What's your favorite body size, and why?

[BlueBowman]

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  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

[William2]

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

[teh]

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.

[Queequeg]

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  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.

[John in Charm City]

Another vote for the OM. in addition to the comments already made it's just a comfortable guitar to play.

John

[B0WIE]

 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.

[Silence Dogood]

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. 

[William2]

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.

[BlueBowman]

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

Oh, yeah, I'm well aware of the best guitar in the world 

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.

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.

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!

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.

You have impeccable taste, my friends  Comfort is a real consideration if you're standing and playing for a long duration of time.

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.

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.

[BlueBowman]

It'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.

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.

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.

[John in Charm City]

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.

To answer your question - I am anxiously awaiting an OM5 with Mahogany back/sides, Cedar top and a short scale. Time will tell.

John

[unclrob]

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.

[BlueBowman]

To 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.

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.

A tool for every job 

[StringPicker6]

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! 

[unclrob]

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.

[StringPicker6]

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.

[Myopic Squirrel]

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.

[BlueBowman]

I 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!   

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.

Yes, sir. Doesn't get much better than a 000-12.

[teh]

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.

[BlueBowman]

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 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!

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.

A good argument to the wife on having multiple guitars