What is your favourite acoustic guitar?

Subject: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:14 AM

What is your favourite acoustic guitar? What do you like about it, why is it your favourite. I don't necessarily want a long answer but I do want to hear details?

Thanks

Rob

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 05:56 AM

You're joking, right? Or trolling.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: dougboywonder
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 07:32 AM

Oh, go on...

Canadian Tacoma thinline (can't remeber the model name) It has a pointy cutaway, like an old gibson, and It has a Fishman Rare earth pickup fitted and It sounds fantastic. Unfortunately it had its headstock snapped off, but I get it back next week....

Of course, it technically belongs to Jim Moray, but still...

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 08:15 AM

So far a 1967 O-16 NY and a 1959-60 Guild F-30, in that order. Both are smaller and both play extremely well. Guild has very good bass for a guitar its size and nice even trebles across its range. The neck plays like an electric neck. I could get more attack with a higher action. I use bronze lites exclusively on it. The Martin is full balanced with a delicate yet commanding tone and is built to finger pick on. I play La Bella silk and steel on it but I have used bronze lites before on it and it handles them well.

Don

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: John Hardly
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 09:19 AM

Man Don,

Those old F-30's are sweet guitars. Easy on the eyes too. I've got big hands and I'm used to playing a wider neck these days (1.75), but I could get real used to that narrow neck for that hummy sound and comfortable size.

My favorite guitar (these days) is either the Santa Cruz Norman Blake model--slope-shoulder dred, mahogany back and sides, spruce top, simple herringbone and ivoroid trim, 12 fret, slotted peghead. I like it for its elegant beauty, great materials and workmanship, but mostly for its sound. To my ear it's the perfect combination of dry, crisp, register, volume, and articulation. Its neck is too fat.

The other, and I'd buy it tomorrow if I had the money, is also a Santa Cruz. It's what they call their VJ. Also a slope dred, mahogany, but in this case it's the ultimate in pared-down elegance. Simplest of trim, clean top. And the sound is more bell-like than the Norman Blake, but it does plenty fine on leads and fiddle tunes, and still has a great register even if that bass isn't quite as boomy. It's neck is a more standard (by modern standards) slim, 1.75, and it plays wonderfully. There's something about the slopeshoulder's style that is more comfortable than a standard dred. The only way I can explain it is that I don't feel like I'm sitting behind the guitar as much. I fit around it better.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 11:15 AM

no Kendall, no Joke or troll. I'm trying to write a song and I want it to be conversational so I'm doing a little poll of people who love their guitars about what they love about their guitars. So the responses have been wonderful. Thank you dougboywonder, DonMeixner and John Hardly.

Right now I have three guitars with I love, The first is a little Yamaha Classical which I have owned for ten years. Nothing special a $200 guitar but the tones are clear as a bell the action is nice and for a nylon string I think that it hold tuning very well.

I have a fairly new Seagull "A" series, a truly beautiful guitar, Spruce top Flame maple back and sides, gold machine heads with mother of pearl keys. Tons of projection, and the LR Baggs electronics are amazing I think it may sound better plugged in. I am also particularly attached to it because It was made in Canada from Canadian materials. I'm a Newfoundlander living in Georgia and it is a little piece of home.

My pride and joy is a 1964 Gibson J45 which I bought from a gentleman in a bar. Harold is a philosopher and a storyteller with many stories. He had apparently bought and sold this guitar on three different occasions it had come back to him but now it has a home.

When he first bought it the finish was cracked causing him to believe that the guitar was quite a bit older than it was. so he sanded her down and refinished her himself. and while he had done a passable job she was as pretty as she could be. There was a buzz on a couple of the frets when I got the guitar so when I took her to my favourite luthier Mac McCormick to get the frets dressed I asked him about restoring the guitar. We couldn't tell exactly what she used to look like so I gave him a picture of a 1940's J45 and had him match it. I also had him replace the adjustable bridge When I got her back she looked brand new but still had the rich warm sound of a guitar which has been played regularly for at least 25 years.

I believe the Gibson has a "tight" sound when you play a chord the notes blend into one and you can almost feel them in your chest. The Seagull also projects well but even when you punch a chord you can still hear each note distinctly. is there a term for this?

I would like your help on the terminology. I'd never noticed much about the tonal qualities about a guitar before besides maybe jangly or not jangly have I described the tone in the proper terms?

Thanks everyone

Rob

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: John Hardly
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 11:24 AM

Rob,

. "The Seagull also projects well but even when you punch a chord you can still hear each note distinctly. is there a term for this?"

This is what I've always heard referred to as "articulation"

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: John Hardly
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 11:25 AM

By the way, last night I added a song to your song challenge.

And I am still waiting for you to send me a jpg of that redone J-45!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Greycap
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 11:55 AM

My current darlin' is a '74 Martin D-18: Crisp 'n' clean. It's stablemate, a '65 D-28 is also much loved, a bit more bass, not quite so much middle. Then there's the '89 Santa Cruz F-128-12 string - Oh, what the heck, love 'em all......

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Clinton Hammond
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 11:56 AM

Seagull A Series "Folk"... I love 'em so much I had to have 2!

And I'm happy as all hell that I got them BEFORE seagull started doing the headstock logo in Mother of Pearl!

I love the twins... set up is a breeze... set one by ear, and then just set the other exactly the same... And the small body size is great for humping gear all over town... The LR Baggs electronics sound good enough for the girls I go with, and are usually way too much for even the biggest, loudest rooms that I've played...

But bring 'em home and set 'em up in rehearsal hall, and they sound the best... in a "dark and empty room", as the song says...

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Justa Picker
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 12:01 PM

If I had to only pick 1 out of my current tribe (which in and of itself would be a tough decision) I would have say my 1947 Martin OOO-21. My other two "favorites" are a 5 year old custom Martin D-42 and a 22 year old Martin M-38. I gravitate towards higher end Martins, although I owned a Collings OM3H which was exquisite. But it was sactificed for the '47 OOO-21, and I've never regretted that decision. A post war D-18 is on the horizon.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jon Freeman
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 01:03 PM

My Fylde Falstaff is in need of a little attention but it is still my favourite. It's tone is something very special - I know 3 or 4 people who would like to have it including its previous owner - he bought a Martin that didn't suit him in any way, had a Santa Cruz, got another Fylde... but still prefers mine.

Having said that I like other tones, particularly the bass of some Martins I have tried and I like the way they play - I find the neck on my Fylde too wide. Maybe one day...

Jon

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: mooman
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 01:17 PM

I've owned Guilds, Gibsons, Mansons, Lowdens and some lesser makes like Stellas, Hofners and Framuses. But my favourite guitar is my current Lakewood M series. I loved the aesthetics, design and beautiful woods when I first saw it but when I picked it up the very individual sound and feel made it a must-have even though I was skint at the time and had to pay for it in several instalments before I could take it home. This and my Eccleshall A.5 mandolin are the two instruments I will NEVER sell!

mooman

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Big Mick
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 01:17 PM

Great thread, but it hits me at the wrong time. My Seagull has been rendered into scrap by the gorilla's at United. Nothing special. Just a base model S6 with the flat finish Cedar top. Damn cedar, always splitting. But this one was just one of those guitars. The action was spot on, it played wonderfully. The tone was warm and easy on the ears. Invariably when someone picked it up they would remark on it. I always chuckled because I paid a lousy $225 for it 10 or so years ago. I am sick at its loss.

But I still have my wonderful vintage Guild 12 string. It is a wonderful sounding guitar, and is an old friend. I will take my time finding another 6. Won't be easy to find one I like as well though.

Mick

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 02:37 PM

My favorite will be the one I am building at the moment. When it is completed, hopefully by Christmas, my low-end Martin will make a graceful parabolic trajectory into the nearest dumpster.

Murray

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 02:53 PM

I've raved on about my Taylor in other threads, so, wont do so here, but, I'll say only this it is, Smooth, Sweet and sassy.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Murray MacLeod
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:00 PM

Just like its owner .....

Murray

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Troll
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:24 PM

Gotta be my pre-war Recording King made by Regal for Monkey Ward. Loooove that BASS!

troll

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: kendall
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 04:24 PM

two out of three aint bad!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 06:32 PM

My '69 Martin D18, which I have owned for over 30 years, is still my favourite. It has a really well-articulated, slightly bass-heavy sound, but the treble is true and rings beautifully. Perhaps the SPD16 I bought last year will be as good in 30 years, but I doubt if I'll be around to judge.

The old D18 is a bit battered, but so is its owner! I had it set up, partially refretted and a couple of its "dings" restored by Trevor Durrant in Colchester a couple of years ago, and it now plays better than ever. I don't take it out much, that's why I bought the SPD, but I play it for pleasure and on PalTalk.

I've said before, my D18 and my wife have a lot in common: I love them both dearly, and I don't take either of them out as much as I used to. However, the D18 isn't jealous of my other 9 guitars, I am sure my wife would be if I had 9 other women!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 08:25 PM

At the moment, It's a close call between the Collings D2H I bought from Jack Lawrence when he put it up for sale on the flatpick list, after he got his Merrill and pretty much stopped playing the Collings(If you should acquire the Sevastapol video, "Doc and Dawg," on which Jack plays with Dr. Watson and Mr. Grisman, you can see and hear that guitar. But it doesn't sound like that any more.)and my new Martin 000-15S. The Collings has the best sound of anything I've ever owned. But I think the 12-fret slothead 000 size is possibly the ideal size and shape for a steel-string, flattop acoustic, in terms of getting the most, and fullest, sound out of a body of a convenient size. And the 000-15S is probably the best guitar for the money that I've ever had.

It occurred to me that a 12-fret slothead 000 made by Collings should theoretically come as close as possible to the ideal guitar. Then I was in Brattleboro and got to play a 000-2H at Maple Leaf Music and found out my theory was right. Damn. Now I'm in love again and the money's gone.

More gigs!

Peter.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Annraoi
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 08:56 PM

A "Conde Hermanos" built in Madrid in the guitarrería in 1963.
There is nothing to beat this sound. I wish I had a Paco Pena to play it for me
Frankly, it is wasted on me.
Annraoi

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: DonMeixner
Date: 23 Sep 01 - 10:27 PM

I am looking at a new guitar to replace a souless Ovation Elite. I need a shallow body, narrow neck, single cut a away 6 String. Because its for the band I need some solid electronics anf they can be onboard or on the floor for all I care.

As Shakespeare sorta said. "The play(ing) is the thing."

I'll take an accoustic with the preamp and equalizer fastened to the strap so I can easily work the tones but I want an accoustic axe. $1,000.00Plus is my spendable right now. Any serious recomends? Used is prefered and age isn't an issue.

How are new 00 Martins with the Mahogany laminates on the back and side and the solid M top?

Elderly has a re-issue F-30 Guild ($850.00)that I may consider if the neck matches the one I own now.

I like the Seagul sound and action but the neck is too wide for me.

Don

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Walking Eagle
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 11:57 AM

My Martin D1RL. It's the lower end price range $800.00 to $1,200.00. I like it because it is built for a lefty, not just a turned around version of a right handed one. Bout, balance, saddle and nut definately made for left handers.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 12:41 PM

My favorite is my 1975 S.L. Mossman "Tennessee Flat Top." I've owned a couple of Gibsons, had a fair Takamine cutaway when I first played with a group, but this Mossman. As Doc Watson said - It rings like a bell, articulates very nicely, and can be heard over a banjo or fiddle if pressed. The people I play with mostly play Martins of the D-18 variety. A couple of pretty nice old Gibsons in the crew also but this Mossman will hold its own against any of them. I love the wide thick neck - I have very large hands - and it frets very nicely. I had electronics put in the bridge and have used them a time or two but straight up it is a very fine instrument.

I have also owned it since it was brand new - I played the first notes on her and only a couple of other hands have held her. My Tennessee has outlasted two wives (living well with my third), several drunken bar room brawls, was packed on a mule for nearly a year, lived through a fairly hideous car wreck that put my banjo picker in surgery and left me picking glass out of the back of my head, always tunes up well and holds the tune till the strings quit.

I've abused the instrument, dropped the hot ash off of several joints on the side (ah memories of an incredibly well misspent youth), played it too loudly, knocked a jerk out with the pointy end of the headstock one night in a rowdy bar, but it just keeps on playing.

I've fantasized about getting a higher end Mossman but most likely wouldn't play it - I Love this guitar. Next to my wife I'm not sure who is the best friend - only who's been with me the longest.

Peace - Steve

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: English Jon
Date: 24 Sep 01 - 12:47 PM

1884 Venetian small body (ladies model). No idea who made it. Sycamore back/sides, unvarnished spruce top. Very sweet tone, wonderful action, suprisingly loud. Slightly short scale length. Belongs to my dad. Lovely gut string type acoustic.

EJ

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: ddw
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 12:44 AM

Just no question — Old Thunder, my '63 Guild D-40. I don't take her out of the case as often as I used to because when I play out somewhere I usually have to plug in and I just can't bring myself to make any holes in her to put in the pickup. And I feel like I should do the bulk of my practising on the guitars I'll be playing.

