Bigger sounding smaller body guitar?

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by cmd612

Is it the width or the depth or both that bothers you with a dread?
If it's the body depth, something with 000 depth but a wider bout might get you where you want to be - Martin's 0000/M size or Santa Cruz OM Grand, for example. I solved a similar dilemma for myself by getting a small jumbo--roughly based on a Gibson J-185--that was built with a shallower body depth than that body style usually has.
If you don't want a wider lower bout but don't mind depth, on the other hand, maybe you'd like a deep-bodied OM. Collings and Bourgeois both have some; I'm sure there are others.
If you don't want anything bigger than 000 in either width or depth, then a 12-fret might help.

All good considerations. Out of curiosity, I went on line and discovered that there is precious little dimensional difference between the Slope D and Larrive 000, despite how different they feel.
Slope D: Upper bout - 11 3/8"
Lower bout - 15 3/16"
Waist - 10.25"
Depth - 4 7/8"

Larrivee 000: Upper bout - 11.125
Lower bout 15.374"
Waist 9.375"
Depth 4.5"
The minor differences in the dimensions has left me scratching my head. The Bourgeois feels noticeably larger in the hand, but is just modestly so on paper. I think I have to spend a bit of time holding each of them with my eyes closed to get a sens of why the numbers do not translate to the feeling.
Appreciate all the responses.
David

[merlin666]

Originally Posted by Deliberate1

The minor differences in the dimensions has left me scratching my head. The Bourgeois feels noticeably larger in the hand, but is just modestly so on paper. I think I have to spend a bit of time holding each of them with my eyes closed to get a sens of why the numbers do not translate to the feeling.
Appreciate all the responses.
David

The size in measurements and the perceived size don't necessarily have to correspond as the body shape contributes a lot both to the actual volume as well as to perception. Unfortunately volume in liters is not usually provided by the specs. As others have mentioned for big sound you need big volume + long scale. So if you can get a longer scale where you can use thicker strings on a smaller body that might be a compromise. Position of the bridge can also have an impact, where 12-fretters with a bridge positioned close to the middle between soundhole and bottom will provide more oomph.

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by merlin666

The size in measurements and the perceived size don't necessarily have to correspond as the body shape contributes a lot both to the actual volume as well as to perception. Unfortunately volume in liters is not usually provided by the specs. As others have mentioned for big sound you need big volume + long scale. So if you can get a longer scale where you can use thicker strings on a smaller body that might be a compromise. Position of the bridge can also have an impact, where 12-fretters with a bridge positioned close to the middle between soundhole and bottom will provide more oomph.

Good observation. It did not occur to me that the geometry of the box has to be considered as well. BTW, both the Larrivee and Bourgeois are 12 fret, long scale.
Cheers.
David

[Boozehound]

I went through a similar search recently and ended up with a Santa Cruz OM/PW. It’s the most ‘dreadnought sounding’ OM I have ever played. It’s loud and has plenty of bass, and handles a pick quite well. I highly recommend checking one out if you can.

[maxtheaxe]

Since you already like Larrivees, you might want to try one of their L-series. They really aren't much smaller than a dread, but are far more comfy to hold & play, and sacrifice very little in terms of physical volume of the body.

They're pretty much JCL's signature body style, for very good reason.

[rumble]

Originally Posted by RP

Martin's 00015SM meets your criteria....

It sounds like the demo’d guitar is a 0015SM. But title says 00015SM
It sure sounds sweet.

[Nemoman]

My new Arum built by Ben Wilborn certainly punches much higher than its weight class and has amazing bass projection and presence.

You can check it out here played by Ben himself...



Good luck with your quest!

[gfirob]

I think it's hard to beat a rosewood OM for big sound smaller body. The long scale gives it more projection and authority, the rosewood give it complexity of sound. And they are very comfortable.

[itsLars]

+1 on the Goodall Parlor!

[Jaden]

Another vote for the rosewood OM, specifically Martin or similarly voiced (deep bass) - it may take time to cultivate its sweet spots, but I have learned not to go with any soundbox deeper than 4 1/8” at the endpin as the Martin 000 provides clarity, colour, and immediacy with no boom. I’ve found the OM so big in sound after becoming sensitized to it, that next time I’ll be going for a 00-28 or 21, 14 fret.

[Deliberate1]

OP here. Thank you one and all for the suggestions. Homework ahead.
David

[RP]

Originally Posted by rumble

It sounds like the demo’d guitar is a 0015SM. But title says 00015SM
It sure sounds sweet.

I'm fairly certain it's a 000 even though the player identifies it as a 00......

[wguitar]

When I want that big sound (from my player's perspective) I go to my '96 Larrivee OM-09 12-fret. My '89 Taylor 810 dread is loud and has more than ample bass, but since I've gone to a smaller body guitar it's less appealing to me (and I played it almost exclusively for many years). IMHO, OM, OOO, and Rosewood B&S should give you what you seem to be seeking. My Larrivee OM-40W does not feel as "big sound" to ME (as the player), but when I plug it in (facing the amp) (and played low volume) I notice a much bigger sound being projected than I perceive as the player. As has been mentioned in other posts, it matters if you're assessing "sound" from a player vs. audience perspective. Some GREAT guitar suggestions have been offered in this thread (and you already have a couple of great ones)! Cheers!

[Yrksman]

Originally Posted by Haasome

I have no idea what your budget is, but Froggy Bottom H12 (000) and Froggy Bottom C (00) satisfy your requirements.

Here’s my H12

https://youtu.be/tFVcpYXWMWM


https://youtu.be/hV-3me2PBOs


Also, the deep body version of the Collings OM2H would be a good choice.

[zoopeda]

1. 12-fret body
2. Long/standard scale
3. Possibly consider 1/4-1/2" deeper body

These things all make a bigger, louder, fuller, more awesome (subjective, I realize) sounding guitar. Especially can't emphasize those first two enough.