Is there a 'deal breaker' spec for a guitar?

[Dru Edwards]

Does anyone have a spec that is a deal breaker for a guitar? Something that if the guitar has spec-wise that you would never buy?

I don't because I never know what guitar might pull me in, sometimes even the least expected turns out to greatly surprise me. I'm talking about specs, not price, dings, issues, etc.

Your thoughts?

[dwasifar]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Does anyone have a spec that is a deal breaker for a guitar? Something that if the guitar has spec-wise that you would never buy?

Narrow nut.

[UncleJesse]

Nut width and neck shape aren’t as big of a deal to me as bridge string spacing. I have real trouble crosspicking on a width wider than 2 5/16”. I came really close to a custom OM18 and even a 000-28NB until I saw that they were spaced at 2 3/8” which feels cavernous to me.

[Jaden]

When I was seriously considering the Martin D-1 Authentic, I realized I had an open mind concerning specs - but the guitar must have special qualities - historical relevance, responsiveness and tone, as well as traditional appearance without unnecessary bling.

[EllenGtrGrl]

What definitely makes a guitar a no go for me, is a neck that's too thin, and/or too narrow. I play classical style, with my thumb behind the neck, and thin necks are uncomfortable for me. A wider nut (like 1.750") will compensate for a thin neck to an extent, but make a neck much thinner than a Martin modified low oval, combine it with a narrower neck, and I'm immediately saying next (guitar)!" As it is, I can only tolerate a Martin modified low oval neck profile, if it's in conjunction with a 1.750" wide nut (which my DSS-17 has). I never played any acoustics (other than 12-strings) with a neck that wide, until recently, and as a result, had never played a Martin that I liked.

[TBman]

Narrow nut and v profile. 1.75" minimum and low ovals are what I like.

[Mandobart]

It seems that if the nut is off 1/32" either way there are several people here who can't play it. Doesn't matter about the actual fingerboard width, string spacing, fretboard radius, neck profile, etc. That 1/32" to 1/16" is just the only spec that matters.

For me, specs don't matter. How does it sound? How does it play? I play everything from mandolin to mandola, 4 and 5 string fiddles, octave mandolin, guitar, mandocello, bass....I just can't be picky about the nut width. It would only leave me a couple instruments (that sound the same) to play.

[RP]

Originally Posted by dwasifar

Narrow nut.

Yeh, it's got to be 1.75" for me....

[BrunoBlack]

Narrow nut too. And a sound port. I know, I know — try it & you’ll like it. But they leave me cold.

[RussL30]

Nope, just as long as it feels and sounds great, with sound being superior.

[Skip Ellis]

Will not own an acoustic guitar with a rosewood fingerboard......period. Don't care how it sounds. Ebony or maple on electrics and I grudgingly accept Richlite on my Godin.

[1neeto]

V profile neck.

[YamahaGuy]

Like Skip, the fretboard is where I'm picky. For me, I don't like maple, though. And I would not but a guitar with a "richlite" fretboard. I'm ok with rosewood, but largely prefer ebony. Also, the bowl shaped back of Ovations are too awkward for me.

[jimcaleca]

String spacing at the bridge no less than 2 1/4"..

[Brucebubs]

Martin, Gibson and Guild all have a policy that prevents US dealers selling new guitars to customers living outside the USA.

I can only buy a new Martin, Gibson or Guild from an authorized dealer here in Australia .. at the 'deal breaker' price they set.

Won't do it.

Hate it.