#16
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There’s one in the classifieds
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#17
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#18
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Let's just clarify your direction, as some people think that Gibson style Jumbos are "dreads" - The Martin style original 12 fret dreads are IMHO the best design they made.
Fretboard/nut width were 1 & 7/8" as was used on their D18/28/35 - S models from the '60s to the '90s I had a Larrivee SD50 for some time which followed that deign but with a very thin neck profile to compensate. Good guitars until they changed them to 1 & 3/4" nuts. I play Collings 12fret dreads (and 000 and 00) with 1 & 13/16" nuts to 2 & 3/8" string spacing (dreads) The slotted headstocks are also ideal for performers who can adjust tuning without over extending wrists as with slab heads. I cannot speak of the Gibson that you mention. You might find this helpful. https://youtu.be/-KFuW6JrcOQ
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Silly Moustache, Just an old Limey acoustic guitarist, Dobrolist, mandolier and singer. I'm here to try to help and advise and I offer one to one lessons/meetings/mentoring via Zoom! |
#19
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Oh man, I’ve been dreaming of that very guitar (Fairbanks/Roy Smeck) for years.
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#20
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#21
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As you can see from my signature, I'm a huge fan of Larrivee 12-fret dreads. I've tried the Gruhn custom shop 28 style Martins, and although I didn't play them back-to-back with my Larrivee SD-40 R moonwood (that's the closest apples to apples comparison of my collection), I felt they were very similar with me preferring the warmth of the moonwood top to the adi top on the Gruhn guitars. All of these have the more modern 1-3/4 inch nut width with more generous 2-1/4 spacing at the bridge (the Gruhn custom shop specs mirror the narrower spacing of the D18/D28)- they are perfect for the fingerstyle I prefer. And although some purists would scoff at the flat headstock on a 12-fret instrument, I prefer it for ease of restringing and the look - much of what I do is more typically played on a classical guitar, and I made the decision to avoid the look of a classical guitar as much as possible. The Larrivee SD 40 series exactly suit my needs.
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Larrivee SD-40s: Moonwood/R, Moonwood/M, All-Hog, Standard/M Larrivee D-03 Alvarez AD30 - Yamaha F310 - Jasmine S35 - PRS SE P20E Parlor Martin Backpacker |
#22
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i also tend to play medium strings a full step low...so if 'tight' has anything to do with string tension (just a guess), it may not be as much of an issue for me. i have looked around at some of the d18s's, but i have a guild m20 & am looking for a different vibe than the all hog look. I've been looking into the pono's and some other brands that might be in my budget, but not finding any in the 12-fret burst style. i've sort of given up on finding one that fits all of the 'looks' criteria i'm looking for (sunburst, bound neck, open headstock, matte finish). i don't LOVE the idea of buying without playing something (obviously), but there sure aren't many (any?) of these around my area that i can get my hands on to do some real comparisons. i feel like my only option is wait until i find one at a good price that i like, buy it & hope i like it, but then turn around & sell it to move on to the next. |
#23
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#24
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I've owned the SD50 and 60 for a few years, along with DSs from Collings and Bourgeois, and have played several other brands.
The SD50 records better than the 60 and is relatively crisp and responsive for such a big, powerful instrument. The SD60 is a charming instrument to cozy up with and play for hours. The mellow highs and overall darker sound is never fatiguing. The mids and bass are complex and give it a lovely, deep voice. "Lap piano" is the perfect description. I spent more time with the 60, even though the 50 was the one I'd reach for when it came to performance or recording. All that said, it's just a difference in back woods. They aren't all that different and you won't go wrong with either. |
#25
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They both just felt like there should be more in there that wasn't coming out, if that makes any sense. They are good value if you find one you like, but nothing like the warm growl of the Ditson. |
#26
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I vote for a 40 series Larrivee SD. I love my SD 40R.
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Larrivee SD-40R |
#27
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I forgot to comment on the neck. Larrivee necks are fairly slim so, even though the 50 and 60 are wider than my Collings, they felt a little quicker. They feel almost like classical necks so if you know how to take advantage of wide string spacing, they are great. I honestly wish all my guitars were wider. It does change the way you strum a little as the distance between strings creates a more arpeggiated feel if you don't speed up your attack.
Compared to a Martin, Larrivess are more articulate. Martin is deep bass, dry mids, and twangy trebles and I just don't like the way they record. As far as age goes, Larrivees are great when they get a few years on them. They are nice to begin with but the extra definition in the bass and the response to a light touch (which comes when the woods relax into their new form) works well with the Larrivee vibe. I would have no hesitation on buying an older one. I eventually moved on to boutique and luthier builds but if I were shopping in that price range, I'd get another SD50 or 60 no doubt. I miss them both. Now is a good time to buy as the used market hasn't been this good since 2019. |
#28
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I have played the SD-60 and own a 000-60, both of which had a very similar neck profile.
The only difference was the nut width, the SD had 1 7/8 while the 000 had 1 13/16. The profile, at least on the older larger width nut models, is a very shallow D/C shape which helps with the larger nut width IMO. While I like a nice V neck, in my experience, once you get into the winder nut widths you gotta really wrestle with em...unless you have massive hands. It's also worth mentioning, I think the newer model 50-60 series now have scalloped bracing and narrower nuts, while the older ones with the wider nuts have non scalloped. I have not played the newer ones, but I suspect it's a drastic change in tone. (Not sure which year they switched). Hope this helps, and hope you find what you're looking for!~ Good luck! |
#29
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Gibson Keb’ Mo’ 12-Fret J-45 might fit the bill!
https://www.gibson.com/en-US/Acousti...ntage-Sunburst |
#30
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