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Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

Tom Samarati
 

Scott:? My guitars hang on the wall.? All the cases are out in the garage. So outgassing of plastic parts merely contaminates the air in my studio.? Hee, hee!? Cough, cough...

The Ibanez website no longer shows the GB-200.? On the used market that model is selling in the $3,700 range.? In the Ibanez GB product line the top model now is the LGB-300.? It looks like a ES-175 clone with a better tailpiece.? Has body mounted standard size chrome humbuckers.? So really not a true model as the GB's we own.?

Feedback:? Yesterday I cranked my Boss Katana to the 100 watt setting, added overdrive and could get the guitar to howl like a wolf.? Backed down the guitar volume knob, then could get a controlled feedback that was very cool sounding.? Just have to palm mute any open strings to keep the guitar under control.

Just hand inspected with a magnifying glass my Peerless Gigmaster.? It is a well made guitar.? The miniscule flaws I mentioned before are practically non-existent.? What I thought was a tiny bit of lacquer build up was a trick of the light. I've recently seen new Gibson ES-175's that had more flaws. The Peerless finish is perfect.? If I really want to be critical I wish the Peerless was covered in nitrocellulose rather than gloss.? I think that would immensely improve its acoustic voice.? As Guitars n' Jazz has a new Gigmaster for sale right now for $1,200 it really is a fantastic value.? If I was looking to buy a ES-175 type guitar it would be my purchase choice.

?Inline image

Inline image


Switched out the original speed knobs for these witch hats. I'm ready to put the originals knobs back on, they give a superior grip with the extended pinky finger for quick volume changes.

On Saturday, December 12, 2020, 10:58:58 AM PST, Scott Dercks <nearvana@...> wrote:


One negative you should be aware of Tom, is the deterioration and "gassing" of the pick guard on older models. My '79 went through that and it gunked up the gold finish. They can also have binding issues.
I managed to get a replacement. And then shortly after got one autographed by the man himself. I didn't install that one, to avoid wearing off the signature.
I also own 2 GB-200 which is a closer comparison to a 175 etc. Larger body and jazzier tone. One will be on the market at some point.
Scott Dercks


---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Tom Samarati via groups.io" <samarati@...>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Jazz-Guitar] What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz archtop?
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2020 16:42:59 +0000 (UTC)

?
Hi,
?
#1 best attribute of the Japanese made Ibanez George Benson (mine is a vintage 1985 GB-10) is playability.? Neck is slightly smaller profile. I have medium size hands and slightly shorter fingers. The guitar neck is comfortable for me. As a reference I struggle to play a flat top 12 string with a 1.75" nut.
?
Unplugged acoustic tone of this solid spruce top guitar is not impressive. This ain't a Gibson L-5 or Super 400.? The voice is not particularly woody. I sold my 1980 Gibson ES-175 a while ago to pay rent but seem to remember that it sounded louder and brighter unplugged. Of course due to the Gibson maple body vs. Ibanez Spruce body.
?
Electrically the Ibanez floating mini humbuckers are smooth as silk.? I own 23 guitars right now. Though it's apples to oranges to compare this guitar to a PRS single cut or an Alvarez-Yiari flat top, the GB-10 is one of the most musical instruments in my collection. When I'm on my game this guitar sings. My amps are a 1965 blackface Fender Deluxe, 1967 Fender Bandmaster and a Boss Katana 100 watt (An amazing, versatile Swiss army knife of a guitar amp).
?
I own a Peerless Gigmaster (ES-175 clone). It is not as finely made as the GB-10.? Little details like binding flaws and lacquer overpour at the neck joint on the Peerless do not appear on the flawlessly made GB-10.? The Peerless sounds like an electric guitar more than a jazz box.? Which can be a good thing as it is more versatile for a gig when you want to play jazz & blues & rock.? The GB-10 always sounds like a jazz guitar even on the bridge pick-up.
?
Price vs. value?? Is see that the Prestige GB-10 sells new for $3,600.? I bought mine in the late 1990's used in perfect condition with HSC for about $950.? Would I pay $3600 for a new one today?? Probably not.? I'd look into the $1,300 GB-10 made in Indonesia or even the $600 Chinese GB-10EM. If those don't meet expectations I would audition Eastman, Peerless, Guild or a Godin. (I think that Godin makes some of? the best bang for the buck higher quality mass produced guitars in the world, though I didn't keep the 5th Avenue after 6 months.? Just didn't love it).
?
If you want to know something more of my opinion about the GB-10, just ask.?
?
?
?
?
?
On Saturday, December 12, 2020, 07:41:21 AM PST, kevro2000 via groups.io <kevro2000@...> wrote:
?
?

