any 'Grassers in here?...let's talk dreads

[evhtone]

I might be looking for a new dread for flatpicking bluegrass. If you love the 'grass and have a box that speaks to you when you flatpick it, tell me what it is and why you love it!

I'm looking at these....

Collings D2HA
Bourgeios D
Santa Cruz D
Martin HD-28 LSV
Martin HD-28V
Martin D-28 Marquis
Huss and Dalton TDR

I should mention that I love the sound of rosewood. :dude

[kev]

I will not even pretend to call myself a bluegrass player, much less an acoustic guitar expert, but based upon your list, Collings all the way for me please. Every Collings I've had my hands on has sounded amazing, and most of them have been brand new. I can't even imagine how good those guitars will sound decades from now with plenty of gigs to open them up.

I would add Breedlove to your list of guitars to demo.

Kev

[Gazza]

Good thread. I'm in a simliar place as I'm looking to add another dread to the stable. I would consider the following models if I were you.

Huss and Dalton DRH
Goodall TRD
Martin D-35(my fav)

If I were you I would consider the DRH over the TDR as it has the radiused top, meaning more strength and projection. Although you can't wont go wrong with any H&D.

[evhtone]

Originally posted by Gazza
Good thread. I'm in a simliar place as I'm looking to add another dread to the stable. I would consider the following models if I were you.

Huss and Dalton DRH
Goodall TRD
Martin D-35(my fav)

If I were you I would consider the DRH over the TDR as it has the radiused top, meaning more strength and projection. Although you can't wont go wrong with any H&D.


I thought the TDR had a radiused top, too? No? I wonder how the affects the tone? Isn't that a "different" approach compared to how these dreads have been made for many years?

Hmmm....gonna check the H & D website to find more info.

[evhtone]

I should mention that I have a 2001 Gibson AJ that just rips! Awesome guitar but I just want to try a D-28 style dread for some fun.

I'm sure you guys know how it is!!!

:D

[evhtone]

Here's a pic of my AJ...a really different finish than most AJ's I have seen.

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2002-9/53225/AJ.jpg

[Bryan T]

Don't forget to check out the Santa Cruz D/PW guitars. They are fabulous instruments.

Bryan

[jayn]

I've been getting into bluegrass in the last half year or so (in fact, the last three concerts I've seen have been bluegrass...yikes!). I start some lessons next week with the local guru.

I've got a Martin HD-28V. It's a wonderful guitar. It sounds very woody and it's got plenty of overtones and complexity. To me, it's warmer than, say, a Collings D2H, which are also spectacular guitars if you find a really good one. However, in bluegrass jams (say 10-15 people in a circle with a good mix of instruments), it doesn't project that well during leads. It's fine for rhythm, but once you get off the wound strings, the notes seem to disappear. OTOH, it sounds wonderful when I'm playing by myself or with a small group doing popular tunes or folky/country stuff. I think of that guiatar as the singer-songwriter's friend.

So, I've been thinking about getting another guitar for the jams. It seems like the best option is to get a mahogany dread with a red spruce (adirondack) top. My favorites in that category are the Martin D-18GE and the Huss and Dalton TD-M. However, I worry that the Martin would still get buried since it's so bassy. The Huss and Dalton is a very dry sounding guitar with tons of fundmental, less overtones. They seems to be built as meticulously as the Collings with a similar neck profile and they are noticeably lighter. So, to answer your question, I'd recommend the TD-M...that's the one I'll be looking for next spring when I get some cash together. I've only played one Collings D1A that I liked the sound of out of five or six. But, the guy with the D1A definitely sounded the best at last weekend's jam (that was also because he played the most tasteful breaks).

