| Author |
Message |
Makinglemonade
Username: Makinglemonade
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, December 04, 2005 - 2:27 pm: | |
Hello, I was wondering if some of you wouldn't mind sharing your opiniosn with me about the differences between the AF85 and ath AK85. I know tht one is a maple top and the other spruce but does one have a better more balanced sound than the other. I am unable to try them due to a nasty case of M/S and I have to buy something on the internet without trying it. I have read the reviews on Harmony central for both and I have fairly good experience as a hobbyist. I really cherish a warm rounded bluesy sound with a little edge. I haven't ruled outh the AS 83 but I didn't think that would be warm or articulate enough. Any help you might give would be appreciated. Thanks! Makinglemonade |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Sunday, December 04, 2005 - 3:38 pm: | |
Hi, There have been several threads on this over the last few months. You may want to do a keyword search on these guitars
The maple vs. spruce really isn't important, because it is just a thin veneer. Both guitars most likely have very similarly constructed tops.
It is my experience that the AK is a little brighter and more spunky, vs, the more "acoustic" sound of the AF. I would lean towards the AK based on your preference for "warm rounded bluesy sound with a little edge". The smaller body of the AK will be more comfortable to play as well.
The AS 83 would certainly be articulate, and could do the warm bluesy thing. It excels at this, and is worth considering. However, it is not very comfortable to play sitting down because of the size, and it does not have that open hollowbody sound like the AK.
-Sven |
Stugotts
Username: Stugotts
Registered: 07-2005
| | Posted on Sunday, December 04, 2005 - 7:40 pm: | |
You can probably get the sound you want from either guitar. My AF85 has a very jazz tone, but I can get a lot of bite from the bridge pup. I like the warm mellow tones, flatwound 11's. I tried both models and like them both Stu |
Makinglemonade
Username: Makinglemonade
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, December 05, 2005 - 11:49 am: | |
Thanks for the info. Being paraplegic I need something that will be comfortable to play sitting down (obviously) and that info on the AS83 was invaluable. Thanks so much to all that responded, sincerely, Steve |
Guitaki
Username: Guitaki
Registered: 01-2002
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 07, 2005 - 1:57 am: | |
I had a same problem a while back, even when I was able to try them out! They are both marvellous guitars, no question about it. For me the selection came very easy when I brought my own amp to the store to try them out. All my opinions are from the neck pup, that's what I use 99% in this guitar. The bridge pup has a cool snarling bite and I bet I could find use for that, but the neck pup is the thing I bought mine for.
Although being a bit thinner when played acoustically, the AK has mode bite, more dimensional attack. Meaning, when playing harder, the sound changes a bit to give slightly nastier edge. I like that, but I understand that many players want their jazz guitars to be inactive in this way. The AF is smoother, and darker sounding. Due to the low cost original pickup, the smoothness of the AF is not delivered that well, and it sounds muffled and dark when ampified, while AK is companioned with a lovely slight bite.
Ofcourse a pickup change would do the difference in the world, and I haven't tried my Duncan Jazz in my AK yet.
I doubt there being any size difference other than the body cutaway, but there is a huge difference in the reach of the upper frets. The AK gives me space to reach for 3 or 4 more frets!
The guitar comes with regular .010 strings, and I definitely suggest setting the guitar up for .012 flatwounds. It will bring the guitar to life. |
Makinglemonade
Username: Makinglemonade
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Wednesday, December 14, 2005 - 9:19 pm: | |
Thanks for all the info guys. I decided on an AK85 and it will be here tomorow. My Christmas present for me. I've enjoyed reading all the info here and find it very informational and helpful but the real proof is in the pudding and the pudding(AK85) will be here tomorow. Thanks again and Happy Hollidays to all!! Steve |
Funkle
Username: Funkle
Registered: 12-2001
| | Posted on Thursday, December 15, 2005 - 11:46 am: | |
Good choice, I hope you enjoy it.
-Sven |
Andyroo
Username: Andyroo
Registered: 01-2005
| | Posted on Friday, December 16, 2005 - 10:41 am: | |
Ho ho ho! Merry Christmas :o)
droo |
Makinglemonade
Username: Makinglemonade
Registered: 12-2005
| | Posted on Monday, January 02, 2006 - 5:56 pm: | |
Just a foloow up to those that were kind enough to leave an opinion. I got the AK85 and sent it back last week. It looked OK and played very nicely but the switch was scratchy the volume and pots were very scratchy. I figured that they just needed to be used so I played it alot and they never went completely away. I sent the guitar back and I should have my AF105NT in a week or so (currently out of stock). I'm hoping for better on the upgrade. Thanks and good luck to all, Steve |
Johns
Username: Johns
Registered: 02-2001
| | Posted on Tuesday, January 03, 2006 - 11:22 am: | |
Makinglemonade:
Sorry to hear about the need to send the AK85 back. But glad to hear that you are going for the AF105NT. I've heard real good things about this model. Let us know your thoughts when you get it. |
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