Best new larger bodied guitar under $2000

[Charlie Bernstein]

This gorgeous USA-made instrument compares favorably to a Martin D-18, for a much nicer price: Guild D-40

Here them here.

[rollypolly]

There's a used Huss and Dalton Road Series dread for a little over 2k on Reverb right now. Offers accepted so you might be able to get it for 2k. That to me would be the best build you can get for your dollars. Tone is subjective. Maybe a nice used J-45 or D-18 would be fine too, but I guarantee the build won't be better than the H&D.

[davenumber2]

Originally Posted by Charlie Bernstein

This gorgeous USA-made instrument compares favorably to a Martin D-18, for a much nicer price: Guild D-40



Here them here.

Agreed. The one in the video is a Traditional model and the link is for the Standard. Both great but the Traditional costs a bit more.

[Corndog]

Martin D-15, D-16, DSS-17
Larrivee L-03, D-03, D-40
Guild D-20

All have mahogany bodies and all are made in the US, and under $2K new.
Any of them are quite nice. +1 for the used D-18 idea as well.

For the "light touch" part you mention, the DSS-17 and the Larrivees come to mind.

[Kh1967]

Another vote for a used D-18. Good luck on your search!

[Murphy Slaw]

Originally Posted by Bob from Brooklyn

Are we saying a D18 is a slam dunk over a J45?

No.

WE'RE not.