As far as other guitars, well, probably my overall favorite dread is the Collings D1. However, it's so rich sounding that I would worry about cutting through. It's amazing when you play by yourself. The Huss and Dalton TD-R that I played was also extremely dry sounding (red spruce top too)...I liked the TD-M much better. Bourgeois makes great guitars, but I find the neck profile to be too thin front to back. The Santa Cruz D/PW is great, but I think it would have the same issues as my HD-28V (in fact, those two guitars sound very similar). I haven't liked any other SCGC dreads that I've tried, but I haven't tried the Tony Rice yet. I've also never heard the H&D's with the radiused top. I'm shallow and the cosmetics just don't work for me compared to the traditional looks. Their website talks about the tone differences between those guitars.

As with everything, tone is in your ears. Ones that don't sound quite right to me, may be perfect to you. The other thing is, like amps, effects etc., the tone is so different when you are at the store compared to in the middle of a jam. Obviously, the jam is the ideal place to try out a potential purchase.

[evhtone]

Originally posted by Bryan T
Don't forget to check out the Santa Cruz D/PW guitars. They are fabulous instruments.

Bryan


Yeah, they sound very nice. I've played a couple before but they are a bit bright for my tastes. Not by much though. They sure do FEEL great. Very lively response and you can feel the body resonating...I love that!

One guitar that I was hoping would measure up to it's glowing reviews was the Larrivee D-60. The one I played was dead and lifeless. I was surprised actually. The strings seemed fairly new, too. It was at a really good shop...the Podium in Minneapolis.

[riffmeister]

Originally posted by evhtone
I might be looking for a new dread for flatpicking bluegrass. If you love the 'grass and have a box that speaks to you when you flatpick it, tell me what it is and why you love it!

I'm looking at these....

Collings D2HA
Bourgeios D
Santa Cruz D
Martin HD-28 LSV
Martin HD-28V
Martin D-28 Marquis
Huss and Dalton TDR

I should mention that I love the sound of rosewood. :dude

Those are all top-notch guitars......you can't go wrong for your stated target style with any of them!

I chose a Collings D1A over a number of other dreads....what an awesome direct response with the most classic of dreadnaught sounds from that guitar!! :eek:

As with ANY acoustic instrument, there will be some variation between guitars of the same make & model, so I stongly urge you to "try before you buy".

[evhtone]

Originally posted by jayn
I've been getting into bluegrass in the last half year or so (in fact, the last three concerts I've seen have been bluegrass...yikes!). I start some lessons next week with the local guru.

I've got a Martin HD-28V. It's a wonderful guitar. It sounds very woody and it's got plenty of overtones and complexity. To me, it's warmer than, say, a Collings D2H, which are also spectacular guitars if you find a really good one. However, in bluegrass jams (say 10-15 people in a circle with a good mix of instruments), it doesn't project that well during leads. It's fine for rhythm, but once you get off the wound strings, the notes seem to disappear. OTOH, it sounds wonderful when I'm playing by myself or with a small group doing popular tunes or folky/country stuff. I think of that guiatar as the singer-songwriter's friend.

So, I've been thinking about getting another guitar for the jams. It seems like the best option is to get a mahogany dread with a red spruce (adirondack) top. My favorites in that category are the Martin D-18GE and the Huss and Dalton TD-M. However, I worry that the Martin would still get buried since it's so bassy. The Huss and Dalton is a very dry sounding guitar with tons of fundmental, less overtones. They seems to be built as meticulously as the Collings with a similar neck profile and they are noticeably lighter. So, to answer your question, I'd recommend the TD-M...that's the one I'll be looking for next spring when I get some cash together. I've only played one Collings D1A that I liked the sound of out of five or six. But, the guy with the D1A definitely sounded the best at last weekend's jam (that was also because he played the most tasteful breaks).

As far as other guitars, well, probably my overall favorite dread is the Collings D1. However, it's so rich sounding that I would worry about cutting through. It's amazing when you play by yourself. The Huss and Dalton TD-R that I played was also extremely dry sounding (red spruce top too)...I liked the TD-M much better. Bourgeois makes great guitars, but I find the neck profile to be too thin front to back. The Santa Cruz D/PW is great, but I think it would have the same issues as my HD-28V (in fact, those two guitars sound very similar). I haven't liked any other SCGC dreads that I've tried, but I haven't tried the Tony Rice yet. I've also never heard the H&D's with the radiused top. I'm shallow and the cosmetics just don't work for me compared to the traditional looks. Their website talks about the tone differences between those guitars.

