Couch/travel use: 0 vs 00?

[jmhill]

Hard to go wrong with either, but I think since you plan to bring it festivals and conventions the 00 will give you that extra bit of volume (all depends on the guitar though. I've played single 0s that are louder than some 00s).

[KevinH]

Couch/travel guitar to me screams Furch Little Jane. They are loud talkers for their diminutive size.

[TheGITM]

Originally Posted by KevinH

Couch/travel guitar to me screams Furch Little Jane. They are loud talkers for their diminutive size.

Or this Dowina beauty...

[jiveskunk]

Originally Posted by TheGITM

Or this Dowina beauty...

That looks real nice

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by Bowie

Acoustics just aren't great couch guitars . . . .

Mine are. It's arm chairs where they're useless. That's why Moses invented the mandolin.

[SRL]

For me, the 12-fret, short scale, 00-size strikes the right balance. 12 frets short scale shortens the overall length of the guitar. 00 size has a fuller tone than a parlor and isn't much bigger. For me, I have that style of guitar in a Breedlove Concertinas, which are about the same length/width/depth as a GS Mini but sound worlds better with a very full tone.

The Martin 12-fret 00's are also quite deep-sounding for a small guitar but harder to find (most are 14 fret) and are typically more expensive. You could also check out the Taylor 12-fret grand concerts but I've found the low end lacking on those compared to the above.

I've tried guitars that are smaller, and usually they sacrifice some playability with very short scales (GS Mini 23.5") or narrow nuts / skinny necks. They can also sacrifice tone when the body gets smaller. At that point, I'd rather just abandon steel strings and go with a six-string ukulele or a half-size classical.

[TheGITM]

Originally Posted by SRL

...
The Martin 12-fret 00's are also quite deep-sounding for a small guitar but harder to find (most are 14 fret) and are typically more expensive. ...

It is the most expensive guitar I own!

[AVLguy]

I favor the Larrivee 00-40R for playing out, especially in Old Time. Surprisingly loud and distinct for boom chucking and bass runs. The long scale 25.5 may have something to do with that. I have an old Larrivee Parlor O-01 in koa that is just perfect for the couch or chair.

[Bad Timing]

Auden Emily Rose guitar may also hit the spot - parlor but with extra body depth and great tone 😉

[Rudy4]

Originally Posted by jiveskunk

Looking at the 0-18 or 00-18. Saw there was already a thread asking for couch recommendations, but also looking for something good to tote around festivals and conventions. I've watched some videos on the 0-18, but it's hard to get a feel for the sound just from a video. For portability, it seems like the best choice. But if the 00 is going to sound a lot better, that might be the best way to go. Thoughts?

This is such a tough question to answer, it really demands that you play each guitar you are considering and decide for yourself.

Just this last week I was playing with one of my playing buddies who again opined "That guitar is incredible for it's great tone and huge volume!"

[gurroz]

I don't play guitar sitting on a couch so no recommendation there. As for travel, it depends, are you flying? If so, I would go with a carbon fiber model. I travel several months a year in our motorhome. For me the CSF3M is the ideal size with great tone.

[bobster7]

Of the boutique builders Huss & Dalton make an outstanding 00, the 00-sp. Along with their DS it’s their signature guitar when one thinks of the brand.

[bobster7]

… Also an L-00 Gibson makes a nice couch guitar if you like the tone. I have an L-00 but mine was built by Dave King.

He specialises in terrific parlour guitars, you might say he is the ultimate ‘couch guitar luthier’ [emoji38]. It has an Adi top and a lot more power than the Gibson L-00’s I’ve played, they have a sweeter more subdued tone. The L-00 legend is a great couch guitar if you can find one.