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  #1  
Old 07-21-2017, 08:30 PM
pgilmor pgilmor is offline
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Cool NGD (6 months ago) Greven 0000 Maple/Sitka

Time to show this one off and talk about it a little.



Tight grain, fwiw.



The Greven (blonde) and my Woolson's backsides



My Woolson all-hog doubletop (khaya), fan fret



Bearclaw Sitka



Maple back/sides



Koa binding







Really nice guitar. Very much on the vintage Martin end of things sound wise. I wanted something very much different than the Woolson, which is an amazing modern sounding OM sized instrument (think Taylor, but not really). The larger Greven ups the ante on big sound and deep, rumbling bass, without being a one-trick pony at all. Actually very balanced from lows to highs, (nice, thick trebles) with good sustain but not too much. Didn't want this to be a lap piano.

Once you see that it's maple, you probably think you know what it sounds like. Unless you've played one by a maple master like John Greven, you're just wrong. This is a very full sounding instrument, not at all thin or bright. It's got overtones, but does lean toward the fundamentals, as that's what I wanted. Punchy, sonorous, and LOUD! Wasn't really expecting that, but nice to have. It's easy to back off, but for late night fingerstyle practice I definitely have to grab something else that won't keep people up. Also, not that I use them much, but the harmonics just jump out of this guitar. Very easy to hit, even at the fifth fret, and are very loud and present.

I haven't tried to record with it (and probably won't), so I don't know how it does there. It is very responsive and can handle whatever I throw at it. I really like doing fingerstyle on it and then doing the same piece on the Woolson. I keep thinking "I like this one better... No, I like THIS one better.... No...) Two very different and complementary guitars.

Specs:
0000-14 fret herringbone model in flamed maple
Bear claw Sitka top, 1935 style scalloped braces
No fingerboard inlays, side dots only
Grover 18:1 statites (tuning machines)
Nut 1-13/16" (slightly less, in his words)
Spacing at saddle, I don't know, but on the wider side for fingerstyle. At least 2-1/4", maybe 2-5/16".
K&K pickup, Hiscox Pro II case. Different case is pictured.

Love the neck on this. When I went to his house, John let me play his personal Braz/Lutz OM (or is it a 000?) and I loved how easy the neck was to play. Does not feel as wide as it is. Slight V-shape to it, but it fills the hand nicely and is easy to slide or do barre chords, as well as thumb-over if yer so inclined.

In case you're not familiar, this is John's take on a vintage Martin build. Very, very happy with this one. I feel very fortunate to have two great guitars so different from each other from which to choose. I would love to get this Greven alongside a vintage Martin to see how it compares, sonically. Won't be anytime soon, but when I get back to the states I may try to find an Authentic to A-B it with.

AGF member McDuff played it before it was sent out last January, so maybe he'll chime in as well.

Tried Monels, they were good and lasted. Currently strung with John Pearse pb's. Like those, too. I usually prefer Elixirs, but they may not be right for this guitar. I'll try them again next to see if my early opinion was correct.

Last edited by pgilmor; 07-22-2017 at 05:38 AM.
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  #2  
Old 07-21-2017, 08:52 PM
Brick is Red Brick is Red is offline
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That flamed maple is top shelf.
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Old 07-21-2017, 08:58 PM
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Congrats. Beautiful guitar, that maple is stunning.
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Old 07-21-2017, 09:59 PM
pgilmor pgilmor is offline
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Thanks, guys. In person the maple has a really gorgeous 3-D effect that really can't be captured in pics. He certainly got a nice set for this one. I really wish I could better photograph the bear claw top. That is what really looks better in person.
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Old 07-21-2017, 10:02 PM
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Those are nice.

I love the neck runner on the Woolson.

I'm sure the tone is excellent on both of them
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Old 07-22-2017, 04:21 AM
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That's a beauty. I've not had the opportunity to play one of John's guitars, but they sure look nice. Enjoy.
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Old 07-22-2017, 04:29 AM
Kerbie Kerbie is offline
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Wow... that's beautiful!
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Old 07-22-2017, 05:24 AM
CaineIsCarter CaineIsCarter is offline
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A work of art. Congrats
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Old 07-22-2017, 05:34 AM
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iim7V7IM7 iim7V7IM7 is offline
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Congratulations...
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Old 07-22-2017, 06:11 AM
mondoslug mondoslug is offline
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Woah...that's killer looking. Congrats!
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Old 07-22-2017, 07:15 AM
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Don54 Don54 is offline
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Looks like you've got you're hands on a winner
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Old 07-22-2017, 07:52 AM
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Organic Sounds Select Guitars Organic Sounds Select Guitars is offline
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That is spectacular! I love the maple and the bearclaw. Congrats!
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Old 07-22-2017, 12:05 PM
marty bradbury marty bradbury is offline
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Amazing guitar! Enjoy!
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Old 07-22-2017, 12:12 PM
Johan Madsen Johan Madsen is offline
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Maple <3 stunning guitar, maple is definitely an incredible tonewood when the guitar is properly built , full but clear sounding , that's the kind of sound I like , congratulations it seems to be a wonderful guitar !
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Old 07-22-2017, 09:38 PM
pgilmor pgilmor is offline
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Thanks everyone. Definitely happy with it. And Johan, keep posting in the play section. Love to see you do your thing.
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