Waterloo WL-K alternative

[rsmillbern]

So, I have a friend who really really likes my Waterloo WL-K. Unfortunately, if it beyond what he can afford right now.

He has been playing my Yamaha FG700 for a while on loan, but loves the Warterloo for the sound and the easier playing.

Any suggestions for a less expensive option to this guitar?

[TBman]

I had played an Epiphone AJ 45 at Sam Ash a few months ago and it had a bluesy tone, much like the Martin Whiskey Sunset I a/b'd it to. Both guitars sound similar to the sound of Waterloos I hear in videos.

[cu4life7]

I would consider a used 00-15, or the 00-17s if I were looking for alternatives. Obviously, they will be different but I think they both have the same vibe as the waterloos in general.

[gr81dorn]

The Loar has a model LO-14 which is really well made, super light and has a similar satin open pore finish.

http://www.theloar.com/products/smal...c-guitars/lo14

It's only a few hundred bucks but super playable, sounds great and is just really nice for the money. Has a lot of the same vintagey vibe, though obvously not made by Collings nor does it share some of the technical components. I'd definitely look into that.

ANother one to consider is the Art & Lutherie roadhouse parlor, which is a really nice satin, stripped down guitar with a really high quality for super cheap.

If you can go up a little bit in money, I'll second those 00-17 12 fret suggestion above because those are right there as far as quality and components go and you can get used ones or sale priced new ones for just north of $1000.

[Nctom]

Is your friend new to guitars or playing? If not, I would suggest something along the lines of older Gibson small body (probably too expensive but worth a look) or one of the Harmony small bodies. These guitars can be found, are usually cheap, but not for the inexperienced.

The Recording King line, as well as the Loar previously mentioned, are pretty good substitutes tonally, but need to be played before buying.

I looked for a while for a guitar that sounded like the old blues guitars of years past. Finally I bought a Waterloo WL-12Mh. They are new guitars with the sound of old guitars. There is no real alternate, cheap guitar.

[rsmillbern]

The Loar looks very interesting, I will have to check if they distribute in Europe.

He is and adv/beginner so I think he will be hard pressed to spend more than about 500-600€.

I had though about the Recording Kings, but not seen any here (in Germany)
The Epiphone AJ 45 might be an option as Epiphone distributes here.

Thanks!!

[downtime]

The new Sigma line of Gibson like body styles look interesting.
the L-00 copy is the LM-SG 00

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by cu4life7

I would consider a used 00-15, or the 00-17s...

I think the 00-17s would be a good choice. Short scale, 12 fret. I have even been looking at these. I'm guessing you could get one from one of our sponsors for around $1,200 (60% MSRP).

[ataylor]

I have found the Gretsch G9500 series guitars to look, feel, and sound nicer than one might expect at their price point. They come in several small 12-fret configurations.

I nearly took the little 0-sized parlor home with me a few months ago. They’re really fun to play and would be more similar to a Waterloo tone and aesthetic profile than most entry-level guitars might.

I don’t care for the Guitar Center variant that comes with a pickup — I’d get a standard version and add that myself if it were me.

[Looburst]

I doubt you will be able to find the feel of the Waterloo's neck and fingerboard. They play so easy, it's everything one wants in a guitar, IMO. All my Loos, 5 in all, have the V neck except for the WL-12 which has the more rounded neck. You might check with Elderly on their Old Town series of guitars. The OT22 which is same shape, weight and size of the Gibson LG2s. Lightly built and feels great in the hands. Current price would be around $423.00
https://www.elderly.com/farida-old-t...tic-guitar.htm

[boombox]

Originally Posted by DukeX

I think the 00-17s would be a good choice. Short scale, 12 fret. I have even been looking at these. I'm guessing you could get one from one of our sponsors for around $1,200 (60% MSRP).

Have tried one - best Martin I've ever played. Wish you could get them in the UK for that price though!!

[scriv58]

your friend would be best served to be patient, save his money, and buy the waterloo.

[merlin666]

I tried a couple of Waterloos at my luthier's store and I also liked them a lot. They certainly have their own mojo that I don't think can be substituted by specs alone - it's the whole package that counts. In particular the ladder braced model was quite different from your average store guitar.

[jpd]

Originally Posted by scriv58

your friend would be best served to be patient, save his money, and buy the waterloo.

+1...

[catfish]

If you are in Germany, check out the vintage Framus acoustic guitars made in Germany in the end of 1950-ies and 1960-ies. There is a small sized model, made in archtop and flattop versions, sound very decent in a bluesy way. It may need some work, and even refretting, though.

For example --
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Hue8H8H_BHU