Guitars 'n Jazz Comments

Wayne - Eastman Jazz 16

2012-03-09T15:45:00.000-05:00

I've been meaning to email you earlier, but have been pretty busy...Playing that Jazz 16! I can't put it down- Wow, it's like nothing I've played before and I've played almost everything for last 35 years. I'm not a Jazz player per se, but a generalist and play many styles of music. I don't know how you decided to build that thing, but I can do anything on that except for extreme string bending. I have Rivera amp and I can go from "Wes" style Sunny to Hopkins Blues, to finger picking North Country Girl to Hendrix - Wind Cry's Mary with out touching may amp - It all sounds great! I wanted a great jazz guitar, but I got a great guitar period!; and, that pickup is heaven - I love the weight and the craftsmanship is stellar - I love the way you can tell it's hand made - I used to be a wood worker and you can see and feel the hands on this guitar.

Wayne, Texas

Eric B. - Eastman 810ce

2012-03-04T22:00:00.000-05:00

Hi Lou,

Just a note to say what a wonderful experience it was to meet with you to purchase my new guitar. Your store is amazing, your wealth of knowledge and experience incredible, as well as your willingness to share yourself and the wisdom of your experience. Very generous indeed! As I said to you before I left your shop, not only was I buying a wonderful instrument that I will enjoy for the rest of my life, but how lucky I am to make new friend in you, Lou. Getting to know you and have you for a friend goes beyond the guitar buying experience. You are a rare and wonderful man who has made a positive difference in the lives of so many musicians. We, who are fortunate enough to meet and work with you, are the lucky ones!

Thank you for all that you do Lou. Thank you for helping me find the right guitar last week. I love every minute that I am playing it. It is an integral part of my sound. It has given me the new voice I was looking for.

On my first gig last night with the new guitar, everyone was asking, "Where did you get that beautiful guitar?" Everyone wanted to know what I was playing. My answer, "I got this from my friend Lou at Guitars n Jazz in Summit. NJ."

Thank you Lou. You are the best!
Warm regards, - Eric B.

Joe F. - Eastman Jazz 16

2011-07-18T11:18:00.003-04:00

Lou,

Just wanted to thank you again for your patience and help. The Jazz 16 is a great guitar, fell in love with it when I opened the case. That love was reinforced when I played it. Plays smooth, easy on the fingers. I would get hand fatigue on my other guitars, not this one. I did not expect such a great acoustic sound either. Thanks again and I look forward to doing business with you again in the future.

Jeff V. - JazzKat TomKat

2011-06-29T11:21:00.001-04:00

Lou,

I just wanted to thank you for helping me to choose the coolest, best sounding amp I have owned. I was a die hard tube guy playing low wattage Fenders (Princetons, Champs etc), but after receiving my JazzKat Tomkat I'm a convert. This amp sounds more tube-like than my tube amps... Fat tone, very flexible EQ, tube pre on channel 1 with EQ and tube drive, channel 2 with XLR or 1/4" in and seperate EQ. 16 selectable high quality effects assignable to either or both channels - ( the reverb is fabulous), phase switch, Tweeter high,low and defeat. On the rear panel XLR or 1/4" output to mixer, ext spker out, headphones out. This thing has it all, but most of all it has tone. I'm playing a Tele through channel 1 and my steel string acoustic through channel 2 with great results with both- no comprimises here.

Thanks again for your recomendation here Lou! After listening to what I wanted you hit it out of the park with this amp. JazzKat is really making great amps folks.

Thanks and Best Regards.

Jeff V.
Woodbine, MD

Wayne K. - Eastman Jazz 16

2011-05-08T17:33:00.003-04:00

Lou,

I've been meaning to email you earlier, but have been pretty busy-- playing that Jazz 16! I can't put it down. Wow, it's like nothing I've played before and I've played almost everything for the last 35 years.

I'm not a Jazz player per se, but a generalist and play many styles of music. I don't know how you decided to build that thing, but I can do anything on that except for extreme string bending. I have Rivera amp and I can go from "Wes" style Sunny to Hopkins Blues, to finger picking North Country Girl to Hendrix - Wind Cry's Mary with out touching my amp - It all sounds great! I wanted a great jazz guitar, but I got a great guitar period!

That pickup is heaven. I love the weight and the craftsmanship is stellar. I love the way you can tell it's hand made - I used to be a wood worker and you can see and feel the hands on this guitar.

Thank you for the guitar, great setup and safe shipping. And the ebony knobs and tuners look beautiful.

I'll pass on my experience I've had with you whenever I can and I wish you the best.

Wayne K.

Michael H. - Eastman El Rey

2011-04-20T17:41:00.000-04:00

Vince and Lou,

Thanks so much for all your help and patience this afternoon. I was not sure where I wanted to go, arch top wise, but when you led me to the Eastman El Rey we found a perfect match! I've been playing all afternoon and it sounds amazing through my gear.