"I've been playing my George Benson GB-10" Tom, I'd love to read your personal review of ur GB-10, someday... just putting it out there, if ur interested in writing it up. Its not a guitar that I see very often except in my Ibanez ads, and of course, by GB, himself. But, I do not know anyone who personally has one, and what they're thoughts on it are.

Thanks, Kevin
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

One negative you should be aware of Tom, is the deterioration and "gassing" of the pick guard on older models. My '79 went through that and it gunked up the gold finish. They can also have binding issues.
I managed to get a replacement. And then shortly after got one autographed by the man himself. I didn't install that one, to avoid wearing off the signature.
I also own 2 GB-200 which is a closer comparison to a 175 etc. Larger body and jazzier tone. One will be on the market at some point.
Scott Dercks


---------- Original Message ----------
From: "Tom Samarati via groups.io" <samarati@...>
To: "[email protected]" <[email protected]>
Subject: Re: [Jazz-Guitar] What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz archtop?
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2020 16:42:59 +0000 (UTC)

?
Hi,
?
#1 best attribute of the Japanese made Ibanez George Benson (mine is a vintage 1985 GB-10) is playability.? Neck is slightly smaller profile. I have medium size hands and slightly shorter fingers. The guitar neck is comfortable for me. As a reference I struggle to play a flat top 12 string with a 1.75" nut.
?
Unplugged acoustic tone of this solid spruce top guitar is not impressive. This ain't a Gibson L-5 or Super 400.? The voice is not particularly woody. I sold my 1980 Gibson ES-175 a while ago to pay rent but seem to remember that it sounded louder and brighter unplugged. Of course due to the Gibson maple body vs. Ibanez Spruce body.
?
Electrically the Ibanez floating mini humbuckers are smooth as silk.? I own 23 guitars right now. Though it's apples to oranges to compare this guitar to a PRS single cut or an Alvarez-Yiari flat top, the GB-10 is one of the most musical instruments in my collection. When I'm on my game this guitar sings. My amps are a 1965 blackface Fender Deluxe, 1967 Fender Bandmaster and a Boss Katana 100 watt (An amazing, versatile Swiss army knife of a guitar amp).
?
I own a Peerless Gigmaster (ES-175 clone). It is not as finely made as the GB-10.? Little details like binding flaws and lacquer overpour at the neck joint on the Peerless do not appear on the flawlessly made GB-10.? The Peerless sounds like an electric guitar more than a jazz box.? Which can be a good thing as it is more versatile for a gig when you want to play jazz & blues & rock.? The GB-10 always sounds like a jazz guitar even on the bridge pick-up.
?
Price vs. value?? Is see that the Prestige GB-10 sells new for $3,600.? I bought mine in the late 1990's used in perfect condition with HSC for about $950.? Would I pay $3600 for a new one today?? Probably not.? I'd look into the $1,300 GB-10 made in Indonesia or even the $600 Chinese GB-10EM. If those don't meet expectations I would audition Eastman, Peerless, Guild or a Godin. (I think that Godin makes some of? the best bang for the buck higher quality mass produced guitars in the world, though I didn't keep the 5th Avenue after 6 months.? Just didn't love it).
?
If you want to know something more of my opinion about the GB-10, just ask.?
?
?
?
?
?
On Saturday, December 12, 2020, 07:41:21 AM PST, kevro2000 via groups.io <kevro2000@...> wrote:
?
?

