20s Gibson Sound

[sprucetop]

I love the old sound of course and would like to find it in a newer mando. I've owned a '24 Ajr and loved the sound. What newer mandos have that sound? Any? Is it possible to come close?

Of course I'd especially love that sound in something cheap! (say $500-$750).

Any opinions would be appreciated!

[Jim M.]

I don't think you can get anything new in the price range you mentioned, but the Breedlove Quartz OO can have a great sound. I had a Breelove Olympic for a while, a step up from the Quartz, and it sounded just like an A-jr. I compared it to. I played a Quartz next to an Eastman oval-hole recently, both price new at under $900. I preferred the Quartz, but the Eastman was very similar. Probably not a lot of used Eastmans out there yet, but you can probably find a used Quartz in your range.

[danb]

You can pick up "cosmetically challenged" or refin Ajrs in that price range..

[Eric F.]

I bought a Breedlove Quartz OO slightly used right in that price range and it's a honey. No, it doesn't have 80-year-old wood, but it is sweet and clear. I spent a couple of days playing old Gibsons at Gruhn's last week. They were great, and one in particular was calling my name, but the experience left me feeling good about my Breedlove, which was about half the price.