I also couldn't believe the amount of stock you had! I will certainly recommend your shop highly to anyone looking for an archtop.

Thanks again,
Michael H.

Michael I. - Eastman T184MX

2011-04-08T12:02:00.001-04:00

I absolutely adore this guitar!!!!!! I actually have it strapped on as i write this...workmanship, setup, all top notch! I'm plugged straight into a fender pro junior on the neck pickup and the BITE of the note attack is just mouthwatering! I cant say enough good things...guitarsnjazz rocks! Consummate professionals, the guitar was shipped more secure than Fort Knox and is just a gorgeous piece of art as well as a killer player....

Andy C. - Palen

2011-03-26T13:50:00.001-04:00

Hi Lou,

The guitar is fantistic with such a rich and clear tone, i have had an Eastmam 810CE for a few years which is great but the pure acoustic tone of the Palen is the best i have ever heard.

Regards Andy C.

Candido D. - Monarch 16

2011-03-25T13:46:00.001-04:00

Lou,

I want to let you know how much I love my new Monarch 16 sunburst guitar with the Humbucker pickup. I have owned several jazz guitars over the last 40 years, and the Monarch 16 Sunburst with the humbucker pick up is the best.

None of them have matched the quality or tone of this one. My new guitar is everything a serious Jazz Guitarist like myself could ask for or expect.

Sincerely,
Candido D.

Lou X. - Rivera Jazz Suprema 15

2011-03-24T13:42:00.000-04:00

Lou,

I have been looking for an amplifier that would just amplify my archtops and not color the sound. Playing for 40+ years I have finally found it, a Rivera Jazz Suprema 15! Thanks so much for your recommendation. Whether playing my L5 or my Benedetto, the sound coming from this amp actually sounds like the guitar itself. My archtops no longer sound like a Fender Twin or Mesa Boogie. Thanks again!

Lou X - RI

Thomas J. - Rivera Jazz Suprema 15

2011-03-20T13:40:00.001-04:00

Hello Lou,

The Rivera Jazz Suprema 15 is a 10 out of 10 in all departments. In my opinion it's the best archtop jazz tone available at any price.

Thanks for your help and a great price. It produces a variety of great natural tones with plenty of power and punch for any room. Fit, finish, construction are as good as I've seen and all of that at 40 lbs. defies belief.

Delivery was prompt and packaging was bombproof. Thanks again for the great advice and deal. I would recommend this amp to anyone as a first choice to archtop players wanting the most authentic jazz tone!

Thomas J.

Jason - Palen

2011-03-19T16:12:00.009-04:00

Hi Lou,

"The day I entered Lou's Guitars n Jazz showroom was a day I still remember well. There were so many archtops around the walls I didn't know where to begin, and I tried out several, all of them big-name guitars, before I tried my first Palen.

It was at that precise moment when I was actually a little shocked over what I had just experienced.

I had owned several big-name guitars myself worth thousands of dollars over the years, not to collect, but as a performer playing jazz reaching for the highest level of performance, and often finding the instrument just falling short on occassions in area's of subtlety and responsiveness.

For the first time I found an instrument that seemed to make all others pedestrian, and I'm not just talking about it having a fast neck. It had a response to the touch that I had honestly thought was actually unobtainable on an archtop previously, every little nuance was right there if I wanted it. Plus it had this incredible level of dynamics that came with one's playing, allowing the sound to leap out if pushed, or just whisper if gently caressed. The tonal quality on it's own spoke volumes in comparison to the other heavywight guitars-and it hadn't even been set up with the strings that I actually use yet, which were vastly different to what it was strung with.

I knew this was the last edge in my performance that I had been looking for, and immediatley got a deposit sorted with Lou for my custom built Palen. Sound is such a personal thing for all of us who play, and the minute attenion to details that include one's technique, string type and gauge, and if a pick is used, how it is held and used, all weigh into the ultimate result. However, if you are a player who has put in some time on the instrument, and you're ready to handle a Ferrari on the track, then this is the guitar for you. Don't take my word for it though, go and check out a Palen at Lou's Guitars n Jazz yourself, or just pick up my latest CD "Ex-hil-a-ra-tion & other states" out on Motema records in July 2011 for a taste of what I'm talking about."

JC Stylles

www.jcstylles.com

Cheers,

Jason

Gene E. - D'Angelico EX DC

2011-01-31T22:20:00.006-05:00

Hi Lou...

Just a quick thanks for your help during my purchase of the demo EX DC. Just love the guitar and it has raised more than one eyebrow.

Best regards,

Gene E.

Steve J. - Eastman

2011-01-19T06:46:00.002-05:00

Hey Lou,

Just wanted to say thanks for spending so much time helping me choose a guitar over the holidays. I am VERY happy with my purchase (the Eastman thinline) and have been playing non-stop since I got back to school. For my limited budget, I'm still amazed that I walked away with such a great guitar. Not to mention, in playing so many guitars and talking with you for a while, I feel like I learned quite a bit about the instrument in the process. I appreciate all your help, and recommend your shop wherever I can now.

