Recommendations for non-Larrivee's to supplement a Larry collection?

[mrrinse]

Hi,

Of the acoustics I own, my LV-09 and L-05MT see almost all the action, followed by the LV-19 CA. Given this, it's probably time I sold my Taylor 510 (nut width too small) and my mahogany Larrivee Parlour (just not really my thing). Possibly the LV19 CA too (which seems hard to justify holding onto given that its basically the same as the LV-09). Love Larrivee guitars to bits and am considering a OMV-05 or OMV-50. But it also occured to me that I probably ought to consider branching out a bit towards other makers for more tonal variety, a different feel, etc.

I think I'm after something secondhand (so it's broken in, and cheaper!) with a small body (OM sized ish), and probably hog b/s (or something else that's warm and woody sounding - not rosewood - perhaps walnut, koa?). I guess I'm after something with a similar neck feel to the Larrivee the neck shape and profile (1.75 nut width essential). I play exclusivey fingerstyle (think Justin King, Michael Hedges, Andy McKee and Nick Drake, but without the talent). I'm finding it hard to move away from Larrivee given that their excellent value for money and particularly since I'm after a hog guitar and Larrivee, by most accounts, does mahogany really well. Still, if anyone can recommend anything I should be checking out, please do.

Many thanks!

Dan

[G Man]

By the looks of what you have, I see something in a Martin 000-18 variety filling out your collection nicely.  Just my .02$.

[jeremy3220]

I don't know your price range but I suggest you check out a used OM/PWM.

[mrrinse]

Price range is as little as possible!Time to rationalise (and to an extent liquidate) the guitar collection. I guess I could go to $1500, even $2000 for the right guitar. If I found an absolute gem, possibly even more (the Taylor, Parlour and LV-19 would have to go, but since I'm only really playing the MT and the 09, that's no great problem) - so I'm reluctant to put numbers on it.

SH OMV-50 is tempting, but the Martin 000-18 could well be interesting - I've only heard good things about them (yet to play one myself).

What are PWM?

Cheers,

Dan

[knowspicker]

Maybe one of my favorites... Martin 00-18V.

[bluewyatt]

I see you have a few nylon string guitars.  I just got a Carvin CL450 to go with my Larrivee OOO-50TSB.  It's quite unique and an absolute joy to play, especially live.  Beautifully built and extremely affordable as well.

[jeremy3220]

Price range is as little as possible!Time to rationalise (and to an extent liquidate) the guitar collection. I guess I could go to $1500, even $2000 for the right guitar.

What are PWM?

Pre-War Mahogany. It's this but with hog back and sides
http://www.santacruzguitar.com/acousticguitars/details/prewar-orchestraguitar.html
You might be able to get a used one for less than 2K.

[morlll]

Santa Cruz, if you look and wait you'll find a nice one under 2K.

They are SOO nice.

At least the ones that I've played.

[Blue in VT]

These are all good suggestions...If I branch out some time in the future...when finances and life settle out a bit it will be for one of the following:

SC PW/M...short scale if I could find one
Martin 000-18GE...used might be around 2k
or 00-18v....just love this size guitar



Blue

[Denis]

These are all good suggestions...If I branch out some time in the future...when finances and life settle out a bit it will be for one of the following:

SC PW/M...short scale if I could find one
Martin 000-18GE...used might be around 2k
or 00-18v....just love this size guitar



Blue

Wow Blue...you and I have ths same taste!   That 000-18GE...or the 00-18V...love to try those!

[Blue in VT]

Yeah I'm really craving a short scale guitar....ever since I played a 1947 000-21 locally I really was amazed at how comfortable and warm it felt to play....some day!

Blue

[rounder]

How about a nice Martin 00015s.  Darn nice guitars and within the price range you are looking at. 

I want one anyway.

[dcarey]

Taylor GC3 is available for under $1K if yer lookin for mahogany.

Dan

[mrrinse]

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I'll have to go out and track down a few.
I guess, if need be, I could go a fair bit beyond $2k if required. I am in the UK, so if buying from the US, I need to figure in $125 odd for shipping and then 20% for VAT and import duty on top of that if buying from the US (still usually much cheaper). If I found something that really blew me away, even a fair bit beyond the budget, I'd be tempted - I guess selling the 510, LV-19CA and parlour would create a fair bit of funds.
I'd love a Lowden, but a bit beyond my budget really (famous lasts words0.
I guess a cedar top, possibly walnut back, would add some variety.
Lakewood do some OM sized hog guitars with cutaways with cedar tops (M-14CP) which looks tempting and within budget (<$2k new).
I need to get out there and play a few, though I'm finding it hard to find dealers (even in London) with really good selections of high end acoustics. I'd certainly be interested in how things like SC, Weber, McIlroy, etc, stack up (even if they're pushing the budget), if only to see how the Larrivees compare.

[Caleb]

J-45

[unclrob]

Some of the Chinese Guilds have nice wide nuts.Any standard Guild.The Vintage issues of Gibson,I've got a great Vintage AJ from 96.

[teh]

For what it's worth, I played a Martin 00-18V at Trinity Guitars on Monday evening. 

I'm confident that a 00 or 000-18 will find it's way home with me at some point in the future but I just bought an OM-35 a couple of months ago and my wife's generous side has it's limits.

[mrrinse]

Thanks again for all the suggestions.

I'm almost ready to take the plunge. Not quite as small bodied as I'd intended, but I've got my eye on a McIlroy A25c (cedar/walnut with cutaway). It's pushing the budget, but by all accounts they're excellent guitars.
If anyone has any final thoughts on things I really should checkout before biting the bullet, do let me know!

Thanks,

Dan

[tiffer]

If you can find one I would recommend a Gibson L-130 Advanced 00.  It is basically the same size as an OM/000, short scale, nut is 1.725 (a nice compromise and very comfortable) with the same string spacing at the saddle as a Larrivee has.  A very comfortable guitar to both hold and play.  I have one and love it, and also have a Larrivee Om-50.  Going back and forth between these two is no problem at all.  The L-130 has solid Sitka spruce top with solid Bubinga back and sides.  Great little guitar if you can find one.

[mrrinse]

I've taken the plunge on a second hand McIlroy A25c (walnut/cedar with cutaway) with a K&K mini western after playing a new one (and an A20c) earlier today. Absolutely stunning guitars - the best I've played, I think! (I've played a bunch of Larrivees, and some high end Martins, a few Lowdens, a Breedlove and a few custom builds). Hopefully it arrives tomorrow (or possibly Tues/Wed next week) for delivery .... very excited (and very impatient!).

The actual guitar I'm buying is featured on the McIlroy website: go to product range, A series gallery and scroll right. My A25c is the middle of the three guitars.

Now I need to sell the Taylor 510 (which has stunning tone, I just can't deal with the 1 11/16 neck) - and maybe the LV-19 CA too - to create the space (and funds!).

Thanks for all the tips, which will no doubt come in handy for the next GAS attack!

Dan