Luna Guitars

Subject: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 07:50 AM

Because long practice periods draped over my big Sigma gets to hurting the arthritis in my neck and right shoulder, I am thinking about getting a 3/4 sized dreadnought to practice on at home.

I am kind of attracted to this Luna Safari Muse Spruce Acoustic Guitar.

Has anyone had any experience of Luna guitars and in particular this small one?

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 08:20 AM

Things to consider:

This guitar will only be for practice at home (I live in a flat) and a work (I will be practising in the first aid room) so quiet is better and quality of sound I am not too concerned with.

I prefer the dreadnought shape as it approximates what I will be playing at sessions (my Sigma). I don't want to spend a lot.

When we camp I'd prefer not to carry along my good guitar. So an average not so expensive, comfortable fit like this Luna seems perfect, if it has any staying power.

I guess what I am looking for is reputation of Luna to maintain structurally and stay in tune during play.

Any thoughts?

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 27 Feb 10 - 01:25 PM

I have played with about a half-dozen Luna guitars when I've been in a music store. The first batch I played with were the picture series and the second batch had decorative holes. They were all standard size.

I didn't mess with any of them for long but was kind of disappointed not to find one that I thought sounded very good.

Every one I picked up was easy to play. Necks seemed good and they fretted easily.
I really like the moon phase dots.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 04:26 AM

bringing it up to the top... maybe it will catch someone's attention?

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,FolkGiant
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 05:35 PM

Hi there... Luna guitars tend not to be very good-sounding instruments anyway; they tend to be prettier than they are toneful, except for when they are plugged in and EQed very heavily, IMHO.

You should seriously look at FirstAct 3/4 guitars; I bought one for a student of mine because it was of decent build quality and had good enough tone that I would definitely grab it if I had to find a spare in a hurry. I'm funny that way, anyhow... I can't play well on instruments that sound bad.

Otherwise, check out Rondo Music for some decent-quality 3/4 guitars. They used to be a brick-and-mortar store in New Jersey, USA; now they're strictly mail-order, but their prices are super and for not-too-shabby gear.

Best of luck in your search!

Regards,

FG

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 28 Feb 10 - 08:01 PM

Have you played with a 3/4 VTam?

My mother has a mini Martin. When I play it-being adequately busty-my right outcropping makes my arm need to play at a different angle..and my arm gets tired.

On the Lunas I played, I noticed the head seeming to be a little bit heavier than most standard guitars. If the 3/4 have the same size head as their standard, it might mean adjusting your body to balance the guitar.
Would that make you hurt?


I'm getting a small guitar too (should be here within a day or so) because I want a cheap little beater handy for next time I get a notion to think about considering trying different tunings.


Where are the Wise Voices of Experience around here?
I'm surprised nobody has stopped in to give an opinion on Luna products..

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,FolkGiant
Date: 01 Mar 10 - 05:02 PM

Melissa,

Your comment reminded me of something said by (I believe) Sarah McLachlan:

"Note to guitar makers: Girls have [breasts]. If you put a volume control right where a [breast] goes, weird sh** happens all through your songs."

I have a similar ergonomic problem with Ovation guitars... I'm lucky that the one I own has a super-shallow back, otherwise they keep sliding off my considerable gut, not to mention that the round back plus the round belly on me make the neck a half-mile away.

Sigh,

FG

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 02:36 AM

She's right about volume control placement!

I got my 3/4 today and although it embarrasses me to admit it, I think I am going to like the dumb thing quite a bit. Now I almost wish I had chosen a less hideous color.


What did you decide, VTam?
If you get a pretty Luna, I hope you'll come back here and give a Product Report.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 03:32 PM

I haven't made a decision yet. I have a bloody beast of a Sigma (DM4M). She is gorgeous and sounds as good as she looks, but when I sit and practice, I have to lift my right shoulder and drape over her to play.

After 40 or so minutes, my shoulder feels like it has subluxed (slightly moved out of joint). My neck and whole right arm ache.

I tend to put off practice because I know I will end up in pain. She is also too big and too loud to practice with at work.

Hence I am looking at 3/4 size. I expect a smaller instrument to have less powerful sound.