When I do play the Guild, I'm always struck by the volume (I'll put her up against most Martins I've heard) and the warmth and balance. Very strong bass and pure, clear treble tones all the way up the neck. And even with new strings, all you hear is wood.

cheers,

david

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 08:54 AM

i have a 79 gibson j-40 walnut, a beautiful guitar i've had it since 79 and right now i wouldn't traDE FOR ANY GUITAR. i also have a takamine custom LTD90 which i use for my stage work, the electronics are just great and it also has a deep finish to it and i had it set up by one of the best guitar men that i know on the east coast so that it'll almost plays by itself. i also have a taylor big baby that i use for small gigs and for playing at home its a great guitar. and my last acoustic is a takamine g series which i have just bought and it has a natural finish and it has a real strong tone just like a martin. so i am proud to say that i love all my guitars and that all of them have different tones and they play great on various types of music. i also have have a yamaha CG70 classical and a johnson baritone uke which i enjoy playing too. after what happened on 9-11-01 it seems that music has taken on a whole new outlook, and it seems that music and playing my guitars and singing helps the heart and soul. bob

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,glenda at work
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 09:05 AM

Hi,

I like my Taylor Big Baby! The size is so much easier for me than Bob's Takamine Custom LTD90 I tried to start on. But I am truly learning on the Taylor.

G

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 09:11 AM

hi glenda at work , this is bob at home,and yes you are right, you sure are learning how to play that big baby and just like we said last night, barre chords are on the way.bob

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 09:15 AM

...Old Thunder, my '63 Guild D-40. I don't take her out of the case as often as I used to because when I play out somewhere I usually have to plug in and I just can't bring myself to make any holes in her to put in the pickup. And I feel like I should do the bulk of my practising on the guitars I'll be playing.

If you use a McIntyre pickup (or, from what I've read, a PUTW - I have no personal experience with them) you don't need to make any holes in the guitar. You'll need to make an existing hole slightly larger, to put an endpin jack in the place of the end pin, but that's it. You'll need a preamp/EQ, but you use a free-standing one outside of the guitar.

Of course, the best acoustic sound is always going to be playing unamplified, and the second best is always going to be playing into a good mic. Any pickup will always be third best.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,vernob
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 09:19 AM

A 1934 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe is my favorite. It responds well to fingerstyle or a flat pick. I also have a Martin OM-21 that is very nice fingerstyle guitar, and a Gibson Advance Jumbo that has the bluegrass snap.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 09:24 AM

gibsons are great. they have the tone that you need when you need ut. i love mine and i sure am thankful that i have it. i bought it brand new in 1980 and have played the hell out of it ever since, there is just something special about owning a gibson, and i just can't seem to put my finger on it. bob

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 09:37 AM

When I record at home I get much better results using the pickup. I have a Shure sm58 with which I record directly into my Computer. When I use the pickup the sound is much more balanced ant it sound warmer I have been told that the bestway to record acoustic is multiple mikes, is that the case and how would yo set them up.

Also I had a pickup put in my Gibson J45 when I had it restored. The hole for the strap holder had to be enlarged but that is the only cosmetic modification. Please note that I wouldn't have done this had the guitar been in collectors condition.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 09:39 AM

taylors are also great guitars. we have 2 big babys and we sure do enjoy them. they sound big and they play great. maybe someday i'll be able to afford another taylor, but until then we'll just keep on pickin and a grinnin. bob

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 10:52 AM

Midchuck is correct. I'm unsure of what type of pickup the luthier put in my Mossman but it requires no preamp. Just plug it in and go.
Peace - Steve

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Larry124
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 11:54 AM

For bluegrass - Martin HD28. For parlor Folk and learning new songs - Martin 00-15. For recording - Martin DM. For stage or party plug-in - Doesn't matter, soundmen/systems favor only rocker-whammers and pianos anyway.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Honky Tonk Man
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 12:21 PM

You can't beat Ovations for smashing morons over the head.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Tim Ausburn
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 01:05 PM

I got my 1951 Martin D-28 in 1980. I shaved the braces a little at a time until I got the full balanced sound I wanted. You can drive it as hard as you want too and it's still clean and even. I use GHS med. bronze strings. I had another 1951 D-28 and it couldn't touch this one even tho it was an outstanding guitar, so I sold it. I have an 0-17 1942 Martin that I sit around and finger pick on. I have a lot of fun playing rhythm behind fiddlers with a 1927 TG0 tenor guitar. A 1932 wood body National El Trovador is great for bottleneck playing. I'll stop here before I get too boring. If I could only have one guitar it would be the 1951 D-28.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 01:09 PM

ovations also provide a bit of a problem to people with bellies,

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: dwditty
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 01:33 PM

In order:
1995 Collings 000-2H (You're absolutely right Peter) 1999 Santa Cruz Model H 12 String Custom (Koa all over w/'42 inlay) 1997 Gallagher 71 Special (Hey, it's my last name, too.) 1970 Guild F-50R (Used to be Jonathan Edwards' stage guitar)
dw

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,S hergert
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 01:55 PM

Jack the sailor, is Mac McCormick who you refer to the same guy that I knew in Omaha?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,DrWord
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 02:42 PM

Luthier Daryl Perry www.perryguitars.com makes exquisite classical and steel string, as well as lutes and theorbos. I wouldn't trade by flattop for ANY factory-made guitar. I'm surprised this thread doesn't have more folk hollerin' about their hand-made guitars. Perry is a one-man shop, and he makes everything that isn't metal. Aesthetically beautiful and volume and sustain that put Martins to shame.
Cheers
Dennis

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 02:55 PM

martins are a myth.bob

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Steve In Scotland
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 02:58 PM

Fast becoming my favourite is my Landola 80 series. Flattop Jumbo. It has the most amazing bass end. I bought it in Finland. It was one of those try that and fall in love things.

KLM airlines lost it on the way home but I got it back the next day undamaged!

I love playing it and it gets rave reviews from those who hear it.

I would definately recomend it to anyone

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jim Krause
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 02:59 PM

What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
My Mossman Tennessee Flattop. Mahogany back & sides, Sitka Spruce top, great guitar for fingerpicking

What do you like about it, why is it your favourite. I like the ballanced sound between bass and treble. For doing solo work, it can't be beat, even for a little solo flatpicking. For vocal accompaniment it is a real gem, too. And the neck seems to fit my hand very nicely, indeed.
Jim

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jack the Sailor
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 03:01 PM

GUEST,S hergert

I don't know if he was in Oklahoma. When I see him we only really talk about Guitars. His shop looks like it has been there 100 years and his wife makes stained glass decorations. He is about 6 foot 2 inches, has long hair and a long grey beard. I you want to you can PM me with more info about yourself and I can ask him. I'll probably be going to see him in the next week or so.

Dennis

Mac Actually makes a wide variety of instruments Mandolins Double neck folk guitars even Ukaleles. But his full sized archtops are unbelieveable. If I only had $8,000.00 to spare!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: blt
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 03:50 PM

I've had my Martin D-28 since 1974, it was built in 1973. I've never played a guitar I thought sounded better, although I've certainly played guitars I thought were as good. I check out new guitars at various stores from time to time; the brand new guitars always seem too bright to me, I like a very balanced sound, the bass as present as the treble, which the Martin I own has.

blt

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Steve in Idaho
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 03:52 PM

Dr.Word - You are indeed fortunate to have such a fine instrument. I'm afraid I could not do justice to one of Mr. Perry's instruments though. One of Mr. Perry's instruments wouldn't last very long in my hands. I think I expect too much from an instrument. If I were to win the lottery I would certainly find the time to acquire an instrument such as his for the picking sessions at my house! Until then I'm a lower middle class back porch picker that will occasionally use my instrument as a drum!

I certainly appreciate you putting the URL in your posting - BEAUTIFUL instrument!!
Peace - Steve

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Don Firth
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 06:02 PM

I have four guitars:

The one I've used the most within recent years is a Japanese-made classic with a label that states it was imported and approved by José Oribé. As was the fashion thirty years ago among Japanese-made classics, it looks exactly like a José Ramirez. Marvelously enough, it sounds almost as good as a concert Ramirez and lots of people have mistaken it for one. I've had a chance to compare my copy alongside a couple of the genuine articles, and for about one-tenth of the price, I'm pretty darned happy with it.

The flagship of the fleet is an Arcangel Fernandez Flamenco guitar made to order for me in 1961. I ordered from here and waited a year and a half for it to be made and shipped from Madrid. The label is signed "Arcangel" and is numbered 135. It has a wide range of dynamics and tonal qualities. You can mellow it out and play classic on it, it's great for all kinds of song accompaniment including finger-picking, and with Flamenco, it really snarls and roars (it definitely speaks Spanish). Lots of bite, with volume and projection to spare. It was ridiculously inexpensive in 1961 (about $175, including duty and air freight), but recently I've learned what it's worth now. If you can find one of this vintage in good condition, it will go from $12,000 to $18,000!! I'm afraid to take it out of the house!

I also have a classic made by one of Fernandez' apprentices. Good guitar, but the wood was not choice and the back has cracked in three places. Needs repair to be playable. No idea what it's worth.

The new addition to the family actually merits the thread of it's very own. It's a nylon-string Go guitar, made by Sam Radding in San Diego. Sam Radding used to be associated with Taylor, and now he's making travel guitars. For my money, this little canoe-paddle has other travel guitars backed clear off the map. Not as much volume and depth as a full-size guitar, of course, but still, this little sucker has a warm, mellow tone, and it sounds like a real guitar! I play it a lot, and I love it! Take a look.

Don Firth

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Mudweasel
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 07:24 PM

A few years ago, I spent my life savings (approx. $400 at that time) on a used 1959 Morris 9-String.

Her sound is full and rich but not quite so jangly as a 12-string, and the neck is narrower too.

Even better, a few years ago, I strung this guitar with Martin .115's and now she NEVER GOES OUT OF TUNE!!!

Well, I mean if you stick her in the trunk of a car and take her out 2 hours later and change the temperature, she might slide a little, but wouldn't you? Realistically, I only have to check the tuning once every 2 weeks or so.

I love this guitar. She's the best stringed instrument in the world. (at least, that I've ever seen.)

-Mudweasel

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Dave T
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 10:44 PM

My first is a new (about 6 months old) Oskar Graf handmade; cutaway, Sitka spruce top, Ziricote back & sides. It has a great tone, good balance between bass and trebles and the mids are clear. There doesn't seem to be a weak note anywhere on the fingerboard; and to think it's only going to get better over the next few years. It works well for any style of music.
My next is a 1967 Martin OOO-18. It's nice and crisp; I wouldn't use it for Bluegrass, but it's great for fingerpicking, blues and sound good with a slide in open tunings too. The Graf is my definite favourite though. Here's a link to his web-site for those of you who are interested: Oskar Graf Guitars .

- Dave T

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: ddw
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 12:15 AM

Mudchick — I know you're right. I've already put the jacks in my two other guitars to plug into the Thinline transducers laid under the bridge. I run thru a Fishman preamp and get a pretty good sound out of it, but I just can't bring myself to do it with the Guild. It's sorta like a Jaguar mechanic said to me one time when I was thinking about putting a Chevy V8 in the XJ6 I had.

"It'll make it a better car, but you'll ruin it!"

Don't know how else to explain it.....

david

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: ddw
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 12:17 AM

Midchuck....

sorry 'bout the transposition of letters in your name....

david, being 'shamed.....

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: MAG
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 01:10 AM

How come it's the guys who wax eloquent about their guitars?

I'm not in your league as a guitarist but we have to balance this a little!

I played only my Tak for 25+ years. I was shopping for something smaller, as my rt. shoulder froze up all the time. I fell in love at Folklife Festival '99, and put my David Webber OO on layaway with guitar emporium in Seattle. It happens to be very pretty, which isn't why I fell in love with it -- it practically plays itself. I haven't touched the Tak since picking up the Webber for my birthday 2 years ago. The bright sound blends well with the contra band I play in. It doesn't reproach me for not practicing more when I do pull it out just for myself. It's got that crisp quality someone mentioned above. I'm a happy monogamous guitar owner.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 26 Sep 01 - 08:29 AM

to mag, i also have a takamine that almost plays itself, but i also have other guitars which i enjoy playing also. bob.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 09:43 PM

refresh

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:12 PM

probably a gibson,taylor and takamine.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,MC Fat
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 04:17 AM

Just played a lovely Martin Sing Out (special edition) which I would like to covet but it's 1800 sovs!!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Sir Roger de Beverley
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 09:59 AM

I always promised myself that, when I became seriously rich,(i.e. no worries about the mortgage) I would by myself a Martin.(I would tell you the reason why but it might sound like name dropping) So, when the day came, I went down to the music store and played every guitar they had including several Martins - the result, I bought a Landola. A jumbo, much larger than I had planned and very blonde. The reason was (and is) it is so easy to play and sounds really nice - a bit trebly for some maybe but I play with a Lowden guitarist and that is bassy so we hit the whole spectrum.