As with everything, tone is in your ears. Ones that don't sound quite right to me, may be perfect to you. The other thing is, like amps, effects etc., the tone is so different when you are at the store compared to in the middle of a jam. Obviously, the jam is the ideal place to try out a potential purchase.


Great info and much appreciated!

See, this is the thing I am concerned about. I'm afraid if I find a guitar I love that sounds good all by itself, it may not sound great in a jam session. To be honest, I haven't even been in a jam before but I will be joining some people soon. My AJ should do just fine, but, as I said, I really want to try a Martin-style dread for good measure.

I've always wondered about the tonal difference between Adirondack and Sitka spruce. Some say there is no difference while others claim that Adi sounds better. I've played both and I do seem to prefer the Adi but not by much. Very similar, that's for sure.

I'm just going to have to make another trip to the Podium and spend some time with some good wood.

[evhtone]

Originally posted by riffmeister
Those are all top-notch guitars......you can't go wrong for your stated target style with any of them!

I chose a Collings D1A over a number of other dreads....what an awesome direct response with the most classic of dreadnaught sounds from that guitar!! :eek:

As with ANY acoustic instrument, there will be some variation between guitars of the same make & model, so I stongly urge you to "try before you buy".


I did play a D-1A that I really liked. However, I am drawn to the rosewood tone for some reason. Maybe I should try that D-1A again.

[riffmeister]

Originally posted by evhtone
I did play a D-1A that I really liked. However, I am drawn to the rosewood tone for some reason. Maybe I should try that D-1A again.

The Rosewood tone is usually a bit richer.....more overtones.

The mahogany sound is usually more direct.....more of the fundamental.

Choose what you like, cuz in the end, your ears are the only ones that matter! :)

[e-z]

Nice to see a bluegrass thread here. Keep 'em comin'!

btw, I'm looking at the Santa Cruz Vintage Artist. I have had a model F for 12 years and it just keeps getting better and better.

[Gazza]

Originally posted by evhtone
I thought the TDR had a radiused top, too? No? I wonder how the affects the tone? Isn't that a "different" approach compared to how these dreads have been made for many years?

Hmmm....gonna check the H & D website to find more info.

I was always told H&D did not radius these tops. There website also confirms this. After I initially said that however I noticed The Podium in Minnesota has some TDR's and their website states these have radiused tops. Maybe an error, maybe not. I'm assuming you've played these ones at The Podium?

[Gazza]

Originally posted by evhtone
I did play a D-1A that I really liked. However, I am drawn to the rosewood tone for some reason. Maybe I should try that D-1A again.

I really like the D1A, I would love to own one. Although when playing the Martin D-18GE that is almost $1000 cheaper I think that is the way to go.

[jimmybcool]

I'm not exactly an expert nor certain what makes a guitar better suited to bluegrass. I do know McPherson makes a nice acoustic guitar and if Rosewood is your thang they use that in some of them.

Course, your list has no bad guitars from what I can tell. :cool: I've never actually heard a H&D in person but I like all the rest especially the Santa Cruz but thats just me.

McPherson Guitar (http://www.mcphersonguitars.com/activea.asp?CompID=23&btnSubmit=ByFileCategoryID&cboApplicationID=321&cboFileCategoryID=1123&cboParentFileCategoryID=1073)

[jayn]

Originally posted by evhtone
Great info and much appreciated!

See, this is the thing I am concerned about. I'm afraid if I find a guitar I love that sounds good all by itself, it may not sound great in a jam session. To be honest, I haven't even been in a jam before but I will be joining some people soon. My AJ should do just fine, but, as I said, I really want to try a Martin-style dread for good measure.

