I thought it might be interesting for us to discuss our favorite guitar body size(s), and then tell why we chose it (them).
Like many of you out there, I started on dreads. I live in Martin country, so it just comes with the territory. And if you play bluegrass or strum, I get it. But being a fingerstyle player, I never was totally satisfied with the dread's design*. Bass is great, but I always felt like it came at the expense of other tonal considerations.
I won't bore you all with my long journey, but I ultimately landed on two main body sizes: the OM and the 000-12.
The OM just does everything well: the guitar can sound great fingerpicked, flatpicked, or strummed. The relative tonal balance of the OM also allows for quick and easy EQ-ing in a live or recording space. A good OM has a snappy and distinct bass, resonant mids, and hopefully pleasing trebles (enough fundamental to sound "round"). It also tends to "cut" and project well through other instruments. I'm of the opinion that the OM should be the most popular guitar model in the world. It's not, but I think it should be. And maybe in time, it will have its day.
The 000-12 (I could also make the same case for the 00-12) is my favorite guitar design I've yet played. I own more of this model than any other. I just love the sound so much. The most "musical" tone for a fingerpicker, IMO. Deep and full, but still tonally balanced. Not as versatile as the OM, but the tone, people...the tone :bowdown: I also think the shape of the 000-12 (the "peanut," as my as buddy calls it) is the most beautiful shape in all Acoustic Guitardom. Throw the slothead on, and it's just a killer in the looks department. While I enjoy solo picking my OM's, for me the 000-12 just takes the cake in solo fingerstyle playing.
All right, what do you all think?
*if I HAD to play a dread, a Larrivee D would be high on my list
My favorite body size is the dreadnought. I didn't start there but ended up playing mainly dreads. I had a couple of OMs and a 00 by Eastman. The 00 really outperformed the OM but I think it was the Adi top. Then I got a Waterloo WL-12 (00-12-fret) and that was the end of the Eastman's. Then I got the Waterloo Jumbo King, and it was so responsive and had so much more power and depth, the WL-12 just sat there. The Jumbo King has a very severe V neck. My dealer thought I should try a Larrivee and we settled on a dreadnaught. I love the Larrivee neck and find the dreads just as responsive as smaller body instruments but with more guts. But it depends on what your repertoire is. I like the slope and square shoulder models, but for my playing I prefer 14-fret connections for sound and upper position playing. I am thinking of one smaller body instrument, but it will be a short scale, 14-fret connection instrument. Let's not forget the Larrivee D-03 is the best instrument in the world LOL.
https://www.larriveeforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=55011.0
My three Martins include a D-35, OM-35 (Sitka and Rosewood) and a Custom 12 fret short scale, slothead 000 (Sitka and Mahogany). I learned to fingerpick on the D-35 and Jim Croce's lead guitar player Maury Muehleisen, played both a D-35 and a D-18 on a lot of recordings during their tragically short careers. In between the D-35 and OM-35, I acquired my first two Larrivees including a Sitka/Flamed Maple parlor and a Custom all mahogany 12 string LV-03. I've added a Moonwood Spruce/Walnut 12 fret Forum VI (LSV) and a Custom All Mahogany 12 fret 00-24. Along the way, I also picked up a used Alvarez Artist dread with a solid Sitka top and a laminated mahogany back and sides that I call my poor man's D-18.
These guitars all get their fair share of playing time but for sentimental reasons, the D-35 would be my desert island guitar. It turns 50 this year and is well played. While I wouldn't part with any of my guitars, the 00-24 is always close by and gets played almost every day and it definitely hits above its weight class. It is also my preferred travel guitar for road trips in the car including four trips to Canada and one to Florida last year. All of my Larrivees have a Satin Finish and the quality of these builds and the wood used for each are top shelf. With the exception of the Alvarez which is strung with mediums and tuned down a whole step, all of the other guitars are set up for light gauge strings.
While I think the L and LS bodies are two of Larrivee's best, the 00 has quickly earned bragging rights of its own.