Oh, and it is about £300 cheaper than the Martin and comes with Fishman pickups and pre-amp built in. I also play a Freshwater mandolin and the tale there is similar in that I played all the Guilds etc in the shop and the Freshwater had such a mellow tone and delivered really well that I couldn't resist.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: BluesMojo
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 10:21 AM

The guitar that I love I only love because it's mine. Actually, there are two of them. I have an Epiphone 12-string, which probably isn't the best 12-string on the market but it plays really well. It sounds good and is one of the few 12-strings I've played that are easy to fingerpick on and still get the full sound out of each string. The neck isn't freakishly wide and it's fairly easy to play. My other guitar is a Galveston something or other resonator guitar, with the beautiful chrome-plated body. I currently have those big thick resonator strings on it, plus the action is naturally a bit high, so it's a fairly difficult guitar to play, but it gets a really good sound. I also have one of those cheap little things you can put on the nut to raise the strings and turn it into a lap steel type of thing. I drive my roommate nuts by playing Wildwood Flower on it for an average of two hours a day.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: mooman
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 12:12 PM

Yes Landola,

Although a confirmed Lakewoodophile, I've played several Landolas and agree they're very nice and underrated guitars. Plus they're made by the world's wackiest people...the Finns. What could be better! There's a nice Landola thinline classical with Fishman at my local guitar shop...now if only I had the spondulix!

mooman

P.S. Or should that be markkas?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Kaleea
Date: 17 Oct 01 - 10:37 PM

I got my good ole 1964 Gibson J-45 in 1976 (used) after looking at lots of newguitars of all brands. It's the only guitar I have, and I've never found one I like better. I have played many guitars, as I have taught guitar for many years & tried out the ones my students owned, but I plan to keep playing mine until the arthritis turns my fingers into knots!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: musicmick
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 01:29 AM

I've been playing for over forty years and I've had several fine instruments. When I find a guitar that I love, I sell my old one and replace it with the new. I am presently in love with a light as air Appolo flattop (it was made by luthier, Nick Appolonio, and it's the first handmade guitar I've ever liked). To afford it, I sold my 1973 Gibson B-25. It wasn't even close. I will never sell my 1962 Guild F-50. The best nylon string guitar I've had was a Gibson C-1, but it succumbed to age and neglect. As a rule, the Guild Mark series were terrific boxes, easy to play and inexpensive. The best value was Harmony classics made in the 50s and 60s. The 910 model was cheap and durable. You could use it as an canoe paddle and it wouldn't warp. Their 173 model was even better.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 10:23 PM

i also had a gibson c-1 classic but i had to pawn it cause i was strapped for cash at that time,and i never could get it back, i still kick myself in the ass every time i think aboutit , and i've also had some old harmony guitars and they were ok but nothing to brag about.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Acrobut
Date: 18 Oct 01 - 10:41 PM

I have a 1998 Taylor 414, with a Mimesis Dual EQ P/U system. I really appreciate the completely satin finish, which means no fingermarks etc. On the day I bought it, I played it at a gig and it stole the show. I was so delighted that I wrote a song about it.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Eric
Date: 19 Oct 01 - 03:33 PM

My Rob Armstrong "Viking" [only called that because he put a viking helmet on the truss rod cover for me] cos I think he loves guitars and you can feel it.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: SharonA
Date: 19 Oct 01 - 06:36 PM

Haven't found it yet. Till I do, I'm rather fond of my workhorse, a Martin D35. I also have a soft spot in my heart for the guitar I learned on, though acoustically it's no virtuoso: my father's 1950s-vintage F-hole archtop Kalamazoo (economy-line Gibson).

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 28 Oct 01 - 10:51 PM

i played a nice larivee yesterday, one of the middle priced ones and one of these days i think that i'll probably get one, and it had elixir strings on it and boy was it nice. BOB

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: breezy
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 06:01 PM

Chris Cross died JUNE 2001. iN HIS TIME HE MADE ABOUT 300 GUITARS.aLL ARE WORKS OF A TALENTED CRAFTSMAN.I am so fortunate to own at least one, and they are a dream to play and to be heard.Rest in peace Chris and thanks.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Arbuthnot
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 08:52 PM

Interesting thread, this. My favorites that I didn't own were

Martins - two 0017s, a '57 00018 and a '75 0025K

a Euphenon -couldn't even afford the case, but the best all- round accoustic I've ever played a ca. 1918 Gibson L7 - only one known.

My no.1 is a Bacon and Day Senorita S6H, which is ideal for blues, but my street guitars are a Seagull Grand and an Epiphone Olympic electric.

John Mclaughlin once told me that the best guitar he'd ever had was a rosewood Gibson J200

What I've noticed is no-one mentions the bad guitars - eg. I've never found a Gibson Hummingbird I liked, and ladder- strutted Guilds sound good but usually look like a guitar repairer's practice piece after a few years

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 29 Oct 01 - 11:21 PM

i'm still thinking about that larivee, boy it was nice. BOB

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Watersong
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 12:37 PM

Bought my new Gibson J-50 in Jacksonville in 1966 for its big noise ability to stand up to banjos, etc.. It has aged into the warmest sounding "boomer" I've encountered. Had the neck and frets completely reworked by George Youngblood in 1985 ... the action now is as warm as the sound. My Martin D 28 friends all like to play this J-50 for its honest heat. Was doing an Irish gig 2 years ago and a dealer gave me a Larrivee OM-9 to get through some tender finger-picking work. YES! Found a used one a month ago and bought it ... sound and action phenominal ... compares to any money...balanced bright timbre like a good '50's Martin D 28 .

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: jup
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 09:16 PM

I have 3 aussie Matons and I love all of them.They have had no problems and I like the wider neck to the taka.You do need to avoid the cheap end of the range though. I have a 1954 F hole , CW80 12 1979 and an overlander 1990. All have pickups.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Bobert
Date: 26 Jan 02 - 10:38 PM

The ol' bobert is with Lanfranc.... I'll take my '64 Martin D-18 over all the rest of my beaters combined...

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,John Collyer
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 01:58 PM

Hi all I've just come in on this thread so a bit late. Never mind, for what its worth I have several very nice guitars collected over many years. The current inventory is a 1980 Custom CFM D-45, a recent CFM D-18VS (slope shoulder 12 fretter), a 1980 Custom CFM OM -28 herringbone Brazilian, a CFM 000-15S, a Collings OM-3, and a Tom Mates Custom 12 string in Brazilian and cedar.

My favourite? Well if I could only take one to my desert island it would have to be the CFM OM-28. Its power, projection and cut are simply breathtaking.

In value for money terms nothing, but nothing comes close to the plain Jane of the set....the Martin 000-15S. A sensational guitar and one year ago it cost just £650 new with a hard case. John Collyer

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Frankham
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 04:07 PM

I love my old Martin 0021. Mary (my wife) has one too and we occasionally play them together.

I first played a 0021 in the early fifties. Bess Lomax Hawes had one that was either given or purchased from Josh White. I fell it love with it immediately.

The 0021 has pretty much been my first instrument. It has a good bite for accoustic rhythm jazz guitar (ala Hot Club) as well as a nice finger picking balance. I like it because it's not too bass heavy but you can lay into it under other instruments such as loud banjos and it will have presence.

It's a great accompaniment instrument for singing also. I use a Sunrise pickup in mine when we do small venues requiring some amplification. Sunrise is one of the best but I understand it sounds even better with an expensive pre-amp.

The 0021 was one of Martin's first made instruments. They seemed to always have it on hand when there was a request for it although you don't see many today.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Beer
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 07:12 PM

I have to go with the first guitar I've ever purchased. That was a " Yamaha 180", Got it in 1963 and have been told that the Yamaha's back then were hand made. Can anyone tell me if this would be true? This guitar has been through hell but with a nice new set of strings, wow.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: iceboy
Date: 27 Jan 02 - 11:14 PM

er.......um, isn't this a little like asking what your favorite shoe is? It depends on whether you're going backpacking, running, or dancing. A few of my all time favorites-1922 Martin 2-17-sounds like church bells in a small chapel. Clear, bell tones,beautiful! 1935 Naional Trojan-very plunky, percussive mid-range like a combination of banjo, guitar, and piano. 1938 Regal parlor guitar-cheapest wood in the world painted grain(!) but balanced between the bass and top end like you wouldn't believe and loud as thunderstorm. 1996 Martin DM-18-another well balanced guitar. Nothing exotic, but durable and versatile as hell with amazing dynamic range and plenty of separation and definition. I could go on and on...............

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: X
Date: 28 Jan 02 - 09:35 PM

My 1937 Gibson RB-17 Top Tension. That's my favourite guitar;-)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Townes
Date: 29 Jan 02 - 12:43 AM

Three years ago I purchased Thompson. made by Ted Thompson who lives in BC Canada.I'm a bloody long way from Canada and Ted but it's a great guitar and I would recommend them to anyone. regards Townes.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Rolfyboy6
Date: 29 Jan 02 - 03:01 AM

"Baby", my old Martin 000-18. Taught me how to play, and I always come back to it. An all around guitar, flat picking, finger picking, old-timey, blues, even acoustic rockers. My second good one is a Gallagher G-45. More of a problem because you have to 'push' it and use a lot of attack to get it to sound good, but a great guitar up the neck.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: fat B****rd
Date: 29 Jan 02 - 04:14 AM

Mine

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Stringkiller - Taylor and Parker contented u
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 09:16 PM

Acoustic
Gibson Hummbingbird
see http://www.geocities.com/BourbonStreet/4089/guitars.html
Electro acoustic
Taylor
see http://www.geocities.com/alecds/g1.html
Electro acoustic
Parker Fly
see Pictures http://www.geocities.com/alecds/index.htm
Text http://www.ifrance.com/parkerguitar/mp.html
Ciao
Stringkiller
http://www.geocities.com/stringkiller

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Bobert
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 09:29 PM

My favorite: my 1964 Martin D-18 that I've owned for over 30 years now. Yep, she 's been with me thru a lot of good times, as well as bad. The ol' gal is a tad beat but still sounds and plays great.

My most played: my 70's Fender LeBrea cut-away with the gold Schallers and internal pickup. Plays great, sounds great and is more forgiving than the Martin.

Bobert

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Bee-dubya-ell
Date: 19 Oct 02 - 09:44 PM

I don't have a favorite. I love them all equally. However, if someone should happen to leave a 1963 D-28 Martin at my doorstep I might have to reconsider the matter.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 11:16 AM

Gibson J-40

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 01:52 PM

Yeah, I've been telling you about those Larivees, Bob. Hard to beat. However, I have never yet owned one.

I have owned several Martins (D-28, D-35, Shenandoah, M-38) and eventually sold them all. I think I liked the Shenandoah the best, and it was the least expensive of the lot, strangely enough.

Had a Washburn that was very nice.

Had a Jasmine that was a delight to play (nice setup) but sounded like a cardboard box. :-)

Had a Yamaha 12-string that was pretty amazing, and a small body Yamaha 6-string acoustic/electric that was very good.

Had a huge old Guild 12-string that was extremely gutsy.

Had a couple of very nice Takamines, still got one of them.

Had a couple of homemades by local luthiers you will not have heard of.

But...my all time favourite remains: my Yamaha FG-461S with a Fishman pickup under the bridge. What a sweet guitar! It looks great, plays great, has a wonderful treble end and an equally nice bass end...even right across the whole range...and has an uncanny ability to stay in tune almost indefinitely.

- LH

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,guitarfixer
Date: 20 Oct 02 - 09:24 PM

I think it is really hard to do better than a Lakewood in Cherry or Brazilian Rosewood. If somebody said a Collings in Indian Rosewood or a Walnut Goodall I wouldn't disagree. What a time we are living in to have such instruments available!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: KJ
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 07:08 AM

FYLDE,can't beat a good one.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 21 Oct 02 - 09:22 AM

Last September, I said, on this thread:

It occurred to me that a 12-fret slothead 000 made by Collings should theoretically come as close as possible to the ideal guitar. Then I was in Brattleboro and got to play a 000-2H at Maple Leaf Music and found out my theory was right. Damn. Now I'm in love again and the money's gone.

More gigs!

In March of this year I found a 000-2H on eBay that went for 'way under the usual price, just because it had one good case-latch ding and some finish crazing. Nothing structural. So I was able to buy it.

I have had no significant GAS since I got it. I know there are even better instruments out there, mostly by tiny shops or individual luthiers, but a better guitar than this would be wasted on me, and would be so valuable I couldn't take it anywhere.

Most of my other instruments are now being neglected. Some have been sold or are for sale.

Peter.

PS: There was a thread on the Martin forum, about neglecting instruments, and whether it upsets them not to get played. Someone said: "Don't anthromorphize your instruments. They hate that."

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Venthony
Date: 22 Oct 02 - 03:58 AM

I think it's the first good guitar you buy, get, steal or are given. Mine was a 76 Mossman "Flint Hills." I paid $400 for it, and it was worth it, even though it meant not eating for a week.

Then there was the 82 Lowden cutaway -- kind of like a sophisticated city woman after the girl next door dumps you and you go away to college.

And -- yes -- my vintage Telecaster. The guitar that paid the bills. A painted lady and a seducer and a slut, but I loved her. Inevitably she betrayed me -- she let me get old before I could jam with Eric Clapton.

And now, there's the Larravee, the guitar of my old age. Sweet and clean with a conveniently low action for weak, arthritic hands.

