We all know Larrivee is first, but who would your second choice be?
For purposes of the study, please don't pick Taylor, Martin or Tacoma!
And NO Asian imports!
Fylde guitars in the uk, they have been building since the mid 70s ad their client list reads like a whos who of folk music, all hand made
No asian imports!!! Well I guess I cant say Gretsch.
Since I cant say Taylor. Iv never played a Breedlove guitar in person, so I cant realy say for sure, but I think they would take Taylor's place. I love my Breedlove mandolin. And the sound clips Iv heard on Daves website sound soooooooooo sweet. I have a great respect for Santa Cruz as well.
Either Goodall or SCGC. Played some very nice models of those.
SCGC, came close to buying a pre-war dread before stumbling on to a Larrivee.
Guild
If we're talking about the same approximate price range, Avalon is great.
Santa Cruz, Collings, Goodall, etc., all make excellent guitars, but we're talking about a jump in price.
http://www.beneteauguitars.com/ (http://www.beneteauguitars.com/)
I actually owned one of his earlier guitars. Very nice. They stock some, or have stocked some, at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (www.ottawafolklore.com). I go there on my lunch hour sometimes and my repair tech is there too.
There are many Canadian builders out there that seem to be making a name for themselves. Many were students/apprenticed with Jean Larrivee.
Linda Manzer, Grit Laskin, David Wren, Paragon Guitars...the list goes on, all spent time being tutored by Jean Larrivee
I'm not sure Marc ever studies with Jean, but he does mention meeting Jean Larrivee in his bio.
I don't think you can underestimate the influence Jean Larrivee has had on lutherie today, especially here in Canada.
Denis - People not old enough to remember when your choices were Martin, Gibson and Guild can't imagine it.
Beneteau claims JL as an inspiration, although he didn't apprentice with him like the others.
i'd have to go with J.A. Duncan guitars
http://www.duncanguitars.com/ (http://www.duncanguitars.com/)
my buddy has one, and it very much like a larrivee....
really nice tone.
or
Charis guitars.....
i would love one of these!!
http://www.charisacoustic.com (http://www.charisacoustic.com)
In terms of total number of models I'd LIKE to own, It would have to be SCGC. VJ, SJ, Brozman baritone, 12 fret D, H-13, vintage artist... I can't think of another maker where I like so many diverse models.
BUT... I have the hots for a Bourgeois 14 fret slope D, plain mahogany back and sides with a sunburst sitka spruce top. MMMMMMMMMMMMMMM! I've played 4 and they have all been the most awesome "advanced jumbo" guitars I've played.
QuoteDenis - People not old enough to remember when your choices were Martin, Gibson and Guild can't imagine it.
Beneteau claims JL as an inspiration, although he didn't apprentice with him like the others.
Sorry Duck, I'm not old enough to remember those days!!! :lol:
Actually, I was looking at one my oldest Guitar Player magazines, from when a couple of years after I started playing in the early 80s. There was an article about inlay and the mentionend Larrivees. They were still so new back then but the inlay work was so intricate. I should scan that article....
Quotehttp://www.beneteauguitars.com/ (http://www.beneteauguitars.com/)
I actually owned one of his earlier guitars. Very nice. They stock some, or have stocked some, at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (www.ottawafolklore.com). I go there on my lunch hour sometimes and my repair tech is there too.
There are many Canadian builders out there that seem to be making a name for themselves. Many were students/apprenticed with Jean Larrivee.
Linda Manzer, Grit Laskin, David Wren, Paragon Guitars...the list goes on, all spent time being tutored by Jean Larrivee
I'm not sure Marc ever studies with Jean, but he does mention meeting Jean Larrivee in his bio.
I don't think you can underestimate the influence Jean Larrivee has had on lutherie today, especially here in Canada.
Don't forget Northwood!
ive always thought that Huss & Dalton's are pretty cool for some reason. really old school looks and tone. id like to have one myself.
As bad as they can be sometimes, I would have to say Gibson. If you can find a good one (I did), they can be great, and definitely have a unique sound.
I also really like David Webber's guitars. I'm generally not a big fan of rosewood, but I played a Sitka/Rosewood Roundbody that was incredible.
QuoteQuotehttp://www.beneteauguitars.com/ (http://www.beneteauguitars.com/)
I actually owned one of his earlier guitars. Very nice. They stock some, or have stocked some, at the Ottawa Folklore Centre (www.ottawafolklore.com). I go there on my lunch hour sometimes and my repair tech is there too.