I've always wondered about the tonal difference between Adirondack and Sitka spruce. Some say there is no difference while others claim that Adi sounds better. I've played both and I do seem to prefer the Adi but not by much. Very similar, that's for sure.

I'm just going to have to make another trip to the Podium and spend some time with some good wood.

Well, it's worth being concerned about, IMO, since it was my experience that there is a fairly substantial difference. :)

With the exception of the D-18GE, I find Adi topped guitars to be tight and dry compared to Sitka which is more open and harmonically rich. As I understand it, the Adi will loosen up over time and sound much richer. I usually prefer Sitka when playing alone. I *assume* I'd prefer Adi in a jam, but who knows?

Re: the H&D's at The Podium referenced above, H&D will do a lot of custom stuff as customer's requests so it doesn't seem unreasonable that they would do a radius top on the traditional series. Actually, that sounds like a great idea! :dude

You might also consider a Martin D-18V. I've seen some listed for around $1300 used. OTOH, the D-18GE's have been selling around $1850 used lately. Both are screaming deals at those prices. A D-18GE has the Adi top and sounds nearly as rich as any rosewood guitar.

[evhtone]

Originally posted by jayn
Well, it's worth being concerned about, IMO, since it was my experience that there is a fairly substantial difference. :)

With the exception of the D-18GE, I find Adi topped guitars to be tight and dry compared to Sitka which is more open and harmonically rich. As I understand it, the Adi will loosen up over time and sound much richer. I usually prefer Sitka when playing alone. I *assume* I'd prefer Adi in a jam, but who knows?

Re: the H&D's at The Podium referenced above, H&D will do a lot of custom stuff as customer's requests so it doesn't seem unreasonable that they would do a radius top on the traditional series. Actually, that sounds like a great idea! :dude

You might also consider a Martin D-18V. I've seen some listed for around $1300 used. OTOH, the D-18GE's have been selling around $1850 used lately. Both are screaming deals at those prices. A D-18GE has the Adi top and sounds nearly as rich as any rosewood guitar.


Hmm....good points. Maybe I should give mahogany another try? Those D-18GE's have caught my eye and the reviews are great but I have never played one. At those prices on the used market it would probably be worth it to take one for a spin.

You speak of dryness or harmonic complexity. Well, I'm probably asking for way too much but I would love a box with both of those traits. I just got done watching the tony Rice Collection performance video for the bazillionth time and that's how his guitar sounds to me...dry, yet harmonically complex. My Gibby sounds similar actually. But it's not quite there. Of course, I could bring it to my first jam and it might end up blowing the roof off of the place!

Regarding harmonic complexity...some guys I know equate that term with what I would refer to as "wet tone." I really disagree and feel that a "dry" guitar can have just as much harmonic complexity as a "wet" one. I'm sure I sound completely ridiculous right now!! LOL But this is why I have always liked rosewood...it seems like the best of both worlds to me.



You got me thinking that maybe I should try a D-18GE now. :cool:

[evhtone]

Originally posted by Gazza
I really like the D1A, I would love to own one. Although when playing the Martin D-18GE that is almost $1000 cheaper I think that is the way to go.


Great point and taken into consideration.

:)

[jayn]

Originally posted by evhtone
You speak of dryness or harmonic complexity. Well, I'm probably asking for way too much but I would love a box with both of those traits. I just got done watching the tony Rice Collection performance video for the bazillionth time and that's how his guitar sounds to me...dry, yet harmonically complex. My Gibby sounds similar actually. But it's not quite there. Of course, I could bring it to my first jam and it might end up blowing the roof off of the place!


I've been watching the Tony Rice DVD this week where Happy Traum interviews him and he plays some way cool stuff. You are right, his guitars sound amazing. They do sound old and dry, but rich. They also have the piano like mid range clarity in spades.

In modern guitars, I'm not sure anything sounds closer than the D-18GE...maybe the right Collings D1. Or, the new D-18 Authentic. OTOH, I've played a '39 D-18 Martin that was close :D .

