Hi-end acoustic buying decision recommendations [Archive]

Mr.Hanky

01-23-2008, 05:31 PM

Play them, you have to, when xxxxxxxxx you will know you found a keeper.

I am fortunate enough to live near Mandolin Brothers. When I shopped for a nice acoustic I played everything, and would up coming home with one I never thought I would buy, a Martin D-41. It remains a consistently awesome guitar 10 years later.

riffmeister

01-23-2008, 05:34 PM

If you are looking for something a little more "traditional" I can recommend Collings. I have two, and both of these definitely made my turtle come out of it's shell.

royd

01-23-2008, 05:36 PM

Go to the shops and play them if you can. If you're spending that kind of bucks, it is worth spending some money n travel to get up close with as many as possible. Still, playing some of them is not possible... so if you can't, listen to players you respect and see what sounds they're getting.

Jazztone

01-23-2008, 05:39 PM

If you are looking for something a little more "traditional" I can recommend Collings. I have two, and both of these definitely made my turtle come out of it's shell.

Too much information here... eek!

+1 on the Collings though

Beagle1

01-23-2008, 06:16 PM

I'm trying to find out how you make the decision on what high-end, small company acoustic guitar to buy. What do you recommend - do you go to the shop? Word of mouth? Especially if they are not available retail...can someone give me an idea?

Thanks, John

Without a doubt, if you're not really sure what to get then go spend a day at a shop like Mandolin Bros, Elderly, The Podium, Gryphon, etc and play every high-end guitar in the store. There are so many options and each brand has a sort of signature sound.

That said, make sure you check out Collings, Goodall, Huss & Dalton, Bourgeois, Froggy Bottom, Santa Cruz, Breedlove, Lowden...as well as the higher end offerings of Martin, Taylor, and Larrivee. If you are contemplating a hand-built instrument, then it will be well worth your time to attend the Newport Guitar Festival in April:

http://www.newportguitarfestivalmiamibeach.com/homepage.html

Bryan T

01-23-2008, 07:01 PM

If you're looking for a luthier built instrument it would be worth a trip to one of the big acoustic guitar shows, such as the Healdsburg festival. Alternatively, a visit to a shop that carries several small builders' instruments would be invaluable.

Bryan

Stephen Davis

01-23-2008, 07:29 PM

Call Gruhns and check out a Martin Quad. I doubt if I will ever part with mine. More people freak out over that guitar then anything I have ever seen.

opdev

01-23-2008, 07:52 PM

You have to play them.

I work a block from www.themusicemporium.com

I have a beautiful Collings and a great Martin HD-28V. What I am starting to learn is that it's hard to beat a really great Martin (for my style).

I am curently lusting after an OM28 Marquis to replace me Collings.

JSeth

01-23-2008, 11:00 PM

John - I play Mark Angus acoustic guitars - a 6 string and a 12 string; both are exquisite instruments - not fancy, just really good wood and great tone. Maple sides and back on the 6 string, a guild F-40 shape; the 12 string is rosewood, same shape. Nearly 30 yrs old, I can attest to how well they will hold up!
Mark works out of the Guitar Shop in Laguna Beach, CA; tel: 949-497-2110. He can do pretty much any shape you'd like, I believe; I saw some old slope shouldered gibson shapes as well as a 000 type when I was there at Christmas time. Give him a call!

rosscoep

01-24-2008, 12:25 AM

I love the Larrivee's. I don't know if they are a larger builder than you want but very nice.

davess23

01-24-2008, 09:26 AM

If the guitar maker that interests you only sells direct, you're screwed...your options are pretty much to find one you like used, or ask owners a lot of questions and see if they'll let you try their guitars, or just cross your fingers, place your order and hope for the best.

Unless you've got a lot of experience with high-end guitars and are totally confident that you can spec exactly what you're looking for, I'd advise doing exactly what others responding to your post urged you to do: go to a well-stocked guitar shop run by knowledgable people and play as many as you can. Someplace like the Music Emporium will have guitars from large and small makers, and expertise on staff to help you find the instrument that will work for you. Take a couple of days if necessary. And then buy the one you like from the shop that helped you with your decision.

matte

01-24-2008, 09:31 AM

i wanted a 7 string scalloped board cutaway steel string. i did my research and went with scharpach.

Joe Tone

01-24-2008, 09:51 AM

GuitarsFromMars

01-24-2008, 10:19 AM

Scharpach makes amazing acoustics,but I was at Gruhn's(right behind the famous Ryman Auditorium),and played a 1941 Martin 000-45 refin,and for 55,000$ it was beyond amazing.I know it's in the store in Nashville,looking for a new owner...as we speak of this...I wish I played well enough,to be deserving of a guitar,in the pre-WWII realm.

nik

01-24-2008, 02:29 PM

i wanted a 7 string scalloped board cutaway steel string. i did my research and went with scharpach.

