best guitar for bluegrass?
 

what's the best guitar for bluegrass?

A 1934 to 1936 Martin D-28 herringbone. Easy question.

An 1800s José Ramírez.

But seriously folks...

Best choice is Martin D-28, Martin HD-28, , Martin HD28V. Basically anything with the letter "D" and the number "28" in the name will be the best choice.

You can buy a brand other than Martin as long as you don't mind other bluegrass players constantly asking you "Why didn't you just buy a Martin?"

I think the perspective so far underestimates the broadmindedness of many bluegrass players. You can be treated quite decently if you show up at a bluegrass jam with a pre-war D-18.

Man, you hang with a liberal crowd.

its always fun to show up with a Santa Cruz, say nothing, pull it out and then watch the expressions on their faces as the first few strums register.

Some of the younger players are less analized by tradition.

How are Guild's received by the bluegrass crowd?

Like Mitsubishi offering test drives at a VFW convention.

Who cares? Get the best guitar you can afford that speaks to you. Tony Rice played an Ovation at times (on one my favorite records of his), so did Clarence White. Steve Kaufman plays an OM, as do several other great flatpickers... It really doesn’t matter. Martin D’s and Martin inspired guitars are popular, and quite possibly the best way to go, but what others think is not important. I personally do all my fiddle tune fun with a SCGC D/PWM, but my little 00 likes Tony Rice licks too:)

Wow... you can't be serious?! Really? It matters what it says on the headstock? You guys are kidding, right?

To paraphrase John Cleese in Silverado "You're not from around these parts I take it"

Dreads and particularly Martin dreads and the most common and in some cases the norm or only.

If what the pros play is anything to go by: Dan Tyminski and Ron Block of Union Station play both Martin D-28 and D-18 as well as Bourgeois, Santa Cruz and more. Sean Watkins of Nickle Creek plays Bourgeois OMC. Henderson, Nobles and Nashville Guitar Company are popular, too.

To the wannabees and the local legends-in-their-own-minds I find the palette limited to Martins. But what the heck do they know anyways. Just blow 'em away with your playing.

You know I see this question more than once. I have never posted an answer.

HERE IS THE TRUTH... IT ISN'T THE GUITAR!!

If anyone sticks their nose but because you aren't playing the "right" guitar they are idiots.. and I don't care who they are or their qualifications.

Find a guitar YOU LIKE, play it. As long as it is a good quality guitar, it will work just fine.

Well said Jeff.