There are many Canadian builders out there that seem to be making a name for themselves. Many were students/apprenticed with Jean Larrivee.
Linda Manzer, Grit Laskin, David Wren, Paragon Guitars...the list goes on, all spent time being tutored by Jean Larrivee
I'm not sure Marc ever studies with Jean, but he does mention meeting Jean Larrivee in his bio.
I don't think you can underestimate the influence Jean Larrivee has had on lutherie today, especially here in Canada.
Don't forget Northwood!
I know, I know...
And there are many, many more...
http://www.guitarscanada.com/madecanada.htm (http://www.guitarscanada.com/madecanada.htm)
ohhhh forgot lakewood....
dave matthews has one in his stable that is pretty sweet....
suprised nobody has dropped the JAMES OLSON bomb yet.
would love one of those......
David White of Defaoiteguitars.com.
I've got his baritone and it's by far the best guitar I own.
Collings and Breedlove would be a couple of my favorites. SCGC...I've played a few really nice ones as well.
Actually, my second favorite guitar maker is...Larrivee. :o My first is (sorry...) Taylor.
However, in the spirit of this thread, and pretending Taylor doesn't exist, which WOULD put Larrivee as my favorite, then I'd have to pick Goodall. I played one of their cocobolo Traditional Dreads that, if I had the $$, would replace almost every other guitar I own (except the Forum...).
Well if we are talking that I could realistically get it would be Lakewood.
If I were dreaming in would be Nick Greven, Kim Walker or Froggy Bottom.
-josh
I guess I don't really have enough experience with other brands. I like some Martins and Taylors. I've played a Fox and a Burgoius...maybe a Breedlove once. From what I see - Santa Cruz or Collings...
Definitely ... Collings!
Quote
suprised nobody has dropped the JAMES OLSON bomb yet.
Olson doesn't build guitars... He builds egos :P
A lot of good recommendations and a lot of good guitar builders mentioned.
I'm surprised that nobody mentioned Lowden yet ~ exceptional guitars for fingerstyle playing!
A couple of other builders that I am interested in are:
Marc Beneteau - http://www.beneteauguitars.com/ (http://www.beneteauguitars.com/) I would love to order a 00 or 000 12 fretter in IRW and cedar from him ~ downside 1.5 to 2 year waiting list
Northwood Guitars - http://www.northwoodguitars.com/ (http://www.northwoodguitars.com/) again, I'd like to look into their 00 or 000 12 fretter
Doolin Guitars - http://www.doolinguitars.com/ (http://www.doolinguitars.com/) Now if I were to drop some serious jing on a 12 string, this is where I would look.
Keep 'em coming
John in Japan
Hands down it would have to be David Webber. He makes some of the finest guitars, at reasonable prices. I'd put his guitars up their with Santa Cruz or Goodall, without the number of types of guitars SCGC or all of the Koa of Goodall. He has to have some of the finest splated maple stock piles. You should really check out his work if you happen to see one.
Dave, you should be carrying him not Guild!
http://www.webberguitars.com (http://www.webberguitars.com)
Andy
I like Tacoma. I haven't tried too many but I recently tried a jumbo Koa, I forget the model, and it was sweeet. And for the money, you can't beat them.
Since I can't say Tacoma :( I'll say Guild! A fella on the Guild forum got to play a new Tacoma made Guild D55 and he was floored! He compared it to a Corona Guild and he was amazed at the difference in not only sound, but fit, finish and overall quality. That's good news for both tacoma and Guild owners as the brands may have a very bright future! Oops, sorry didn't mean to hijack thread.
QuoteSince I can't say Tacoma :( I'll say Guild! A fella on the Guild forum got to play a new Tacoma made Guild D55 and he was floored! He compared it to a Corona Guild and he was amazed at the difference in not only sound, but fit, finish and overall quality. That's good news for both tacoma and Guild owners as the brands may have a very bright future! Oops, sorry didn't mean to hijack thread.
Mo,
That's OK, its that kind of thread. I also answered Guild. Not a custom guitar, for sure, but some of the Guilds have been great playing guitars at a reasonable price (the same as Larrivee and Tacoma).
So then you think looks pretty good?
(http://www.fender.com/new_repository/guild/images/3800500_xl.jpg)
I have to agree with Johnny M - would definitely like to make a Lowden O-model my next acquisition. What a wonderful fingerstyle tool.
