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#1
01-02-2014, 07:55 AM
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Novice questions about getting a guitar
Hi folks -- I'm planning on commissioning a guitar but had a few questions I'm still not clear about even after reading most of the 56 pages of really smart, thoughtful posts here by players and luthiers.
First of all, everyone says the best way to choose a luthier is to play their guitars, but what's the best way to get your hands on some of them? I live in DC while the best boutique stores seem to be in California. Any advice? Second, are there any luthiers that you guys suggest I consider? The guitar I want to get would be a rosewood dreadnaught or grand auditorium. I play mostly with a pick (heresy!) and do mostly strumming and open tunings, and my favorite guitar right now is a custom Santa Cruz D with Adirondack/EIR. But many of the popular builders in this forum seem to focus on small guitars. Any recommendations? Finally -- yes, last question -- is there anywhere that there's a list of the current wait times for luthiers? From reading the posts here it's pretty clear that I'll be on Medicare before my turn would come up for some of them. I'd ideally like to find someone who can turn around the guitar in no more than a year or 18 months. Thanks! __________________ 1998 Custom Santa Cruz D (Adi/EIR) 1960 Guild F512 NT 12-string (Sitka/RW) 1984 Martin dreadnaught 
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#2
01-02-2014, 09:19 AM
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Quote:
While some luthiers can deliver a range of instruments, and alter the build to meet the player's requirements, each builder seems to have a 'signature' tone. You may want to consider builders who typically build something close to what you are looking for.
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Chuck 2012 Carruth 12-fret 000 in Pernambuco and Adi 2010 Poling Sierra in Cuban Mahogany and Lutz 2015 Posch 13-fret 00 in Indian Rosewood and Adi
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#3
01-02-2014, 10:48 AM
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I am sure most of the AGF sponsors could build you a fine guitar so that might be a starting point? If you want to sample some goods closer to home check out David Berkowitz who is in DC.
http://www.berkowitzguitars.com/
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#4
01-02-2014, 10:54 AM
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Quote:
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#5
01-02-2014, 10:58 AM
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Dream Guitars is in North Carolina. Not overly close (460 miles), but not going to the West Coast:
http://www.dreamguitars.com Tim's recommendation of David Berkowitz is a good one. There are *lots* of really nice people that build, and David certainly is a good guy amongst good-guys...
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Larry Pattis on Spotify and Pandora LarryPattis.com American Guitar Masters 100 Greatest Acoustic Guitarists Steel-string guitars by Rebecca Urlacher and Simon Fay Classical guitars by Anders Sterner
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#6
01-02-2014, 10:58 AM
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As Chuck has commented, there are a lot of questions to be answered in the process.....having done the leg work personally for almost 10 years of heavy buying and selling to get to the point where I knew what I wanted to hear and feel when I play, I can tell you it's not easy. And, any builder is going to be able to help to a certain point, but until you can lay the groundwork, it's going to be a crapshoot.
Given the current economy, there are plenty of well known builders out there who can turn around a quality guitar in less than 18 months, some well under that. What I'd recommend is for you to look at the places you travel, if you do, and take a look at spending some quality time in some of the stores up and down the East Coast. Music Emporium, Dream Guitars, Mandolin Brothers, Rudy's etc. Only having great quality instruments in your hand will give you the information you need to decide. You may find a new "voice" pops out at you that is completely different than the Santa Cruz, but equally as satisfying in another way. You may also find something that scratches your itch that will completely replace the need for waiting..... 
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"One small heart, and a great big soul that's driving" Last edited by fitness1; 01-02-2014 at 06:06 PM.
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#7
01-02-2014, 11:01 AM
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JayR, if you want to play some handmade luthier guitars, I live near DC and could let you play a few. There are good luthiers all over the country, not just limited to the West Coast. John Osthoff is on the East Coast up north and build wonderful guitars. Laurent Brondel is on the East coast as well but even farther north!
Whats your budget?
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Eric Omega Braz MJ, 2011 Omega MJ Braz Baritone Ryan Cathedral ABW/Bosnian Build thread: 2011 Kostal Mod D Brazilian/German Build thread: 2019 Kostal MDW Brazilian/German Build thread:2019 Bigfoot Mod D
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#8
01-02-2014, 11:04 AM
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Quote:
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#9
01-02-2014, 06:00 PM
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JayR, do you have an approximate budget? Depending on that, we might be able to make some specific recommendations.