"I've been playing my George Benson GB-10" Tom, I'd love to read your personal review of ur GB-10, someday... just putting it out there, if ur interested in writing it up. Its not a guitar that I see very often except in my Ibanez ads, and of course, by GB, himself. But, I do not know anyone who personally has one, and what they're thoughts on it are.

Thanks, Kevin
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

I like my GB-10 very much. It is highly playable and sounds good. It is not really prone to feedback due to it's heavier construction. I think it is a bit more versatile than a standard "jazz guitar".
Sort of like the man himself, it covers a lot of territory.
Here is a picture of George, playing MY GB-10 when he came out to see our band play on Maui.

---------- Original Message ----------
From: "kevro2000 via groups.io" <kevro2000@...>
To: [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Jazz-Guitar] What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz archtop?
Date: Sat, 12 Dec 2020 07:41:18 -0800

"I've been playing my George Benson GB-10" Tom, I'd love to read your personal review of ur GB-10, someday... just putting it out there, if ur interested in writing it up. Its not a guitar that I see very often except in my Ibanez ads, and of course, by GB, himself. But, I do not know anyone who personally has one, and what they're thoughts on it are.

Thanks, Kevin
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

Tom Samarati
 

Hi,

#1 best attribute of the Japanese made Ibanez George Benson (mine is a vintage 1985 GB-10) is playability.? Neck is slightly smaller profile. I have medium size hands and slightly shorter fingers. The guitar neck is comfortable for me. As a reference I struggle to play a flat top 12 string with a 1.75" nut.

Unplugged acoustic tone of this solid spruce top guitar is not impressive. This ain't a Gibson L-5 or Super 400.? The voice is not particularly woody. I sold my 1980 Gibson ES-175 a while ago to pay rent but seem to remember that it sounded louder and brighter unplugged. Of course due to the Gibson maple body vs. Ibanez Spruce body.

Electrically the Ibanez floating mini humbuckers are smooth as silk.? I own 23 guitars right now. Though it's apples to oranges to compare this guitar to a PRS single cut or an Alvarez-Yiari flat top, the GB-10 is one of the most musical instruments in my collection. When I'm on my game this guitar sings. My amps are a 1965 blackface Fender Deluxe, 1967 Fender Bandmaster and a Boss Katana 100 watt (An amazing, versatile Swiss army knife of a guitar amp).

I own a Peerless Gigmaster (ES-175 clone). It is not as finely made as the GB-10.? Little details like binding flaws and lacquer overpour at the neck joint on the Peerless do not appear on the flawlessly made GB-10.? The Peerless sounds like an electric guitar more than a jazz box.? Which can be a good thing as it is more versatile for a gig when you want to play jazz & blues & rock.? The GB-10 always sounds like a jazz guitar even on the bridge pick-up.

Price vs. value?? Is see that the Prestige GB-10 sells new for $3,600.? I bought mine in the late 1990's used in perfect condition with HSC for about $950.? Would I pay $3600 for a new one today?? Probably not.? I'd look into the $1,300 GB-10 made in Indonesia or even the $600 Chinese GB-10EM. If those don't meet expectations I would audition Eastman, Peerless, Guild or a Godin. (I think that Godin makes some of? the best bang for the buck higher quality mass produced guitars in the world, though I didn't keep the 5th Avenue after 6 months.? Just didn't love it).

If you want to know something more of my opinion about the GB-10, just ask.?






On Saturday, December 12, 2020, 07:41:21 AM PST, kevro2000 via groups.io <kevro2000@...> wrote:


"I've been playing my George Benson GB-10" Tom, I'd love to read your personal review of ur GB-10, someday... just putting it out there, if ur interested in writing it up. Its not a guitar that I see very often except in my Ibanez ads, and of course, by GB, himself. But, I do not know anyone who personally has one, and what they're thoughts on it are.