I think the L. is the last one, but they were all so dear ...

Tony

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Richard Bridge (cookie and format C)
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 05:30 PM

Of course they're all different.

I spent the lunchtime today going along Denmark Street (London, England) trying out to see if anything could replace my trouble and strife's 1961 Hagstrom.

Tried a lot of things I knew she would not like.

Found one Collings - enough bass (that's pretty big), clean, clear mids and trebles, no splash or jangle, and good sustain.

Found one Santa Cruz, nearly as good.

Maybe 4 or 5 as good as my Mugen (totally different sound).

All way out of the price range I had in mind.

But the two best I've ever seen have to be William Pint's Goodall,
and Jay Turner's Armstrong.

I'm surprised no-one suggests a Levin Goliath.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: AgingBohemian
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 05:40 PM

I had a Lowden, an 015C I think. I loved that guitar. I stopped playing out professionally, and my left hand started bothering me. The Lowden requires some strength, and I was worrried that my hand needed a gentler neck. So, with some regret, I sold the Lowden and bought a Weber. I didn't think any guitar could replace the Lowden, but I was wrong. The Weber has a different personality, but is, for me, a perfect instrument. It plays well at any volume, is rich and balanced (not an easy feat on a cutaway), and the neck is just what my weak left wrist needs.

-Paul

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: 53
Date: 24 Oct 02 - 06:06 PM

Try a Taylor Big Baby.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Ralphie
Date: 25 Oct 02 - 05:49 PM

53
Just brought a Taylor Big Baby.....For its price.....astonishing...
Perfect for throwing over your shoulder for a session...
A little lacking in the Bass department....but, Hey...for 300 British Pounds. An absolute delight !
Regards Ralphie
Still love me Fylde though!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: The Barden of England
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 08:49 AM

My Fylde Oberon. Nothing quite like it. Always wanted a Martin J40 too mind you.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Frankham
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 09:22 AM

Jack,

For years now I have loved my Martin 0021, wide neck, channelled head and 12 frets. Martin has always made this guitar. I originally found out about it through the playing of Josh White who used them exclusively after his black and white Gibson was stolen.

The Guilds are also great. Clean response without too many overtones which is great for recording.

I have a little 3/4 Tacoma (backpacker style) which really speaks out and I use it for gigs all the time. It works great with my wife's 0021.


You mentioned Mac MacCormick who is one of the best kept secrets around. He's repaired and fixed up my banjos and is great at being able to design combinations of instruments. My friend Bill Rutan had a specially designed "mandolute" (tenor banjo neck mandolin body) as well as a great uke (tenor banjo neck on a uke body played in tenor banjo tuning) which he uses all the time on gigs. Mac has also made guitars (one archtop which was in the Columbus GA museum).

You're getting some good advice. To me, the most important aside from tone is the balance of the strings. Dreadnaughts are always so bass-heavy. Many of the Martins are these days but since I only do a limited amount of finger-picking these days, I mostly use a flat pick, I like a well-balanced guitar for accompaniment to singing or backup (bluegrass included). My Martin has a bite that projects under a bluegrass banjo and can be strummed ala Django too for early jazz standards.

That's my two cents. Hope you find the guitar you're lookin' for.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Tunesmith
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 02:43 PM

My favourite would be a Fylde Caliban. I bought mine around 1980. Unfortunately, in a lean spell, I sold it to a girlfriend. Later, when she was living in Kenya, it was stolen. I wonder where it is now?
And who's playing it!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Merritt
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 03:12 PM

I have two favorites.

1. In 1969 I bought a new Standel 00-size 6-string in Media, Pennsylvania. Traded a structurally challenged Fender Villager 12 plus $200 for it. Just an easy playing, sweet sounding acoustic with an arched back. The Standel line was designed by Sam Koontz under contract with the old Standel Amp Co. Koontz worked for the Harptone Case Co in New Jersey. Now that it's getting old and fragile, I keep in Open D tuning, but it still gets played pretty much every day.

2. My current guitar for 80% of playing/gigging is a Martin 000C-15E with a solid mahogany body and Fishman on-board electronics.

- Merritt

"It's all one big note." - F. Zappa

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Martin Gibson
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 03:37 PM

My 1962 Gibson LG-3 bought new in 1963 at age 13

Also love my 1969 Gibson J-45 and my 1963 Harmony Sovereign

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Guestspot
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 03:53 PM

Evenin' all... !! (Remember 'Im??)
               
Read all previous threads.. sorry people, the only one, the one and only one... is my Lowden 032. (Mind you.. just sampled Avalon jobby - hmmm....not bad..!!). Dont stop up too late arguin' the toss - such a personal thing...!
                Regards to all

                           Spot

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Amos
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 08:10 PM

I am in love with a Martin Dreadnought who is perfect for me. She's a lady with class, can be as sweet as flowers and as strong as good gospel. She never lets me down even when I have had a few cups too many. A perfect companion for my difficult self...


A

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Mooh
Date: 26 Jun 03 - 09:12 PM

Beneteau acoustic baritone, spruce top, flame maple back and sides, ebony everywhere else, Schaller tuners, jumbo body size....sometimes my favourite is another Beneteau 6 string, but I'm a guitar whore.

Sometimes my favourite is the one I'm holding at any one time.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From:
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 10:29 AM

After an exhaustive search for a high-end acoustic--I played everything from Gibsons, Martins, Taylors, Breedloves, et.al.--I discovered a Lakewood M-38 soft cutaway. I bought it on the spot. This instrument was clearly built for music, a mission explicitly articulated in its appearance (no pearl inlaid dancing lawn gnomes or exotic tiki ceremonial waterpipe wood veneers), its playability (the action is just right--not so light that you lose expressiveness, but not so heavy that you feel compelled to hitchhike to the crossroads), and most importantly its tone (balance and timbre up and down the fretboard, and plenty of punch when you want it). Best $2500 I ever spent (even including that swedish woman from my military days)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: mooman
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 11:31 AM

Good Man scflint!

You cannot do better than a Lakewood!

Peace,

moo (resident Lakewood nerd and M-18 owner)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Duncan McFarlane
Date: 15 Apr 04 - 11:37 AM

Fave guitar of mine is one handmade in West Yorkshire, an 'Oakwood' (Tempest model) - the neck modified to my own specification. They made two for me - one with mahogany back and sides, the other with rosewood back and sides. Both sound well, but the rosewood model is DEFINITELY 'the one'. It stays permanently in my favoured C modal tuning (yes, I know that's not exact enough for pedants - but the term, as a description, is fairly well understood) and the mahogany one stays around standard (drop D most usually).
These Leeds instrument makers are first class - and will accomodate your every wish - well, nearly! They also made the melodeon that, sadly, was recently stolen from Spiers and Boden - what news on that front?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Spot
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 07:48 AM

Duncan....
             Slight drift here...sorry...!! Have to agree re Oakwood stuff..I have a Teardrop Special mando that blows the socks off anything else I've EVER played..Somebody always comments about its power and I think its a beautiful piece of woodwork , to boot.Never played Martyn's guitars but would be interested...

                Regards to all....Spot

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Mark Ross
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 02:27 PM

Check out my favorite luthier. He built one for me, a OOOO-18, in 1974. It is the best, sweetest, loudest, brassiest..... I could go on for a long time. I've never found on that moved me the way this one does.

Here's his website;
http://leedsguitar.com/pages/about.html
"Ivon Schmukler began repairing guitars in 1965, was one of the first CF Martin-approved independent repairmen, and, in 1972, began making individually-hand-crafted steel-string guitars. He is one of the leading restorers of vintage Martin guitars. He has taught woodworking at the State University of New York Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, New York."

Check him out.

Mark Ross

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 16 Apr 04 - 02:34 PM

I have a friend, a very good guitarist, who swears by Beneteau guitars. He has a 6 string and it's great. He is having Marc Beneteau build him another...a 12 string.

Check 'em out here:

Beneteau Guitars

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,marty31
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 07:33 AM

used to be a takamine till i tried a mid range crafter.wow i love that baby!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 09:30 AM

I have owned and played loads of guitars. Sometimes i find the memory of the one night stand stays in my mind longer than the machines I have had long time working relationaships with.

This friend of mine had a martin HD something or other, and when you strummed it - it sort of tickled you through the wood on the tum.

It was no good for the noisy sods i play to - having no electricity - so the relationship just remained a sweet memory.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Cindy
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 10:05 AM

A strange looking asymetrical minimalist Tacoma with the comma shaped sound hole near the top instead of behind the strings. Bought on impulse second hand in the local music store. The next person who asks me if I keep my sandwiches inside is dead.
I also love my very old battered Michael Gee classical guitar.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Anne Croucher
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 02:05 PM

When at polytechnic in Portsmouth, (Hampshire England) I was able to buy from a friend of a friend a Framus Texan, due to a fine that needed paying next day or end up in gaol - never knew the owners name, but I was delighted to find my little hand fits around the neck.
The only other guitar I have been able to play easily was the very first guitar I owned. It was an odd thing like a small cello with long s or f shapes holes. It was killed by a man called Adrian Bell who claimed to be the fifth Spinner, and that he could mend it after an accident on the Underground in London. I said no but he went ahead anyway. Even the young me knew you don't mend guitars with Araldite two part epoxy.

So I remain faithful to my ol'guitar My ol'guitar, handiest friend I ever had by far - I wonder if that song is in the DT

Anne

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Vic at work
Date: 24 Jul 04 - 03:13 PM

Any instrument with an A on the headstock, its an Armstrong -Buy, steal, trade in your children but get one.
I still love to hit a note and "watch" it walk round the room and sustain to die for.
Rob Armstrong, Coventry Uk. He is also a long time performer and jolly good egg.
Vic.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 08 Sep 04 - 03:29 PM

Has anyone any information on a Yamaha G70D , great sound

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Grenvilleter
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 12:15 AM

I've owned & played a Beneteau (Marc)dreadnaught since 1985. I'll never part with it. So far I have only found 1 guitar that sounds superior and a few which is it's equal. The one that sounded better was a old beat up 1957 Martin D-28. Guitars of the calibre of the '57 Martin in question are very rare indeed even among other Martin's, (including other exact same models).
My friend bought a 1985 D-28 herringbone Special Edition Vintage Martin at about the same time as I purchased my Beneteau. Neither of us can tell the difference in the tone of the herringbone or the Beneteau when strung with identical strings. I could go into great detail on the many reasons why I like the Beneteau (tone, sound projection, neck width, and it dosn't crap out when pounding it like many other axes I've played). Many will argue that the Beneteau will not appreciate like a Martin, and this is true however it only applies to instruments to which one buys to resell and not to play for keeps.

I also know a couple of other Canadian builders who build 1st class guitars and I would be proud to own an axe built by James Spooner of Athens, Ontario or a Timberline guitar built in Killaloe, Ontario by Kevin Hall. Both are first rate builders and take exceptional pride in thier work.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,tony
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 01:24 AM

OK. I have 2 favorites now.

My first love is my Collings D2H. Those who don't agree with me about the way she sounds - are only jealous cause they don't have one. It doesn't matter how hard or soft I play, she will always play the song sweeter than I can sing it. It has real presence.

Now my #2 choice is sure to generate comments. I recently bought a CA Legacy AE - beautiful Tobacco Sunburst finish. Well balanced voice and very clean. Don't make mistakes - she'll tell on you. She sounds better than 90% of the guitars I've heard through the years. She can't shout as loud as the Collings on her own. But she is equipped with Fishman electronics - so when it's needed I can give her a bigger voice. The electronics do a faithful job of keeping the acoustic guitar sounding like and acoustic guitar.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 04:52 AM

Alhambra 9f peghead
Granados 7f peghead
Rafael Morales peghead
Yamaha CG171SF
Manuel Lopes peghead

There, have you ever seen such a glorious fleet of flamenco guitars? And they are all mine!Ha!
             flamenco, the true path
                   el ted
                  Beverley

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: mooman
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 05:27 AM

Actually, while I still love my Lakewood custom M-18 as mentioned below, the guitar I play almost all of the time now and am inseparable from is, surprisingly, a mid-price Czech-made Regal steel-bodied resonator. This guitar rocks like no other acoustic I've ever played and sounds better to me than some old Dobros and Nationals.

Perhaps my move towards a more blues-based repertoire is influencing me..?

Peace

moo

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 09:54 AM

Go on Ted whats a 7F guitar and how does it differ from a 9F guitar
(Am I alone in predicting the answer)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Paco Rabanne
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 09:58 AM

Actually Andy, the answer is quite sensible. It's price range. 1 being the cheapest, 9 being the most expensive.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 10:04 AM

Ted
Thats very sensible indeed, I cant understand why it didnt occur to me that f stood for fsetas or should it be furos

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 10:10 AM

I recently bought a CA Legacy AE - beautiful Tobacco Sunburst finish. Well balanced voice and very clean. Don't make mistakes - she'll tell on you. She sounds better than 90% of the guitars I've heard through the years.

Guest Tony, you make me feel like a very clever fellow...I just nailed one (if all goes well) last night.

