What is your favourite acoustic guitar?

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,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,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? 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: 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?
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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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,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: 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: 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: Midchuck
Date: 24 Aug 05 - 11:01 AM

Right at the moment, this one.

Peter.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: Mooh
Date: 23 Aug 05 - 04:41 PM

Pinocchio's workshop? Mooh.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: GUEST
Date: 11 Jan 05 - 01:00 AM

Maton - without a doubt


Cheers


Bugsy

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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!!