What is your favourite acoustic guitar?

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