Best 000 for the bucks.
 

I know there are tons of these threads, but I`m in the market for a 000 or smaller size guitar for around a grand. I live in a rural area so I have to drive 150 miles to play a bunch.. I`m thinking Martin 00-15, Martin SWOMGT, Taylor GC-3, Breedlove Atlas.. Any comments on these models or others in the same price range? I will be using it as a blues/rags fingerstyle guitar.

If you can find a used Martin 000-16SGT, I would wholeheartedly recommend it. I hear good things about the 00-15s and 000-15s too.

Might add the Martin 16 series 00 deep body to the list. The GT version is only slightly more than the ones you listed but they are pretty amazing designes for the cost.

blues2rocks Recording King ROS-647 would be a great option. I had the Mahogany version (without the bling) and it was an outstanding guitar for the money. Kind of wish I had it back for a travel guitar!

and you'd have 250.00 left in your budget for another toy!!

Are you looking for a 14 fret or 12 fret guitar? The guitars you listed as possibles are all 14 fret models.

What neck profile and nut width do you prefer? Different models and different makers will vary a great amount. The Martin 00-15 has a 1-11/16" nut, while the OM has a 1-3/4 nut.

Are you looking for a new guitar or would you be okay with a used guitar? You will get more bang for your buck in the used market.

I have a Martin 000X1 that I love. I played everything I could for about $800 or less and bought one of these. I tried not to like it because of the formica, etc., but could not help myself. I tried to hear why solid wood cheapos (Epiphone Masterbuilts, Seagulls, etc.), often touted here and elsewhere as "better," were superior, but, as I said, the 000X1, at least to me, sounded great and had the Martin sound I love. I have a 70s Martin M38 that I love but do not want to take to certain gigs, and this has fit the bill just perfectly. I suggest at least trying one.

Larriveé make some awesome 000 sized guitars. If I found a 000-60 second hand for sale I would be all over it.

pretty sure that would be out of hte OP's budget though;)

This one:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=169063

I've been toying around with buying it for about two weeks now

Around a k?

I'd put my Martin 000-16GT up against anything in that price range...

Nothing more versatile than a 000. ;)

I can live with either nut width, and I am fine with used guitars even ones with cosmetic issues that don`t effect the structure or playability.

Glen is that yours? That looks about perfect!

I think we each have our own criteria when it comes to value. For a grand, you could either get an American-made guitar with lower quality woods and/or aesthetics (e.g. satin finish instead of gloss, some parts in plastic, etc.) or an import that looks and plays almost like the original US instrument.

While I agree that you can play the blues on anything, I personally prefer old smokey blues and for that I play a Martin. I keep my Taylor for the beautiful arpeggios stuff but it just sounds too hi-fi to play the blues.

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OOO Heaven
 

I found an "almost Perfect" guitar for me, quite by accident, and it's a OOO2H,Collings, (Brazilian, German)... with a 1 and 3/4" neck. The more I play the 12 fret, the more I enjoy it. One thing's for sure, the TONE & VOLUME is just fantastic.. I put a set of Snake Wood, gold /Waverlys on it, and they compliment the Brazilian in a fine way. Anyway.... OOO Collings really do IT for me. 1 folksinger....;)