Matte -
Is that a flattop? I am familiar with his archtops...
Nick

matte

01-24-2008, 03:14 PM

Matte -
Is that a flattop? I am familiar with his archtops...
Nick
here are pics. will be in house next week.

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923360.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923357.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923356.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923352.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923346.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923343.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923339.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/287923337.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/300410861.jpg
http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/300410862.jpg

Thor

01-24-2008, 03:32 PM

That looks tremendous!!! Hope that it meets and excedes all of your expectations!

Enjoy it in the best of health,

Edward

GuitarsFromMars

01-24-2008, 04:14 PM

Exceptionally nice.

westchesterdave

01-24-2008, 06:30 PM

Without a doubt, if you're not really sure what to get then go spend a day at a shop like Mandolin Bros, Elderly, The Podium, Gryphon, etc and play every high-end guitar in the store. There are so many options and each brand has a sort of signature sound.

That said, make sure you check out Collings, Goodall, Huss & Dalton, Bourgeois, Froggy Bottom, Santa Cruz, Breedlove, Lowden...as well as the higher end offerings of Martin, Taylor, and Larrivee. If you are contemplating a hand-built instrument, then it will be well worth your time to attend the Newport Guitar Festival in April:

http://www.newportguitarfestivalmiamibeach.com/homepage.html

You should find a couple of stores that carry high-end acoustics within a comfortable drive time from you and play as many as you can without confusing things. You might want to narrow it down to a couple of body sizes that suit your playing style.

There are so many fine small builders with so many options and variations available that the pleasant task of finding the right flat top could take some time. The people who sell these guitars, generally speaking, really know their stuff. Ask questions about anything from the difference between Adirondack Spruce and Sitka Spruce?; what pre war bracing is?; what do hide glue or varnish bring to the table...etc.

You'll develop preferences. For me it's Mahogany/Adirondack Slope Shoulders...absolutely love them.

In the end, after you decide on your budget, we make our guitar decisions with two things: our ears and our hands....and maybe our hearts.

authen

01-24-2008, 07:08 PM

Thanks for the answers and recommendations. I love finding out what other players like to play. So far I've played Martins, Taylors, Charis' and a Langejans. I've known Bill Wise of Charis Acoustics for sometime. I'm going to his shop on Saturday - a friend of mine is thinking of buying a guitar from him. The question came up about how accomplished guitar players choose an acoustic that might not be available to play locally and you guys came to mind for answers and recommendations. Unfortunatelly, I know what's going to happen when I get to Bill's shop... "honest honey, I can pay for it with gig money!" I'll keep you posted.

nik

01-25-2008, 02:47 PM

here are pics. will be in house next week.

beautiful guitar Matte. Thanks for posting the pics...

Bryan T

01-25-2008, 02:54 PM

http://pic18.picturetrail.com/VOL898/463210/18287747/300410861.jpg

Great looking guitar. I can't wait to hear a clip of it. Is it 5" deep?

Bryan

mkolesa@mac.com

01-25-2008, 03:13 PM

I have two Goodalls and it seems like you've gotten really good advice here... And although it's already been said, I'll say it again; I would only buy a guitar that I've played and after comparing it to comparable instruments from similar makers. The truth is that most high-end instruments will be nice, but it's only by comparing that you can see what sets one apart. For myself, I played a few dozen Goodalls before I found the two that spoke to me. I was lucky enough to live about an hour from Buffalo Brothers and they have an amazing selection of acoustics (one of the best). Good luck!
Michael

Rotten

01-25-2008, 06:11 PM

I live about 15 minutes from Buffalo Bros. It has taken me weeks, if not months to buy a nice acoustic. Going there at different times of the day helps. My ears and tastes can change slightly over a period of time and I come back to two or three guitars. Once I get that far, it's excruciating to make the final decision. One thing I like about Buffalo Bros, though, is that they have a 100% trade in policy, which I've taken advantage of over the years to get me into the high-end market; it's almost like leasing a really nice guitar for a year. Then, I either keep it or get something else.

matte

01-25-2008, 08:21 PM

Great looking guitar. I can't wait to hear a clip of it. Is it 5" deep?

Bryan
i don't know the depth. i can't wait to start tracking with it. theo has been an absolute pleasure to work with on this project. i only wish i would have paid it off last summer, before the dollar to a total dive against the euro.:crazy:jo:BITCH:worried

esiegel

01-25-2008, 08:42 PM

I can only +1...you have to try before you buy. More than that you need a setting where you can A/B stuff over and over again. I spent hours at the Guitar Shop in Washington (can't say enough about Steve and his stock), Hours at Rudy's in Manhattan, and hours in Mandolin Brothers. I tried everything but traditional square dreadnoughts from 3-5 (ok, 6) grand in both of the shops. Quickly I realized how much I liked the Huss and Dalton signature sound and look, and then focused on H+D's. I tried about 15 of them before I bought a DS Custom that I totally love. Here around the house its called the God Box (no offense to anyone, I'm not religious, but if I were, this is what it would sound like.)

