In search of the right Boutique Guitar...

[flyingelephant]

Went to a local shop today in search of a boutique guitar to fall in love with.
I tried an Alt de Fano GF6, a LSL Mongrel and a James Trussart Steelcaster.
All were fine - the LSL was the most comfortable for me - but I'm mostly a Fender guy - so it felt like home. The Fano and Trussart were clearly solid builds - but I didn't feel the same love I have for my '63 Gretsch Korvette and my Ron Kirn Tele.

I think I might love a Danocaster - maybe an offset - but was surprised that I didn't fall hard for these other well-regarded instruments...
I wish Destroy All Guitars was here in NYC - they seem to have the best selection ( also LA Vintage.)

 

[guitargeek94]

You'd be surprised that many don't know what they truly like till they play it. That's what makes it an adventure!

 

[frquent flyer]

Consider a used Soloway guitar.

 

[daacrusher2001]

So far Grosh has been the best I've played/owned. If I could I'd get a retro classic. The EJ is fantastic. Some nice EJ's for sale in the forum lately.

 

[Pietro]

The ones I've played and loved (and in some cases have owned) include

Suhr
Anderson
Soloway
Grosh
Tyler

Can't speak to the others, but I hear a heck of a lot of nice things here about Danocaster.

 

[tommc]

K-line and LSL are both well-done Fendery guitars worth looking at.

 

[rgsss14]

K-line and LSL are both well-done Fendery guitars worth looking at.

Definitely agree.

I would also try a Lentz if you can get a hold of one.......

 

[Terry McInturff]

I know it's challenging, but...do you have a clear idea as to the sound that you would like to build? If, say, a Stratocaster what specific tonal attributes of that general tonality?

It's one way to look at it...identify the sound first and then look at the ergonomics, etc.

 

[veus55]

The ones I have played/owned that I dig:
Tyler
Suhr
Bill Asher

 

[Jim Soloway]

I know it's challenging, but...do you have a clear idea as to the sound that you would like to build? If, say, a Stratocaster what specific tonal attributes of that general tonality?

It's one way to look at it...identify the sound first and then look at the ergonomics, etc.

Great advice Terry. Different guitars have different strengths and weaknesses. I really think the best way to go about it is to examine what you're after musically and then find the guitar with strengths that best match your musical ambitions.

 

[Terry McInturff]

Great advice Terry. Different guitars have different strengths and weaknesses. I really think the best way to go about it is to examine what you're after musically and then find the guitar with strengths that best match your musical ambitions.

Thanks, Jim! I agree with you...examine what you need as an artist and then either find that lucky guitar, or find someone who knows how to build a sound just for you (BTW this isnt spam, I do not build Fender style instruments).

 

[rgsss14]

OP:

Pretty sweet that 2 master luthiers are chiming in and giving you advice on your question!

best of luck.

 

[Terry McInturff]

One final comment:

Wood species "A" plus Wood species "B" plus scale length "C" plus electronic package "D" DOES NOT GUARANTEE achieving "desired tones "F"

 

[big mike]

If you know whart you like and want, and your Kirn is the baseline, why would you not reach out to Ron for perhaps that offset build you crave?

 

[Quintus]

For now, I've settled on Grosh, Suhr, PRS and Asher. Great value for the money, with quality consistent enough to justify buying sight unseen. Would eventually love to try: Tuttle, Hahn, Kirn, Thorn, Lentz, Danocaster, Senn, Linhof, Red Rocket, RS Guitarworks, LsL, Crook, GVCG, Underwood.

 

[RickC]

Check out Sweetwood if you can. I've played guitars from most of the builders mentioned here so far and for the most part they were wonderful instruments, but Glenn's guitars struck me as something unique, in a good way.

Not sure if he still does this but Glenn used to have a loaner demo program; that's how I could my first Sweetwood - I couldn't bear to send the demo back

/rick