Is This Cheap Hollow-Body A Deal? - Unboxing, Demo, Review
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- čas přidán 17. 07. 2020
- damianbacci.com Recently I've seen a few people posting videos of this very cheap Grote Jazz Hollow-Body sold on Amazon. I thought it would be fun to see what all the commotion is about. Enjoy the review. :)
- Hudba
This video is so refreshing. A dude that doesn't snob out! He tells us that it is not the best guitar, but for under $200 that it is fun to play. It sounded great and looks great. Damian is one of the best on CZcams!
Thank you Richard. I really appreciate the kind words.
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
I don't understand if it looks great and sounds great so what is the problem, just because of the price it is junk
, I like somebody judge this guitar by giving it a test drive without knowing the price
@@transformer889 When my Wife and I visited friends back east. My one mission was to find a decent acoustic guitar.
Where I went was a hotbed of guitars! There were guitars of almost every makeand model.
I was looking for one particular Axe. It was a guild fg30.
And it has great sound and tone.
All of my friends back there were chiding me for not looking at Gibson Hummingbirds, Yamaha Acoustic, Gretsch, Takamine and Martin's.
I wanted a Guild. And I found it in a small pawnshop downtown.
I've never given much thought to the higher priced items.
As such, 12 years later, I play it religiously every day.
The ONLY way to play, is what particular Guitar you find and love from the moment you pick it up.
Be Well Transformer.
And don't forget to practice everyday!!🤝👍👍👍
Love your positivity and complete lack of cynicism. Thanks for sharing your talents with us!
Thank you brother. I really appreciate the kind words. :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Hes Japanese
Nice 20" in the back.
Redline?
@@Damianblf what's that bike behind you?
I know Im asking the wrong place but does anybody know of a trick to log back into an instagram account?
I somehow lost my password. I would appreciate any assistance you can give me.
Nice playing. I'm 68 years old and a brandy new beginner. I just bought my first guitar. I bought a Gretsch G5420T in Aspen green. I'll never be good but I have fun trying to learn lol. Good Vid.
If you want it bad enough, you can do it, even at 68. It takes 10000 hours to master an instrument. For example, 4 hours of playing per day for 6 years. But to get good, not master, is about 1/4 of that. 1 hour per day for 6 years, or 2 per day for 3 years, and you'd be good enough to play rythm for local gigs, if that were your goal.
@@eventhisidistaken This is some good perspective. And it demonstrates why I still suck after a little more than 2 years. I just don't practice enough, nor correctly. :) I have fun though, and I'm only playing for me, so it works out. ;)
I'm 65 and just started. I don't expect to get great, but it passes the time and the improvement I do get is rewarding. Have fun and enjoy.
Thanks for the motivation, I am 51 and enjoy plucking around. 👍
I am your age too, recently retired and I have taken up the guitar and piano. I don't expect to play in a band but it is satisfying to see that I can learn to play some easy tunes after only a month of practicing an hour a day (30 minutes for each before I go to bed). CZcams has so much material to build your confidence. Good luck!
In my observation, a guy who can really play an instrument can play the instrument, from cheap to quality, and make them all sound pretty good. I once bought a cheap tenor sax and took it to a repair shop to get repadded. Even with old, dried out pads (two missing!) and dry pivots, this guy played some hot jazz and some cool blues. When it was all fixed up, I struggled to get any kind of tone out of it all. Sigh...
Absolutely. In my over 40 years of musical experience, I can play any decent guitar and make it sound fine. As long as the fretwork is good enough to not lacerate via the fret ends and the action isn't stupid high - with dead frets - I can play something on it. Fact is, I have gigged with Epiphone and Squier instruments with my Gibsons and Fenders... one of my cherished instruments is a Korean Squier Strat my wife bought me.
Yup. I ride off road motorcycles, and I get so sick of all the guys with more money than sense deliberating excessively over all the tech specs of which is the best. My reply is always get better at riding. 99% chance that if you have to ask random people online their opinion then you can’t outperform your machine.
Great, honest and enjoyable demo. The playing was terrific and the vintage tones very authentic.
Thanks for watching. Much appreciated.
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
I think the #1 thing I got from your video was: a great guitarist can make anything sound good! You, sir, are an exceptionally talented guitarist. Thank you!
I wandered here by accident - not my style of playing, and I'm not interested in budget guitars. But your presentation hooked me from the off, and I stayed to the end. Can't pay you a bigger compliment.
Thank you Les. Much appreciated. :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
If you ever want to give a guitar as a gift to a beginner, I highly recommend the Telecaster model. Best $125 I've ever spent.
I want one too!
Been noodling happily for decades on low budget guitars and I love it. Pure fun, no worries about damage or loss.