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2385&item=3746343357&rd=1

Peter.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Peace
Date: 10 Sep 04 - 10:35 AM

Martin D-28. I've had it for 38 years. Love it.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,dbgrate
Date: 11 Sep 04 - 12:10 AM

Used to be a very nice Martin D28....until I heard a McIlroy...3 months ago bought a McIlroy A20(spruce&walnut)...what sounds!!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Zee
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 04:45 PM

Although hard to find, L Benito makes a guitar out of Alerce - which is a 3,000 year old wood - that is the most amazing sounding guitar I have ever played. I collect Martins and the Jumbo L Benito blew my just about everything in my collection away!

Check out www.LBenito.com

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: UncleToad
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 05:20 PM

How about my favorite...a 1965 Grammer G10...plays well for a oversized dreadnaught...projects without a mike.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Dan Keding
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:15 PM

I have three Larrivees. I have a rose wood six and a rose wood twelve string that are about twenty years old. I also have a dreadnought six with maple sides and back. They all play easy and sound great but the best is that they fit my voice - they don't get lost underneath me nor do they over power me. i doubt if I'll ever buy another guitar unless I lose one of these.

Dan K

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 12 Oct 04 - 11:37 PM

Three Larrivees are more than enough to keep anyone happy, I would think. They're great guitars. I've never owned one yet for some reason, but I like them.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Justa Picker
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 09:19 AM

The best (non-Martin) acoustic guitar I've played in the last 5 years was a Brazilian rosewood Schoenberg Soloist cutaway.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 11:00 AM

As of this moment:

For less-than-ideal singing/playing situations, unmiked:

CA Legacy Vintage

For ideal singing/playing situations, unmiked:

Froggy Bottom H12

For miked gigs:

Collings 000-2H

Subject to change next week

Peter.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Mr Sooze
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 11:31 AM

Lowden O12 (1997) & Lowden S330cx- nooo question ! Hand built quality

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,cumbrian
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 11:47 AM

I own an embarrassing number of guitars ( which do get played from time to time ), but I am currently, and shall be for some time to come, very much enjoying a Fylde 30th Anniversary Model.
There was initially a limited run of 6 of these, I wound up with the 7th.
It wraps up so many things into one instrument that I like from various other guitars I use.
I have just started to use this guitar on gigs and am delighted to find it to be an incredibly comfortable instrument to play live as well as sounding beautiful either acoustic or through the installed Headway pick up.
Having bought this guitar direct from Fylde, I must add that Roger Bucknall and the rest of the Fylde people are great to deal with.
It had to be the most expensive impulse purchase I have, or hopefully will make in the future, while killing time wandering round a festival site.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: webfolk
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 04:46 PM

another plug for Roger Bucknall, I have a Fylde Goodfellow, small body, and I love it... nuff said!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Lanfranc
Date: 13 Oct 04 - 07:07 PM

My favourite guitar is always the latest that I have acquired. Today it's a Zephyr - a Japanese copy of a Zemaitis acoustic. It's big (about the same size as a J200), red (solid mahogany throughout, apart from ebony fingerboard and bridge), elaborate (broad, Stella-like purfling and mop hearts inlaid on the bridge and around the heart-shaped soundhole, engraved aluminium plates on the peghead) and both loud and mellow. Not only that, it's nice to play, too.

Problem is, I can't find anything at all about the maker. I have always fancied a proper Zemaitis, but they go for silly prices (Clapton's auctioned for over $250,000), so this will have to be as close as I'm likely to get.

I'm currently having it set up by my friend Doug Parry at John Alvey Turner. Nothing radical, but it is obvious that its previous owner just had it as wall candy.

Alan

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: chris nightbird childs
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 02:04 AM

I love my 1970 Ventura 12-string!!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: ThreeSheds
Date: 14 Oct 04 - 09:19 PM

I'd love to have a go on a Avalon 12 string they are supposed to exist but where (see Avalon thread)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,kari
Date: 04 Nov 04 - 12:55 AM

Hands down, my 20th anniversary edition Seagull, great sound, easy to play,affordable and with the flame maple veneer and high gloss it is a beautiful guitar. It also came with a kickin' Fort case.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 26 Nov 04 - 12:11 PM

1965 Levin LT-18. Don't tell the burglars!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: number 6
Date: 27 Nov 04 - 01:33 AM

My Taylor 310. It has great range and clarity. It's a sweet guitar, period. I must say that I also have a Seagull S6 that I seem to play more often than not. As mentioned previously it's articulation is suprisingly superb (for a rather cheap guitar).

So Jack, being a Newfoundlander have you played a Garrison yet?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: victor
Date: 10 Jan 05 - 01:22 PM

my favorite is my present, a guitar made by walter lipton of orford, nh. (Euphonon Co.)and was made in "83". frets mag. did an eval. on one back in april,85. i made the mistake of selling it 12 years ago and as a result bought another a few years later and then recently was able to buy the original back. they both have great tonal quality, are surprisingly loud and ballanced. also very beautiful inlays.
any one else out there have one?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:00 AM

Maton - without a doubt


Cheers


Bugsy

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:27 PM

Today my favorite guitar is my Collings OM2 with a German spruce top. I just got it back in October. It's more guitar than I'll ever need. I could search forever to find the perfect guitar but I'm not sure that it would be that much better than the one I already have. So I think I'll stop looking for the "holy grail". However I'm still going to hang onto my first good guitar. A 1967 Martin D-18. It's a bit brused and battered - but then so am I. Now I just need to find the perfect mandolin.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 16 Aug 05 - 02:21 PM

Three equal: the Tommy Steele model that I got for Christmas in about 1957 - look for a Martin or Gibson made with that particular shade of light blue plastic and I guarantee you'll not find one - the Dean SP resonator which I currently use to cut through the noise of revelry in the pub - embodies a chrome disc which can double as a Datsun hubcap - and my favourite of all, the Gibson J45 that I want to buy next.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Lowden Jameswright
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 08:42 AM

"Now I just need to find the perfect mandolin."

Paul Shippey or Paul Hathway

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: number 6
Date: 17 Aug 05 - 11:14 PM

Rusty Dobro .... have you played a Gibson Working Man 45. It's a slightly cheaper, less ornate version of the J45. I played one about 3 months ago ... it certainly was one of the finest guitars I tried in a long time.

sIx

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Hand-Pulled Boy
Date: 19 Aug 05 - 05:32 AM

Gibson J185 Blues King. Very nice.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 12:49 PM

number 6: thanks for that. No, I haven't tried one yet, but read good things on internet reviews, and will make the effort to seek one out. I tried a Yamaha GSX/GTO/M25/DHSS turbo or something the other day: beautiful woods, inlaid with precious gems, solid gold Grovers and more electronics than the Space Shuttle, and it sounded really good, but I just couldn't face turning up at the pub with that and sitting down next to the battered Martins and Gibsons. I think the WM would be much more my style.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Rusty Dobro
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 12:56 PM

Wow, just read back to 16 April 04:

"He has taught woodworking at the State University of New York Downstate Medical School in Brooklyn, New York."

Woodwork at a Medical School?? What are they making you people out of these days?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Mooh
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 04:41 PM

Pinocchio's workshop? Mooh.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: number 6
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 07:02 PM

Rusty ... I'm seriously thinking about getting a WM45 ... that is if I can find one as sweet as the one I played ... ya never know with Gibsons or Martins these days ... but that WM was certainly sweet.

sIx

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Kaotiqua
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 08:44 PM

Soft subject for me right now- not quite sore, but a touch on the tender side. *s*

See, I grew up on a Yamaha FG 110. Had it since I was 15. I'd played other guitars before it, but that's the one I really cut my teeth on, and it always made me smile to see the looks on peoples' faces when I'd break out my poor, old, street-worn and battered guitar with the little body (to match mine,) and then I'd play, and they'd look shocked that so much sound could come out of such a small instrument. (Of course, then I'd sing, and get the same reaction...)

But returning from Canada last month, our jeep cought fire, and the worst of all possible things happened. I lost all of my instruments (I also play bodhrans,) and my Yamaha, though I spoke to half a dozen luthiers and told them all that the cost/value ration was irrelevant to me- I just wanted to save my life long friend!- They all said it was hopeless.

A friend in the industry shared my sad story with his BBS, who promptly, and barely knowing my name, took up a collection, and sent the cash to my local friend, who took me shopping. I played a lot of guitars, and I was impressed with several, (Alvarez in particular,) but nothing that was within our price range. The night before, I'd looked at the Dean website, and liked the look of the Exotica line, plus, I'd decided that rosewood was the thing to have for the tones I desired. So I picked up the Exotica Andes, an all-rosewood model. Wow. I bonded with that guitar in only a few minutes, even though I thought the Exotica Dao was prettier to look at. But sound meant more. We settled on the Exotica Andes- only to be told that the tags had gotten switched. The guitar in my hands wasn't rosewood at all, but this "Dao" from Asia, which made the actual rosewood sound thin and pale by comparison!

I've had her for less than a month, and am completely in love. I'm not one for naming instruments, but given the circumstances, and the wings on the logo- I've taken to calling her Phoenix. Musicians are an amazing lot, and I guess real players could feel the pain of my loss. My faith in humanity is restored, and my fingers never had to lose a callous.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Scotus
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 09:05 PM

I have two guitars:

Martin D35 1974 which lives in Scotland, and one of only three Dana Bourgoise Schoenbergs made which lives here in Florida. They are very different but I love them both. The Martin has great bass and is the perfect back-up guitar for when I played with 'Heritage' (mostly instrumental folk-band). The Schoenberg is perfectly balanced and has that 'articulation' that a previous poster mentioned.

Having said all that, I often wish I'd never learned (ha!) to play the damn things. Or maybe I should have REALLY learned to play them!

Jack

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Kaotiqua
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 01:00 AM

>>"I'd love to have a go on a Avalon 12 string they are supposed to exist but where (see Avalon thread)"

Ooooh. Avalonnnn. I've never lain hands on one, but having read both maker info and reviews, and just looking at them- they are to me now what Taylor was to me ten years ago- an unattainable dream. Then again, the recent fire and subsequent kind generosities put me in reach of a Taylor, and playing those (A Taylor baby, a Big Baby, and a cutaway of unknown model,) and then the Dean Exotica Dao, and completely against my own Taylor biases, I went for the Dean. So some day, I might just handle a Taylor and an Avalon, and buy the Taylor... ~sigh~ What a heavenly dillema that would be!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Scotus
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 09:43 AM

My post should have said: - - one of only three Dana Bourgoise Schoenberg Soloists with a dreadnought body - -

Jack

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 11:01 AM

Right at the moment, this one.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: number 6
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 12:09 PM

Kaotiqua ... Avalons are very good guitars ... a music store here in Saint John just started to carry the line ... of course the best ones are the solid body models as they are still manufactured in Ulster/Ireland.

I'm biased towards the Taylors .. they are superb guitars ... and unlike some Martins and Gibsons the quality and tones are consistant with each model of guitar. I own a 310 and it is the one I play the most ... a very sweet axe it is.

sIx

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 01:11 PM

My 12 string is a Lowden from the mid-80's made from Ovenkol with a cedar top. It's a beautiful instrument but I'm just not playing it enough. It'll be on e-bay one of these days. I also have a Gibson B45-12 from the early 60's and two twelve strings is one too many.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Colin, UK
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 12:07 PM

I have a Fylde Caliban, made in 1980. This is just about as good as it gets in hand made guitars, I can play things on This Guitar that I struggle to play on others, no idea why!, the sound is deep, rich and warm on the base while Treble is Bright and lively. It has an amazing low fast action and NO Buzz. It has been said that Fylde have not made a Bad guitar yet, I've played a few and they have all been top notch. The build quality is amazing. If I was to sell this guitar it would be to buy a Brand New Fylde only, but why bother, I have a beautifully matured one right here

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 01 Oct 05 - 02:09 PM

I bought a Larrivee a couple of years ago and it's the best darned thing I've ever held in my hands. It has a nice, mellow tone, easy action, and the equal response on both high and low strings. I tied out a similar model of the Taylor guitar. The only difference that I found was that the Larrivee was about $400.00 cheaper.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,James Spooner
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 07:38 AM

This discussion was brought to my attention by a friend, and I was very happy to see the comments on my instruments. Nice to be placed in the same category as Kevin Hall and Marc Beneteau ( very generously I think). I have never met Mr. Beneteau but have seen his work many times and have been very impressed. Kevin Hall is a Luthier second to none and I consider him to be a friend and mentor. Kevin was a great help to me (sometimes unknowingly) and it is flattering to be in his company. As for your question, I learned long ago that things like "beauty", "sound","playability" etc. are in the eyes,ears,and hands of the "beholder" and opinions are as varied (and as valid) as the people who state them! When it is all said and done, if "works" for you that is all that matters. Thank you for the opportunity to be a part of this forum. James A.Spooner,Athens Ontario. [e-mail].

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 09:11 AM

James - can you provide a link to your website ? I'm assuming you have one.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 05:59 PM

Favorite acoustic guitar? It depends upon the purpose. I like a Martin 000-18 for country music, Celtic, and general folk, but I prefer a Gibson J-45 or other J size for blues, but only an older one. The Gibson is also better whenever I want a loud thumpy bass, regardless of the type of music.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Padre
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 07:42 PM

My current favorite is a Martin D-15S - mahogany body and really nice tone for my singing.