Come on. Get a Gallagher.
QuoteA lot of good recommendations and a lot of good guitar builders mentioned.
I'm surprised that nobody mentioned Lowden yet ~ exceptional guitars for fingerstyle playing!
A couple of other builders that I am interested in are:
Marc Beneteau - http://www.beneteauguitars.com/ (http://www.beneteauguitars.com/) I would love to order a 00 or 000 12 fretter in IRW and cedar from him ~ downside 1.5 to 2 year waiting list
Northwood Guitars - http://www.northwoodguitars.com/ (http://www.northwoodguitars.com/) again, I'd like to look into their 00 or 000 12 fretter
Doolin Guitars - http://www.doolinguitars.com/ (http://www.doolinguitars.com/) Now if I were to drop some serious jing on a 12 string, this is where I would look.
Keep 'em coming
John in Japan
John,
Is Lowden still making guitars? I thought they became Avalon and that George Lowden was going to stop altogether or make very few instruments or something to that effect.
I used to have a Beneteau and stupidly traded it. But if memory serves, it was for a handmade guitar I played for about 12 years that I don't have anymore. It had a picture of the Earth from space on the inside. I have no idea who made it. It was a mini jumbo with mahogany b/s, spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony bridge and fretboard. The neck was V shaped and had no truss rod and a wide fretboard. It had a compensated ebony saddle when I first got it. I got a Fishman UST put in but to do it, my repair guy took the saddle and shaved it in to dust. Mixed it with glue or something and filled the hole. Then he routered out a new slot for a corian (at least I think it was corian) saddle. I have pictures somewhere but I'd have to find them and scan them. I traded that guitar and a cheap mandolin for a Seagull 12 string which is also gone.
QuoteQuoteA lot of good recommendations and a lot of good guitar builders mentioned.
I'm surprised that nobody mentioned Lowden yet ~ exceptional guitars for fingerstyle playing!
A couple of other builders that I am interested in are:
Marc Beneteau - http://www.beneteauguitars.com/ (http://www.beneteauguitars.com/) I would love to order a 00 or 000 12 fretter in IRW and cedar from him ~ downside 1.5 to 2 year waiting list
Northwood Guitars - http://www.northwoodguitars.com/ (http://www.northwoodguitars.com/) again, I'd like to look into their 00 or 000 12 fretter
Doolin Guitars - http://www.doolinguitars.com/ (http://www.doolinguitars.com/) Now if I were to drop some serious jing on a 12 string, this is where I would look.
Keep 'em coming
John in Japan
John,
Is Lowden still making guitars? I thought they became Avalon and that George Lowden was going to stop altogether or make very few instruments or something to that effect.
I used to have a Beneteau and stupidly traded it. But if memory serves, it was for a handmade guitar I played for about 12 years that I don't have anymore. It had a picture of the Earth from space on the inside. I have no idea who made it. It was a mini jumbo with mahogany b/s, spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony bridge and fretboard. The neck was V shaped and had no truss rod and a wide fretboard. It had a compensated ebony saddle when I first got it. I got a Fishman UST put in but to do it, my repair guy took the saddle and shaved it in to dust. Mixed it with glue or something and filled the hole. Then he routered out a new slot for a corian (at least I think it was corian) saddle. I have pictures somewhere but I'd have to find them and scan them. I traded that guitar and a cheap mandolin for a Seagull 12 string which is also gone.
Yep, Lowden and George are still making guitars. He opened his new shop last year and has been making "Lowden" guitars since he owns the name "Lowden". He is also personally making handcrafted guitars under the title of "George Lowden Guitars". I haven't played any of his new Lowdens or his handcrafted guitars, but I have heard that they are beautiful to listen to ... although pricy. I would go for one of the "older" Lowdens as they are cheaper and are amazing instruments. You can see some of his new guitars over at www.dreamguitars.com
I'd love to see a picture of your old Beneteau ~ if you get a chance, scan it and post it on the forum. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would enjoy having a peak at it.
John in Japan
Petros.
Played one about 8 years ago and have never forgotten it or the price tag!
Ron
No imports huh... Well I would have to say the builder that is hands and shoulders above the rest is
Esteban
(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v685/LookingforLarri/Other/Esteban.jpg)
Or is that Dave ?
I love April 1 :D
QuoteSo then you think looks pretty good?
I'm not much into sunbursts.
But I do have a fond memory of hauling my Guild around for many years. Not that I had one of the better models.