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--------------------------------------- 2013 Joel Stehr Dreadnought - Carpathian/Malaysian BW 2014 RainSong H-OM1000N2 2017 Rainsong BI-WS1000N2 2013 Chris Ensor Concert - Port Orford Cedar/Wenge 1980ish Takamine EF363 complete with irreplaceable memories A bunch of electrics (too many!!)
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#10
01-02-2014, 06:24 PM
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I just received my first custom build from Joel Stehr after a little more than a two year wait. When I gave him my deposit I had only been playing for about a year so honestly was no where near being able to tell him specifically what I wanted from a guitar as I had not experienced very much. I would suggest you take a look at the various builders that sponsor this forum and investigate their offerings. Most post an approximate wait time and have pricing listed.
I would also suggest you talk to some whose work appeals to you and get their suggestions for what type of woods to think about and body size. They may have other suggestions for you that will achieve a sound more specific to what you want. The bottom line is talk to some of them and one will eventually rise to the top of your interest. Good luck and let us know what you decide.
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David 2008 Taylor 714ce Fall Ltd. Koa/Cedar
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#11
01-02-2014, 07:10 PM
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The Custom Shop section of this forum is well stocked with both luthiers and their fans. It's a tough place to get unbiased views, and especially since it matters a whole lot more who YOU ARE than any of us can know. Aside from the availability of guitar to try locally, it is not a bad idea to deal with some one who actually is near enough to spend some time in their shop working up the parameters of the build. Failing that, the telephone turns out to have quite a bit of utility when it come to the personal bonding that makes all the difference when working out the details of a guitar that is not just a custom, but YOUR custom.
If you do business with a high end builder, it is not such a reach financially to travel to their location for a day or two, and can make a huge difference in the success of the project. Not every builder will welcome such a sojourn, but others among us thrive on it.
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#12
01-02-2014, 08:32 PM
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Bruce makes a lot of sense. If you are looking to invest custom dollars on a guitar, a wise "discovery investment" might be a great way to go in creating a bond with a builder to ensure, or at least enhance the chance of success.
That being said, like David (dk63), I have a Stehr, and mine is a dread. It is a great instrument, and my experience with Joel was terrific. I also purchased a guitar through Chris Ensor, but don't recall if he builds dreads. One other name I will gladly put out there is Bill Wise. I heard clips of a few of his dreads, and they were beautiful. You have a lot of options! Enjoy the search!!
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--------------------------------------- 2013 Joel Stehr Dreadnought - Carpathian/Malaysian BW 2014 RainSong H-OM1000N2 2017 Rainsong BI-WS1000N2 2013 Chris Ensor Concert - Port Orford Cedar/Wenge 1980ish Takamine EF363 complete with irreplaceable memories A bunch of electrics (too many!!)
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#14
01-02-2014, 09:37 PM
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Here is a list of Flat Top Luthiers by Region
This will keep you busy for a little while.
