80's AM-50 - your thoughts

[oasysco]

I'm a long-time periodic lurker from the time I owned an AM75 and have used this site for research on IBZ models over the years, but this is my first post.

Anybody using an AM50 for jazz? I've seen youtube vids and read posts here and reviews on Harmony-central.

The youtube vids made the AM50 sound somewhat thin and bright, but that may be due to using a telephone as a video camera.

Most reviews indicate the AM50 works for jazz, but a few are at odds with that.

I like the idea of a fairly non-descript (no flashy gold or weird headstock designs), smaller bodied 335 style, having owned a CS336 in the past. The AM50 has always been in the back of my mind as my next small-bodied electric.

So how does the AM50 fare at jazz? I trust it handles rock/blues fine.

Thanks,
Greg

[michaelkaufman]

Them AM255 has a darker sound, probably better for jazz, however, that doesn't mean the AM50 can't be used for jazz.  Although I have an AM50 for sale, I defer to experienced jazz players...

mk

[jazzgeetar]

I have an AM50 for a while...I think mine was a 1982 model. Anyway, yea you can get a good jazz tone on it with the neck pickup (super 58), though I thought it was better for an inbetween jazz/rock/fusion tone. I much prefer my AK105SM for jazz and use it every week in that way.

[oasysco]

I have an AM50 for a while...I think mine was a 1982 model. Anyway, yea you can get a good jazz tone on it with the neck pickup (super 58), though I thought it was better for an inbetween jazz/rock/fusion tone. I much prefer my AK105SM for jazz and use it every week in that way.

Ok, thanks!
Greg

[wildfield]

Greg,

I recognize your sign on name from the RMMGJ...welcome.

I have an AM70.  Body size and dimensions are the same as the AM50 but the body is lam birch instead of the lam maple of the AM50.  I replaced the IBZ triple magnet pickups first with Seymour Duncan 59's and most recently with IBZ Super 58 Customs.  It has a very nice, warm, rock/blues tone but seems a little twangy or chirpy compared to a full archtop.  I know that's a weird description.  Single notes have more punch and sustain and overall, it is much brighter/clearer than a full archtop.  I personally equate the jazz tone with a warmer, softer sound, with all the complex overtones and quicker decay of a hollow body instrument.  I've taken my AM70 to rehearsal with the 10pc horn band that I sometimes play with but I prefer the sound of my archtop over the AM70 in that setting.  Having said that, I really like the AM70 for rock stuff.  I play it every week in the rock band at church.  It's a great axe.

Sheryl Bailey sounds pretty jazzy with her semi-hollow sound.  Her latest custom McCurdy is roughly the same body size as an AM.  I'll bet that the AM50 would sound pretty jazzy in her hands.

Glad to see you posting.

Darryl

P.S.  Here's a photo of my (modified) AM70:

[oasysco]

Thanks for the welcome, Darryl. That's a nice guitar you have there. My first AM was an AM75 with thos black IBZ pickups, which I found a bit harsh. The guitar itself, however, was a dream for playability. A bit heavy, but...

Greg

[wakuhn1]

Welcome. I was a lurker before I joined the site too... It can be quite addicting! 
Many informative great folks here! I'm glad I "signed" up! Anyway...

I agree about the IBZ pickups, they were a bit harsh for my taste. I think these pickups were primarily for the rock guitar market...

Darryl, your AM is a sexy beast! I still haven't had the courage to modify any of mine. One day, I will get a "project" guitar so I can play some 

Tone is a very subjective area. I have an AM50, and really like it's versitality. I have used it on gigs where I play jazz for dinner music, and everything else in between for dance music. (classic rock, motown, 50's...) I do keep it away in the case between sets 

When I get a guitar, I don't spend a lot of time with dials and knobs. If it doesn't have "the sound" within a few minutes of tweaking, it will never have it for me. My AM50, took just a matter of minutes and I was a happy camper. I had to set it up with lighter strings than what was on it when delivered. I can say it is lighter, brighter sounding, but I roll off the tone when needed for my clean sounds. It can be overdriven as well, and sounds fantastic. I have no complaints. This guitar is also EASY to play... Almost too easy!

Hope this helps!

Bill

[wildfield]

Yeah, those triple magnet pickups can get harsh for sure.  But, for certain kinds of music, I think that is a great setup.  Before plucking them from my AM70, I played that guitar for a while through a Fender Hotrod Deluxe.  It had a nice, clear tone but when you laid into some chords it really drove that Hotrod nicely.  To each his own!

I do like the more laid back, sophisticated sounds of the Super 58's in the AM chassis.  And, it has a little growl if and when you need it.