[evhtone]

Originally posted by jayn
OTOH, I've played a '39 D-18 Martin that was close :D .


I bet it was!!!!!!!!!...:D :cool:

[evhtone]

Well, I just bought a Collings D2H! Good part is that it is new and I got the deal of the century on it. Bad part is that I bought it over the internet and didn't get to play it first. But, I keep hearing that Collings guitars are very consistant sound-wise so that keeps my mind at ease. I am pumped up!

[riffmeister]

Well, I just bought a Collings D2H! I keep hearing that Collings guitars are very consistant sound-wise so that keeps my mind at ease.

Excellent guitar, amazing consistency......I've A/B'd several and there were slight differences, but all were all killer!!

I've owned four Collings.....OM2H, OM1A, D1, D1A. The "A"s both remain.

I think you will be happy with your purchase. :cool:

[jimmybcool]

Congrats on your purchase.

If you bought a new Collings from a legitimate dealer I don't see how you could go wrong. The WORST case is it needs some setup adjustment to suit you. Anything else I am certain Collings would warrant and take care of.

[evhtone]

Excellent guitar, amazing consistency......I've A/B'd several and there were slight differences, but all were all killer!!

I've owned four Collings.....OM2H, OM1A, D1, D1A. The "A"s both remain.

I think you will be happy with your purchase. :cool:


Thanks, Riffy! I knew you'd approve...:D

It's funny because I talked to the dealer this morning and he quoted me a heckuva price. I thought about it until lunch time and then decided to go for it. The only bad part is that I'll probably have to unload my AJ now. I really like that guitar, but the last time I played a Collings I was in Heaven. I can always get another AJ down the road, too.

[evhtone]

Congrats on your purchase.

If you bought a new Collings from a legitimate dealer I don't see how you could go wrong. The WORST case is it needs some setup adjustment to suit you. Anything else I am certain Collings would warrant and take care of.


Yup. I feel pretty relaxed about this purchase. I bought it from Dennis at The Mandolin Store. He was very friendly, informative and helpful. We both decided it was best to wait to ship the guitar until monday just so it won't be sitting on some loading dock or truck for an extra 2 days. I'll have to wait a bit longer but it will be worth it. I have a good set-up guy here in Minnesota so I have that covered, too.

I was just jamming out "Blue Railroad Train" a few minutes ago on my AJ...can't wait to try it on the D2H!!!!!!!!!!!!!!1

:D

[jimmybcool]

Cool. Sounds like a smart dealer.

Hey, I don't need to tell you about temperature issues and guitar deliveries right? Let that puppy sit in the case for like 5 hours until it warms up to room temp SLOWLY.

Guy I bought my acoustics (Martin and McPherson) from recieved a McPherson he was dying to see (so was I) and he wouldn't risk opening it right away. Said he had seen guitars split the top from the instant heat temperature differential when he opened them from a cold truck in winter. And this is Phoenix :Devil I had to come back later to see it.

In Minnesota I hear it gets colder. :eek:

So be patient when it arrives and let it warm in its case first then check it out.

[jayn]

Well, I just bought a Collings D2H! Good part is that it is new and I got the deal of the century on it. Bad part is that I bought it over the internet and didn't get to play it first. But, I keep hearing that Collings guitars are very consistant sound-wise so that keeps my mind at ease. I am pumped up!

Congrats...those are awesome guitars. Collings are ridiculously well made and consistent in my experience. I'm sure you will love it.

On another note, I started taking some flatpicking lessons and already I've learned some tricks to project better. Turns out it's the guitar AND the player...not that that's a surprise ;) .

[Gazza]

Speaking of Collings I just got the D1A, best acoustic I've ever played!! Martin D18-GE is fire wood now baby!!!:rolleyes:

[jimmybcool]

Speaking of Collings I just got the D1A, best acoustic I've ever played!! Martin D18-GE is fire wood now baby!!!:rolleyes:

I'd be happy to stop over and collect your firewood ;)

[57special]

Good thread. I'm in a simliar place as I'm looking to add another dread to the stable. I would consider the following models if I were you.