It's by no means complete but its a good start. You can look to see who makes what. In the end, many of these builders can build you the instrument of your dreams. Some may mesh with you better from a communication stand point or a design perspective. As Bruce said, everyone has their favorites. Being able to communicate your playing style, sonic goals and being able to discuss sound may facilitate your conversation. The better luthiers are as skilled at this as they are with any tool in their shop. Have fun! USA East (23) David Berkowitz Berkowitz Guitars http://www.berkowitzguitars.com/ Washington DC Julius Borges Julius Borges Guitars http://www.borgesguitars.com/julius.html Massachusetts Woodrow/Sandy Brackett Brackett Instruments http://brackettinstruments.com/ North Carolina Laurent Brondel Laurent Brondel Luthier http://www.laurentbrondel.com/Site/Home.html Maine Alan Carruth Alan Carruth Luthier http://www.alcarruthluthier.com/ New Hampshire William Cumpiano William R. Cumpiano Guitarmakers http://www.cumpiano.com/ Massachusetts Brad Daniels Kolaya Guitars http://www.kolayaco.com/kolaya/index.html South Carolina Lynn Dudenbostel Dudenbostel Stringed Instruments http://www.lynndudenbostel.com/ Tennessee Kent Everett Everett Guitars http://www.everettguitars.com/ Georgia Simon Fay Simon Fay Guitars http://www.fayguitars.com/ Florida Mark Hatcher Hatcher Guitars http://www.hatcherguitars.com/ New Hampshire Brian Howard Brian Howard Guitars http://www.brianhowardguitars.com/ Pennsylvania Burton LeGeyt LeGeyt Guitars http://legeytguitars.com/ Massachusetts Jay Litchy Litchy Guitars http://lichtyguitars.com/ North Carolina Bernie Lehmann Lehmann Stringed Instruments http://www.lehmannstrings.com/ David MacCubin MacCubin Guitars http://maccubbinguitars.com/default.asp?iId=GFEGHI Maryland Randy Muth RS Muth Guitars http://www.rsmuthguitars.com/ New York John Osthoff John Osthoff Guitars http://www.osthoffguitars.com/ Massachusetts Todd Rose Todd Rose Guitars http://toddroseguitars.com/Home.html New York Gerald Sheppard Gerald Sheppard Guitars http://www.sheppardguitars.com/ Tennessee Stephen Sheriff Edwinson Guitars http://www.edwinsonguitar.com/Edwins...e/Welcome.html Alabama Bill Tippin Tippin Guitars http://www.tippinguitar.com/ Massachusetts Kim Walker Walker Guitars http://www.walkerguitars.com/ Connecticut USA Central (22) Bill Allison Allison Stringed Instruments http://www.allisonguitars.com/ Texas Brian Applegate Applegate Guitars http://www.applegateguitars.com/ Minnesota Michael Bashkin Bashkin Guitars http://www.bashkinguitars.com/ Colorado Johann Brentrup J. Brentrup Guitars http://www.brentrup.com/ Minnesota Tom Doerr Doerr Guitars http://doerrguitars.com/ Michigan Chris Ensor Ensor Guitars http://www.ensorguitars.com/home.html Missouri Bevan Frost Big Hollow Guitars http://www.bighollowguitars.com/ Wyoming Bryan Galloup Galloup Guitars http://www.galloupguitars.com/ Michigan Charles Hoffman Charles A. hoffman Guitars http://www.freebornguitars.com/main.html Minnesota Steve Kinnaird Kinnaird Guitars http://www.stephenkinnaird.com/ Texas Kevin Kopp Kevin Kopp Luthier http://www.kevinkopp.com/ Montana Nick Kukich Franklin Guitar Company http://www.franklinguitarcompany.com/ Missouri John Mayes Mayes Guitar http://www.mayesguitars.com/Welcome.html Oklahoma Tim McKnight McKnight Guitars http://www.mcknightguitars.com/ Ohio James Olson James A. Olson Guitars http://www.olsonguitars.com/ Minnesota Kevin Pederson Abyss Guitars http://www.abyssguitars.com/ Iowa Bruce/Matt Petros Petros Guitars http://www.petrosguitars.com/ Wisconsin Brock Poling Poling Guitars http://www.polingguitars.com/ Ohio Jonathan Razo Jonathan Razo Guitars http://www.razoguitar.com/ Texas John Walker John Walker Guitars http://www.johnwalkerguitars.com/JWG1/welcome.html Montana Bill Wise Charis Acoustic http://www.charisacoustic.com/index.html Michigan Paul Woolson Woolson Soundcraft http://www.woolsonsoundcraft.com/ Wisconson USA West (30) Arron Andrews Andrews Guitars http://www.brianhowardguitars.com/ Washington Mike Baranik Baranik Guitars