What is your preferred 0000?

[Authentic]

And please explain why, in detail if possible!

Please presume similar specs - for example, if you prefer the J-40, presume the comparable JOM or OMG is deep bodied. If you prefer the blam of the M-38, presume that there is blam on the Bourgeois/SCGC.

[pgilmor]

Ok, not many results yet, but I'll give it a go. I've played the Martin and the SCGC. The Martin was OK. Narrow neck, decent sound. The SCGC blew my socks off. It just had so much more of everything... They say that the difference between a good 000 and a 0000 is that the quad 0 is the 000 on steroids, and the SCGC was just that. Deeper bass, rich trebles, etc. When I played it, I commented to the sales guy that it sounded just like I'd always thought a guitar should sound. Perfect!! (This was actually a mahogany back/sides special order).

Too bad about that neck, or I would have bought it. Way too thick for me.

Ended up ordering one from John Greven. He's pretty well known for his knack with vintage Martin sound. Really, really happy with this one, and it's maple of all things... Who woulda thunk it?

So, of the 3 I've played, I really like both the SCGC and the Greven. Just make sure you get the neck and everything that's right for you, especially at that price.

[SuperB23]

Froggy Bottom F12 or the SC OMG for me.

[crwheat@sbcglob]

I own an M36. I've not had the opportunity to play any of the others listed. So, just going with what I know.

[ghostnote]

I own a OOOO-28H - only one of that body size that I'm familiar with. For the record, I love it.

[Earl49]

I voted "Martin" because I used to own a J-40 and simply have not played the others. If I were searching for a 0000, it would be very worthwhile to track down the SCGC and Bourgeois versions to try. Both make stellar instruments that could easily best the Martin. It's a factory versus boutique builder thing.

[Organic Sounds Select Guitars]

On the day I bought my Santa Cruz OM Grand, I also played a Martin M-36. I liked the Martin a lot. But on that day I played dozens of wonderful guitars...and the one I brought home was the Santa Cruz. I love that thing - the neck is perfect for me. Deep bass, but the thick and sweet trebles really won me over. I have no experience with the Bourgeois.

[llew]

Several Martin dealers (Gruhn, Wildwood, Elderly, Maury's) have had custom 0000's built in the CS with exotic tone woods and wider string spacing that might be of interest?

[DenverSteve]

Probably no realistic "poll" available here. The JOM is a much rarer bird than a production Martin 0000. All are great guitars but only a handful of people have JOM's due to very low production.

[Athens]

Does "Other" include None? Not a fan of 0000's.

[HHP]

Martin has talked about offering a 0000/M with a 12 fret neck. If they ever get around to it, that would likely be my favorite.

[llew]

Originally Posted by HHP

Martin has talked about offering a 0000/M with a 12 fret neck. If they ever get around to it, that would likely be my favorite.

George Gruhn has has a couple of Custom Shop 0000 12 fret guitars. Really an interesting design with a slotted headstock in a little bigger body than Martin's 000 12 fret.

[Mad Rose]

Originally Posted by ghostnote

I own a OOOO-28H - only one of that body size that I'm familiar with. For the record, I love it.

Same here. One of the Elderly customs w/ the wider nut width. It's the right acoustic for me. Just restrung it w/ Martin Retros' & sounds great. Did play a JOM once & almost walked out of the store w/ it. Wonderful sounding guitar...

[AMW]

Just got to play the Bourgeois JOM-T (Thin body) last week, and it's the nicest sounding 0000 I've ever heard. Classic "OM on steroids" vibe, tons of presence without trying to be a dread. I was floored!

[Howard Klepper]

The best 0000 guitars I have heard have been converted Brazilian rosewood F models from the 30s and 40s. The 1942 F-2 I converted to a 0000-42 with Adirondack top is one of the best. And it is for sale.