You're really not supposed to play this well on a CZcams guitar demo. There was no horrible out of tune bending or wobbly vibrato. Also your phrasing was great.
I can't support any of this.
Thank you for the comment. :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Exactly right
Spoken like a true Francais, Sacre Bleu!
I agree. I was offended deeply. Or maybe deeply offended. I don't know. I will buy one of these guitars.
You go hep-cat!
Damian could make a broomstick sound good. Great review.
Thanks for watching Kevin and thank you for the kind words. :)
Stay Safe & Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Very True!
My thoughts exactly. It’s the player not the guitar.
That is the most common insult to a manufacturer that is veiled as a compliment . So this guitar can be pure crap but Damien made it sound good? There are shit instruments that are unplayable and no player posses magic to make it playable.
@@bluwng You're right.
Damian has scored a nice guitar for a bargain price. 🎸🎶💃🕺👌😎🤳
Damian ,this is the first review I’ve seen you do,not disappointed.great work
Thank you Emma. You're right, this is my very first review. :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Major props for using heavier strings with a wound 'G.' I used to have a Guild X-500 and I used a 12 ga set with a wound 'G' and it really gave me the jazz tone. Also more props for your playing, you old jazz man, you.
If you don't use a wound G with most wood bridges the intonation will be WAY off! The wound 3rd has to be closer to the neck than a plain 3rd; it's hard to get a clear view but it appears he changed the intonation on the tune-o-matic type bridge and moved the 3rd string saddle forward.
If we're being perfectly honest, and we've been there, not all of those old vintage guitars were always that great. Gretsch, for example, had some pretty bad Quality Control. And not every Gibson or Epiphone that came off the line was "spectacular". SO, if I can get a decent guitar at $200 that's probably as good as a lot of the originals...then that's a damn good deal. And at that price, I can mod it anyway I like, without any guilt at all.
...or just leave it stock....sounded like a ES-T to me.
I have played some really, really bad modern Gibson 335's before. As you say, price is drfiniely not equal to quality.
ive heard a guy playing 2 old 40's gibson acoustics, same model, unrestored, one sounded like a cat in a blender and the other sounded like a world class choir
The most amazing thing about that guitar is that it arrived in one piece!
Love you Damian! You are a great player, great teacher and a great human being, I've been learning a lot from you, and you play the music I love! Having people like you on you tube is so refreshing especially in those difficult times!....
You can make ANYTHING sound killer. You’re an inspiration for me!
Love the demo, the guitar looks and sounds great. I’m thinking of getting one after seeing this.
Always a pleasure to hear you play!
Love the playing as always brother.your enthusiasm is infectious ( maybe not the perfect word for these times) I always head straight for a guitar with a smile after watching your videos.please keep up the good work its very much needed especially now🎸
Thank you Darren for the kind words. Keep on rockin' my friend. :)
Damien, thanks for the reveal. I bought one and love it. I can't believe how well it plays. I'll probably get some better tuners, but it is great. Thanks so much buddy and keep rockin'.
Thanks Damian. Love your channel and your positivity!
Hey Damian, as always your video does not disappoint! You made that bargain sing right outta the box. I myself am NOT a guitar snob as I found that a real bargain can be turned into a great sounding guitar. Thanks for the demo and keep doing what you do- you rock! Stay safe buddy!
That sounds like a respectable guitar! Sounds in tune, and very true! Helps that you are a seasoned player of course, but $189 is a steal.
Thanks for watching the review Michael.
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
this is so great! I think the tone you are getting from that guitar right out of the box is fantastic! Amazing!!!
Dig it! Your personal message was exactly what I needed at this moment in my life. Thank you.
Thanks for watching the review George. Glad you enjoyed the message at the end.
Keep on rockin' buddy!
DAMIAN
Please, when you' re done modding it with a setup and wood bridge, post an update!
This goes to prove it’s the player not the guitar . As long as the thing innovates and it’s got a pick up it’ll work
I can't believe how much it sounds like a high-end Gretch. Amazing!!
I really enjoyed your presentation and comments about the Grote guitar. I bought mine yesterday and so far it sounds great and I am really looking forward to spending some time with it !
Thank you Neil. Enjoy your new Grote. :)
Waiting for a video after you upgrade this guitar! Amazing! Saludos desde Chile!
This was a lot of fun. Thanks for braving the crazy cheap realms on our behalf.
Damian,
Great review! Your playing is outstanding!!
These are a great value for a cheap hollow body. I love mine. Thanks for sharing !!!
Damian, thank you for your positive attitude and great videos. This review was really enjoyable, stay healthy please, we need you.
Way above expectation for this guitar. Thanks for the demonstration!