Padre

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: BuckMulligan
Date: 17 Mar 06 - 08:06 PM

My 1972/3 Gurian jumbo. It sings; I just try to keep up & not get in the way.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,AR282
Date: 18 Mar 06 - 06:54 PM

My favorite acoustic is my Gretsch Synchromatic acoustic archtop. I just recently had the neck tweaked a bit and restrung with the brass gold strings which looks downright sexy on a guitar like that. It was gone a while and now I'm just on cloud 9 having it back again. It has everything--the sound, the action, the build, the wood. All of it top notch. But then it retails for $2100 so it better be good.

But just today, I played some awesome Tacomas and Washburns. Alas I can't buy any guitars for a while and if I do, it will be an electric solidbody with dual humbuckers (just because I don't have one yet) but it's hard to get Tacoma and Washburn off my mind now. If you want something with excellent intonation that is a bit more affordable than a Gretsch, I highly recommend Takamine. That's what I strummed in lieu of my Gretsch. While it didn't have the easy action, it more than made up for it with beautiful, pitch-perfect, bright intonation. It sings and never misses a note and doesn't go out of tune.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Troll
Date: 18 Mar 06 - 08:02 PM

My working guitar (because I COULD replace it) is a Yamaki c.1976. It's a D-28 clone but with more bass. It goes to most of the gigs.
They are no longer made. The company had serious quality control problems. You either got a really nice guitar or a pile of kindling.

I have a 1971 Lewin (Swedish) that was given to me by the widow of an old friend. It is similar to a J-45. I play it when we do old folks homes and similar unrowdy gigs. It's great for celtic.

The one that doesn't leave home except to record is a pre-war Recording King, made for Monkey Ward by Regal. It's what I play when I'm playing for me at home.

troll

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 19 Mar 06 - 05:29 PM

who was monkey ward? sounds like rolf harris's latest tv series.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 20 Mar 06 - 01:21 PM

Monkey Ward = Mongomery Wards - a retail chain like Sears. Think Walmart of the 1950's to 70's. I'm sure they're out of business now.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Janice in NJ
Date: 20 Mar 06 - 02:34 PM

Montgomery Ward was an American mail order retailer and department store chain. It started in the 1870s and went out of business about 5 years ago. Some entirely new company bought the right to use the name, so there is still a Montgomery Ward that does Internet sales, but it is not the same company.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar? B&D !
From: GUEST,Bungalow Kev: re/Arbuthnots B&D guitar post
Date: 27 Mar 06 - 01:01 PM

To Arbuthnot,
In an29 October 01 post on Mudcat, you mentioned your favorite blues guitar as a B&D Senorita s6h. Well, I have a s2 h (mahogany back)! Do you still have yours? I was begining to wonder if anyone had a B&D Hawaiian model Senorita in the worls!

I like Senorita guitars too. I play old blues for 30 years now and would like to connect fellow B&D guitar fans. Plus i may desire to purchase other B&D guitars as well. Please let me know if you still have yours.

Best Wishes
Bungalow Kev

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Frank Hamilton
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 12:43 PM

There is no best guitar in my opinion. It depends on the style you play. I love my Martin 0021 and my new Guild 12-string. My 0021 cuts through horn players in a small trad-swing jazz combo. I use my Tortis pick on it and it can carry against a loud bluegrass banjo or tenor. It's balanced and can be nicely finger-picked also.

Frank

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Texas Guest
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 01:43 PM

Kaotiqua - nice story about your guitar. Yes, there are good folks still out there. Since I'm here, my favorite guitar is my Breedlove
C/25k. I bought it used last year for quite a few bucks (still, less than half of what it went for new) but it just sings - the purchase was a classic example of going over your head to get something you really cannot afford because it's just too nice to pass up. I even had to sell my Martin D28 to get it but I'm not looking back.
Someday I'll just have to learn to quit stopping in at guitar stores
when there's a little extra time on the clock. Cheers.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,AR282
Date: 28 Mar 06 - 08:09 PM

Ward marketed the Airline guitar. These were made in Korea and were utterly terrible. Airline is still around today, still Korean, and much more reputable. I almost bought an Airline solidbody with dual bucks but the guitar show I saw it at wouldn't take checks or have anyway to run a debit card. I would have walked out of there with it otherwise. It was a nice guitar and I know a nice guitar when I play one. I left telling th guy I'd be back, which truly thought but it was Sunday and no banks were open and my debit will not spring for $600 at one time because of theft concerns. I simply left and that guy is probably pissed. I should have went back and got an address because I'm sorry I didn't buy that guitar. It was this light blue with good balance and that 1950s style Airline headboard and logo. I loved it--kind of distinctive like the Kay Barney Kessell Kelvinator. I should made arrangements with that guy. I feel bad about that. That was definitely a guitar you don't see everyday. Damn it, why didn't I go back and get his name and address??

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 29 Mar 06 - 04:15 AM

I still use the Gibson SJN Country and Western model I bought new in 1964 for 105 guineas. Wonderful rich, warm tone. I have three other Gibsons including an 1970s J50 but its the 1964 one that's a brilliant instrument for accompanying songs.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Nov 06 - 05:53 PM

i like sounds like guitars.thre cool.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: number 6
Date: 02 Nov 06 - 06:00 PM

The Esteban American Legacy series.


biLL

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,theleveller
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 08:57 AM

The moment I picked up my Lowden 010C I knew I had to have it. It's a buxom beauty with a tone like musical Guinness - rich, dark but also bright, with lots of sustain and bite. Like me, it's a bit battered now but I've never found a guitar I would swap it for at any price(a few I'd like as well, of course). George Lowden doesn't make them now - the comany has been bought out by employees and is called Avalon. I've never played an Avalon so I don't know if they compare. They cost a fair bit more than I paid.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: tenn_jim
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 10:21 AM

For country music, I prefer my Martin D-18 (1955). For Blues my Gibson J-45 (1956). But, if I could have my preference, I would have a Henderson custom. Wayne Henderson can make you a guitar that will produce the best tone and balance using woods that are 400 years old. Eric Clapton just got his after a 10 year wait.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 12:46 PM

Actually George Lowden is still making guitars - just on a smaller scale. Like one or two at a time.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Big Al Whittle
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 05:31 PM

I wouldn't mind playing a worse guitar, if I could play better. I'm getting old now, and I have started to despair of ever finding out the secret of really good playing.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Franz Michaelis
Date: 03 Nov 06 - 07:53 PM

Levin Goliath or Levin LT18. Because of the individually adjustable string heigth you can get a lower action on this brand and they sound as good as Martin. I like their sound even better, but it surely is a matter of personal taste too.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Bothy Bill
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 04:25 AM

I just bought a Jimmy Moon dreadnought RD3 a couple of months ago. Having bought and sold many guitars over the years, this is definitely the best guitar I have played. It looks good without being pretentious and has a great sound. It projects well whether strumming or finger picking and I can only think that this will continue to get better with age.
I wouldn't part with this guitar at any price (within reason!!) and if I did I would buy another one.

regards

BB

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Stephen L. Rich
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 05:03 AM

I'm currently working with a Larrivee. It's perfect for me. It is light-weight and has a nice, even response one the low and high strings. Since I alternate between flat and finger picking I need that even tone. I almost bought a similar model taylor, but the bass strings sounded just a bit brighter on the Larrivee and the Larrive was $400.00 cheaper than the Taylor.

Stephen Lee

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Herge
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 05:04 AM

Use a McIlroy AJ25 for playing in the house, on stage and recording - I have a Martin D28 for pub sessions (more robust)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Dave4Guild
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 05:57 AM

At this time I have a Guild D55 from 1973 (hence my mudcat name!), and an Avalon L10,(Jumbo) like the one Eric Roache played.
Both these guitars are wonderful in their own way, but with enough subtle tonal differences to make it worth having them both!!

For Pub gigs/open mic nights I have a Yamaha LSX500C, which is a 000 size electro acoustic and is excellent. It is better than my friend's Taylor 312, both acoustically and through an amp.

My 12 string is a Tanglewood TWN 55/12, which is very good for the price, particularly thro' an amp.

They will do me for now!!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Scrump
Date: 04 Nov 06 - 06:15 AM

I wouldn't mind playing a worse guitar, if I could play better. I'm getting old now, and I have started to despair of ever finding out the secret of really good playing.

Don't despair! Sometimes when I hear a much better player than me I think I'll never get as good as them, and I probably never will. But every now and then someone comes up to me and compliments me on my playing, which always makes my day!

I just keep playing, and every now and then I discover something new, sometimes just by playing around. As long as you keep learning, that's the most important thing, I reckon.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Guest
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 04:19 PM

The best guitar I ever played was James Keelaghan's Grit Laskin, which he was kind enough to let me try after a house concert. The other one I truly loved was a Goodall I played at McCabe's in Santa Monica. But Goodalls all have this chubby neck that just never feels comfortable to me.

I own an older Martin OM-45 and I love it (but would trade it for a Grit Laskin in a second).

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Mooh
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 09:27 PM

I've long been a fan of Thompson guitars and tried a cedar/maple one two weeks ago at Woodshed Music in Guelph (Ontario). It was hands down the best axe out of dozens we played at three stores that day. Maybe someday I can have one..some day, some way.

Peace, Mooh.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Slag
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 10:29 PM

I see Taylor is well represented in this thread and I have to agree. A big Taylor Dreadnaught or Jumbo makes me believe that I actually know what I'm doing. I wish I owned one but I'm a dabbler and cannot justify the expense. I've had the opprotunity to strum some old Martins now and then to the same effect. Wow, what tone and resonnance! I've never had the chutzpah to ask to hold the few custom guitars I've encountered (as they were accompanied by their owners and masters) and only trust that I did not drool on them as I bent to examine.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Songster Bob
Date: 15 Jan 07 - 11:29 PM

Well, this is quite a question (and the thread has been going six years or so, it appears).

I have several good acoustic guitars, each with its own character (and some of them with specific purposes). Here we go:

My main playing guitar, currently, is a Running Dog Jumbo, spruce top and sycamore sides and back. Loverly, balanced sound with enough volume but a very easy response (you don't have to hit it hard to hear it). Made by Rick Davis of Richmond, VT, whose one-man shop turns out some nice guitars, indeed.

Currently, I'm renewing my love affair with my previous favorite, a 1964 Martin D-28 with a non-Martin top. The top got stove in back in the 1970s, and "a luthier in NY City" made a new top for it. It's X-braced BUT fan-braced behind the X. It's the most responsive dreadnought I've ever played. It has that deep rosewood base, but has plenty of clarity in its notes (many rosewood guitars are mushy in tone, as the overtones and sustain that rosewood gives you get in the way of the notes).

When I want to play something else, I dig out my 1943 Martin 0-18, with its mahogany dry tone and small-guitar ease of handling. Mahogany guitars tend to a tone that "cuts" through the mix, and can be heard even when other guitars have fallen under the spell of the "wall of sound."

Then, again, I sometimes pull out my 1944 Epiphone Zenith archtop guitar and play me some jazz-like tunes. I say "jazz-like" since I don't really have the chops for jazz, but like to put a hint of it into what I can play. Maple back and sides, spruce top, good punch and volume, little sustain, as with most good archtops. Every once in a while I drool over a new Eastman archtop, but the slight edge it has over my Epi isn't worth the $2K it costs.

Then, sometimes, I play once of the classical guitars I have around the place. I'm working with a Civil War band these days, so need a good, loud non-steel-strung guitar, and a classical is all I have. I have a small-bodied German guitar that's the right size and shape, but have a yen for a particular guitar I played at a Civil War reenactment, for sale by a "suttler." I was too broke to buy it (only $300) but may find something like it in the future. It was a 1900s German guitar -- very narrow waisted "parlor" guitar in shape, but exquisitely loud for a classical, and just what I'd need for the band. The one I have now is sweet-toned, but not at all loud, which is unfortunate. I have a loud classical, a flamenco guitar, but it's not really mine (long-term loan) and I hesitate to take it on gigs.

Anyway, those are my "favorites," with at least some idea of why they are so. I have others -- a metal resonator guitar, a dobro, even a banjo-guitar -- and three or five electrics, which are another category altogether.

Does that answer your question? Next week, banjos.


Bob Clayton

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Gibson LG1 or Gibson J40 Help!
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 07:27 PM

i have been playig guitar for a few years now and am looking to upgrade to the next level.
I have been looking into a Gibson Lg1 vintage 60's model darksun burst
or
Gibson J40 1971
i hear they are both very similar, i need some recommendations.

I play bules, folk and 60's/70's rock.

Thanks
Andrew

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Bubba
Date: 14 Feb 07 - 08:00 PM

1960 Martin D28, wish I had one!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: jiva
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 06:11 AM

We are great fans of Taylor guitars...

Prior to Taylors we used 1970's Yamahas - hand-crafted Brazilian Jacaranda Rosewood back and sides (FG580 6-string and FG630 12 string).

In 2003 we bought Val a Taylor Big Baby and, wow what a sound for a guitar low down in the Taylor price range. This set Jimmy thinking of semi-retiring his Yamahas as they were sounding a bit 'muddy' next to the Taylor. Using brass bridge pins brightened the sound, but led to a slight decrease in acoustic volume.

