Big-necked/Lightweight/Nitro Dreadnaught Recommendations?

[whatisguitar]

Hi all,

I've been happily in love with my small-bodied Kalamazoo KG-11 for years now, but I keep cycling through many different larger acoustics. I love having a bigger guitar that sounds a bit fuller for chords and tonal variety but I've never really connected with any single one, no matter the brand, body type, or price tag.

The key specs I'm looking for are a thicker neck and a lightweight, resonant construction. Would rather an older guitar as I'm a sucker for the checking of an old nitro finish too. Country of origin and brand name not really a concern, as long as the sound is good. Does anybody have any recommendations for less well-known instruments I should look out for on the (UK) used market?

Don't really have a specific budget, but maybe whatever is less expensive than the pre-60's Gibsons that seem to be the main contenders with those specs. If there's an unknown brand that goes for a fraction of that price then even better!

Thanks!

[Perchman]

I don’t think there are any around with finish checking, but a J35 has a very nice chunky neck and is light and resonant.

[Steve DeRosa]

Find someone who's willing to part with their Martin '37 D-18 Authentic - and wait 30 years for the checking...

[gr81dorn]

WAterloo jumbo king has the same monster v neck that your Kalamazoo has, they are super light builds. Sounds like something to look at and they are far and away the easiest and cheapest things in thr Waterloo line to track down.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Find someone who's willing to part with their Martin '37 D-18 Authentic - and wait 30 years for the checking...

You can make the checking happen as quickly as you want. Cold-soak the guitar to well below freezing and then immediately open the case in a warm room. The checking will happen even as you watch (been there, seen it, glad it wasn't MY Martin guitar). That is kinda the whole point behind waiting 24 hours for acclimation when opening a newly arrived guitar shipped during the winter.

[Nctom]

I would second the above, my Waterloo JK was bought used. It was light as a feather and had a great neck and very good action and tone. Beautiful matte sunburst finish that would complement your older guitar aa well. Unfortunately I had to sell mine and have missed it a lot. It should not be too hard to find used, even in Great Britain, or not terribly expensive new.

[semolinapilcher]

https://reverb.com/p/gibson-f-25-folksinger-1963-1971

Those 60s Gibson Folksinger guitars with the dual rectangular white pick guards would totally fit the bill for this.

There’s an equivalent Epiphone model as well.

[earri]

Big fan of my Eastman E10D

[Lyssenko]

I also suggest you the Waterloo JK. The neck is just amazing and the sound is nothing you can find in a Martin or Gibson. Mine is the rosewood version.

Good luck in your research!

[TacomaDR20]

Second the Eastman recommendation. They will be lightly built and strong tonally, and every one I've owned has had at least some checking in the nitro finish.

[semolinapilcher]

Originally Posted by semolinapilcher

Those 60s Gibson Folksinger guitars with the dual rectangular white pick guards would totally fit the bill for this.

There’s an equivalent Epiphone model as well.

Here’s an example of the Epiphone. Also a dread with a two-inch neck.

https://reverb.com/item/6689266-epip...roubadour-1964