You play so effortlessly and are a great informative reviewer. Enjoyed it and learned a lot. Thanks!
Thank you. I really appreciate it. :)
Love your playing, double stops, chords, single notes, etc. ❤
I bought one of these in this same finish. I swapped out the tuners for some Grovers, put a bone nut on it, raised the pick up, and tweaked the intonation. With these few improvements it has become an instrument I really enjoy playing. I find a surprising amount of sweet spots with the stock pick up and will be keeping it.
Very enjoyable demonstration, you really brought out the best in that guitar.
Thank you. I really appreciate it. :)
Thanks for the video Damian. Finally bought one after seeing your video. Saw other youtubers review but you showed its sonic possibilities. My first hollowbody. Came in today with no problems. Thanks again and keep on jazzin'
Awesome. Glad to hear you got a good one like me. Congrats and enjoy the guitar. :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Great review and excellent playing. I just bought the Grote 335 copy, and overall I am impressed. It's a great mod platform guitar. Now you got me sold on adding this one to my collection, too
Thanks for watching Sean. I'll be another Grote review soon on the channel.
Nice playing. That is exactly the type of playing I love and brings out the best in that sort of guitar. Thanks for the great demo!
Thanks for watching James. Much appreciated.
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Great guitar Damian and great video keep um coming!
From Leo: Thanks for your demo. What a great rock a billy guitar. You are right abut the P-90. I have shimmed several of them and that really opens up the sound of that P-90. 5/64th's off the string seems to be the sweet spot. In a day when a couple of premium replacement pickups cost $200, that is an amazing guitar.
Thanks for the great unbiased review Damian....and thanks for the ongoing positivity mate 👍👍👍
Thank you Roger. Much appreciated. :)
Nice! Looking at it straight-on, I would never have guessed it would be a thin-line axe! And it sounds absolutely marvelous at ANY "price point. "
Sweet playing man! I loved that little over the fretboard jump at 9:45. I don't need another guitar, but I'm ordering one.
Thanks for that comprehensive review. Nice playing shows the capabilities of the guitar all over the fret board.
Thank you :)
Great review Damien !! The guitar sounds and looked very cool ! Your playing is great 👍 I think I will be buying one of those !!
Love the style. Made me stroll down memory lane,...the memory of my Dad & Mom's era...very nostalgic. Thumbs up and I may now start to practice some rock-a-Billy rifts in between the Metallica, Megadeath, Sabbath, songs that are part of my routine. BTW, you got my sub. Keep up the good work. There is a niche for nostalgia in this era so it's always good to see that others might be interested in it as well..
Thanks Damian for all that you do.........and thanks for the quotes they're real good and reassuring.....cheers!!
Thank you Steve :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Sounds good , you play very well. It was a pleasure hearing you play! I like the guitar, it's a very good deal!
Thanks for this Damian! Enjoyed the review and the playing...
Thank you for watching the review. :)
Wow might be tempted to get one of these as an entry level jazz guitar. Stayed for the amazing playing too
Great playing and fantastic tones👍👍👍
Very cool review and Guitar! Enjoyed your demeanor Damian, not pretentious at all, very approachable. Keep at it!
Loved it!
Love your playing too!
Thank you very much. :)
I have an Epiphone Century James Bay model and it looks almost identical ! I'd buy that Grote in a heart beat too ! Always good to see you Damian ! 😎🎸🎶👍
Awesome review! Thanks much!
First time viewer! Love your playing! Like the guitar too! I might have to look for one!
Great demo Damian. Keep it coming brother. :)
I am awaiting mine today. Same one and tracking says scheduled for delivery today on Christmas eve! You do great reviews, Thanks!
Congrats on the guitar---at that price point I thought it sounded GREAT, a couple of minor upgrades and its a real usable guitar, awesome video!!
I've got one of these, and I love it. I added a 1/8" shim under the pickup. I also swapped the ceramic magnets in the pickup with Alnico 4 magnets,
which I think improved the tone. The biggest thing - the bridge was held on with double stick tape, and was poorly contoured to fit the soundboard.
Removing the tape, and contouring to get more surface area against the body made a very noticeable improvement in the sound, particularly with
regard to sympathetic resonance and acoustic volume. The bridge/neck has a weird radius; about 16 degrees. I would do the bridge fitting work before
you replace it outright; I think the metal one sounds alright, to be honest.
Thanks for the comment and the heads up.
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
What’s the Scale length? 24.75” (Gibson Scale) or 25.5” (Fender) ?
Great video Damian!
Thank you :)
Wonderful vid and a very nice instrument for the price. Thank you Damo.
