Your favourite pre-war style Boutique/luthier

Cim Frode · #1 10-29-2020, 06:12 AM

Hi guys,

I am venturing towards a triple-o guitar with mahogany back and sides and I am researching and comparing luthiers and companies.

I am curious about your favourite pre-war style boutique or luthier?

You do not need to drop the name "Martin", they are obviously already on the list

I am just looking for some of the cool alternatives.

From what I have gathered so far, a couple of my personal favourites:

Huss and Dalton T-0014

Thomas Fredholm

Preston Thompson

Pre-War guitar company

I'd love your input guys <3

MickZ · #2 10-29-2020, 06:27 AM

I would add Santa Cruz OM/PW - not short scale, but worth a look.

mcduffnw · #3 10-29-2020, 06:31 AM

Hi Cim

What is your $$$ budget...absolute top end and/or what is your comfort zone?

How long are you willing to wait on a wait list...or not at all?

Are you looking for "Built especially for you" or is a used guitar perfectly acceptable?

duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

Malcolm Kindnes · #4 10-29-2020, 06:52 AM

You could add Michael Hauver to the list, he specialises in old style guitars and he does it very well.

Cim Frode · #5 10-29-2020, 07:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mcduffnw

Hi Cim

What is your $$$ budget...absolute top end and/or what is your comfort zone?

How long are you willing to wait on a wait list...or not at all?

Are you looking for "Built especially for you" or is a used guitar perfectly acceptable?

duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

The budget is depending on how crazy I feel at that day :P Top end is fine, but it is important I want the traditional more simple sound. Not the complex Somogyi sound, which I love but it does not dit my style of playing so good.

MHC · #6 10-29-2020, 07:08 AM

I don't have a ton of experience with them -- but of the ones I have heard/played, I've been very impressed by Circa Guitars (John Slobod). And I believe he makes 000s. I'd get one if I had the cash and the appropriate skill.

I'm sure the AGFers who actually own them can chime in with more detail.

Malcolm Kindnes · #7 10-29-2020, 07:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cim Frode

The budget is depending on how crazy I feel at that day :P Top end is fine, but it is important I want the traditional more simple sound. Not the complex Somogyi sound, which I love but it does not dit my style of playing so good.

For a traditional more simple sound, I would be even more leaning towards Michael Hauver, I have one of his guitars and it has a wonderful old timey sound.
Stefan Grossman also has one, so you will be in good company.

hairpuller · #8 10-29-2020, 07:42 AM

I'm obviously gonna tout the guys at Pre*War Guitars. Fantastic old dry sound and I don't have to stress about getting that first scratch!

It has beat out all the top boutique builders and a Martin authentic.

Probably a good 2 year wait to get one though.

Such a fun search!

scott

Mbroady · #9 10-29-2020, 08:07 AM

I would put MJ Franks on your radar for pre-war Martin style guitars. His base prices, which includes an Adi top are good, and his wait time is reasonable

StillStephen · #10 10-29-2020, 08:27 AM

Highly recommend Preston Thompson. I own a DEIA that I bought to replace a Martin D28 Authentic 1941. The Thompson better met the tone expectations, build quality and has a great neck feel. A couple weeks ago I had the opportunity to visit the shop in Sisters, Oregon. Definitely a small builder and a dedicated, enthusiatic group.

zombywoof · #11 10-29-2020, 08:39 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Malcolm Kindnes

You could add Michael Hauver to the list, he specialises in old style guitars and he does it very well.

Hauver is the guy to go to if you want a Schmidt-style 6 string or especially a really well done Holzapfel 12 string. But those guitars also will have a somewhat limited appeal. And then you would have to throw Todd Cambio into the mix who has one heck of a rep for building these kinds of guitars.

Kyle215 · #12 10-29-2020, 08:41 AM

None of these are within reach for me, so I’ll get that out of the way up front, but I did just happen across a CD put out by Preston Thompson featuring a bunch of well known pickers playing his guitars. It’s called Handmade to be Played, and I’m sure it’s out there for streaming if you want to hear some people playing those guitars.

StillStephen · #13 10-29-2020, 08:45 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle215

None of these are within reach for me, so I’ll get that out of the way up front, but I did just happen across a CD put out by Preston Thompson featuring a bunch of well known pickers playing his guitars. It’s called Handmade to be Played, and I’m sure it’s out there for streaming if you want to hear some people playing those guitars.

Th CD is available on their website. When I was there, they were working on a new guitar for Billy Strings.

zombywoof · #14 10-29-2020, 08:47 AM

It depends on what sound and feel you are looking for. I am a big fan of Old School Gibson Tone. I ended up going with Dale Fairbanks. My take is that he nails the sound of 1930s and early-1940s Gibsons. Impeccable build quality and the best burst in the business. If, however, I was looking for a guitar which would get me close to the sound of say a slight taper X braced 1945 or 1946 Martin I would have gone with another builder.

zombywoof · #15 10-29-2020, 08:50 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Kyle215

None of these are within reach for me, so I’ll get that out of the way up front, but I did just happen across a CD put out by Preston Thompson featuring a bunch of well known pickers playing his guitars. It’s called Handmade to be Played, and I’m sure it’s out there for streaming if you want to hear some people playing those guitars.

You might take a look at Crooked Star and Iris guitars. Built by some of the best in the business but very reachable.