How 'bout West Virginia's up and coming luthier... Andrew White
http://www.whiteguitars.net/ (http://www.whiteguitars.net/)
I REALLY like my Legend Mini Jumbo, but I hear they are actually "out of business" for all practical purposes so I would have to say Brace and Sigurdson ;)
Since I only own one guitar, I would have to say it: Seagull M6.
But I am still smitten with the sound of that Breedlove Revival that guitaradoptions posted a couple weeks back. I had thought that I would be targeting a Larrivee for my next guitar when I get the cash to make a higher end purchase. I will not know for sure until I play them, but that Breedlove is still on my mind.
Huss and Dalton are my favorite. Exquisite craftmanship, tone to die for, very comfortable hand carved necks, super playability, great customer service and some of the best pricing you can find in a bench built instrument. I've never played one that didn't really impress me.
QuoteI'd love to see a picture of your old Beneteau ~ if you get a chance, scan it and post it on the forum. I'm sure I'm not the only one who would enjoy having a peak at it.
John in Japan
Sorry but the guitar I spoke of in my earlier post was not a Beneteau. I think the only one with a picture of my Beneteau(must have been a late 80s early 90s model) would be my ex-girlfriend that I haven't spoken to in 7-8 years. I will however try to find the pictures of my handmade I described.
nobody here has mentioned Morgan Guitars! DAve Iannone builds really top quality guitars, check them out if you get a chance. Another one of Jean's former workers.
J.A. Duncan Guitars are great too, although he's not building at the moment since he's in australia for awhile.
The list of former Larrivee workers that now build on their own is very long. Another builder to check out is David Amirealt as John Scott David Guitars, his guitars are pretty nice.
www.morganguitars.com
www.duncanguitars.com
www.johndavidscott.com
I've played a SCGC Tony Rice model and a Breedlove SC20. I loved both of them and used and beat up they were WAY outta my price range. I guess I can't afford to have a fav other than Larrivee.
I would say John Mayes for sure. He's an awesome builder and a great guy to boot!
Breedlove all the way!
QuoteI used to have a Beneteau and stupidly traded it. But if memory serves, it was for a handmade guitar I played for about 12 years that I don't have anymore. It had a picture of the Earth from space on the inside. I have no idea who made it. It was a mini jumbo with mahogany b/s, spruce top, mahogany neck, ebony bridge and fretboard. The neck was V shaped and had no truss rod and a wide fretboard. It had a compensated ebony saddle when I first got it. I got a Fishman UST put in but to do it, my repair guy took the saddle and shaved it in to dust. Mixed it with glue or something and filled the hole. Then he routered out a new slot for a corian (at least I think it was corian) saddle. I have pictures somewhere but I'd have to find them and scan them. I traded that guitar and a cheap mandolin for a Seagull 12 string which is also gone.
It sounds as though that guitar you traded was a Gurian.
His label was a round picture of the Earth that listed his address as "Third Planet From the Sun".
Highly regarded guitars that are played by several top notch 60s ~ 70S players. Including Paul Simon, whose favorite acoustic guitar is a Gurian. "In a way, this should be the guitar that I build the microphones in and bring out to play on the stage," he says. "But this is the guitar that I record with, so I don't want to fool with it because I don't want to take a chance that I'll alter the sound."
Oh well....
Ron
QuoteIt sounds as though that guitar you traded was a Gurian.
I was in Halifax for Xmas a few years back and had considered renting a guitar. My aunt has many connections in Halifax as she owns the Lower Deck. A musician had a guitar he was willing to lend me, through my aunt. It was one of these Gurian guitars. Beautiful guitar.
The one I had, had a picture of the earth but only had: K. Siecwiycz (something like that) Pembroke, 1982, handwritten. Pembroke is about an hour north of Ottawa, Canada's capital. It was not the same shape as Gurians either.
Have we heard Morgan, yet? My favorite. I am kinda' partial to pre Fender Guilds, also. and the occcasional catch of a Gibby ...
bino
:)
QuoteHave we heard Morgan, yet? My favorite. I am kinda' partial to pre Fender Guilds, also. and the occcasional catch of a Gibby ...
bino
:)
There are certainly some fine pre-Fender Guilds out there. I think Fender made a good business move buying Tacoma and moving Guild production there. The early reports on the new Guilds coming out of Tacoma is that they are of excellant quality.