Quote from: BlueBowman on January 06, 2026, 04:24:42 PMI thought it might be interesting for us to discuss our favorite guitar body size(s), and then tell why we chose it (them).
Like many of you out there, I started on dreads. I live in Martin country, so it just comes with the territory. And if you play bluegrass or strum, I get it. But being a fingerstyle player, I never was totally satisfied with the dread's design*. Bass is great, but I always felt like it came at the expense of other tonal considerations.
I won't bore you all with my long journey, but I ultimately landed on two main body sizes: the OM and the 000-12.
The OM just does everything well: the guitar can sound great fingerpicked, flatpicked, or strummed. The relative tonal balance of the OM also allows for quick and easy EQ-ing in a live or recording space. A good OM has a snappy and distinct bass, resonant mids, and hopefully pleasing trebles (enough fundamental to sound "round"). It also tends to "cut" and project well through other instruments. I'm of the opinion that the OM should be the most popular guitar model in the world. It's not, but I think it should be. And maybe in time, it will have its day.
The 000-12 (I could also make the same case for the 00-12) is my favorite guitar design I've yet played. I own more of this model than any other. I just love the sound so much. The most "musical" tone for a fingerpicker, IMO. Deep and full, but still tonally balanced. Not as versatile as the OM, but the tone, people...the tone :bowdown: I also think the shape of the 000-12 (the "peanut," as my as buddy calls it) is the most beautiful shape in all Acoustic Guitardom. Throw the slothead on, and it's just a killer in the looks department. While I enjoy solo picking my OM's, for me the 000-12 just takes the cake in solo fingerstyle playing.
All right, what do you all think?
*if I HAD to play a dread, a Larrivee D would be high on my list
With the exception of a baritone and an SD-50, I haven't bought an actual dreadnaught since 1986.
I'm just turned off by the waist on a dread. They're too big and I don't need the power. I'm not looking for a "banjo killer".
I could go on, but suffice it to say, I agree with everything you said. Give me an OM or a 000.
Another vote for the OM. in addition to the comments already made it's just a comfortable guitar to play.
John
For me, I guess it depends on the maker. For the more resonant builds, I think I favor smaller guitars. For the more woody and traditional sounding builders, I tend to prefer an SD or 000. With Larrivee, I tried many different models and the SDs just knocked my socks off. I thought THAT was my guitar. But, when I tried other makers, their SDs were not as good as their smaller guitars. Then, I ended up loving 00s.
I love all body shapes but there is just something about a dread that is my favorite (particularly the Larrivee D03, the best guitar in the world). I've been playing dreads since day one and probably always will.
I am considering a 000 sized guitar as my last. I don't need another dreadnought. I do find my ears moving more to a mahogany body lately on my dreads. I wonder what you 000 / OM players prefer for this sized instrument. In 2 demos my dealer did of 2 Larrivee OMs, I preferred the Om with the mahogany back. Both are long scale, and I think I want a short scale just to have one. It's weird how different companies apply different specs to an 000 instrument and an OM in defining them.
Quote from: William2 on January 06, 2026, 05:33:45 PMMy favorite body size is the dreadnought. I didn't start there but ended up playing mainly dreads. I had a couple of OMs and a 00 by Eastman. The 00 really outperformed the OM but I think it was the Adi top. Then I got a Waterloo WL-12 (00-12-fret) and that was the end of the Eastman's. Then I got the Waterloo Jumbo King, and it was so responsive and had so much more power and depth, the WL-12 just sat there. The Jumbo King has a very severe V neck. My dealer thought I should try a Larrivee and we settled on a dreadnaught. I love the Larrivee neck and find the dreads just as responsive as smaller body instruments but with more guts. But it depends on what your repertoire is. I like the slope and square shoulder models, but for my playing I prefer 14-fret connections for sound and upper position playing. I am thinking of one smaller body instrument, but it will be a short scale, 14-fret connection instrument. Let's not forget the Larrivee D-03 is the best instrument in the world LOL.
https://www.larriveeforum.com/forum/index.php?topic=55011.0
Oh, yeah, I'm well aware of the best guitar in the world :thumb
I love Waterloo guitars. A friend has both the X- and ladder-braced versions. When I visit, I always reach for them first. I'd happily own either one.
