Guest HRB853370 Posted September 2, 2010 Posted September 2, 2010 I'll post some pics of the new 1995 H-550 when it arrives sometime today. Ahh, the UPS driver knows by now to deliver before my wife gets home! I have to be savvy about the box too, because she keeps track of the number of empty guitar boxes in the basement. Can't wait to unpack that baby and see how sweeeet it sounds! Any recommendations on string brands/gauges for this axe?
jazzrat Posted September 2, 2010 Posted September 2, 2010 I'd be jacked too. That's a cool one. Any recommendations on string brands/gauges for this axe? I tend to rock my archtops a bit in addition to jazz duties so I run lighter strings than some jazzers. My favorites are Thomastik BB-111 round wounds or JS-111 flats. Right now my 575 has an Elixir 10-46 set with an 11 and 14 subbed in on top. Nice thing about the 550 is the TOM bridge.....you can use about any guage string and still get it to intonate plus you are not really after an acoustic tone with the laminated top so string choice is wide open subject to your preferences.
JWALKER Posted September 2, 2010 Posted September 2, 2010 I took Jazzrats advise, and I went with Elixir Nanoweb 10's on everything, and I really like them. Congrats, on your NGD, I am still waiting on my NGD. I know exactly what you mean by hiding the boxes, as I am in the same boat with the wifey.
Gitfiddler Posted September 2, 2010 Posted September 2, 2010 I'd be jacked too. That's a cool one. I tend to rock my archtops a bit in addition to jazz duties so I run lighter strings than some jazzers. My favorites are Thomastik BB-111 round wounds or JS-111 flats. Right now my 575 has an Elixir 10-46 set with an 11 and 14 subbed in on top. Nice thing about the 550 is the TOM bridge.....you can use about any guage string and still get it to intonate plus you are not really after an acoustic tone with the laminated top so string choice is wide open subject to your preferences. +1 What he said. You also might try D'Addario half-rounds (11's) on that axe. 550's are very versatile archtops, so you have lots of options.
Guest HRB853370 Posted September 2, 2010 Posted September 2, 2010 Thanks! She's here, I have one hour to get her out and hide the box.....................I am starting to sweat profusely..............NGD!
Guest HRB853370 Posted September 2, 2010 Posted September 2, 2010 Crime scene is cleaned up, no traces. Pics will be posted tomorrow. She's a beauty, I would say a 9.5/10
Kuz Posted September 2, 2010 Posted September 2, 2010 Thomastik George Benson round wound 12s!!!!!!!!
Guest HRB853370 Posted September 3, 2010 Posted September 3, 2010 Here are some pics of the new jazzbox!
jazzrat Posted September 3, 2010 Posted September 3, 2010 Wow Will, That thing is gorgeous. Somebody picked some great wood for that one.
Guest HRB853370 Posted September 3, 2010 Posted September 3, 2010 That they did! Now I have to learn to play jazz guitar, no excuses!!
ronalr Posted September 3, 2010 Posted September 3, 2010 I love that color..that is one great looking guitar......congratulations
unikh550 Posted October 9, 2010 Posted October 9, 2010 I'll post some pics of the new 1995 H-550 when it arrives sometime today. Ahh, the UPS driver knows by now to deliver before my wife gets home! I have to be savvy about the box too, because she keeps track of the number of empty guitar boxes in the basement. Can't wait to unpack that baby and see how sweeeet it sounds! Any recommendations on string brands/gauges for this axe? Try some flatwounds every now and then. Love them on my H-550! Think that the 550 is the best for straight ahead jazz because it does not feedback much, being mostly laminated, yet is 3" thick for a little more fullness in tone. You'll never tire of playing it!- Charles Bevell
Gitfiddler Posted October 9, 2010 Posted October 9, 2010 Flatwounds of most any gauge will give your NEW 550 that traditional jazz tone of Wes, Benson, and others. I wouldn't go any higher than 12's, but some folks have done it without harm. The arch on a lam-wood 550 is less pronounced than on other full hollow, solid wood archtops, and the bracing is strong. It all comes down to the tone you are looking for. Half-Rounds (11's) will give it a nice in between tone. Warm but with a bit of an edge when called upon. Very responsive to tone tweaking to give more versatility to a fine laminate archtop. Roundwounds should not go below 11's if you want to retain any simblance of warm jazzy string tones. If you are going to be rock-a-billying with your 550, then 10's would work. Just be prepared for a thinner tone on the high (G,B and E) strings. Enjoy your new gitfiddle, Will!
FredZepp Posted October 9, 2010 Posted October 9, 2010 A Beautiful 550 ... Those just ooze that Heritage mojo.....
koula901 Posted October 10, 2010 Posted October 10, 2010 Wow, Will! Congratulations! : ) What color? Hide the box, QUICK!!!!
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