Smaller Body Acoustic?

Pax · #1 07-30-2011, 10:09 PM

I’m sure there is a thread or two on this and I’ve tried to search, but not much luck. I’m interested in an acoustic with a smaller body; say OO size. Don’t really have a price range b/c I’m just trying to learn all that is out there. If it helps, I currently play a Larrivee. So, something in that line of quality is what I’m thinking, but I’m open to suggestions.

dividedsky · #2 07-31-2011, 12:06 AM

I like 0 and 00 sized acoustics a lot. Unfortunately there doesn't seem to be a lot of them out there in the range I'm looking, which is similar to yours I believe. The Larrivee is one of the only all solid wood 00s I've seen around the $1000 price point. There are several much lower than that but you are lucky to find a solid top on them, if that. Above that range Collings, Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, and others make some really nice instruments. Not sure if any of those used would fit into your budget. Unfortunately they are still out of mine. One of the only ones I can think of is the Recording King RP2-626. I think they are $1000 +/- new and all solid wood. Guild makes the F-20 and M-20. They are a little smaller than a 00 but not as small as an 0, all solid wood. Oh, and Bedell makes what they call a parlor size instrument that I think is close to 00 in specs.

otterhound · #3 07-31-2011, 04:46 AM

Martin makes a few 00's from the 15 series up . They are all worth a look .
I love the 000 and smaller bodied guitars . I currently have two 000's and one 00 that I built . #2 will be a 12 fret 0 .

Dotneck · #4 07-31-2011, 05:55 AM

00s have been getting most of my playing time this year. I'vve got a Larrivee 00-70 that I like a lot...Larrivee also made a bunch of mahogany bodies in 03 trim that get great reviews. Look at LA Guitars to see if they still have any.

I recently got a Gibson L-00 (Keb Mo version) which is an outstanding guitar.

skydog · #5 07-31-2011, 06:04 AM

Have you ever played an OM model? I feel like it's the perfect size; between the dreads and an 00. JMHO though!

lamenlovinit · #6 07-31-2011, 11:49 AM

I've come to prefer the OO for everything because I've played mostly nationals which are OO for so long now, when I close my eyes and visualize a guitar, I see the OO shape whether wood or metal.

I've played some very nice recording kings in OO, which are definitely budget guitars but can surprise you. I know the martin fans always throw out the 15 series, and no disrespect intended, but if you're getting an all mahogany guitar, you better really want it. I'm one of those who don't particularly dig the sound. But that's what makes it a horse race right? Lots of folks don't dig the national sound! Doesn't mean either of us are wrong.

Plus to me they are the "Martin for those who can't afford a Martin". Again, that'll probably rile some folks up, but regardless of brand I don't particularly want the guitar that is the answer to the question "I really want brand X, but I can't afford a nice one. What's my alternative?" To me the answer to that question is ALWAYS going to be a different brand that gives me as close to a professional quality instrument as possible for the same money.

again, if someone really digs the sound of a Hogtop, by all means, it's a great choice. But if you're getting it to have a martin, save up some more.

Ocelot · #7 07-31-2011, 01:33 PM

Buy used. You'll get a much higher quality instrument for the same money.

corn husk bag · #8 07-31-2011, 02:27 PM

Watch the Larrivee Forum for a used 00-03.
Best regards,
Steve

Pax · #9 07-31-2011, 07:37 PM

Thanks all of you. Not a single post here that didn't give me some great info. I'm looking at several of these, but the one that's really catching my eye is the used Larrivee 00-03. Found one used for $995. Seems like a decent price. Is it? I'm not going to jump on anything just yet, but it is good to know there is something that seems well made in that price range. Still looking at all options though.

skydog · #10 07-31-2011, 07:53 PM

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