Quote from: teh on January 06, 2026, 05:59:06 PMMy three Martins include a D-35, OM-35 (Sitka and Rosewood) and a Custom 12 fret short scale, slothead 000 (Sitka and Mahogany). I learned to fingerpick on the D-35 and Jim Croce's lead guitar player Maury Muehleisen, played both a D-35 and a D-18 on a lot of recordings during their tragically short careers. In between the D-35 and OM-35, I acquired my first two Larrivees including a Sitka/Flamed Maple parlor and a Custom all mahogany 12 string LV-03. I've added a Moonwood Spruce/Walnut 12 fret Forum VI (LSV) and a Custom All Mahogany 12 fret 00-24. Along the way, I also picked up a used Alvarez Artist dread with a solid Sitka top and a laminated mahogany back and sides that I call my poor man's D-18.
These guitars all get their fair share of playing time but for sentimental reasons, the D-35 would be my desert island guitar. It turns 50 this year and is well played. While I wouldn't part with any of my guitars, the 00-24 is always close by and gets played almost every day and it definitely hits above its weight class. It is also my preferred travel guitar for road trips in the car including four trips to Canada and one to Florida last year. All of my Larrivees have a Satin Finish and the quality of these builds and the wood used for each are top shelf. With the exception of the Alvarez which is strung with mediums and tuned down a whole step, all of the other guitars are set up for light gauge strings.
While I think the L and LS bodies are two of Larrivee's best, the 00 has quickly earned bragging rights of its own.
You have an enviable list of guitars. Quite diverse, too. Lots of people do fingerpick dreads I've noticed. It's not for me, but as long as it works for you!
Quote from: Queequeg on January 06, 2026, 06:22:35 PMI could go on, but suffice it to say, I agree with everything you said. Give me an OM or a 000.
Quote from: John in Charm City on January 06, 2026, 08:24:52 PMAnother vote for the OM. in addition to the comments already made it's just a comfortable guitar to play.
You have impeccable taste, my friends :winkin: Comfort is a real consideration if you're standing and playing for a long duration of time.
Quote from: B0WIE on January 06, 2026, 08:54:04 PMFor me, I guess it depends on the maker. For the more resonant builds, I think I favor smaller guitars. For the more woody and traditional sounding builders, I tend to prefer an SD or 000. With Larrivee, I tried many different models and the SDs just knocked my socks off. I thought THAT was my guitar. But, when I tried other makers, their SDs were not as good as their smaller guitars. Then, I ended up loving 00s.
The Larrivee SD is the model I've recommended to players more than any other. If a person can handle the size, it's hard to go wrong.
And, yeah, I agree with you about boutique and handmade smaller guitars. That's where the extra dollars spent really starts to show. There's nothing like playing a 00 or 000 and being reminded of the power (and sometimes depth) of a good dread, but still having the immediacy and responsiveness of a smaller guitar.
Quote from: William2 on January 07, 2026, 10:29:29 AMIt's weird how different companies apply different specs to an 000 instrument and an OM in defining them.
To me, a 000-14 is a short scale OM (same body shape). Put a long scale on that 000/OM body shape, you have an OM. But as you point out, not everyone plays by Martin nomenclature. A 000-12 is a long scale 12-fret 000, but many builders alter the scale length.
Quote from: William2 on January 07, 2026, 10:29:29 AMI am considering a 000 sized guitar as my last. I don't need another dreadnought. I do find my ears moving more to a mahogany body lately on my dreads. I wonder what you 000 / OM players prefer for this sized instrument. In 2 demos my dealer did of 2 Larrivee OMs, I preferred the Om with the mahogany back. Both are long scale, and I think I want a short scale just to have one.
Your best bet is to just keep on auditioning as many OMs as you can find. I prefer the longer scale OM to the 000-14 (again, often shorter scale). I've been playing long enough now to know that I just have to have a guitar with a long scale.