In January 2005 we bought two Yamahas - CPX-15A 6-string and CPX8-12 12-string. Sounded great in the shop and in the house, but they struggled to project acoustically in folk clubs although great through a PA.

The search was on - Jimmy convinced that a Taylor might do the trick.

In May 2005 we bought a second hand Taylor XXV-DR Limited Edition 25th Anniversary dreadnought cutaway from a chap in Derby... now we were getting somewhere!

In June 2005 we bought a second hand Taylor 855 Jumbo 12-string, having driven all the way to Wales to have a look at it. The chap was moving abroad and had a few he wanted to sell, and we came away with a Taylor 810-L1 Brazilian Rosewood 6-string for Val. (Financially poorer, but musically richer, we drove back home!)

We sold the Yamaha CPX15A to a fellow writer/performer and thought that was it - sorted!

Not so... our experience of the 810 and 855 Taylors led to Jimmy feeling an 800 series 6-string would be a better match than the XXV-DR. In August 2005 we bought a Taylor 810-CE from Frailers (part-ex'ing the Yamaha CPX8-12). Val liked it so much that she plays it and Jimmy uses the 810-L1.

So what is it about our Taylors that we like so much?

- Crystal clear sound combining bell-like trebles, un-muddied bass and great separation across the whole range

- Acoustic projection

- Great through PA

- Silky smooth neck, easy to play

- Great looks

- Excellent build quality

- Road cases that fit millimetre-perfect

If you've managed to read this far - congratulations! (And if that's not enough you could always visit the instruments page on our website for even more :-), and our strings, pick-ups, PA etc).

Jimmy & Val (jiva)
www.jiva.co.uk

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Terry McDonald
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 06:43 AM

Like everyone else, I have my prejudices - in my case it's for Gibsons. I've tried Martins and Taylors but to my ears, they're simply not as good as my 1964 SJN Country and Western. So there.....

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: SouthernCelt
Date: 15 Feb 07 - 06:47 PM

Although I have several guitars, the one I play most and always come back to if I have to play in front of anyone is my '77 Martin D-35. The only drawback I can find with it is that the bass tends to override the treble and since I'm not that good of a finger-picker, I have to bear that in mind when I play. For the occasional performance I use either a mic or soundhole p/u plugged into a Carvin 3 channel amp on one of the channels with an equalizer that allows raising the treble and reducing the bass (to a limited degree).

What's really greatest about the D-35 is how well it holds tune when played once it has been tweaked into tune.

SC

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Paul C
Date: 28 May 07 - 05:37 PM

Someone mentioned the old Oakwood stuff...well, I've a really beautiful guitar (slim-waisted, sub-jumbo) made five years ago by David Lim, who used to work at Oakwood, and who now makes guitars etc in Manchester UK, for himself.

I've owned and played many things in my years (including a couple of Martins, Guilds), but this a simply a classic. Responsive, crisp and bell-like, and with a fabulous action. It's got darker over the last year or so, and the tone's even richer (and amazing to play with DADGAD tuning). I really don't think that even a Sobell is better than this thing.

David makes few instruments each year. They're plain but elegant and not marked by anything so vulgar as a logo on the headstock. So I'm not sure you'd recognise one.

Some nights I sit up late in the dark, playing tunes on it quietly, just like I did when I was a teenager, with my first guitar.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,ridge plucker
Date: 29 May 07 - 06:32 AM

I recently got a Yamaha LL-16. This is a sweet sounding guitar. It may current favorite for flat picking. For finger picking the blues by favorite is my Gibson Blues King prototype.

Happy pickin

Pete

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: birdman blue
Date: 04 Jul 07 - 05:10 PM

hard call....no, not really. my 1965 Guild D40; hands down, of my three acoustics the one with the clearest voice, wonderfully articulate when playing loud yet retains her clarity when whispering. there's my 1969 D25 I'd rather play a blues slide piece on but the D40 can rise to the occasion if called upon and then in the next number sweetly sing a ballad of the rugged western mountains. I wish I had more opportunities to use her in performance these days but the present ensemble requires I play my '97 Benedetto archtop electric to stay within the group mix....
bird

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Bob Ryszkiewicz
Date: 04 Jul 07 - 05:58 PM

1965 Gibson J-50 (for blues)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Banjiman
Date: 04 Jul 07 - 06:12 PM

One with 5 strings and a round head :)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 11:34 AM

Over the years, I've posted three or four answers to the original question in this thread. I've had a different favorite each time.

As of now, it's a Mario Proulx "OM/D" in walnut and Englemann spruce.

Mario's page appears to be down at the moment, but here's a link to Bryan Kimsey's page on the OM/D - He co-designed it. Bryan originally owned the one I have, but he sold it to another Flatpick-L member because he didn't need it and the one shown on his page, and that individual put it up for sale after a while because he was "really a dreadnought person." I'm not. I jumped at it.

Peter.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: lilly
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 12:23 PM

Brook 'Creedy'. Why go to the USA when the best are here in Devon ?!!! Check out there web site www.brookguitars.com

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: lefthanded guitar
Date: 05 Jul 07 - 07:46 PM

A Martin D28

Really, what else would one ever need?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 06 Jul 07 - 05:15 PM

Who's talking about NEED ?? We're talking about wants and desires here!!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Jon Boren...
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 06:28 AM

always a small body Gibson...preferably an LG-O....
old cheap Airline archtop, with a maple neck/fretboard...
or would it be that late 1800s washburn parlour guitar?
the list goes on and on....

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Stringsinger
Date: 12 Dec 07 - 05:32 PM

The favourite one would probably come from the UK. The favorite from the US. :)

I think like so many guitars, it depends on the style of music to be played on it, the use for it professionally in concert or recording (not all guitars sound the same recorded as they do on the stage or in the living room).

I believe my favorite (favourite) is the one I'm enjoying playing at the moment.

Frank Hamilton

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,1942 small body martin
Date: 28 Jul 08 - 11:10 PM

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 29 Jul 08 - 10:01 AM

"Over the years, I've posted three or four answers to the original question in this thread. I've had a different favorite each time."

I'm of a different persuasion entirely. I check into this thread whenever it pops up, enjoy reading the various answers, and sometimes yield to the temptation to post a message. It doesn't make much sense for me to continue doing so, because I always have the same answer, and it's probably kinda silly of me to participate at all.

This time, I figure I can add a little something, in the way of being just a bit more specific:

Martin D-18 #245998

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Guest from Sanity
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 03:50 AM

I have a Martin D-21, and had a Martin FG 65(hollow body electric)at the same time. I tried hard to trade them both for a Larrivee Presentation model. If you ever have a chance to play one..by all means do!!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Jon
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 04:20 AM

Maybe I am not a trend follower.......but no one is ever going to part me from my Crafter J15.
Maybe I just got lucky, every so often you can get a pearler that is just so much better than all the rest of the batch, and I reckon I've got it. (And it was a bargain price).
Yes I could pay ten times the price and get 10% better sound, but I would not dare get it out of the case for a gig.
Favourite for me means the one I just love to play for real, every day, and I do love it.......dents, scratches and all.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: mattkeen
Date: 30 Jul 08 - 05:09 AM

I have a Brook Lyn (00 type size) with Rio back and side and an Engelmann spruce top.

It has a breathtakingly beautiful sound


Again www.brookguitars.co.uk

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Old Terry
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 08:38 AM

Well there's only one really. It is a Maton made by a small family company in Australia . I borrowed a Gibson to test it against and it was no contest. Mind you a lot depends on the strings. La bellas are hard to find here so I use Martin SP's.
Yes I know it sounds pedantic but I'm old and I know.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: theleveller
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 08:50 AM

I only have one and I've had it for the last 12 years - a Lowden 010C. I wouldn't part with it for any other guitar (although a friend has an early Frank Bown that I like a lot) as nothing suits my style of playing and type of music as well. I think it's a particularly good example as most people who try it, love it. David Delarre of Mawkin spent half an hour playing it recently and only gave it back when I promised to leave it to him in my will (fortunately, he's a young bloke so there may just be a possibility of his getting it some day!).

I would like to try a Mcilroy, made by the bloke who was one of Lowden's luthiers before setting up on his own - but give up my wonderful, full-bodied, dark-voiced Irish beauty? Never!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Bryn Pugh
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 10:47 AM

I have two guitars at present, which I wouldn't swop for a big clock.

They could both have been hand luthiered for me, so comfortable are they to play.

The acoustic is a Tanglewood, the elctric a Gretsch Electromatic.

I used to play Epiphones - I have had four or five, can't remember which ; but believe me, much as I loved them at the time,(and thought they couldn't be bettered) the last one I had sounded clunky compared with my Tanglewood. There are those who rave about Gibson J45s and J50s, but they never did anything for me.

I think this is so subjective as to be a matter of personal taste.

I did play an Epi, endorsed by the Everley Bros, some years ago, and if it had been made out of an old wooden packing case, it couldn't have been worse - there was nothing, nothing there at all.

I have never played a Statocaster I liked, nor ever played a Telecaster which I didn't.

The only guitar I regret having parted with - PXed on my first Epiphone - was a small bodied Harmony Sovereign.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jayto
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 11:09 AM

My favorite is acoustic guitar is my Del Langejans. I have had it since 1994 and it is the best acoustic I have ever played. Del is in Holland Michigan (US) and is a gret person as well as a great luthier. Del made the Dualette Guitar (2 sided guitar one side is steel string and the other is nylon) for Thom Bresh. He also made Muriel Anderson's Harp guitar. I totally love my guitar that he made me and never really plan on playing any other full time. Harvey Leech makes some very good guitars as well. I don't have one but 2 of my cousins do and they are excellent. I would not mind getting one of them but I will always be a die hard Langejans fan. Del IMHO makes the best acoustic guitars in the world.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Blackford John
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 11:14 AM

I love my Lowden F32C. Its particularly lovely for fingerpicking. Very balanced sound.

I also play a Guild D15 which is less "pretty", more bassy and less "punch".

I feel blessed to be able to own one of these let alone both.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: alanabit
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 11:16 AM

I think it depends on what I am doing. I have a lovely Fylde Oberon, which I bought in 1980. She has been all over Europe with me and has a wonderful, balanced, warm tone. However, I was having problems getting in and out of tunings at gigs, so I have acquired a Martin C-16 GTE for stage work. The Martin has built in tuner and preamp, with automatic mute for when tuning. It does not have quite the warmth of the Fylde, but it is easier to play, because of the smaller neck and it has a cutaway. I intend to use the Martin for all the standard tuning stuff and keep Bessie (my Fylde) for the open tunings, which are an essential part of my sound. The Martin is a superb stage instrument, even though it is only a mid range model (by Martin standards). I am very grateful for both of them, but if I could only keep one, it would be Bessie.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Amos
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 11:32 AM

ME auld D-35 Dreadnought is enough for me. Beautiful sound, especially when the strings are fresh!!

I would love to wander around finding some of these gems discussed on this thread and trying them out. Maybe after I retire... :D


A

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Suffolk Miracle
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 11:40 AM

A broken one?
A chocolate one?
A broken chocolate one!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: theleveller
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 12:01 PM

"I have two guitars at present, which I wouldn't swop for a big clock."

I had to read that twice, Bryn!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 12:34 PM

"I only have one and I've had it for the last 12 years - a Lowden 010C."

A man after my own heart, an instrumental monogamist! We don't see to many Lowdens here in the states (not in area, at any rate), but I know how very nice they can be. The only guitar I've every played (when pretending to shop in a music store) that sounded as good to me as my own old Martin was a Lowden.

"Yes I could pay ten times the price and get 10% better sound, but I would not dare get it out of the case for a gig."

I certainly understand that sentiment, but for those of us who are true to one and one only guitar, we simply can't worry about it.

When I acquired my D-18 upon graduation from college in 1969, it was the very best instrument I could afford, the bottom-of-the-line choice among Martin dreadnaughts, priced at $299. It served to replace my first guitar, a no-name nylon string model; I never gave a moment's thought to keeping that instrument as an "extra" or "banger," and certainly not as the beginning of a "collection" ~ I needed whatever money I could get and sold it immediately. I then set out to refine and "re-learn" my technique, adapting to the steel-stringed instrument.

Within a year, I was playing incessantly and obsessively. The only performing I was able to do was outdoors, as a streetsinger. (I was not familiar with the word "busker" back then; we didn't use that terminology in the US.) Needless to say, that D-18 didn't look "brand new" for very long at all.

The first tiny little scratch on a new guitar can horrify you, since it is so very evident ~ it "sticks out like a sore thumb." My advice is not to fret, and to start collecting more little dings and dents. By the time the number of imperfections is more than you can count, most of them will appear in natural patterns and your instrument will have acquired a "patina" that certifies it as "vintage."