http://www.baranikguitars.com/ California Mark Blanchard Blanchard Guitars http://www.blanchardguitars.com/ California Kent Chasson Chasson Guitars http://www.chassonguitars.com/ Washington Ed Claxton Ed Claxton Guitars http://www.claxtonguitars.com/ California Harry Fleishman Fleishman Instruments http://www.fleishmaninstruments.com/ California Charles Fox Ergo Guitars by Charles Fox http://www.charlesfoxguitars.com/ Oregon Ken Franklin Ken Franklin Fine Acoustic Guitars http://www.franklinguitars.com/Site/Welcome.html California Chas Freeborn Freeborn Guitars http://www.freebornguitars.com/main.html Oregon John Greven Greven Fine Guitars http://www.grevenguitars.com/ Oregon Steve Helgeson Moonstone Guitars http://www.moonstoneguitars.com/ California John Kinnard John S. Kinnaird Instruments http://www.johnkinnard.com/ California Howard Klepper Howard Klepper Unique Guitars http://www.klepperguitars.com/ California Jason Kostal Kostal Guitars http://www.kostalguitars.com/#/home/ Arizona Randall Kramer Randall Kramer Guitars http://www.randallkramerguitars.com/ California Ray Kraut Raymond Kraut Guitars http://www.krautguitars.com/ Oregon George Leach Phoenix Guitar Company http://www.phoenixguitarco.com/ Arizona Harvey Leach Leach Guitars http://www.leachguitars.com/ California Peter Marreiros Cornerstone Guitars http://www.cornerstoneguitar.com/home.html California Roy McAlister McAlister Guitars http://www.mcalisterguitars.com/McAl...tars/Home.html Washington Michihiro Matsuda Matsuda Guitars http://www.matsudaguitars.com/ California Matthew Mustapick Matthew Mustapick Guitars http://www.mustapickguitars.com/ California Michael Propsom Propsom Guitars http://www.propsomguitars.com/index2.php#/home/ Washington Kevin Ryan Kevin Ryan Guitars http://www.ryanguitars.com/ California Bruce Sexauer Sexauer Guitars http://www.sexauerluthier.com/ California Ervin Somogyi Ervin Somogyi Luthier http://www.esomogyi.com/ California Joel Stehr Stehr Guitars http://www.stehrguitars.com/index.html Washington Jeff Traugott Jeff Traugott Guitars http://www.traugottguitars.com/ California Kathy Wingert Kathy Wingert Guitars http://www.wingertguitars.com/ California Canada (12) Mario Beauregard Beauregard Guitars http://beauregardguitars.com/ Canada Marc Beneteau Beneteau Guitars http://www.beneteauguitars.com/ Canada Sergei de Jonge Sergei de Jonge Guitars http://www.dejongeguitars.com/home1.html Canada Michael Greenfield Greenfield Guitars http://www.greenfieldguitars.com/en/gg1.aspx?class=GG Canada Michael Kennedy Indian Hill Guitars http://indianhillguitars.com/ Canada Trevor Kronbauer Krobbauer Guitars http://www.kronbauerguitars.com/home.cfm Canada Dennis Kwasnycia Kwasnycia Guitars http://www.kwasnyciaguitars.com/home.html Canada William Laskin William Laskin Guitar Maker http://williamlaskin.com/ Canada Linda Manzer Manzer Guitars http://www.manzer.com/guitars/ Canada Michael Propsom Propsom Guitars http://www.propsomguitars.com/index2.php Canada Mario Proulx Proulx Custom Guitars & Mandolins http://www.proulxguitars.com/index.htm Canada Fred Tellier FE Tellier Guitars http://www.fetellierguitars.com/ Canada
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A bunch of nice archtops, flattops, a gypsy & nylon strings… Last edited by iim7V7IM7; 01-02-2014 at 10:10 PM.
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#15
01-02-2014, 10:00 PM
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I would absolutely play an example before commissioning. Tastes and luthiers vary significantly. I would take the trip to a place like Dream Guitars and play everything you can get your hands on. Then decide. It's really hard to know what you'll like by reading posts and talking to people on the phone.
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Circa OM-30/34 (Adi/Mad) | 000-12 (Ger/Maple) | OM-28 (Adi/Brz) | OM-18/21 (Adi/Hog) | OM-42 (Adi/Braz) Fairbanks SJ (Adi/Hog) | Schoenberg/Klepper 000-12c (Adi/Hog) | LeGeyt CLM (Swiss/Amzn) | LeGeyt CLM (Carp/Koa) Brondel A-2 (Carp/Mad)
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