Acoustic Gurus, what do you like for fingerstyle?

[DC1]

I want an acoustic that responds to a lighter touch, when playing with fingernails. One where the notes jump off the guitar without having to really lean into it hard.

I tend to like Taylors, and I need a cutaway.

Recommendations?


thanks


dc

[mrpinter]

I'm going to give a recommendation for having a guitar built by a small Canadian luthier, David Amirault of John David Scott Guitars. For about the same price as a Martin cutaway model GPCPA1 or a Taylor 800 series (or maybe a little less) you can have a completely custom instrument with a good choice of woods. I have one - an OM mahogany/sitka model, and I love it. It's got a lot of volume and projection, and is easy to play, and I imagine that one of his guitars with a rosewood or walnut back and sides would have even more projection. JDS is like a well kept secret, and you can get an awful lot of guitar for less than $3,000.

For production guitars, I'd check out the American made models of Breedlove, and Martin.

[rmhomer@btinterne]

Cedar topped Taylors (514ce, 714Ce, 312ce, 712ce) would be a great place to start.

[corn husk bag]

If you have the dough check out Manzer Guitars.

http://www.manzer.com/guitars/

Kind Regards,
Steve

[RAL]

I'm very happy with my Taylors, but I have other brands I like very well also.

I have several Taylors, as well as a McPhereson, with Redwood tops. I really prefer redwood over cedar; if you want warmth and complexity rosewood pairs nicely with redwood.

If you prefer clarity with a strong fundamental mahogany goes very well with redwood.

I would say if you are playing only fingerstyle try the grand concert first, the 12 series; if you want amore versatility then try the grand auditorium first, the 14 series.

[jimmybcool]

Good timing.

If you like Taylors you probably have seen the R Taylor line. Well, he is discontinuing the R Taylors and some stores are liquidating inventory at reduced prices right now.



http://www.acousticvibesmusic.com/ca...roducts_id=692

[royd]

if you look at modern finger style players, one company that seems to have been played by most of them at one time or another is Lowden and it works for every style from Pierre Bensusan to Thomas Leeb.

[DC1]

Thanks everyone! Very useful info.

dc

[JPF]

Larrivée OM

[Tone Disciple]

Big bucks, but I have always wanted a Kathy Wingert guitar. The couple I have played were so good.

[kirkham13]

My Mcilroy will be on the Emporium shortly- sans cutaway, great fingerstyle guitar.

[Matt Sarad]

Merrill OM 28. I sold two other guitars when I bought it 10 years ago. Nothing better.

[lamenlovinit]

If you have a Larrivee to Taylor budget, you will have to pick one, and settle a little. Not too much, but there is no dream guitar in that budget area.

If you have a custom budget, you will forever be chasing your tail looking for "the sound".

Personally, I don't like Cedar as much as Sitka. A little less responsive, but you get more dynamic range from the spruce. If you are going to play delicate pretty Droning/meditative stuff Cedar is great. If you want to beat on the thing periodically I'd go for Sitka. I had Cedar/Koa guitar that was simply amazing, but it lacked "torque" if you know what I mean. It was the hardest guitar I ever had to sell, both from a visual and tone perspective, but there are others I still miss more. Having a "fingerstyle" guitar is kind of limiting.

If you like Taylors, get one that appeals to you visually and aurally, and make it your Bit... #1. You'll learn to pull out all the sounds you want out of it. Having the responsiveness you're talking about comes at a price.

Somebody mentioned Redwood. I've never seen a "reasonably priced" Redwood top, but I have to agree it's very special. The ones I've played always leave me wondering why they haven't become a bigger "thing". And from all reports, the thicker tops are extremely stable even in extreme humidity changes. If your budget allows, definitely worth looking at.

[jimmybcool]

I got a redwood McPherson that kills. Price wise it kills too. This one is paired with braz back and sides.

[lamenlovinit]

Originally Posted by jimmybcool

I got a redwood McPherson that kills. Price wise it kills too. This one is paired with braz back and sides.

Wow... Hold that Tiger!!!! Gorgeous top!