QuoteQuoteHave we heard Morgan, yet? My favorite. I am kinda' partial to pre Fender Guilds, also. and the occcasional catch of a Gibby ...
bino
:)
There are certainly some fine pre-Fender Guilds out there. I think Fender made a good business move buying Tacoma and moving Guild production there. The early reports on the new Guilds coming out of Tacoma is that they are of excellant quality.
Randy:
Thanks for the update on the Tacoma move. I love my Guild, and would hate to see a name brand of this reputation cease to exist. I would kind of like to have a burst D55 or F50R. This thing where a company gets bought by someone else in the same business and then a period of brand name diminishing qualities, etc. is not isolated to the guitar industry. I work for a plastic equipment company that was know to make the very best equipment that they could (and not cheap by any means), and we were bought by a company who wanted in that market, but could'nt crack it because of their poor quality, no customer support approach, and it has literally ruined our brand name since 1996. We are a pale comparison to what we once were. Glad to see Fender take proactive moves to save the grand old Guild brand line.
bino
;)
I'd have to say Lakewood. I also like Howard Klepper http://www.klepperguitars.com (http://www.klepperguitars.com). I've never heard one but I think some of his designs and wood use (while not for the traditionalist) are very striking. Here's a link to my favorite one in his gallery http://www.klepperguitars.com/rougeetnoir.html (http://www.klepperguitars.com/rougeetnoir.html).
QuoteI'd have to say Lakewood. I also like Howard Klepper http://www.klepperguitars.com (http://www.klepperguitars.com). I've never heard one but I think some of his designs and wood use (while not for the traditionalist) are very striking. Here's a link to my favorite one in his gallery http://www.klepperguitars.com/rougeetnoir.html (http://www.klepperguitars.com/rougeetnoir.html).
Wow - definately into looks - wonder how the sound is!
Someday, I'd like to get a Petros. Bruce lives "just down the road", about 20 minutes away. He set up my first Martin for me, let me play some of his guitars he had hanging in his living room. Man, they were nice!
Wonderful sound, incredible craftsmanship. And, Bruce is a nice guy, too!
But for now I'll just use his guitar polish...
Hard to pick a #2. Yesterday I played Takamine OM sized guitar with Koa b/s and a Cedar top. The cedar cut some of the jangle that Koa has and at least in this guitar, really makes for a warmer sound.
Aside from Breedlove, I have no experience with any of the other favorites like Santa Cruz, Goodall, Collings, etc. that others have mentioned. I would probably pick Martin as my 2nd favorite. One of the best guitars I've played to date was a '77 HD 28 that a good friend on mine has. Guild is a close third. At least pre-Fender, they seem to have really had a way with Maple.
Mark <_<
My vote would be a posthumous one for the late Stuart Mossman. He was one to try to break the Martin/Gibson lock on the acoustic market. His dreads truly played like butter and sounded like heaven. If it wasn't for a very unfortunate fire and some very bad business decisions, the acoustic market might have another major player rather than a very nice footnote.
I understand that he was a major influence for Bob Taylor (or is it Bob T*****?).
I think pretty much anything form this site would do me just fine...
http://www.dreamguitars.com/new_instruments.htm (http://www.dreamguitars.com/new_instruments.htm)
I've been agonizing over either of these -
http://www.clarksdaleguitars.com/models.htm (http://www.clarksdaleguitars.com/models.htm)
Hard to buy an expensive guitar without actually seeing one, but for what I'm after these sound pretty much perfect! I realize Little Brother has a personal stake, but I've always found his appraisals to be right on the money. They must be incredible!
Let's see:
There's Everett ( http://www.everettguitars.com (http://www.everettguitars.com) ) guitars, but, as much as I love my (relatively) cheapo Laurel and the unattainable high end Everetts, I need a wider fretboard.
Alternatively, there's Bil Mitchell ( http://www.bilmitchell.com (http://www.bilmitchell.com) ) guitars. His shop is near me, and I've played bunches of his guitars. Unfortunately, I can't really afford one of his high end ones, but his Homegrown (discount handmade line) guitars are on my short list for next guitar.
My ultimate guitars are Josep Melo's ( http://www.meloguitars.com/instruments_am3.htm (http://www.meloguitars.com/instruments_am3.htm) ). They are truly strange, but play and sound beautiful.
Realistically though, I'm pretty satisfied with my Larrivee and Seagulls. The Everett is a tough one though: it sounds beautiful but it's tough for me to play with my fat fingers.
