000/OM most like my D Mahogany 09 ?

[SantaCC]

So I've decided (painfully) that I am going to put my D Mahogany 09 up for sale. It has become to difficult for me to play on a regular/extended basis. As an experiment I bought an Ibanez AVC4 and find it comfortable too play, just a bit lacking in tone (not a fair comparison I know).

I know the laws of physics won't allow a smaller body to sound like a dread but what should I be looking for ? I'm going to have to drive ~ 2 hr to nearest big city to try anything more than the most common stuff. I tend to play tuned down a 1/2 step and capo'ed up 1 or two frets so I think I want the shorter scale. I would trade some of the booming bass for a more focused/balanced tone and a slightly brighter tone. I tend to play mostly fingerstyle with some moderate strumming here and there, mostly vocal accompaniment. I tend to favor a lot close voiced or extended chord voicing's which is likely why I prefer mahogany and the shorter scale. Occasional flatpicking fiddle tunes, but not primary focus.

Here's what I like about the guitar and wish to keep:

Mod V neck - Love it, also like the wider spacing.
I like the fundamental, rich woody tone I get with just a touch of shimmer. I believe that is due to Alpine spruce top.
Most rosewood martins I find too much in the way of overtones for my taste. Are there (RW) models that might be a bit dry, more in line with the D 09 ?

Based on that, here's what I think I should be looking at in the ~ $2000 - $3000 price range (used or new)

000-18GE
CEO 7
OM-18A (might be a bit out of price range but I believe would worth it), just not sure about the neck

Maybe a 0000 ? Maury's has a custom 0000-18V that seems very interesting to me and might fit the bill nicely.

Any thoughts and recommendations are appreciated

[MartinMan1990]

I have never played a D-09 but I would suggest an 000 deep body. You may also want to look at what Martin has to offer in the 0000 as I too was interested until I played one. It was a good sounding guitar however it was not for me. I have realized after countless visits to shops that you will not get the depth/fullness/bass of a dread without a dread which is unfortunate because a smaller body is so much more comfortable. I would also be looking at a 12 fret perhaps.

[ben]

I think you're on the right track; I'd also look at:

-Collings OM1 (lots of options, including short scale, neck profile, deep body, top wood); can be found ~$3000 or under, used
-Collings 0001 or 001 (12-fret)
-Martin OM-18GE (used)
-Martin 00-18V (probably used, unless you find one NOS) or the current 00-18
-Don't overlook 0-sized guitars; the new Martin 0-18 and/or Collings 01. My vintage 0-18 is surprising loud and incredibly comfortable.

Originally Posted by SantaCC

Based on that, here's what I think I should be looking at in the ~ $2000 - $3000 price range (used or new)

000-18GE
CEO 7
OM-18A (might be a bit out of price range but I believe would worth it), just not sure about the neck

Of those, and for that price, I'd be hard pressed to think of anything better than the 000-18GE. Just a wonderful model.

IF you can swing the extra money, the OM-18A is great, as is the 000-18A. I owned one of those for a few years and I think it would be tip top choice if you want a short scale modern Martin in short scale and mahogany.

[Goat Mick]

I know you're a Martin guy but reading your list of wants and needing a smaller guitar, I kept thinking Gibson LG-2 or L-00. I may be mistaken but isn't the CEO-7 patterned somewhat after the small Gibson acoustics?

[jimcaleca]

The first guitar I thought of to answer your question was a 000-18ge.

[Nctom]

I think the CEO-7 fits most all your criteria. Short scale, Adirondack top, wider spacing, and it comes in at a lower price point. What's not to love, other than it does look a lot a Gibson? I love mine.

[rmyAddison]

Arthritis drove me from dreads almost 10 years ago, they all turned into OM/000's, and I honestly wouldn't go back if I could, and I owned some great upper end Martin dreads.

You can't go wrong with an 000/OM-18 GE, and my first year OM-18A (pre VTS) has turned into a beast.

If you like Mod V necks a GE or most Authentics have beefy profiles, they punch above their "weight class", happy shopping.....