Huss and Dalton DRH
Goodall TRD
Martin D-35(my fav)

If I were you I would consider the DRH over the TDR as it has the radiused top, meaning more strength and projection. Although you can't wont go wrong with any H&D.

All tops are radiused, to a greater or lesser degree, as are backs.

[evhtone]

Cool. Sounds like a smart dealer.

Hey, I don't need to tell you about temperature issues and guitar deliveries right? Let that puppy sit in the case for like 5 hours until it warms up to room temp SLOWLY.

Guy I bought my acoustics (Martin and McPherson) from recieved a McPherson he was dying to see (so was I) and he wouldn't risk opening it right away. Said he had seen guitars split the top from the instant heat temperature differential when he opened them from a cold truck in winter. And this is Phoenix :Devil I had to come back later to see it.

In Minnesota I hear it gets colder. :eek:

So be patient when it arrives and let it warm in its case first then check it out.


Yup. I already had that extra "waiting" part planned out ahead of time. No worries. I'll wait an extra long time to open her up. I'm always careful with my gear and this won't be any exception. Thanks for the heads up , though. You never can have too much good advice on these forums.

:)

[evhtone]

Congrats...those are awesome guitars. Collings are ridiculously well made and consistent in my experience. I'm sure you will love it.

On another note, I started taking some flatpicking lessons and already I've learned some tricks to project better. Turns out it's the guitar AND the player...not that that's a surprise ;) .


Wow! Are you serious? I thought it was just the guitar. I always dreamed of sitting down with the "Bone" and then automatically start playing just like Tony. LOL!!!!!!!!

Seriously, though...

I've been working on my technique too and I've found that my picking hand needs more work than my fretting hand. I believe that is the key to being a good flatpicker. You have to be clean and precise with that pick in order to "drive" the lick you are trying to pull off. I'm getting better but I still have a long way to go!! It's so much fun, though. After playing rock for so many years this is like discovering a whole new world. I feel so excited about learning and playing again.

[jayn]

I've been working on my technique too and I've found that my picking hand needs more work than my fretting hand. I believe that is the key to being a good flatpicker. You have to be clean and precise with that pick in order to "drive" the lick you are trying to pull off. I'm getting better but I still have a long way to go!! It's so much fun, though. After playing rock for so many years this is like discovering a whole new world. I feel so excited about learning and playing again.

I'm in pretty much the same place right now too. My right hand really needs to develop strength as well as control. But, I'm excited about new stuff and all the cool acoustic licks to learn.

The funny thing is...as a flatpicker, you often want such a strong attack. Yet, as an electric player, I've been working on a lighter attack to improve tone and dynamics.

[andybog]

I recently went over the top and purchased a really wonderful instrument. It is a James Goodall TCD. It's his standard dread, with cocobolo back and sides, adirondack top, Waverly tuners. I love this guitar. Talk about piano tone, and great projection. I played about 25 to 30 guitars over a couple of weeks, McCabes in Santa Monica, and Buffalo Bros, which has an incredible inventory. THe Goodall just blew everything in the weeds IMO.
James makes great guitars, quality, and tone machines. I sold a few guitars to buy this one, but I think it's well worth it. I tried many Collings, Froggy Bottoms, H&D, Martins(clunky), even some Santa Cruz models. I think it was the cocobolo and Adirondack combination that was the magic for me. I really like the Froggy Bottoms too, if I could have found one in that combo, I may well have gone that direction. I have been very impressed with the Froggy's ever since I tried them a few years ago at the NAMM Show. Anyone looking for a serious acoustic guitar should really check out Acoustic Pro Musician, Man what a selection, and Danny Brevard is such a pleasure to work with. www.acousticpromusician.com (http://www.acousticpromusician.com)

Anyway the Goodall blew me away; I was fortunate enough to find a minty, used one at APM.

Good luck in the search.

