not only does the wood sound better with age but it’s like buying a used car. The guy who drove his brand new ride off the lot lost a lot of value in those first few minutes.
There aren’t a lot of dealers out there catering to the archtop market. However, at Rockstar Music Supply you can find a huge selection of new and used archtop electric and archtop acoustic guitars. There you’ll find brands like The Loar, Gibson, Epiphone, Ibanez and many more.
Keep in mind that above all this is YOUR archtop guitar. Find the one that you think looks good, feels good and sounds good. THAT is the right archtop guitar for you!
Want to find out more about archtop guitars, then visit Jordan Layne Bourland’s site on how to choose the best archtop acoustic guitars for your needs.