Thanks, Kevin
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

"I've been playing my George Benson GB-10" Tom, I'd love to read your personal review of ur GB-10, someday... just putting it out there, if ur interested in writing it up. Its not a guitar that I see very often except in my Ibanez ads, and of course, by GB, himself. But, I do not know anyone who personally has one, and what they're thoughts on it are.

Thanks, Kevin
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

Woo!! I remember those nasty Black Diamonds . Cut my teeth and fingers on them with my first really crummy Yamaha Acoustic in 1966.? I cried my way through the first two Mel Bay books with my first teacher - Vllas Craig of Vilas Craig and the Vi Counts fame.? ?Stunned to find them on You Tube:??
--
Peter Crist
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

Tom Samarati
 

Follow-up on guitar strings for an archtop.? I dipped into my piggybank to purchase a set of Thomastik-Infield Swing flat wounds. $24 from Amazon. My last strings purchase was a 3 pack of D'Addario NYXL for $27. But as I said before I didn't like the feel of them, too tight, too stiff.

Thanks to many of you who are Thomastik faithful I have been converted.? I've been playing my George Benson GB-10 for the past 2 hours with the newly installed Thomastik.? They are a delightful set of strings. Amazing the volume and tone dynamics I get just with plectrum pressure.? Light touch has a silky smooth mellow tone.? If I dig in the tone gets bold and ultra-present without being harshly bright.

What a vast improvement over the strings I used in the early 1960's.? Back then when you walked into a respectable family owned musical instrument shop and asked for a set of strings the sales guy would throw down a set of Black Diamonds in the red paper packs.? They felt pre-rusted. Played as? stiff as barbed wire.? The guitar world is a vastly better place today.

Another topic could be the quality of new guitars today versus the now treasured guitars of the 1960's.? In my humble opinion most mid-priced guitars today are vastly better made than the ones made 60 years ago.? A modern Ibanez Artcore AF75 for $400 is a way better made guitar than a Kay or Harmony archtop from 1965.?

Tom Samarati

On Monday, December 7, 2020, 08:01:44 PM PST, Jay Cunningham' <djay@...> wrote:


Why are you guys sending these emails out twice?? Caps don’t matter.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Tom Samarati via groups.io
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2020 2:56 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Jazz-Guitar] What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz archtop?

?

Hi all,

?

Thanks to the guys who offered opinions about strings they like for their archtops.? Many recommended Thomastik strings. I have never played them. From your endorsements I ordered a 11 - 50 set of the Swing series nickel flatwounds.? Will be auditioning those on my vintage 1985 Japanese made Ibanez GB-10 George Benson.?

Tom Samarati

?

?

?
Re: (TAB) 3 Chromatic Approaches; Enclosure - Gm #Scales

 

Patterns are completely contrary to learning to play jazz, but hey, have fun. They won't help you on the stand...

Cheers,
JV

Juan Vega



On Monday, December 7, 2020 samdols <[email protected]> wrote:

Great. I hope you find it helpful. Have a couple of patterns under your fingers and start using in your playing. ? Stay tuned.?

Re: Horizontal vs Vertical Fretboard? #poll-notice

 

There are classical traditions refer to movement that along the neck as? 'lateral' and across the neck 'transversal.'
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

Jay Cunningham'
 

Why are you guys sending these emails out twice?? Caps don’t matter.

?

From: [email protected] <[email protected]> On Behalf Of Tom Samarati via groups.io
Sent: Monday, December 07, 2020 2:56 PM
To: [email protected]; [email protected]
Subject: Re: [Jazz-Guitar] What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz archtop?

?

Hi all,

?

Thanks to the guys who offered opinions about strings they like for their archtops.? Many recommended Thomastik strings. I have never played them. From your endorsements I ordered a 11 - 50 set of the Swing series nickel flatwounds.? Will be auditioning those on my vintage 1985 Japanese made Ibanez GB-10 George Benson.?

Tom Samarati

?

?