Paolo
Favorite custom builder: Baranik
Favorite more affordably priced custom builder: Paragon
Favorite factory guitar: Larrivee
Another vote for Guild - their maple jumbos smoke.
Favorite custom builder: Vince Pawless (www.pawless.com)
Favorite factory guitar: Larrivee
Santa Cruz or Goodall, with the edge going to Goodall for quality of wood.
Sadly, I don't own either...yet.
Martin.
MORGAN... I guess it's very fitting since he learned guitar building from Jean Larrivee.
Breedlove (and espcially their new revival OM's), SCGC, Goodall, Martin
(1) Goodall
(2) Collings
(3) Santa Cruz
(4) Froggy Bottom
(5) Tippen
And I was fortunate enough lately to add the Goodall to my collection. Very, very sweet guitar. I'm in love!!!
NewStrings
We all know Larrivee is first, but who would your second choice be?
For purposes of the study, please don't pick Taylor, Martin or Tacoma!
And NO Asian imports!
So sorry my friend,but I own Martins and Larrivees
and these are the only guitars that I play on a daily
basis.The best of both worlds,In my opinion!!, feel
free to ponder that thought. ;)
Mike
J.A. Duncan, a former builder with Larrivee here in Vancouver, is now busy with a very worthwhile cause called Duncan Africa. Have a look at this website..
www.duncanafrica.com.
He's building guitars again, i personally went to check out some of the guitars his workers in Africa built. All the wood are acquired from Larrivee, but his experimenting also with local African wood.
The one guitar "Selah" model, which is an OM type, sounded incredible. Since he's just started up this cause to raise funds, the guitars right now are priced comparable to 3 series pricing. These are handmade, small builder type guitars, with great craftmanship, tone and feel, built in Africa to help people in this village sustain a living.
For anyone in the vancouver area, i'd recommend dropping Jay an email to check out the guitars.
I put a deposit down on one already, expecting it in the fall. :-)
Coincidentally, I started to email Jay about 3 years ago, never met him til now, as he was the builder of my classical guitar i bought used.
It's great to meet the builder of an instrument i own, so much information and knowledge as to why he built it the way he did. Of course, it was great for him to see a guitar he built 10 years ago, come back full circle too. Very nice guitars, but an even nicer builder!
Before I got my Larrivée, I had two guitars made by the Godin family of companies ... a Seagull S6+ Cedar and a La Patrie Etude classical ... and like my Larrivée, they were made in Canada.
I have to say that my Second Favourite Guitar Builder are Seagull guitars made by Robert Godin .... Outstanding guitars - sound, looks, quality, and very affordable. :thumbsup
My vote's for Lowden. I played a used cedar top recently that I couldn't put down.
Northwood I have 2 of them,
Lo Prinzi,
Lakewood,
Laurent Brondel,
Andrew White
I have a Thompson T-1 that is an exceptional guitar.
Quote from: Zach on April 01, 2005, 01:30:05 PM
As bad as they can be sometimes, I would have to say Gibson. If you can find a good one (I did), they can be great, and definitely have a unique sound.
I thought I was going to be the only one for Gibson. They make and have made some that are as good as any builder, and some flounders as well. Danny
Quote from: the creature on April 01, 2005, 01:27:01 PM
ive always thought that Huss & Dalton's are pretty cool for some reason. really old school looks and tone. id like to have one myself.
I'm with the creature on this one. Hog 00-SP I played years ago still haunts me...
David Webber
Great hand built guitars at reasonable prices.
I have a signature Roundbody.
I have played other models he makes...they all sing!
Dana Bourgeois is definitely at the top of my list. :bowdown:
I have GAS for a lot of instruments, but the one that really gets me wanting to spend some of my hard earned is a Bourgeois Slope dread, Adi over Mahogany. :nice guitar: Every one I have played has just slayed me.
Lakewood~
"favorite' is hard to answer without some sort of qualification -
is price a consideration ? Can I call it a favorite if I've never owed one ?
Many brands have been mentioned that I've never played but might be a ' favorite ' if I did. - such as Olson
I recently went to a concert in Nashville that featured half a dozen famous pickers - including P. Huttlinger and M. Anderson -
to my ear, the best sounder guitar there was a Collings - so that is a 'favorite ' I have heard but not played.
Of the guitars I have played (but not owned) - a Santa Cruz 000 was my favorite - but it cost more than twice what I paid for my new SD-50 -
- Larry