Quote from: William2 on January 07, 2026, 10:29:29 AMI am considering a 000 sized guitar as my last. I don't need another dreadnought. I do find my ears moving more to a mahogany body lately on my dreads. I wonder what you 000 / OM players prefer for this sized instrument. In 2 demos my dealer did of 2 Larrivee OMs, I preferred the Om with the mahogany back. Both are long scale, and I think I want a short scale just to have one. It's weird how different companies apply different specs to an 000 instrument and an OM in defining them.
To answer your question - I am anxiously awaiting an OM5 with Mahogany back/sides, Cedar top and a short scale. Time will tell.
John
Right now there are 3.L10 koa,OM03pa maple body 12 fret and my Guild F30 which jumbo body but with a 15/78 back bout.And my MIC jumbo JF30 12 string.A bit all over.
Quote from: John in Charm City on January 09, 2026, 05:30:59 PMTo answer your question - I am anxiously awaiting an OM5 with Mahogany back/sides, Cedar top and a short scale. Time will tell.
John
Nice. A cedar/mahogany Larrivee should deliver the goods, I would think. Let us know how you like it.
Quote from: unclrob on January 09, 2026, 11:31:30 PMRight now there are 3.L10 koa,OM03pa maple body 12 fret and my Guild F30 which jumbo body but with a 15/78 back bout.And my MIC jumbo JF30 12 string.A bit all over.
A tool for every job :thumb
My story follows many others: Love the dread sound, but just too uncomfortable and loud for my seated playing in the basement...
I am so excited to get my Forum VII, because I think the Larrivee 000 12-fret design is my goldilocks shape. However, I also very much like OM shapes, as well. I'd love to get a Larrivee OM-03 as a backup. If Guild USA in Oxnard, CA ever makes an OM model again, I'd love one of those. I think Guild's classic OM design was the F-30? FYI, Guild is making some fantastic guitars out of that new Oxnard plant!
The F30 is a jumbo shaped body but dread size.The M20 would be close to an OM.Guild has a MIC guitar called a mini jumbo hats size wise is OM size but jumbo in looks.
Thanks for that info Uncle Rob!! Guild is new to me, but I was very impressed when I tried a new made in USA M-20 recently.
It's been an interesting and fun "journey" and don't know if it is is over, but after cycling through 2 dreads, 2 standard scale OMs, a parlor, a 00, and a standard scale 12 fret 000, currently enjoying the comfort of a short scale 12 fret 000. Sounds, feels and plays very nicely.
Quote from: StringPicker6 on January 12, 2026, 01:02:09 PMI am so excited to get my Forum VII, because I think the Larrivee 000 12-fret design is my goldilocks shape.
Can't beat a long scale 000-12, IMO. The best ones I've played and own compete well with the fullness of a dread, but you also get the more "balanced" sound of a 000: goldilocks zone, indeed.
I'm eager for you to get your Forum guitar. A few years ago I dang near bought a Larrivee 000-44 with moon spruce and koa. It was a beautiful sounding and playing guitar. I wish I had enough money to own all the good ones!
Quote from: Myopic Squirrel on January 14, 2026, 05:31:21 PMIt's been an interesting and fun "journey" and don't know if it is is over, but after cycling through 2 dreads, 2 standard scale OMs, a parlor, a 00, and a standard scale 12 fret 000, currently enjoying the comfort of a short scale 12 fret 000. Sounds, feels and plays very nicely.
Yes, sir. Doesn't get much better than a 000-12.
This has been a fun read and guitar journey over the last 58 years has been a fun ride. As stated by Blue Bowman and others, smaller bodied guitars provide a balanced sound. They lose a little of the bass that a dread or jumbo provides but as a mostly solo player that's not a problem.
My last three six sting guitar purchases have been either one of a kind customs or limited run models including: A 12 fret Sitka/Mahogany 000 (24.9" scale), a 12 fret Moonwood/Walnut LSV forum VI 25.5" scale) and an all Mahogany 12 fret 00-24 (25.75" scale). Having said that, I can't imagine getting rid of my three 14 fret, long scale guitars (6 string D and OM w/25.4" scale, Spruce/Rosewood), my one of a kind customized 12 string LV (all Mahogany) or my 12 fret parlor (24" scale (Sitka/Flamed Maple). In other words, the right tool for every job.
