Defunct Small Company Luthiers of Dreadnoughts?

[pcutt]

I posted this on the Small Company Luthiers board and one of the fellows suggested I post it here, too:

I'm starting to look for a used, high quality dreadnought and would like to know of great small company luthiers who built them but have since gone out of business. This way I can have more options to consider in addition to current companies. I'm in the $1000 to $2000 range (used).

Let me know their names. Thanks!

[drive-south]

Michael Gurian started the whole small-shop luthier trend back in the 70's. After his shop was destroyed by fire, he stopped building guitars and now provides materials to other luthiers. He wasn't really big into dreads, though.

Gallagher is another hand builder. Doc Watson plays Gallagher guitars. You may find a used one within your' range.

In your' price range, you wont find many hand-builts. You may be better off looking at a used Martin, Guild, Larrivee, etc.

[konavet]

I really don't know much about this one, but it looks interesting...

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&item=170256052733

[avincent52`]

Mossman fits your description.
That said, I don't think there bargains to be found this way.
In your price range I'd get a used Martin D-18 GE.
They sound great, play great (with a nice fat neck and wideish string spacing) and they hold their value. You can buy one around $2K. Check the classifieds on www.umgf.com

allen

[Lawn Jockey]

Mossman fits your description.
That said, I don't think there bargains to be found this way.
In your price range I'd get a used Martin D-18 GE.
They sound great, play great (with a nice fat neck and wideish string spacing) and they hold their value. You can buy one around $2K. Check the classifieds on www.umgf.com (http://www.umgf.com)

allen

+ 1

There were two Mossman's on eBay last week. Superb guitars.

[itsjustgas]

Not out of business.........but not mainstream..........
check out a used Morgan dred. Built in Canada, and
David apprenticed under Larrivee, and builds a great
guitar for the $$. Should find used under 2k easy.
____
jeff

[Dotneck]

I posted this on the Small Company Luthiers board and one of the fellows suggested I post it here, too:

I'm starting to look for a used, high quality dreadnought and would like to know of great small company luthiers who built them but have since gone out of business. This way I can have more options to consider in addition to current companies. I'm in the $1000 to $2000 range (used).

Let me know their names. Thanks!

Lots of choices if you can go up to $2K. I'd say Just start playing some flat-tops...enough to decide if you want mahogany or rosewood. The choose with your ears and fingers. Which one sounds best and feels comfortable to you.

For example, I used to have an old Gurian...but the neck was real narrow. We didn't bond and I sold it.

[RobT]

CFox. Company founded by Charles Fox, Excellent, well made and underrated guitars.