I live an hour or so from NY, so I have some options. If you don't live near a high end shop, its worth taking a weekend trip and immersing yourself in the stock.

Enjoy the process!

Eric

Marccd

01-25-2008, 09:11 PM

Patience. That's the best I can offer. The great builders, the top boutiques, are big investments, at least from my perspective and wallet.

So, take time, to play, to hear, to travel, to experience.

I played top of the line models from Bourgeois, Breedlove, Collings, Froggy, Goodall, Lowden, Santa Cruz before I finally, after much deliberation, purchased my Goodall Standard. Since that and other purchased guitars, it's been the alphabet of builders: Alberico, Blanchard, Carlson, Claxton, Eichelbaum, Flammang, Fox, Greven, H&D, Keller, Kinscherff, Langeans, Mayes, McCollum, McAlister, McKnight, Mossman, Olson, Robertson, Schwartz, Sexauer, Thompson, Tippin, True North, Walker, Webber Williams, Wingert, Woolson, and it only after this circuitous journey through such beauty, such excellence in construction and design that I have finally heard what my heart and ears hear.

So, spend more time listening before you spend money paying.

bunuel

01-25-2008, 11:36 PM

Totally agree with playing a ton of axes before plopping down big money. As others have noted its worth figuring out what you want in the way of neck, frets, body size, tone, attack, etc, before making a major investment. I'm a strong believer in not assuming that you need a high-end axe. Although the folks on this thread prob. don't want to hear it or believe it, one can occasionally find a cheaper make that sounds/feels/plays awesome. I've got an old takamine & and an older Yamaha 12 that I'd put up against almost anything--In fact, I already have & my spend-the-big-bucks amigos have had to grudgingly admit that the particular guitars are spectacular. Which is not in any way to say that all Taks & Yams are, but there is the occasional happy accident with stunning results. You might also want to consider great & not-so-great vintage axes. Two of the very best axes I've ever played, but couldn't persuade the owners to sell, are a 70s Gibson dove (a sorta de classe era of Gibson for most) and a very beaten played in 70s Guild F series. Actually both looked like hell, but sounded like heaven. Although neither model is likely to be cheap, they are still relatively cheap. Again, play a ton before paying a ton!

RustyAxe

01-26-2008, 08:03 AM

I'm trying to find out how you make the decision on what high-end, small company acoustic guitar to buy. What do you recommend - do you go to the shop? Word of mouth? Especially if they are not available retail...can someone give me an idea?
Thanks, John

John, a good place to ask this question is on the Acoustic Guitar Forum (http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/) ... lots of esoteric guitars are bought, sold and reviewed there, and some luthiers are active forum contributors.

Tone Disciple

01-26-2008, 04:38 PM

John, a good place to ask this question is on the Acoustic Guitar Forum (http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/) ... lots of esoteric guitars are bought, sold and reviewed there, and some luthiers are active forum contributors.

This is good advice. The Acoustic Guitar Forurm has a lot to offer. Their classified is a good place to keep an eye out for the high end acoustics. I would also recommend the Collings Forum.

www.collingsforum.com (http://www.collingsforum.com)

As for great acoustics, IMHO the custom luthiers work varies from guitar to guitar. One great place to try out works by Ryan, Anderson, McCollum, Wingert, Kinscherff and the likes is High Desert Guitars in Santa Fe. Their custom room may have over 40 one of a kind customs at a time, but you really need to play them to see which one meets your standards and needs.

On the other hand, I feel the high end production makers are pretty consistent from piece to piece. In this group I really like Collings, Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, and Lowden. I recently sold my Lowden O-32 to get a Santa Cruz DPW and it is working out great. It is a lot of fun to do your homework on picking the best acoustic.

jbryant3

02-01-2008, 09:53 AM

John...handmade guitars are very subjective. Depending on where you live you may not be able to actually try one out. But I assure you there are many great choices. Some that I have played and love are Goodall 1st. Webber, Collings, Santa Cruz. These are mid size makers and there are a slew of small shop luthiers. The guitar I currently play is a Ted Thompson. He's out of British Columbia and makes about 4 guitars a month. They are fantastic and a good price point bargain. Here's a link to the Acoustic Guitar Forum and they have a lot of good comments there also. Hope this helps.

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/index.php

Jim B.
Austin, Tx