If you can't afford a Santa Cruz 00-1929...
 

...but you want something like it (all Hog, 00-12 finger-picker), what do you get?

Waterloo WL-12 MH
Alvarez Masterworks MPA66ESHB
Martin 00-17

Something else?

I'm thinking in the under $1750 and under range. And, I'm saving up for the Santa Cruz, too. :)

My vote...Waterloo

Breedlove Frontier or USA series concertina body shape.

I've got the Artist Series (Laminated back and sides) of this model. My top and the applied "shadowburst" are beautiful.

I was/am floored by the build quality, sound, and playing ease of this $459.00 guitar.
The Baggs electronics are pretty good too.

Fantastic value. (IMO)

I have the Masterworks MAP66shb and it is a sweet guitar. Very responsive with good note separation and not boxy sounding at all. It does have 2 and 1/8” string spacing at the saddle which is a little crowded for finger style but 1 and 3/4” at the nut. 24” scale.
Martin 0017 would also be a great choice.

Best,
Jayne

I ran into a good deal on mine. Which I will never sell. Used I got it off eBay for $2,350. If I remember correctly. Granted I don't see any at that price but if you save a little while longer and shoot low ball bids to some on Reverb and eBay you might pull one out of a needy seller.

Just save up for the SCGC.

(Potential) answer to the OP’s question :
Which ever one sounds best !

Waterloo!!!

You can definitely find used 1929's for the same price or cheaper than a Martin 00-17. I'd personally just save the money that would be going to a placeholder guitar and put it towards your 1929 fund. Then you don't have to deal with selling a guitar once you get the one you really want.

That said, the Waterloo's are really nice and are priced well.

Martin 00-17 Authentic 1931

:DI second this, but only if you can afford a Santa Cruz 00-1929.:D

Ha! No kidding. If I could afford that I wouldn't have made this post. Maybe I'll get the Martin and the SCGC!

Waterloo...

Jumbo King

https://uploads.tapatalk-cdn.com/201...fcc6a4b4bb.jpg

I recently purchased a Waterloo WL-12 Mahogany and I couldn't be happier with it. Beautiful sound and sustain that goes on forever. I have no regrets.