#1
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00 All Around Player
After extensive buying/returning/selling I realize my most comfortable guitar size is a 00. I didn't realize how nice a 00 could sound as a strummer until I picked up a Recording King RP2 626 Schoenberg - wow it is fantastic!
Unfortunately the one I bought from Amazon had the bridge lifting away and the fret edges were super sharp. My guitar tech told me no way should a New $7-$800 be in this condition. So I returned it and bought the cutaway version from GC, bridge was fine - but the frets were still a problem. I didn't accept delivery. Bummed because the sound and playability was everything I was looking for. I'm not so sure I'll try a 3rd time with the RK - so I'm looking at a few other models, would love to get any feedback the AGF forum has to offer. Larrivee 00-40 Martin 00-17s Blueridge BR - 341 Eastman E10-OO I am trying to re-create the specs of the Schoenberg: Spruce over Mahogany - All solid wood 1 3/4 Nut width 12 fret Full Scale (only the Larrivee has this of the 4) Any info on these or suggestions on guitars of similar specs for an all around 00 would be welcome. Looking to keep it under $1500. Thank you! Jon |
#2
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I agree that the 00 is the most versatile size. My main axe now is a Huss and Dalton 12 fret and I also have a Martin 0018V custom, but it is a 14 fret. You might check the websites of My Favorite Guitars or LA Guitar Sales as they often have customs in addtion to the standard Martin line. LA also has Eastman guitars. I have dealt with both with seamless transactions. My H&D was used from Chicago Music Exchange and they had several 00-12 models used when I got mine. I have not been on any of these websites recently, but you might have a look see.
Jon |
#3
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Look at my signature, 00s are all I own now. They are perfect (for me).
From your list I highly recommend the Eastman E10 00. It has a 1 13/16th nut though, so if that's a deal breaker keep looking. Don't pay attention to any ad you see that says otherwise, like 1 3/4, they're not and some sites have that info wrong. My second from that list would be the Martin 00-17, which might be my first choice if I found a really nice one. |
#4
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Never had the pleasure of playing a Larrivee OO. (what they call their 00 size)
I have an O and an OM though, and would have absolutely no concerns about buying a Larrivee of any size.
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Larrivee OM-03RE; O-01 Martin D-35; Guild F-212; Tacoma Roadking Breedlove American Series C20/SR Rainsong SFTA-FLE; WS3000; CH-PA Taylor GA3-12, Guild F-212 https://markhorning.bandcamp.com/music |
#5
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My Halcyon NL-00 kicks many different kinds of butt.
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#6
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Hallo, i've a Blueridge BR 341: it's an incredibly loud 00 guitar, primarly a fingerpicker but a good all around guitar. On the other hand, it has a short scale and a very wide nut and string spacing at saddle (which I like). You can take a look at Justin Townes Earles videos on YouTube to get a good idea of how it sounds.
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#7
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I have a Larrivee OM and fully agree with AZ!
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Larrivee:OM-50E, P-01 ISS Simon and Patrick Woodland Pro Folk |
#8
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Sharp fret ends are a relatively inexpensive repair job. If you like the guitar, and it's in good condition otherwise, get an estimate from your technician. Use the estimate to negotiate a lower price for the guitar. The caveat here is the condition of the guitar. You'd have to look it over pretty close for cracks and other dry guitar damage.
The three that I've been considering are the Martin 00-17s, the Larrivee 00-40, and the Ibanez AVN-10. Unfortunately, I haven't had a chance to play any of them. I've tried three others in Larrivee's legacy series. Both of the OM's were great. I bought an 0-40 and returned it because it was basically the same as their parlor - dull and boxy. I've owned two Larrivee 12 frets, 00-3R & 00-3M. Both sounded nice. The 00-40MH is hard to find. Musician's Friend has them from time to time for $1386. You could probably get it for around $1200. I bought an Ibanez 12 fret dreadnaught. I can't remember it's designation but it was in the Artwood series. It had fret ends like razor blades, but sounded great. (I cleaned those up myself) I've been waiting for a sale to pick up an AVN10 in the hope that it will share a little of the same character. It's way under your budget at $599. I've tried the Martin 000-17 but found it ho-hum. 12 frets are a whole new ball game, so the 00-17s is still in the pack I'm considering. The Blueridge 341,361, and 371 are great guitars. As noted in an earlier post, they have pretty hefty necks. The nut is 1 7/8. Works for me as I have large hands. I've owned the 341 and still have the 371. I have a Martin 00-18v. It is the queen of the 00's. Rich and well balanced with just a little tilt toward bass. 14 frets and probably over your $1500 limit, but definitely worth the extra money. Happy hunting. It's hard to find moderately priced 12 Fret guitars. |
#9
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I have a Larrivee 00-09 Wildwood, a custom rosewood from a few years ago. It is a fantastic guitar in all respects. I believe Larrivee is now offering the 00-09 and 00-05 in the standard series. They also offer the 00-40 in mahogany and rosewood, giving a wide range of 12-fret, 1 3/4", full scale guitars.
I also have a Waterloo WL-12Mh, a 12-fret, 1 3/4", short scale guitar that is an excellent blues guitar. Waterloo offers several 00's in 12 and 14 frets and body configurations that are well worth checking out. |
#10
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Thanks for the feedback everyone. I'm leaning toward the Larrivee, since the specs are closest to the RK that I loved.
I've never heard of Halcyon, but that looked interesting - I'll definitely look at that...though I'm having trouble finding one for sale. The wider nut of the Eastman and Blueridge are not deal breakers - as long as the profile isn't too thick. I have smallish hands, but have found all 1 3/4 are not created equal. Again, I appreciate everyones time for the info. |
#11
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Quote:
Thanks for your insight - I will look at the Ibanez. |
#12
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If you get a chance try out a Martin CEO-7.
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Custom Huss and Dalton 00-SP Custom Huss and Dalton CM CS Martin 000 12 fret Martin CEO-7 Custom Huss and Dalton DS 12 fret Cole-Clark FL3AC American standard strat |
#13
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After 55 years of playing dreds, just got a Martin 00 DB. Sweet, comfortable and killer neck....
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#14
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Quote:
Re: Bridge Lift - That's a very popular affliction with RKs. It might have something to do with the full 25.5 scale and stock medium (not lights) strings bringing a lot of tension to the body, along with a so-so surface prep and glue job of the bridge. I bought mine used, with the bridge re-glued by the PO, and use "lights" on it, with no problems so far. |
#15
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I'd be keeping an eye out for a used Waterloo that matches your specs. I looooove my WL-14L, perfect kicking back and take anywhere for any situation guitar.
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