12 Fret Sloped Dread Options

[zombywoof]

Originally Posted by Slinky

Oh man, I’ve been dreaming of that very guitar (Fairbanks/Roy Smeck) for years.

That Super Smeck Dale came out with which sports a maple body and Nick Lucas-esque bling also looks to be mighty tasty. Odd but the first thing which caught my eye about the Smeck are the extremely delicate back braces you see through the soundhole. The same as those on my 1932 L1 and 1942 J50.

[bobster7]

Check out the H&D DS-12 and DS-12 crossroads.

[llew]

I got lucky and found one of the ten D-28 Herringbone 12 fret dreads that George Gruhn had built by Martin patterened after the original 1936 model came thru his shop. It's the only 12 fret guitar I own. But Gruhn does have some nice 12 fret Martin dreads that are built similarly to mine like this one.

[pcf]

if you decide to go vintage the D-18S and D-28S and D-35S are great instruments. I do own a 1967 D-28S that I will put in the classifieds soon and it is a boomer(as all the 12 fret rosewood models can be). good luck in your search!

[negriljerry]

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

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

D-15S:
https://reverb.com/item/77896862-mar...s-2002-natural

[Zissou Intern]

Epiphone used to make 12 fretter, the Masterbilt AJ-500RC SNS, cedar over EIR. The rare one that comes up for sale is usually priced in the $800-1000 range. They are really quite nice.

[boneuphtoner]

Originally Posted by btalley

the one i'm looking at is a 2008 that has that wide 1 7/8 inch neck. you're saying those are the better guitars than the newer models?

No, all I was saying is that for me, the generous Larrivee bridge spacing is the most important factor for me with my clumsy picking hand, and I didn't think the more commonly seen 1-3/4 inch nut width was a problem for me because the rest of my instruments either have that or the even narrower 1-11/16 nuts. I could have looked for an older instrument or custom ordered something with the wider most traditional 12-fret nut width, but for my needs, I didn't feel I needed to. This is a personal judgement call.

[brijas99]

Without a doubt,, if you can find a used Martin slope shoulder 12 fret anywhere close to your price, buy it, these are awesome, awesome instruments ! These are the gold standard. I purchased my Martin CS-D18-12 new in 2013 and it will stay with me forever.
Yep there are plenty of absolutely wonderful boutique slope shoulder 12 fretters out there, but that also comes with a big price too.
I know you said you were not a fan of the Yairi, but the Alvarez DYMR70SB Yairi Masterworks 12 fret slope shoulder is a beast with soul. This 12 fretter is a different animal/voice than most Yairi's. It's worth a good look if you come across a used one.
Enjoy your search !!

[northbendbob]

I have owned six or seven larrys and had two P09 FM TSB parlors one sounded great. One was dead
the 00040 slope dread has the satin finish. In sunburst You are looking for along with the Slot head. I also have had a few Pono ukuleles loved everyone of them, so I imagine their guitars are just as good, but have never personally played one, but they are good for the money that is for sure

[btalley]

Originally Posted by northbendbob

I have owned six or seven larrys and had two P09 FM TSB parlors one sounded great. One was dead
the 00040 slope dread has the satin finish. In sunburst You are looking for along with the Slot head. I also have had a few Pono ukuleles loved everyone of them, so I imagine their guitars are just as good, but have never personally played one, but they are good for the money that is for sure

thanks! i'm seeing a few people that have ordered custom from pono, but can't seem to find any info on where to do that. any ideas?

[Arapaho G]

Iris DF Smeck. I'm quite happy with my DF and I would certainly be happy with another Iris.

[67goat]

Faith makes a cedar topped 12 fret SS that has a nice sound (FRESB45). While not a dread, the Martin OOO-15SM is stellar,

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?

Only their O and OO sizes are 12 fret. However, the OOSS models are oddly 14 fret.

Originally Posted by curbucci

I vote for a 40 series Larrivee SD. I love my SD 40R.

I really like mine as well. I have a D-40 12 fret to go with it as well.

Originally Posted by bobster7

Check out the H&D DS-12 and DS-12 crossroads.

I love my H&D DS-12 Custom, but I think it would be pretty hard o find one for $2500.

[btalley]

great! thanks!

I did reach out to Noa at Pono who said they're not doing any custom guitars this year.

[tomcstokes59]

Quote:
Originally Posted by llew View Post
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?
Only their O and OO sizes are 12 fret. However, the OOSS models are oddly 14 fret



The Eastman 0 (Parlor) and 00 12 fret are modeled after Martin models whereas the 00 SS are modeled after Gibson L-00. Nut width, neck depth and scale length are different between the models in addition to the 12 vs 14 fret.

[guitargeorge]

Another vote for Iris. Prices on used Iris guitars are an insanely good deal. I own four and would buy more if I could.