I am thinking I will get the Luna, put some Newtone light gauge strings on it, to save the RA in my left wrist. May even get luthier friend to give a it a look over. If not happy then will send back.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 02 Mar 10 - 03:46 PM

I'm having a problem with my left shoulder and I did notice that playing the 3/4 yesterday evening did not bother it. I ended up playing another couple hours after I got home and my arm/hand is no worse today than it was before all that playing.

This new one is LOUD (and ugly)

I hope you do get the Luna and that you end up as pleasantly surprised as I am with my purchase. It's heartbreaking to have to choose between Hurting and Not Playing.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 05:48 AM

refresh

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,Guitar-Shop-Online.com
Date: 06 Mar 10 - 12:40 PM

I have a Martin 028 EC i use a Hagstrom G15 Audotorium for practicing
it,s a fairly cheap guitar but it has a nice neck and plays and sounds
good so I can get long practices in fairly pain free.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 13 Mar 10 - 08:32 AM

found this

Luna Safari Muse Spruce Acoustic Guitar demo on youtube


What do others think of to the sound? Difficult for me to tell on laptop speaker if it is any good.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 03:49 AM

refresh... please can I get some other catters opinion on the sound of Luna Safari Muse in link above?

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,johnp
Date: 16 Mar 10 - 01:43 PM

it sounds rather tinny and lacks depth on my speakers.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 16 Apr 10 - 05:52 PM

VTam,
I was in a music store yesterday and saw one of these little Lunas..picked it up for a few minutes to give it a whirl.

Did you get one?

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,Shannon
Date: 19 Apr 10 - 05:44 PM

VTam-
Did you get the guitar? I have to comment on here because I have just discovered Luna Guitars as well. A lot of people have been putting down the sound of them and I think it's important to clarify that there are some levels of quality w/in the Luna family that make a big difference. I was at a small, mom n pop store trying out some acoustic electrics and unwittingly played a few of the "Flora" and "Fauna" series of Luna's, not looking at the brand much. They played ok, pretty much the same as ovations, Deans, and other mid-range guitars around $300-500. Then I picked up a Luna Oracle Eclipse and, whoa, mama, I felt like Harry Potter when the right wand "picks" him. Sorry for the geeky reference and, if you haven't read the HP books, what I mean to say is that there was an obvious difference between that guitar and the others I've tried. The only others I played that sounded like that, IMHO, was a Masterbuit Epiphone and a higher end Takame that I tried later that day at Guitar Center which were both above my $500 limit (around $700).

Anyway. The difference is twofold. First, The Oracle, along with the Trinity (which has a parlour sized guitar as well) has a solid spruce top and most of the other Lunas have a "select" spruce top. Second, that the Oracle series is built by a different guitar maker than the rest of the solid spruce topped guitars, but they're going to all be made from that guitar maker going forward. (I don't know much about production so I don't know if I'm calling this by the right name but it's the actual producer of the guitar).

I just bought a fauna series phoenix, because I have an ok acoustic and I wanted a snazzy axe for live gigs that was acoustic/electric and the pretty abalone design on top won me over. BUT I plan on buying one of the solid spruce topped guitars later on.

You mentioned that sound quality wasn't that big of a deal anyway - if that's the case, I think any of the parlour sized guitars would do the trick. They're really pretty, seem to be well-made, even the ones made for looks rather than sound, and I am all about supporting this company because they seem to be getting a bad rap right now for being all about "pretty" guitars which, in my mind translates to "it's a woman's guitar company, what can they possibly know about quality?" (this is based on things I've heard from other people at guitar stores and seen online, not things posted here.)

One last thing -you can totally email the OWNER of Luna, and she will write back to you if you have questions. And she's rad and appreciates any feedback. Again, the little company that could. I'll check back when i get my Phoenix in the mail to let you know how it plays!

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 04:04 PM

I haven't yet bought the Luna. Still thinking about it. I was really interested in the narrower neck and smaller body for ergonomic reasons.

