Who is building "overbuilt" guitars now?

D41Fan · #1 02-16-2019, 08:24 PM

Just wondering who you would consider that is currently building what could be described as overbuilt guitars? I assume Guild might still be? How about Larrivee, Gibson? Lets leave Martin out for now. We can include smaller boutique as well.

Thanks,
Dan

macmanmatty · #2 02-16-2019, 09:16 PM

Deadwood guitars by Jason Booth are over built https://www.deadwoodguitarcompany.com/ strongest guitar necks I have seen. Hand made with a draw knife from solid pecan. More solid than a Louisville Slugger. They bolt on too so you have a handy weapon if you ever get into bar fight.

RRuskin · #3 02-16-2019, 10:06 PM

If you consider Bozo guitars to be in that category, Michael Propsom is carrying on that tradition.

D41Fan · #4 02-16-2019, 10:09 PM

Not familiar with them. Will have to check them out.
Thanks

Brucebubs · #5 02-16-2019, 10:16 PM

I haven't played a new one for some years now so things may have changed but Maton guitars here in Australia had a reputation for being 'overbuilt' acoustic guitars with outstanding pick-up systems.
I know they have worked at improving their straight 'unplugged' acoustic sound.

AZLiberty · #6 02-16-2019, 10:19 PM

I think the Chinese Guilds are overbuilt and over-braced, they are far less responsive than their US built counterparts.

Never thought Larrivee's were overbuilt. For some reason Matt likes medium strings which chokes them a bit compared to lights.

Downhillblur · #7 02-16-2019, 10:20 PM

If the new Oxnard made M40 is any indication you can take Guild off that list.

guitar george · #8 02-16-2019, 10:53 PM

If Guild guitars are considered overbuilt, then, I would say that I like guitars that are overbuilt. I do like heavy guitars for strumming.

JKA · #9 02-16-2019, 11:23 PM

I have a Tacoma build Guild D55. It's the heaviest, most overbuilt guitar I've ever owned. It's louder, and sustains longer than my friends Collings CW. The neck is huge. The action is the lowest I've ever come across. I have loads of saddle height. It never goes out of tune. Everyone who hears it comments on how beautiful it sounds. It get played more than my Froggy, Bourgeois and torrified J200 which are all much lighter and finely made.

I sold a Martin D45 to get the Guild and have never regretted it.

The point I'm trying to make is overbuilt doesn't necessarily mean not as good.

penname · #10 02-16-2019, 11:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Downhillblur

If the new Oxnard made M40 is any indication you can take Guild off that list.

My Oxnard Guild M-20 is far from overbuilt so I agree.

JJI · #11 02-17-2019, 01:02 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by RRuskin

If you consider Bozo guitars to be in that category, Michael Propsom is carrying on that tradition.

Propsom builds a great guitar. Some light as a feather, and some heavy as hell (FWIW one of his heavier builds I played recently and sounds incredible)

Dustinfurlow · #12 02-17-2019, 01:17 AM

Cole Clark, Maton, and Larrivee come to mind.

ManyMartinMan · #13 02-17-2019, 01:33 AM

I've never played an overbuilt Larrivee or Martin. Maton and PRS come to mind for guitars I've played over the past few years that fit that description for me.

RobKay · #14 02-17-2019, 03:01 AM

Takamine i guess, i think anything designed for use as an amplified stage guitar will be overbuilt?
Rob

virob · #15 02-17-2019, 08:50 AM

I would think all factory guitar designs are overbuilt. Since they have to build based on average wood properties, if they used those values to design an optimal build, too many of their guitars would end up under built and fall apart, so they would have to aim for slightly overbuilt. Of that doesn’t mean all of these guitars are overbuilt, some will be optional, could be those are the gems everyone hopes to find.