<p>My DD is primarily concentrating in jazz vocal, but she also taught herself guitar. At a recent "open mike" event, she surprised us by accompanying herself on her (folk, 6-strong) guitar -- and pretty respectably. We're now investigating what her "next step" guitar should be ... any suggestions for models and/or places to buy would be much appreciated.
We live in Connecticut, but could easily get to NYC. Thanks!</p>
<p>First, get your D connected with the best teacher you can find. The teacher will likely be very well informed and may even sell instruments to his/her students or among his students. Yes, they may mark up the $ a bit but also might offer loaners, a trial before buy and other perks. If you are novice, this can be money well-spent, esp if they get you a good used model.</p>
<p>At the lower end, I would look into the Ibanez Artcore or Epiphone Joe Pass Models. Artcores have thinner body, more versatile than just jazz. $300 (artCore)-$600 (JoeP.). Set up properly by a good luthier, they play and well and sound good.</p>
<p>I like the Gibson es-137 for a mid range jazz guitar. $1500 used, $2100 new. These all have laminated tops; many pros prefer a solid wood top. I myself like the laminated tops on well made electric guitars. Also, the es-335 Gibson, various models and price points but generally over $1500. </p>
<p>I like the thinner bodied archtops for ladies because they are easier for students with shorter arms to reach over and play. The Gibson cs-336 (same guitar, smaller body) is about $3000 new and $2200. used. A guitar that is great for jazz as well as rock, indie music etc.</p>
<p>You’ll find some good video demos of peoplep laying the various models by carefully searching on Youtube. This will give yuo a very basic idea of the look and sound of various guitars. </p>
<p>Other good models from Heritage and Guild are worth considering. The newer Taylor electric archtops ($1500 used-$3000 new range) are great for jazz IMO.</p>
<p>I like good quality used Gibsons, because a good one will hold it value in addition to sounding good; A good used Gibson archtop can be sold years later for the same price, if not more. However, make sure you shop with someone who knows what to look for in terms of possible defects and always insist on a 2 or 3 day right to return. Any reputable seller, even private, should offer to take back a guitar if you don’t like it after a day or two.</p>
<p>If you live in or near a big city, Craiglist may provide some good choices for used Gibson models. </p>
<p>Also, sign up at </p>
<p>[The</a> Gear Page - Powered by vBulletin](<a href=“http://www.thegearpage.net/board/]The”>The Gear Page)</p>
<p>A good source of used instruments if you have someone informed to help you. </p>
<p>If you are looking at a particular guitar, please feel free to pm me for advice.</p>
<p>If you are willing to travel a little farther than Manhattan, go to Mandolin Brothers on Staten Island. Don’t let the name put you off, it is quite simply one of the best guitar shops in the world. They have an incredible selection of new and used instruments from midrange around $1000 to extremely high end. (Want to drop $100K on an archtop? They’ve got one for you.) Check out [Mandolin</a> Brothers, Ltd.](<a href=“http://www.mandolinbros.com%5DMandolin”>http://www.mandolinbros.com) to see their current selection.</p>
<p>Disclaimer: I have no relation with them other than as a satisfied customer.</p>
<p>The starter Ibanez guitars are under $1000 I am pretty sure. My son has a cheap Ibanez and a very expensive Gibson archtop that we gave him when he graduated from High school and he uses them interchangeably. We like taking trips to Chelsea Guitars on 23rd Street because they have some wacky used instruments.</p>
<p>S agrees that for a starter jazz guitar, a low end Ibanez, semi-hollow body would be a good fit. Probably could get one for well less than $1000.</p>
<p>It might be tough to find but maybe a used Ibanez George Benson model. Joni Mitchell played one for many years (see “Shadows & Light”). It’s a small body archtop.</p>
<p>The Epiphone Joe Pass model was a good suggestion at a modest price.</p>
<p>She also might consider a nylon string guitar with a pickup/transducer system. Nylon string guitars are THE sound of bossa nova and might be a great choice for self-accompanying a jazz/pop singer.</p>
<p>Manny’s, the legendary music store on W48th in Manhattan, is going to close soon. Maybe there’s a deal to be had there. Maybe not…the store has been owned by Sam Ash for over 10 years so the inventory might be moved to the Sam Ash location on the block. On that street, also check out Rudy’s.</p>