Since I am have fallen out of remission and am having a rheumatic flare up (just this week recovering from trapped nerve that left my hands and forearms in indescribable pain) I can't play anything. Feels wrong to buy another guitar when I am in this position.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 04:30 PM

Melissa

did you play a safari muse and what did you think? they are not in shops in UK. you have to order online so I can't give a try out in advance.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 08:47 PM

The neck was narrower than on my 3/4 cheapo($35) and it fretted fairly easily. My fingers did not feel crowded on the fretboard. The head felt kind of heavy--weight balance wasn't what I expected when I lifted it but it wasn't particularly awkward.

The one I played was possibly the quietest guitar I've had in my hands. It sounded smaller than it looked..almost like a toy and I'm not sure I'd enjoy singing with it because it sounded almost timid.
I think it might take a long time to play some personality into a Luna.

Sometimes new guitars are stinky.
Luna guitars do not seem to have much smell at all. The finish has felt nice on all the ones I've recently messed with..(the picture series feel kind of cheap against my arm)

While I was playing, I couldn't remember whether it was your shoulders or wrists that need a smaller guitar and I didn't play it long enough to pay attention to how the smaller size fits and shifts joints.

Next time I'm near the music store, I will probably give the little luna a decent workout to see if it seems to get less tiny-sounding with use. It sounded much smaller than it looks.

I can't remember how much it cost..seems like it was in the $200 range. It didn't feel cheap or fragile and it looks good..a LOT more attractive than my 3/4.
I didn't pay attention to the tuners.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: maeve
Date: 21 Apr 10 - 09:03 PM

Tam- Proper set up and the right kind of strings could help the sound also. I hope you find what you need, and that you feel more like playing again soon.

maeve

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 02:32 AM

damn... I play very quietly anyway. My huge Sigma can't compete with roar that is my voice.

Looks like I am back to the drawing board.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 11:41 AM

Tam,
I know we're working around different things, but having the 3/4 has meant that I'm playing as much as I did before my wing was crickled. I really didn't expect it to be that much easier and I am so delighted with being able to play as much as I want(with no recuperation time after!)
Mine is a low-end store brand and the decent quality could easily be a lucky fluke. I am impressed enough with this one that I am thinking about getting one for the car.

Next time I'm at the music store, I'll still give that luna a workout and compare it to the other small guitars. Maybe I'll find another brand that seems like it might be worth looking at.
Maybe you'll already have one by then..I won't be at the music store until the middle of next month.

I think your idea of less pain with a smaller guitar is sensible. My hand is clumsy and has lost about ten years of skill..but I can play now and it doesn't hurt.

I hope you do end up finding a 3/4 and that you like it as well as I like mine.

(here's what I got..in tittypink)
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Rogue-Starter-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=519266

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 03:27 PM

no rogues in the UK - sigh

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 22 Apr 10 - 03:46 PM

Do you have a music store where they leave you alone to play with the guitars?

One nice thing about the little luna was that the tone was clear without being bright.

I wonder if rogues are packaged under other names for other stores?

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 23 Apr 10 - 06:35 PM

not really a private place to play in the local Allegro and James Dace is very small now they've moved shop.

but weird thing.. New colleague at work used to work at both of the aforementioned shops. She said she had heard that Luna acoustics sound really good though quiet and that the electrics are rubbish. She did not say she had played one only that she heard it.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 01:23 AM

That colleague is a nice little bit of serendipity!
She and GuestShannon both say good things about lunas..and there's a chance I might have abnormal perception with guitars--my view on Blueridge doesn't match the opinion of a lot of folks here--or the one I played might have just been a wimpy one.

I hope you get one.
I'm looking forward to your report..


The music store I've been visiting doesn't exactly have a private place to play..they have some stools in the guitar room and sometimes there are others in there playing. Workers are willing to talk/help if you want them. Otherwise, they pretty much leave you alone. It's a neat arrangement.
Because they just let us play and do our own shopping (and brought me a tuner to use when I asked for one) they've sold a guitar, two stands a tuner, some strings and a bow.
I was hoping you had a shop like that so you could stop in and give a couple 3/4 guitars a spin.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:39 AM

nope. no stools and no room to put one if they had one to offer as far as i can tell. unless they can bring the instrument downstairs and there is a room in the back of ground floor.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 05:54 AM

that's a shame..it's nice to be able to perch around and switch instruments easily.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 09:52 AM

Well I went into Allegro and tried out the Cort Earth Mini OP (3/4 size) and fell in love. She came home with me.