?
Re: Horizontal vs Vertical Fretboard? #poll-notice

 

I've voted, so now I can speak!? I think horizontal runs alongs the string, like the horizon and vertical is across the strings like a ladder.

On Mon, Dec 7, 2020 at 12:15 PM pecpec <peter.crist@...> wrote:
Very good points. Let's face it, however you look at it, compared to piano, the guitar layout is just a PAIN IN THE ASS!

(:


--
Peter Crist

Howard Roberts

 

Hi all,

Those of you who don't get the Vintage Guitars emails might enjoy this:

https://www.vintageguitar.com/9525/howard-roberts-2/?goal=0_2310eb0f86-4ef48fcc1c-247913705&mc_cid=4ef48fcc1c&mc_eid=231d747a17?

Cheers,
JV

Juan Vega
Re: (TAB) 3 Chromatic Approaches; Enclosure - Gm #Scales

 

Thanks!
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

I'm using the D'addario 1/2 Rounds - Jazz Medium (13-56)

On Mon, Dec 7, 2020 at 3:53 PM Jay Mitchell <jay@...> wrote:
Tom Samarati wrote:

> I ordered a 11 - 50 set of the Swing series
> nickel flatwounds.? Will be auditioning those on my vintage 1985
> Japanese made Ibanez GB-10 George Benson.

Please share your observations once you've had the opportunity to try
them out.

Jay
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

Tom Samarati wrote:

I ordered a 11 - 50 set of the Swing series nickel flatwounds.? Will be auditioning those on my vintage 1985 Japanese made Ibanez GB-10 George Benson.
Please share your observations once you've had the opportunity to try them out.

Jay
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

Tom Samarati
 

Hi all,

Thanks to the guys who offered opinions about strings they like for their archtops.? Many recommended Thomastik strings. I have never played them. From your endorsements I ordered a 11 - 50 set of the Swing series nickel flatwounds.? Will be auditioning those on my vintage 1985 Japanese made Ibanez GB-10 George Benson.?
Tom Samarati

On Monday, December 7, 2020, 09:33:26 AM PST, pecpec <peter.crist@...> wrote:


Fer sure! The T-I set? I espoused I only use on my ES-335 which I spend 95% of my time with.
--
Peter Crist

Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

Fer sure! The T-I set? I espoused I only use on my ES-335 which I spend 95% of my time with.
--
Peter Crist
Re: What's your preferred guitar strings for a jazz arch top?

 

One more item that IMO is worthy of note: when discussing preferred string brands/gauges, types, it really matters what type of instrument you're talkng about. Strings that work beautifully on an archtop cannot be relied upon to work equally well on a solidbody or semihollow instrument. Nor can results you get with one type of string from a given manufacturer be expected to hold with strings of a different type that they make.

I periodically restring one of my archtops with strings other than T-I, in the hope that I can identify a cheaper string that works for me. So far, I haven't found any, but I still look from time to time.

Jay
Re: Horizontal vs Vertical Fretboard? #poll-notice

 

Very good points. Let's face it, however you look at it, compared to piano, the guitar layout is just a PAIN IN THE ASS!

(:


--
Peter Crist
Re: Horizontal vs Vertical Fretboard? #poll-notice

 

I didn't vote in the poll, because I'm aware of several contradictory "up/down" and "high/low" conventions for guitar and have consciously tried to avoid "horizontal vs. vertical" controversy.


1. The lowest PITCH on guitar is played on the string with the highest (sixth on a 6-string instrument) NUMBER.

2. When a guitar is held conventionally, the strings with the higher pitches lie below ("lower than") the lower-pitched strings.

3. Chord diagrams are most often shown with the fretboard with strings vertical and frets horizontal.

4. When shown in standard notation, chords appear as vertical structures, whereas single-note lines are displayed horizontally.


I've heard guitar players refer to the first string as "low E." I certainly hope nobody here does that, but it really does happen.

And on a steel guitar, it's all horizontal. :)

Jay
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