What is your favourite acoustic guitar?

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 53
Date: 16 Oct 01 - 10:12 PM

probably a gibson,taylor and takamine.

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 53
Date: 25 Sep 01 - 02:55 PM

martins are a myth.bob

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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 09:24 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: 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: 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: 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: 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 - 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: 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: 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