Just didn't want to chance a mail order Luna, specially since my preferred luthier (where I would want to get assessment and possible set up) is in Kent and I am in Essex. It would be weeks before I could get it back for return if it turned out to be rubbish.

This little Cort is a beaut. Allegro has a luthier outfit in Ireland where all their guitars go for set up before being ship out to their shops. I have a year long store warranty. Surprisingly loud for such a small thing. A bit tinny during strumming but I don't strum many songs and that will probably play out or may just need different strings.   Doesn't hurt my right shoulder or left wrist at all. I tried a parlour size guitar and it still felt uncomfortable to my shoulder and neck. Very plain finish and a solid top.

I think I am happy. We shall see how it goes.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: Melissa
Date: 24 Apr 10 - 02:51 PM

Good deal!

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,joah
Date: 29 Aug 10 - 09:58 PM

Hi all,
   Last night, I came across the Luna series online....Impressive looks, and I began to wonder about the sound.   Usually sound correlates to price for the most part, but there are some gems out there. Seagull guitars come to mind... 400 bucks gets you an $800 guitar. I think Luna may surpass that.. Although I don't have a dealer close by to go and play one, the Oracle eclipse looks spec wise to be the best sounding >> Solid spruce top and rosewood back and sides, great combo IMHO. I have a seagull artist and D28 with that combo and I love them both dearly. I may take a shot on a luna, heck 280 bills is worth the risk. And to boot, XLR out is just snazzy.

    Virginia Tam, having your shoulder feel out of whack is a bummer to not play a dreamy axe.... I find that playing a more classical style posture solves that, I play up the neck quite a bit and lots of altered tunings and having the guitar resting on my left does wonders for my carpal tunnel and my longevity of playing.

Cheers, and Rock on :)

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: VirginiaTam
Date: 30 Aug 10 - 04:55 AM

I like having 2 guitars. The little Cort stays in standard tuning and the Sigma is Open D. Woot!   Not playing so much recently though because I bought a pair of bones at Moria Furnace Folk Festival and have become addicted to playing them.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,Jim E.
Date: 04 Nov 10 - 12:42 PM

I own a Martin DC-28E and have for 21 years but I wanted the best lesser guitar (in price) that I could afford and not spend anywhere
near $1000.

I have played 3 Luna Oracle Eclipse but only recently took my Martin in with me for a comparison.

I'm buying one as while it does not have the depth and resonance of
a $3000, 21 yr old Martin it is awesome for the price.

I think the closest thing to it that I tried was a Taylor 110ce at
$899. Taylor has a name and reputation so I'm sure that the resale
will be better. As for longevity at the price I'm paying for the Luna
if it lasts 5 years I'll be ecstatic.

If you have not tried one, you owe it to yourself to do so before you fork out $500 more for something you might like better.

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,randy
Date: 31 Mar 11 - 07:32 PM

check out the Ami Art Lutierie or Seagull small acc. solid tops great sound and made in canada

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,PTC Bernie
Date: 02 Jun 11 - 07:02 PM

I recently got back into playing and found a Luna Dragonfly at a local shop. I was impressed with the sound and playability. I've played much worse for twice the price ( and more) It had a nice sound and felt great.

Bernie

Subject: RE: Luna Guitars
From: GUEST,Andrew Smith
Date: 10 Jan 12 - 03:32 PM

Ignore Guest, FolkGiant. I have a Luna Muse series dreadnought with a satin finish and honestly, I've played guitars by many many brands for example I've played new and vintage epiphones, Gibsons, Fenders,Martins (including a D-28), Yamahas, SIlvertones and many more, but yet no guitar that I have played can match the look and sound quality of my Luna. The Luna Muse Satin sells for $580 whereas the Martin D-28 is $2,299, almost $2,000 MORE!

If you love guitar with great looks and sound, BUY A LUNA!