[6120]

I like the Martin D18GE the best. I also own a Collings D1A and several other Collings. I would not recommend any of the rosewood Dread as they don not seem to cut through in live pickin sessions as well. There are however some noteable exceptions(Tony Rice/Clarence Whites D28), however even Clarence recorded and played quite a bit with the D18. I like the D18 over the D1A because its lighter and seem to project and resonate better. the bass on a real good one is unbeatable. Having said that the D1A is a bit louder in the trebles and will do you better in a live jam session. The D1A is a heavier guitar as its neck has additional reinforcemnt bars and is bolted on as well as dovetailed. The Martin is just dovetailed. My Martin has been set up by Dan Lashbrook , a genius settuop guy for all things Bluegrass and flatpick related.

[evhtone]

I like the Martin D18GE the best. I also own a Collings D1A and several other Collings. I would not recommend any of the rosewood Dread as they don not seem to cut through in live pickin sessions as well. There are however some noteable exceptions(Tony Rice/Clarence Whites D28), however even Clarence recorded and played quite a bit with the D18. I like the D18 over the D1A because its lighter and seem to project and resonate better. the bass on a real good one is unbeatable. Having said that the D1A is a bit louder in the trebles and will do you better in a live jam session. The D1A is a heavier guitar as its neck has additional reinforcemnt bars and is bolted on as well as dovetailed. The Martin is just dovetailed. My Martin has been set up by Dan Lashbrook , a genius settuop guy for all things Bluegrass and flatpick related.


Where is Dan located? I am in Minnesota too!

[6120]

Dan is located in Ashville North Carolina, he does settup for quite a few pros, Bryan Sutton and some other notables . I have used Hoffamn guitars in Minneapolis and Browns guitar factory as well for work but only dan for the serious acoustic work. He has no website but I can find a phone number for him if you would like.

[evhtone]

Dan is located in Ashville North Carolina, he does settup for quite a few pros, Bryan Sutton and some other notables . I have used Hoffamn guitars in Minneapolis and Browns guitar factory as well for work but only dan for the serious acoustic work. He has no website but I can find a phone number for him if you would like.


Yeah, that would be great! Just send it to me via my email link. Thanks!!

[seamusmcfartnok]

I might be looking for a new dread for flatpicking bluegrass. If you love the 'grass and have a box that speaks to you when you flatpick it, tell me what it is and why you love it!

I'm looking at these....

Collings D2HA
Bourgeios D
Santa Cruz D
Martin HD-28 LSV
Martin HD-28V
Martin D-28 Marquis
Huss and Dalton TDR

I should mention that I love the sound of rosewood. :dude

I'm into a style of flat picking called the rest stroke which is primarily used for a style called gypsy jazz but translates well for bluegrass flatpicking. Poop who cares. Here's the deal. I think for the money you just can't beat them Collings D2h's. The necks feel fabulous and the craftsmanship is pretty amazing. I prefer rosewood myself for the punch but sometimes it's a bit heavy in the low end for recording. Just depends on what your doing I guess. For jamming live bluegrass I would think you would want the volume and shock value from rosewood. I also enjoy the Collings because it seems to speak sooner than say a Santa Cruz or a Marting D28. You don't have to dig in as much to get the tone but if you do there seems to be no end to the volume where as other guitars seem to compress a bit as you really dig in.

There's my two for ya

Seamus

[Fishin'Musician]

My Santa Cruz Tony Rice (2001) just keeps sounding better and better.
Here's something to consider:
When you try out an instrument, have someone else play it as well and stand out away from it. Then you'll hear what it really sounds like. A lot of the time what we hear from above and behind it (our playing position) sounds different six or more feet out in front of it. I tried out a slew of high end acoustics before settling on the TR, and there were a couple that I think sounded a little better in my hands, but my dealer set up some mics and let me record some clips and A/B them before making my final decision. The TR won hands down. And having that confidence in the projected tone just makes the whole purchase "ring" better to me.
Just some food for thought.