12 Fret Sloped Dread Options

btalley · #1 02-08-2024, 07:25 AM

hey friends! I'm VERY much wanting to get a 12 fret, sloped dread. i'd also love it to be matte sunburst with an open headstock.

up to this point, the larrivee sd60 & the keb mo 3.0 are the two that, while not exact, feel closest. I got to play a keb mo, but still haven't had the chance to play an SD60. really curious about the neck profile on those & the 1 7/8 nut on the early SD60's i've seen.

anyone have experience with either? i do a lot of strumming & a little bit of finger picking. style is more acoustic indie, indie/folkish kind of a vibe. singer songwriter stuff.

i know there's an alvarez out there, but just not a fan of it for some reason. i also know there are some higher end boutique models like this, but my MAX is probably 2,500...which may not even be enough to get me either of the 2 options i listed earlier unless I wait around for awhile & get lucky.

would love to hear any thoughts!

Shortfinger · #2 02-08-2024, 07:30 AM

You can get a nice used Martin D-18S for $2500

davenumber2 · #3 02-08-2024, 07:38 AM

Check out Pono guitars.

gr81dorn · #4 02-08-2024, 07:52 AM

If you can find a Martin d-15s that would be a killer.

IRIS DS Smeck is probably the best bang for the Buck at any price point.

Ponos are incredible - the current iterations have 1 13/16 nuts if wider necks are your thing

Mr. Jelly · #5 02-08-2024, 07:58 AM

If you start looking at used D-18 12 fret guitar I should mention, there has been different bracings at different times. I'm not saying one is better than another, but you might want to know before buying what you are buying.

llew · #6 02-08-2024, 08:00 AM

A lot of people who are "put off" by Alvarez seem to dislike the bridge they use. I believe they are building a 12 fret dread in the Alvarez Yairi and the Alvarez Masterworks lines. I'm a fan of Yairi but have not played either one. Might be worth playing one to see if it's really worth considering. They are a lot of bang for the buck and Yairi models are comparable to most boutique builders IMHO. Best of luck to you!

Bluenose · #7 02-08-2024, 08:02 AM

I have an 2011 Eastman E10SS which is copy of an Gibson J45 that I'm more than happy with considering what I paid for it. I'm not familiar with their current lineup but I'm sure they offer something similar.

BlueBowman · #8 02-08-2024, 08:06 AM

A Pono will save you considerable money. I have a 12-fret Slope Dread that I really enjoy. Playability is about the best of any guitar I’ve held, and that’s with a 1 13/16 nut. Great guitar.

llew · #9 02-08-2024, 08:09 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenose

I have an 2011 Eastman E10SS which is copy of an Gibson J45 that I'm more than happy with considering what I paid for it. I'm not familiar with their current lineup but I'm sure they offer something similar.

I've not seen an Eastman 12 fret dread. It would be a nice addition to their line however in my opinion. Guess most people are interested in 14 fret dreads...slope or standard?

Steve DeRosa · #10 02-08-2024, 08:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

If you can find a Martin D-15S that would be a killer...

I own one, and it is - especially if you string it up with Retro Monels...

Bluenose · #11 02-08-2024, 09:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llew

I've not seen an Eastman 12 fret dread. It would be a nice addition to their line however in my opinion. Guess most people are interested in 14 fret dreads...slope or standard?

Right, somehow I think I equate 12 fret with short scale. I should finish my coffee in the morning before I start typing.

llew · #12 02-08-2024, 09:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Bluenose

Right, somehow I think I equate 12 fret with short scale. I should finish my coffee in the morning before I start typing.

No worries...some days I need an extra cup myself!

zombywoof · #13 02-08-2024, 10:25 AM

Can only tell you what I went with which was a used Fairbanks Roy Smeck. Snagged it for $3800. At least when compared to modern Gibson takes on that model, Bozeman gets some things right and some things wrong. Dale got everything right.

llew · #14 02-08-2024, 10:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by zombywoof

Can only tell you what I went with which was a used Fairbanks Roy Smeck. Snagged it for $3800. At least when compared to modern Gibson takes on that model, Bozeman gets some things right and some things wrong. Dale got everything right.

Im sure that's a stellar guitar!

Malcolm Kindnes · #15 02-08-2024, 11:22 AM

I have played the Larrivee SD60 and the SD50 and found them both to be tight and over built, I have owned a Collings DS1a and a DS 2h and not kept either of them very long. I now own a Martin Ditson 111 which I am happy with, but these are quite rare and outside your budget. I think the best suggestion is to look out for a well used Martin D18s.