Thanks!

Steve J.

Peter - Repair

2011-01-12T13:55:00.002-05:00

Hello Lou,

Just had to tell you what a great setup and tune up Mark did on my six string acoustic. I have a local photography business in town and pay great attention to details. I will definitely bring my 12 string in for more of the same.

Peter
Summit, NJ

Steve R. - Repair

2011-01-12T13:53:00.003-05:00

Just picked up my acoustic yesterday that I left to have some work done. Mark called me prior to setup, and mentions what he felt was needed. I knew immediately of how passionate he is concerning the guitars that he works on. When I can in to pick it up, I was amazed how great it played, sounded and looked. Looked and played like new! Sure better than going out and buying a new one! Will bring in another one next week.

Steve R.
Short Hills, NJ

John S. - Eastman 810CE

2011-01-01T13:57:00.001-05:00

Dear Lou,

First off, Happy New Year! And what a way to start the New Year. The pictures are fantastic. Thanks so much for taking the time yesterday in helping me select a guitar.

As I related to you yesterday, the level of happiness I experienced in looking at and playing the fine instruments in your shop was equalled by your low key demeanor, professional knowledge, and genuine warmth.

The Eastman AR 810CE Anniversary Uptown I purchased is beautifully crafted. It has a room filling, mellow sound complemented by unsurpassed fit and finish.

Thanks so much.
John S.

David L. - Peerless Imperial

2010-12-17T01:28:00.005-05:00

Lou,

I wanted to send a quick note to thank you for shipping the Peerless Imperial with the set Lollar pickup. It was packed so carefully that it was nearly in tune when I started to play it right out of the case. It is a sweet guitar, it is like an L5 Wes but easier to play given the scale. It sounds great and the action is incredible. I still can't understand how they can make such great guitars for that price.

Your service is great. Thanks again.

Dave

Bob R. - D'Angelico Excel

2010-12-14T13:12:00.001-05:00

Hello Lou,

I hope that you or one of your clients is enjoying that DA Excell that you purchased from me. You really educated me on archtops. You were extremely accommodating to my needs. I am waiting for the next Palen. I may also have a couple more guitars to trade or sell you outright.

Talk to you soon,
Bob R, California

Al - Palen

2010-12-14T13:11:00.002-05:00

Lou,

After returning from my 5 day excursion to find the perfect archtop, it's a no brainer! I must have played 200 fine archtops. I had the will power not to buy any, until I got back to Ohio. The Palen wins on tone, weight, responsiveness, and amazingly price. The workmanship is great too. The only other guitars that compared were over $10,000. You had some of the finest guitars that I had the opportunity to play, especially the ones not listed on your site. I'll take the Palen sunburst that I played. I can't wait to take the Palen to play with the 17 piece jazz group.

Thanks,

Al Ohio

Nick -

2010-12-14T13:10:00.001-05:00

Hey Lou,

I can believe that I spent 3 hours on the L.I.Expressway to meet somebody who lives 15 minutes from my house. The good news is that you sold me the best archtop I have ever played. I knew that I was going to buy it the minute that I picked it up. I knew that this was the one. It just keeps sounding better and better. I spoke to Nelson about "bunny", I already named her. She goes to all the gigs with me. Let's get together and play.

Thanks,
Nick, Pittsburg PA

Jonathan - Palen Performer

2010-12-14T13:09:00.003-05:00

Hello Lou,

When I found out that you now have a showroom, I had to come down and play every one of the 100 archtops that you have on display. That 1972 Jimmy D’Aquisto New Yorker was unquestionably the best archtop that I have ever played. And since you wouldn’t accept all my vintage Gibsons for that DA, I did the next best thing. I ordered a Palen Performer which is now the 2nd best archtop that I have ever played!

thanks,
Jonathan 2007

Jonathan - JS

2010-12-14T13:09:00.001-05:00

Hello Lou,

I'll be looking for you at the Long Island Show next year. I don't know if I'll ever find a better playing archtop than the JS that you got from the Berkeley grad. But I had so much fun this May, I may come down to help you out if you let me play those great guitars.

thanks,
Jonathan 2002

Anonymous - Gibson L5 CES

2010-12-14T13:08:00.002-05:00

Hello Lou, I met you at the Phlly show. I am so happy with the L5 CES that I purchased at the show. Just wanted to let you know that I'll be looking for another one in Nov.

Thanks,
Anonymous

Charlie - Wes

2010-12-14T13:07:00.001-05:00

Hey Lou,

This is the L5 guy. That 93 Wes you sold me is unbelievable. The price was great too. Please send me a list of what you have. You know what I like.

Thanks,
Charlie, South Jersey