Very nice guitar for under $200. The fantastic playing by Damian B. Made it sound spectacular.
great job with the demo
Awesome playing and a very beautiful guitar..sounded great..
Great review. Thanks for sharing
I added a pickup shim, upgraded the tuners and replaced the softwood bridge support with a rosewood one - HUGE improvements for a very low cost. The fretboard is very thirsty for several applications of mineral oil. My intonation was a bit off and I cleaned up the nominal fret sprout with a 3M sanding sponge. What a bargain!
Thanks Jeff for sharing that and thank you for watching the review. :)
I bought mine in a bit of a minor lock-down freakout. I completely love it. Trading some gear and getting a red one ASAP.
I've bought guitars since the late 50's and haven't stopped. I have several inexpensive brands from $100. to $500. None disappoint. Today's world is entirely different, so participate in it! Thanks!
Thank you John for checking out the review. Much appreciated.
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
What a great review.. Thank you for your words of wisdom. Hope you have a great New Year too.🎸❤🧘♀️🕊❤🎸
Thanks for watching & Happy New Year to you as well. :)
First time seeing your channel & I'm very impressed & like your style.
Love your playing, and the guitar sounds great!
Thanks for watching :)
Been playing cheap guitars for a long time. Squier and Epiphone do a great job with the budget guitars. I love hollow body guitars now LOL. Watching your channel, you're always playing them. Last year I finally treated myself and bought an Epiphone ES-339, and it's quickly become my favorite guitar I've ever owned. Amazingly, it was much cheaper than my Gibson Les Paul and completely blows that guitar out the water. It's something about the ES that sounds lively and has a better feel than my Les Paul. It's been 8 months now and I still don't want to go back to playing my Gibson
Damien, you are hilarious and informative! Sounding way better than I do, and I just picked up a matte black Gretsch Rat Rod!! But hey, makes me feel like Izzy...😁😎 Great Job!! Love Your Stuff!!
Great review, nice guitar and terrific playing.
Great job Damian!
Thank you Dario. :)
That was a fine demo and your playing is superb. looks and sounds like a good knock off.
If frets are nice and stays in tune... sounds good to me! Thanks for the review!
Heck of a review. I may just pick one of these up!
That was a super review, Holmes. Thanks a million!
I bought that exact guitar.
Thanks for watching & enjoy the guitar. :)
Mine is actually the red colored. Bad!
Just bought the Rockabilly course ! I so enjoyed learning the Sleepwalk lesson. Thanks !
Thank you very much. I really appreciate the support. :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
You jam wow honestly love your style great tones in your playing awesome attitude to teach !! Great inspiration!!!! Thanks
Thank you for watching the review & for the kind words. :)
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
Man you sound great . Nice demo man!
Thank you :)
You got that baby singing! Beautiful playing put a smile on my face!
Thanks for watching Ryan :)
Damian Bacci thank you for creating!!!
Thank you for the review.
Very cool! You made that guitar sing dude!
Nice job Dams👍
Very warm sound. Was nice
Hey Damien, that guitar sounds the bee's knees. And my compliments on your playing. 😊
Thank you John
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN
I own the red variant of this guitar and I LOVE mine. It has a bit of red paint on the binding and that's the only flaw that I can see so far other than the horrible pack job. I use distortion when I play and this guitar actually sounds good with crunchy/distorted tones.
Well.. I like its sound!
Thanks for your videos Damian!
Cheers from Italy!
fab playing! thanks for the review
Thanks for watching John :)
I went all hook line and sinker on this guitar got the cherry red one, and priced at 169$ Amazon of course, changed strings after high E popped but that was a given. Sounds great, fret ends are very good, only a couple need some buffing but not a problem , setup good out of the box, great buy.
Sounds good and great playing. Fair & honest review, thanks ! 👍
I just got my T50 last week! What was I thinking? Oh the pain!!!! Good job. Great show & tell. Dang, I was joking but now hearing you play it, maybe I need a backup! LOL.
Great playing! Sold me on this guitar. I’ve been looking at it for weeks
First of all, you are an extremely talented player, but the guitar is great as well, to be honest one of the best guitars I have seen in that price range. This "cheap" guitars are anyway made by companies that produce guitars for big companies so they have the experience to make reliable instruments with cheaper materials. I think it sounds amazing for the price.
Thoroughly enjoyed this video, including that nice quote at the end. Regarding the guitar, wow, I would think they would be selling like hotcakes at that price. If nothing else, it looks good. Hey, if a guitar looks good at that price and has a straight, easy to play neck --- go for it. It would be a really good guitar to learn on, plus you'd have the cool factor of it looking good. Thanks Damian!
Thank you Steve for checking out the review. Much appreciated.
Keep on Rockin'
DAMIAN