One Guitar To Rule Them All

[davidmacneill]

I'm at the tail end of recording a CD of original songs and I need a couple grand to complete it. I can't wait too long as I have a label ready to take me on as an artist and my CD as a product.

I've come to the conclusion that I can only afford to own only one acoustic guitar, selling any others to raise the funds I need fast. But I'm not willing to settle for anything but excellence, and I have very specific requirements. I have exactly $2800 to spend. The instrument must be as good a responsive fingerstyle guitar as it is a medium-hard strummer. It must have very good dynamic range and a full range of tone, from rolling thunder to sparkling upper partials:

• Rosewood body
• Spruce soundboard
• Mahogany neck
• Ebony fretboard
• 25.5-inch scale
• 1-3/4-inch nut
• Medium-low profile neck
• Medium-low action using Elixir Nano 80/20 Lights
• Venetian cutaway
• No electronics of any kind
• Pickguard, clear or colored
• No excessive inlays or other bling
• OM, Grand Concert, or Small Jumbo size

The closest I've been able to find is a new Lowden F32c, a great guitar that I love the looks and sound of. I'm also seriously considering a used Martin OM-28C Lawrence Juber but I'm not sure it would be a powerful strummer, and I'd have to get a clear pickguard for it. My third candidate is a used Collings CJ with a 1-3/4 nut.

Any suggestions?

[kilgorekid]

Another Collings to recommend:  The OM2Hc would be a very nice one to consider.  It would be withing your price range.  I own one (no cutaway) and it works for fingerstyle and picking. 

[ttchen]

Have you checked dream guitars?  They have a flamed maple/cedar Goodall that sounds awesome.  That one is in your price range.  Or you can check with John at Shoreline, he will give a suggestion or two.  Hope you find what you are looking for.

[davidmacneill]

That's a great looking guitar, but it has no cutaway.

[fitness1]

seems like Acoustic Pro Musician had a couple of Goodall RGCC's used in your price range last time I looked
Not real keen on their other body styles, I've owned a few CJ's......the GC's that I have played have been super though.

[kwakatak]

LV-09

http://www.larrivee.com/data/products/guitars/LV-09/LV-09.htm

[dhill]

My search would start and stop with a Santa Cruz OM. Here's one from the SCGC forum (I don't know the seller) that seems to fit your specs:

http://santacruzguitarplayers.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=92

The seller seems motivated!

I love my SCGC OM, responds beautifully to a light touch, but can be strummed hard. Sounds like a piano... Good luck with your search.

[davidmacneill]

Hmmmm, that does meet my requirements. I sent the owner an email but that is a pretty old post -- it's probably long gone.

[leond]

Other than the fretboard width, a Larravee OMV-60 should fit the bill.

LeonD

[CF Larrivee]

I would say check out a Breedlove Focus. Yes, it has electronics, but you don't have to use them, I guess.

[tiffer]

You may want to see if you can find one of these, Breedlove SC15 Custom in Engleman/Madagascar.  Fits all of your requirements to a T with the exception of a clear pickguard, which you can get from Breedlove for nottin, as I did.  There were only 3 of these made, and I know there was one listed by Oklahoma Guitar (I believe that is the name, on ebay they go by brother bobbie) on ebay awhile back.  Here are some pictures of mine if it helps to give you an idea:  http://community.webshots.com/user/tiff1947

[dermot]

There's deals currently going on NOS Larrivee LV19's  + Alot money in the bank?
-OR-
If one had some time... i would look at the Ex-Larrivee guys @ Paragon, they are in your price range and have made some awesome mini jumbo's.... i had my hands on an Engelman over Maple MJ that might be a good one for you.....but there's a bit of a wait time.

good luck!

d.

[mazareth]

Hi David,

I wish I had your dilemma $2800 for guitar budget. You may want to consider a Northwood. John Mcquarrie is one of the many former Larrivee luthiers out there. I was discussing his pricing with one of our Forum dealers a few months ago. A guitar with the specs you mention would be in that price range I believe. Enjoy your quest and congratulation on the album deal!

[LawDogStrgsAttach]

He's an option: Avalon Jacques Stotzem Signature

http://www.avalonguitars.com/gold.htm

There is one for sale in Englewood Colorado that I've played - super!  Spruce/rosewood, GA body, slightly thinner, ebony, nondescript decor.  Impeccable tone.  I think they want well under your target $2800 at www.acousticmusicrevival.com.  Call them and ask for JC -

I have no affiliation with them other than being a customer.

[Fredmando]

Ditto on the Santa Cruz OM/PW.
Strong second on Guild D-40 when the mahogany mood hits.

[jimmyd]

A Huss and Dalton CM fits your description perfectly. It will outperform any OM or 000 I've played fingerstyle or flatpicked and has more dynamic range and headroom than most dreads. If you ordered one with a natural finish you should meet your budget requirement. 

[davidmacneill]

I'm looking at a Goodall RCJC that matches my requirements precisely. Anyone have experience with this model?

[oneeyedjack]

I'm looking at a Goodall RCJC that matches my requirements precisely. Anyone have experience with this model?

I've played a few, El McMeen plays one. Very nice guitar, highly regarded. You could do much, much worse.

[davidmacneill]

I am ecstatic to announce that my quest is complete. This morning I took possession of Horace Kwan's stunning 2002 Goodall Rosewood Grand Concert Cutaway, with the master grade Englemann Spruce soundboard. This RGCC is everything I had hoped for and more. We met halfway between Cameron Park and San Francisco, saving him PayPal fees, shipping expenses, and time. Thus, I was able to stay within my budget and he stayed within his -- plus we got to meet in person!

My heartfelt gratitude goes out to all of you that participated in my quest. All of your suggestions were extremely valuable and led me to as satisfying a conclusion as anyone could hope for. I highly recommend this method: list the specs you desire, put it out there on the forums, and wait to be guided to the right instrument for you. Works for me!

[fitness1]

wow, that was quick David.....see, I told you that you would find a Goody in your price range.....