Of course, it helps if observers see your battlescarred guitar while you're playing it; if it sounds really good ~ as it should, if you and your instrument have been discovering each other's characteristics over the years ~ a well-worn appearance only makes it more impressive than any shiny new showroom model, or even more than an untouched, "preserved-in-amber" collector's item.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jayto
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 12:57 PM

I agree Poppagator. I love a well used guitar. The pristine brand new looking guitars don't do it for me. When I see a guitar that looks and sounds like it has had hours and hours and years and years of playing put on it I love it. An abused guitar to me is one that has not been played. Neglect for a guitar is not having dings and scratches it is having a 10yr+ old guitar with no dings or scratches. Neglect is leaving it in the case and not playing it.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 01:15 PM

Here's a well used guitar owned by local singer Brad Thompson

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 01:37 PM

Dang!

I've seen badly battered 1970s (post-lawsuit) Takamines that were manufactured and sold without pickguards ~ the big gaping hole is normally right where the pickguard should have been placed. (Glen Hansard's guitar, as seen in the movie Once, is a prime example.)

But Brad Thompson's Tak has a pickguard, but still has holes in a couple of other adjacent areas of the top ~ the same general areas where my guitar-top is darkened with multiple scratches, but is not nearly worn all the way through.

Were those guitars made with some even-softer variety of wood than the several species of spruce most commonly used used by Martin, Gibson, etc.?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jayto
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 01:49 PM

I have a Tak without a pickguard and wore a hole right below the little E string within a year or 2. It is not playable now I'll spare you the story lol. It had a killer tone and alot of volume but man I wore through it in no time at all. I loved it though still do just can't play it.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: PoppaGator
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 02:14 PM

It may be worth noting, if everyone is not already aware, that guitars actually improve in sound quality the more they're played. The more minutes and hours that the wood spends resonating, the more, or the better, it resonates as time goes on.

Second-best to playing, I've heard recently, is simply exposing the guitar to musical sound. Instead of keeping your instrument in a case, get a stand and prop it up facing the speakers through which you play recorded music.

Even TV sound is better than beign muffled in silence inside a case. My guitar lives in a stand next to my easy chair, in front of the idiot box. I certainly play more often now than when I used to keep it in a case ~ I'll mute the TV during commercials and play a few licks. For those short little stretches of 30-120 seconds, I don't play whole songs, don't even play anything I know very well ~ I'll use that time to get in a few repetitions of some new lick I'm still trying to learn, building muscle-memory in my fingers a little bit at a time.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 02:15 PM

Bread has a pretty aggresive guitar style. Similar to Dave Matthews - lots of fast strumming.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Wesley S
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 02:16 PM

Actually that's BRAD that has the aggressive guitar style. Not Bread.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Leadfingers
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 04:03 PM

My favourite is STILL The D35 I bought new in 1970 !

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Jayto
Date: 30 Sep 08 - 04:12 PM

I wish I had an electric that I love even half as much as my Langejans. I need an electric that I really dig the feel and sound of. My Langejans is really the only guitar that I actually play. If any other is strapped around my neck there is a paycheck involved lol (like someone hired me for an electric gig. Everything acoustic is my Langejans). You can see pics of it on my myspace page. It is an extension of me really. No other guitar feels right to me acoustic or electric. I love it. I call it Patch because it was busted and Del repaired it for me. I told him not to worry about how it looked just make it playable. He did a great job on the repair. There was a large strip of wood missing and he patched another in. It is a draker peice than the rest so thus the name Patch. I didn't start calling it that though. My brother did and then some people at a gig called it the same thing one night and it stuck. Now people are always asking me about Patch. It is funny they ask about my sons and the Patch lol. I guess that shows how much I love that guitar.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Rick Buchanan
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 04:55 PM

Well, my second favorite is a hand made 1999 Buchanan (Richard Chellis Buchanan, not the cheap (Chinese?) Buchanan guitars)
19" non-cut away New Yorker. The hand carved top is about 90+
years old, and it is so loud, and sweet. Like having a grand
piano on your lap!

But, here's the story about my favorite. I was working in a
sporting goods store in '76. I had taken my guitar (B.C. Rich
B-20 dreadnaught) to work. My boss didn't know I played, and
he said his wife just bought new strings for her guitar, and
could I come over and string it for her. (Yep...I'd seen his
wife, but that's another story). When I got there Sandy pulled
out a well worn 0018. I put on the new strings, brought it up
to tune, and hit a chord. I couldn't believe the sound! I just
couldn't take my eyes off her (the Martin, not his hot wife).
I said, "Look, my guitar, and case are flawless, and I just had
Hot Dots installed. I'll trade you straight across. The guitar
had belonged to her dad who had passed away, so no deal.

However, e-mail me and I'll send you a few pics of the archtop.

                                  -Richard Chellis Buchanan

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Allan C.
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 05:20 PM

Some forty years ago I made it a practice to cover the brand stamp at the top of the headstock of my guitars with a Chiquita banana sticker. I was weary of all of the folks who made such a fuss about what brand of guitar one owned.

Flash forward to only a very few years back when, after performing at the open mike at the Getaway, Rick Fielding and I had a conversation in which he told me that if I wanted to be a good guitarist, and he very kindly assured me that I was well on the road to being one, I should get a good guitar. This was undoubtedly due to the fact that the only guitar I had at that time was a Yamaha 12-string.

I took the advice to heart and when good fortune smiled upon me enough for me to afford one, I bought a Martin 12. It was the smartest thing I ever did. Thanks, Rick!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: MissouriMud
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 08:08 PM

My current favorites are a 1938 Gibson L-00 for Old time and blues, and a 2005 Martin 000-28 Norman Blake (not Brazilian Rosewood) for nearly everything else (its not that great on really fast bluegrass but then neither am I).   The Gibson has a great punchy bass to cut through the other instruments and sounds gritty for blues - the Martin has wonderful sustain and warm tone.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Commander Crabbe
Date: 04 Sep 09 - 09:57 PM

My Suzuki 3S.

CC

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,noel
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 11:50 AM

my january of 55 custom d-28... my uncle had a music store in LA w/ another LA cop... this was the guitar he had custom made from martin for the studio out back. i've yet to find a guitar that matches her... btw-been playing for 34 yrs. now. my second favorite would be a 65 d35-12... the best 12 string i've encountered to date. you just don't find many that will stay in tune anymore. especially w/ brazilian back and sides... it's 12 strings w/ an extra kick in the pants... my buddy's 5k taylor-12 is a toy in comparison...

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: JedMarum
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 12:00 PM

I love my Larrivees! All of his models are beautiful - but my favorites are his Jumbos (sadly, no longer being made) and his L series. Great woods, great electronics, great craftsmanship, superb designs.

I still enjoy playing all the great new guitars in the music stores. As I travel I always find time to visit the local acoustic musical instrument stores - and try all the beautiful guitars. There are so many out there. I am a real "sound bigot" - much as I like a lot of guitars and appreciate their tonal qualities and playability, it is the sound that hooks me. I like a full, balanced range from a guitar, strong low end and full highs. But balance is the key for me. Larrivee's models all have a rich, full sound with balance. They look great, they play beautifully, they stand up to rigors of travel - and I am sure that they are the best sounding guitars out there.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Musket
Date: 29 Mar 11 - 12:15 PM

After playing my mate's guitar, last summer I went out and bought a Rainsong OM10.

it is a carbon fibre jobby with no timber at all on it. It therefore stays in tune....

Soundwise, the strength of carbon fibre means no bracing, so non dead spot frequencies, allowing a rather clean sound. Acoustically, it is loud despite being a thin body cutaway and plugged in it has LR Baggs pickups. Nuff said.

Very very pleased with it, so the Martin, the Jim Harley and the Yamaha haven't had an outing since.

If I had any complaint, it is that the sound is a bit too clean, so every mistake is heard loud and clear!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: banjoman
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 05:55 AM

Current favourite is the Taylor 410Ce which my sons bought for me (I could never have afforded it). It has a totally different sound to the Lakewood D1 which I bought when Lakewood were just starting to sell guitars in the UK. Its a fine instrument . I also have an Ovation Folklore short neck which we bought in 1983 and it still takes some beating for tonal quality.I am told by she who must be obeyed that I own too many guitars and banjos so if anyone is interested in the lakewood D1 its probably up for sale complete with the original hard case.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Rob Naylor
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 06:13 AM

My current favourite, without doubt, is an Ian Chisholm of Ditchling, Sussex, UK. His "number 30" of non-standard body size made to order in 2010 and bought second hand a couple of weeks ago:

Ian Chisholm


It's brilliant. Spruce top/ cocobolo back and sides. Lovely tone, easy to play, great action. Don't think I'll ever need to buy another acoustic.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Desi C
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 07:51 AM

My £400 Crafter get's lots of admiration from owners of much more expensive guitars. Lovely deep loud sound, I'm not keen on being plugged and the sound carries so well I often don't need to

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Johnny R
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 01:50 PM

For Flatpicking my 1943(?) Gibson J100 Super Jumbo has a great bass without being "boomy", For fingerpicking it's a toss up between my 1935 Martin 00-42, or my 1977 Martim SOM-45, both great guitars, with the 45 just a little more "bottom end"

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: JedMarum
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 05:58 PM

I am impressed with Rainsongs as well, Ian

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 06:39 PM

I had to laugh at myself, looking back over this thread. If I were as changeable in my affections with women as I am with instruments, I would not have been married to the same lady for 43+ years. I doubt I would have stayed married for 43 weeks. All of the guitars I mention in any of my prior posts to this thread - the earliest almost 10 years ago - are gone, sold or traded off. Except the Collings 000-2H. That isn't leaving anytime soon.

I, also, acquired a Rainsong OM-1000, in August of '07, during a stop at Elderly on the way from Vermont to Montana. (Checking the map, you may see that Lansing, MI is not on a direct route between Vermont and Montana, and requires a substantial side trip. Yup.) That instrument has been the standard one for most playing outside of my own house, whether gigs, festivals, drunken brawls, or what have you. The sound is not as pleasing as the best wood guitars, but it's as good as 9/10 of them, and the instrument is very light, very loud for its size, and essentially immune to changes in temperature or humidity, and to impacts that would destroy a fine wooden guitar, and do noticeable damage to even a cheap plywood one.

For playing in the house, my favorite right at the moment is a little 12-fret slothead 00 size in Sitka and Mahogany, from Manuel & Patterson. That is, if I'm playing 6-string. The Apollo 12 is a category all its own.

Peter

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Midchuck
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 06:43 PM

That "Guest" was me. If I find who stole my cookie, there'll be trouble. Bet it was Kendall, that greedyguts...

Peter

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Little Hawk
Date: 30 Mar 11 - 08:29 PM

I'm very curious about the Rainsong guitars, but there are no stores around here that carry them. Any suggestions on which body style is best in those? Dreadnought? OM? Or...?

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST
Date: 02 Jul 12 - 06:23 PM

1969 gallagher 12 string for sale...... [e-mail]

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 02 Jul 12 - 07:20 PM

Peter, I wouldn't touch your cookie with Spaws fingers!

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,kendall
Date: 02 Jul 12 - 07:22 PM

I came in to say( before I got accused of....something) that my new favorite guitar was the one my friend, Nick Apollonio built for Jacqui. This is one sweet box.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Don(Wyziwyg)T
Date: 03 Jul 12 - 05:48 PM

I too am a musical monogamist.

My 1972 vintage Framus Nashville dreadnaught six string (limited edition), which I bought in 1978.

Like a fine wine, the tone just gets better year on year.

Don T.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,shayleen
Date: 13 Oct 13 - 02:12 PM

My gibson j200is my favourite, they can be hit or miss but a good one,,,wow :-)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: kendall
Date: 13 Oct 13 - 04:34 PM

I also have a 1954 J-45 Gibson. Too much bass for recording, but a nice old box too.

I guess if I had to name my very favorite, it would be my Apollo 12 string.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: JHW
Date: 31 Mar 20 - 07:03 AM

Gurian, I'd never heard of them when I bought it in Edinburgh, near Bennets Bar but forget shop name, long gone. Over 30 yrs ago. Just the mellow not jangly sound I wanted. We all need different.
Gurian Wiki

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: gillymor
Date: 31 Mar 20 - 09:57 AM

Gurians are kind of legendary here in the U.S., at least they were where I came from. I played a jumbo at The Guitar Shop in D.C. back in the '70's and it was a winner. Michael Millard of Froggy Bottom Guitars came out of the Gurian shop and he now makes some of the best steel strings on the planet. I'm fortunate to own one of his F models.
Last year I acquired a Canadian-made 000 12 fret Boucher with an Adirondack top and it's the best fingerstyle guitar I've owned and it also works well for Old Time flatpicking.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Brian May
Date: 31 Mar 20 - 02:41 PM

My Martin 000-28

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: JHW
Date: 31 Mar 20 - 03:38 PM

Re my post above Edinburgh shop was Grants. They handed me Fyldes and Martins etc. then the Gurian. (thanks to gillymor for post)

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: Gurney
Date: 31 Mar 20 - 04:29 PM

My favourite is the one that spends its time 'out' on a stand in the dining room, and that's a Jack & Danny. One of two.
I have other, and much more expensive, and possibly better, guitars.

Subject: RE: What is your favourite acoustic guitar?
From: GUEST,Big Al Whittle
Date: 01 Apr 20 - 06:56 AM

https://soundcloud.com/denise_whittle/poem-to-my-favourite-guitar