I also have an Original smaller bodied Martin Backpacker set up for Nashville tuning and an Oahu square neck Hawaiian guitar built in the 30's or 40's that my wife found for $20 bucks at an antique shop. It's roughly the size of an 0 body and has been rode hard and put away wet but it pretty much stays in tune (Open D).
P.S. When I had rotator cuff surgery two years ago, having a variety of body shapes to choose from was the best form of Physical Therapy I had. I started with my Backpacker and Baritone Uke and worked my way up to my D and L bodies.
Quote from: teh on January 16, 2026, 10:21:03 AMMy last three six sting guitar purchases have been either one of a kind customs or limited run models including: A 12 fret Sitka/Mahogany 000 (24.9" scale), a 12 fret Moonwood/Walnut LSV forum VI 25.5" scale) and an all Mahogany 12 fret 00-24 (25.75" scale). Having said that, I can't imagine getting rid of my three 14 fret, long scale guitars (6 string D and OM w/25.4" scale, Spruce/Rosewood), my one of a kind customized 12 string LV (all Mahogany) or my 12 fret parlor (24" scale (Sitka/Flamed Maple). In other words, the right tool for every job.
I get it. On any given day I was asked, I might say it's an OM that I'd keep as my only, and the next day my answer would change to a 000-12. Of course, yesterday it was my deep bodied 00-12! Every time I think about selling that 00-12, I play it for a day and realize I'd have to be a complete idiot to ever get rid of it!
Quote from: teh on January 16, 2026, 10:21:03 AMP.S. When I had rotator cuff surgery two years ago, having a variety of body shapes to choose from was the best form of Physical Therapy I had. I started with my Backpacker and Baritone Uke and worked my way up to my D and L bodies.
A good argument to the wife on having multiple guitars :bgrin:
I love a good dread
It's all about the sound
I appreciate all the sizes
All I've ever repeated was a dread
The best Guitar in the world there a D03
Quote from: DaveyO on January 18, 2026, 02:06:56 PMThe best Guitar in the world there a D03
Yes, this has been well-established here on the forum. The acoustic world at large has yet to catch on, but I think it's slowly happening. Good thing we got in on the secret before it got out!
Nope, BEST is the *L* & *LS* bodied guitars, after all this IS the Larrivée forum and they're Jean's design. :wink:
You folk will catch on eventually. :humour:
:laughin:
I would love to try an LS. It's still a mystery to me why that size isn't more available.
I agree with Herman about the L body that was Jean's design which is the perfect "Swiss Army Knife" in Larrivees's lineup. It's also probably part of the reason I opted for a 12 string with an L body as my second Larrivee 20 years ago. It took another 15 years until Larrivee offered the LS body for the Forum VI. Glad I jumped on that one too.
P.S. Asking someone to pick a favorite guitar body size is like asking them to pick a favorite grandchild; Like each of my guitars with different body shapes, I wouldn't trade any of them.
Quote from: StringPicker6 on January 19, 2026, 11:39:37 AMI would love to try an LS. It's still a mystery to me why that size isn't more available.
That one is definitely not readily available out in the world. Isn't the LS the one that is a near exact size of classical guitar body?
I used to see mostly Larrivee dreads when I'd visit music stores, but now it seems to be more OMs than anything else, followed by L-bodies, followed by dreads and 000-12s. Parlors, 00-12s, and LS's are sparse in my neck of the woods. I've not played a jumbo in a while either. But good for Larrivee for winning people over with their OMs.
My OO Sitka/rosewood short scale is so comfortable and easy to play. The bass is thick and rich. If it had a wider nut it would be the perfect guitar. Also, the SD sitka/walnut(Peruvian) is great as well. If only it were short scale. Dreds are dreadfully big.
Quote from: broKen on January 28, 2026, 04:41:33 PMIf it had a wider nut it would be the perfect guitar.
