#1
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Singer/songwriter guitars
Hello,
As a singer/songwriter, I would like to know if any of you can recommend guitars that go well with singing voices in particular. From my experience, Martins with mahogany backs and sides go well with my voice, but I would like to know your thoughts. I'm a strummer and finger-picker, alto voice, of the folk/pop tradition. I cover John Lennon, Paul McCartney, Bob Dylan and am following their footsteps. Many thanks!
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2019 Martin D-28 Standard 2017 Gibson J-45 Standard 2020 Eastman E8 OM 2019 Emerald X20ele 2020 Martin D-15M 2002 Taylor 714 2021 Iris DF 2005 Breedlove Revival OM M https://www.youtube.com/@revelrove Last edited by highvibrational; 08-15-2018 at 09:31 AM. |
#2
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You'll get as many different answers as there are different singers/players!
Style of playing - strumming, fingerpicking, both? Voice type - baritone, soprano, etc? Music style - pop, folk, rock ('singer/songwriter' is too generic?
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Mike My music: https://mikebirchmusic.bandcamp.com 2020 Taylor 324ceBE 2017 Taylor 114ce-N 2012 Taylor 310ce 2011 Fender CD140SCE Ibanez 12 string a/e 73(?) Epiphone 6830E 6 string 72 Fender Telecaster Epiphone Dot Studio Epiphone LP Jr Chinese Strat clone Kala baritone ukulele Seagull 'Merlin' Washburn Mandolin Luna 'tatoo' a/e ukulele antique banjolin Squire J bass |
#3
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Thank you, I edited my question.
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2019 Martin D-28 Standard 2017 Gibson J-45 Standard 2020 Eastman E8 OM 2019 Emerald X20ele 2020 Martin D-15M 2002 Taylor 714 2021 Iris DF 2005 Breedlove Revival OM M https://www.youtube.com/@revelrove |
#4
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Buy the guitar that inspires YOU, not the guitar that inspires someone else.
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Jim 2023 Iris ND-200 maple/adi 2017 Circle Strings 00 bastogne walnut/sinker redwood 2015 Circle Strings Parlor shedua/western red cedar 2009 Bamburg JSB Signature Baritone macassar ebony/carpathian spruce 2004 Taylor XXX-RS indian rosewood/sitka spruce 1988 Martin D-16 mahogany/sitka spruce along with some electrics, zouks, dulcimers, and banjos. YouTube |
#5
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Try a Gibson J-45 or J-50 or a Martin D-18 or D-35
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#6
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For me, strumming an all mahogany guitar sounds best because it's more mellow. But finger picking with just flesh, a spruce top or reso sounds best.
But none sound "bad" so don't over think it.
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Original music here: Spotify Artist Page |
#7
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There is no magic recipe on that. If you want my advice take the time and try guitars while you are singing a tune. The instrument that you will end up with should compliment your voice. Sometimes, instruments are louder, played louder, or the wood combo and shape makes the voice to disappear or shine. So, choose wisely.
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SCGC Custom OM Mars spruce/cocobolo |
#8
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Quote:
jim1960 hit the nail on the head Buy the guitar that inspires YOU, not the guitar that inspires someone else. Your in NY correct ? there are so many great Guitar stores all you need to do is spend some time in as many as you can get to,,,,,, play as many different brands and makeups as you can and it will start to become apparent which ones actually inspire you sing . end of story.
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Enjoy the Journey.... Kev... KevWind at Soundcloud KevWind at YouYube https://www.youtube.com/playlist?lis...EZxkPKyieOTgRD System : Studio system Avid Carbon interface , PT Ultimate 2023.12 -Mid 2020 iMac 27" 3.8GHz 8-core i7 10th Gen ,, Ventura 13.2.1 Mobile MBP M1 Pro , PT Ultimate 2023.12 Sonoma 14.4 |
#9
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Think about your vocal range. Where would you sing in the choir? That may help you decide.
I find that guitars with complex overtones often compete with a singer's voice. Remember, THAT is the most important instrument if you are a singer-songwriter. I recently heard a friend performing with a new guitar(it shall remain un-named, but it is an expensive git from a top maker.) It sounded awful against his voice. Just too much going on. To some degree, I think, For a Singer, less is more. |
#10
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Singer/songwriter guitars
There are so many great artists that use guitars that run the gamut. What you might consider doing is picking a few of your favorite (assuming female alto) artists and search for the guitars they are playing. I think you’ll find in terms of Martin guitars that many play OM18, OM28, D18, D28, HD28, and D35. Also there are a few who play the 00 sized guitars. If you’re looking at a Martin, I would head to your closets dealer with the largest selection and play as many as possible. Do your price homework in advance. Many independent stores stores will sell at 60% of List price on the website. If you can get close to that on a guitar you love, you’ve done very well for yourself.
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"Lift your head and smile at trouble. You'll find happiness someday." |
#11
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J45 would be a classic choice (pickup-sound also is quite useable, I see/hear it a lot on big stages)
I prefer my 914e, as it leaves some "space" for my voice on the lower mids, and sparkles (playing "with flesh" only). You will have to try different guitars. Really.
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Taylor 914e Taylor T5 Pro Yamaha AC3R |
#12
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Obviously, it all ultimately depends on what works for your style, voice and ears...but the classic answer to your question is a Gibson J-45. Fantastic, versatile guitars that won’t overpower your voice...
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Walker Clark Fork (Adi/Honduran Rosewood) Edmonds OM-28RS - Sunburst (Adi/Old Growth Honduran) |
#13
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I like mahogany backed guitars for my voice. My preference is a J-45. I would suggest trying a J-45, J-18 and an Advanced Jumbo. If you like Martins then look at a D-18. I also like mahogany backed 000 size guitars from Martin. You're just going to have to try a bunch to find out what works best for your voice.
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'59 Gibson J-45 "Spot" '21 Gibson LG-2 - 50's Reissue '94 Taylor 710 '18 Martin 000-17E "Willie" ‘23 Taylor AD12e-SB '22 Taylor GTe Blacktop '15 Martin 000X1AE https://pandora.app.link/ysqc6ey22hb |
#14
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Gibson J-15/35/45
Martin D-15/18/28/35 Taylor 310/510/710 I’d sing/songwrite with any of those. |
#15
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Kinda struck me as funny that none of us have suggested a Gibson Songwriter. LOL
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'59 Gibson J-45 "Spot" '21 Gibson LG-2 - 50's Reissue '94 Taylor 710 '18 Martin 000-17E "Willie" ‘23 Taylor AD12e-SB '22 Taylor GTe Blacktop '15 Martin 000X1AE https://pandora.app.link/ysqc6ey22hb |