Opinions of the Import Sunburst Archtop P-90

[Buster]

Just curious if anyone here owns one or has played one. I'm really digging the P-90 sound and don't have the ability to shell out the $2k for a Monaco III right at the moment (although I think they simply kick serious a$$)...and I saw BadgerDave made a nice score on that unusual Special...YUMMY...so...I'm entertaining thoughts...anyone care to share?

Erik

[tomteriffic]

Ship me the StevieDamnClay Artist and we'll talk...

I can't speak to the current crop of Chinese-made Artchtop GT's, I've never gotten my mitts on one. The Korean-made ones (the ones that say 'Slammer Series' under the Hamer logo) are some serious bang for the buck and are worth putting some upgrade pickups in if you're so inclined. Not USA made caliber, but head and shoulders above the usual import crowd. I've got an import SATF with Pete Biltoft Vintage Vibe humbucker-sized P-90's in it that's a sweet guitar, especially for the bucks.

On the other hand, a used all-mahogany USA P-90 Special can often be had for not much more than an import Goldtop. What the USA goldtop adds to the party is a rock maple top that imparts some extra 'ping' to the tone over and above the Special, not to mention the crowned and bound neck. Both the Special and the GT have that unique sweet/rude thing going on with them. I'd think you could score an all mahogany Special for not too much more than the price of a Korean GT, and a USA GT for not a lot more than that. At the top of the scale you'd be at no more than a grand, I'd think.

Pick your price point, pick your poison.

[BCR Greg]

They exceeded my expectations witht eh new Chinese made guitars. The Korean guitars were quite good for the money, these new ones are just as good for a lot less!