That's how I feel about several of mine. Once I tried 13/16 I said, "This is it. The perfect width for me." But, there's really not a lot of guitars made in that width and I like to bargain hunt. So, most of mine are 1 3/4 and I've adapted.
Quote from: broKen on January 28, 2026, 04:41:33 PMMy OO Sitka/rosewood short scale is so comfortable and easy to play. The bass is thick and rich. If it had a wider nut it would be the perfect guitar. Also, the SD sitka/walnut(Peruvian) is great as well. If only it were short scale. Dreds are dreadfully big.
A walnut SD, very nice. I imagine it sounds wonderful.
I also prefer a 1 13/16" nut. Much easier to switch between a classical neck and my acoustics.
Quote from: B0WIE on January 28, 2026, 06:58:01 PMThat's how I feel about several of mine. Once I tried 13/16 I said, "This is it. The perfect width for me." But, there's really not a lot of guitars made in that width and I like to bargain hunt. So, most of mine are 1 3/4 and I've adapted.
The OOO from Larrivee years ago were 13/16. And their SDs were 7/8. My SD is one of the last of those before they went to 3/4 on all SDs. If only the SD was short scale...
Talking about neck widths, is there a reason Larrivee makes their dreadnoughts with a 1 & 11/16" width? Others do also like Gibson and Martin used to. Just wondering if there is some historical reason for this width. Also, I just noticed a brand new Larrivee L-03 for sale that is a 12-fret. While I'm a 14-fret player, I have to say that L body with the 12-fret connection makes that my favorite guitar to look at. It would be great if Larrivee made both versions of the L without the upcharge. I might even bite on one.
The Tommy Emmanuel C-03TE IS A 12 fret with an L body
Quote from: William2 on February 10, 2026, 02:29:08 PMTalking about neck widths, is there a reason Larrivee makes their dreadnoughts with a 1 & 11/16" width? Others do also like Gibson and Martin used to. Just wondering if there is some historical reason for this width. Also, I just noticed a brand new Larrivee L-03 for sale that is a 12-fret. While I'm a 14-fret player, I have to say that L body with the 12-fret connection makes that my favorite guitar to look at. It would be great if Larrivee made both versions of the L without the upcharge. I might even bite on one.
I believe it's because that's the traditional dread width and favors strumming. I see tastes trending toward 1 3/4, though I don't know how much of the market comprises of each now. I do know 12 fretters are primarily 1 3/4 in most brands.
Quote from: B0WIE on February 11, 2026, 12:09:55 AMI believe it's because that's the traditional dread width and favors strumming.
Yes, quite sure that's it.
Another thing- it's a match for most electric guitar necks which makes for easy transition. Anecdotally, I hear electric players say they find a 1 & 3/4 neck too wide when they pick up an acoustic.
I believe that. When I pick up an electric, I find the necks way too narrow (fenders, anyway)
Funny enough, I'm fine with most electric guitar string spacing, be it fender, Gibson, etc. But, 11/16 is uncomfortable for me on an acoustic. I think it has to do with string tension and exertion required. I won't play my 11/16 acoustic for more than 15min but I never think about it on an electric.
Quote from: B0WIE on February 11, 2026, 07:57:02 AMFunny enough, I'm fine with most electric guitar string spacing, be it fender, Gibson, etc. But, 11/16 is uncomfortable for me on an acoustic. I think it has to do with string tension and exertion required. I won't play my 11/16 acoustic for more than 15min but I never think about it on an electric.
Possibly due to the smaller radius on your electric(s)
As some others mentioned, my favorite body size (and tonewoods combo) is determined by the voice I'm seeking for the variety I "need" in my playing.
As far as my DV10K, C10K and 000-40MT goes, the best is whichever one I'm playing at the time. Each one has their own unique qualities on tone, articulation and compression in the mids and top end, but all three including the 000 12 fret have a full bass response which is great for my Travis style picking especially in drop D.
Larrivee P/PV or O size. After owning and playing just about every shape and size, the P is my absolute favorite. Great sound, great size, great scale length, intimate ergonomics.
Ed