Session II

[boutjp97]

Just got it in. Beautiful condition, really does look unplayed as the seller stated. Some bad cell phone pics.

[Barry]

Oh mama! Even in a cell phone pic she looks amazing!
Give us some better ones when you can eh?
Congrats!!

[norfolkngood]

Had a feeling that you might buy this. That's an awsome "family" you're putting together.

Look forward to more pics, drooling already!!

[corsair]

Nice, bro!! At some stage I'd like another big old jazz box, but, boy - they are certainly fetching good coin, eh!!

[boutjp97]

Tell me about it. But I agree with other Session owners, well worth the price.

[grogg]

Worth every penny, thats lovely.
What do you think of the tuners?

[caucajun]

now, THAT's what we mean by "guitar porn"!

oooooooooohhhh...........(a little to th' left.....yeah, that's the spot.........)

[Pollyanna]

Oh my gosh Boutjp,

I've only got one word to say about that...




DROOL


She is an absolute beauty!!! I'm soooooooo jealous! Well done mate!

Polly

[boutjp97]

I am very pleased with the guitar. Upon arrival all I needed to do was adjust the rear pickup height, it was pretty high and distorted a little at times, but now it sounds great. As far as the tuning machines go I would have to say they are fine. It stays in tune but it's a little tricky when I have to fine tune, seems like they go from flat to sharp a little easy. So I don't know if they gained a little play over the years or if they were always like that, I guess other Session II owners could chime in on that matter. I am not a real fan of the tone acoustically but when it is plugged in I am just blown away. Now all I need is a Pantera 390 and 350 and I'll be happy. Anyone looking to help a brother out?

[caucajun]

I am not a real fan of the tone acoustically .

no reason you should be. they were made to plug in.

[boutjp97]

Let me articulate on my acoustic comment. I know there is no sound hole and it is not meant to be acoustic, what I meant was that traditionally one can play a hollow / semi-hollow body guitar and get a sense of the sound. When I play my Rainbow acoustically it has a pleasing tone with a good amount of bottom end. And that translates to a great sound (even un-effected) when amplified. I played the Session for almost an hour and found it to be tinny and flat sounding with a distinct absence of bottom end. I love the action but was worried over the acoustic tone. Then when I plugged it in I had a real scare with the tone until I realized how high the bridge pickup was. After a fast adjustment I was just blown away. So to reiterate Session II not acoustic. I just have an articulation problem.

[Warrn]

But there are two sound holes... f-holes are sound holes, you know.

[caucajun]

Let me articulate on my acoustic comment. I know there is no sound hole and it is not meant to be acoustic, what I meant was that traditionally one can play a hollow / semi-hollow body guitar and get a sense of the sound. When I play my Rainbow acoustically it has a pleasing tone with a good amount of bottom end. And that translates to a great sound (even un-effected) when amplified. I played the Session for almost an hour and found it to be tinny and flat sounding with a distinct absence of bottom end. I love the action but was worried over the acoustic tone. Then when I plugged it in I had a real scare with the tone until I realized how high the bridge pickup was. After a fast adjustment I was just blown away. So to reiterate Session II not acoustic. I just have an articulation problem.

i dig, daddy-0! now, go make dat t'ing tawk!

[Barry]

Interesting things, F-Holes.

As I understand it, their primary purpose is to "project" or "cut through" the ambient noise (or instruments if in a band) which it does very well; not necessarily to provide volume or tone, which is the function of the soundboard. And contrary to what we might assume, the sound hole's function in an acoustic guitar is to support and enhance the vibration of the soundboard, and hence the volume and tone. It isn't the focus of the sound as such.

The F-Hole of course is classic acoustic instrument design found in a variety of stringed instruments throughout recorded history, including today's violins and stand up basses.

So, technically, boutjp97, is likely correct in his subjective assessment...it probably doesn't sound that great acoustically, at least not up close and personal, from the player's position. But out in front of the instrument, and in the context of other instruments I think youll find it's a different sound experience.

I find something similar with my Gibson ES330. Kinda thin acoustically to me as the player (then again it is a 'Thinline' design )
But out in front of the guitar it does have a crispness and clarity. Plug her in, and yowsa!!

[boutjp97]

Yeah, what Barry said.

[grogg]

Tinny compared to an acoustic yes. Youve got the flat wound strings on it I think (like me) which will be dead acoustically but will give that smooth jazzy sound when wired up. For unplugged will need different strings methinks.

The tuners / machine heads on mine are to die for, perhaps yours need a bit of tlc. Doubt if its wear and tear given the condition of the rest of the guitar. Is the nut clean, should be bone?

[boutjp97]

You are correct sir, the nut is bone and is clean as can be. I will monkey around with the tuning machines when I get the time.

[Barry]

Youve got the flat wound strings on it I think (like me) which will be dead acoustically but will give that smooth jazzy sound when wired up.

I remember using flat wounds once upon a very long time ago on the Gibson. As I recall it was a smooth and very mellow sound...then I formed a band, changed 'em to wires, and played rock 'n' roll!

Maybe it's time to revisit the flat wounds and set the ES330 up for Jazz/Blues (right, like I can play Jazz). Lord knows I have enough rock and roll guitars to satisfy my inner bad boy now.

What strings do you recommend I try?

[grogg]

Hi Barry,
Ive got 10-48 D'Addario chromes, these were on the guitar when I bought it and were new so havent really tried any alternatives yet. Its my first outing with flatwounds on a six string but I like them on this instrument, suits its style although a slightly heavier gauge may be better but then this was professionally setup.
Greg

[Barry]

Hi Barry,
Ive got 10-48 D'Addario chromes...although a slightly heavier gauge may be better...

Thanks, 10's are about as heavy as my 'ole arthritic fingers can handle these days. Cheers!