Small body builders?

[dkg1616]

Who are some of the better known small body guitar builders? Outlined a few things below that are important to me.

Generally want to stay around 14” lower bout - really want a comfy “couch guitar” - think 0/00/L1 size
12 fretter / short scale
Primarily strummer / light picker with some finger picking (maybe 15-20%)
Definitely want to go rosewood tone woods as everything else I have is hog
Budget: 6-10k(big driver is Brazilian or not)

[nootis]

There’s many builders in that category that will build you a small guitar within your budget, however at the top of my list would be Kinnaird guitars in Texas (even the one in North Carolina), Edwinson Guitars, Urlacker Guitars or maybe even John Ostoff.

[Dogma]

Check out John Walker in Montana. Very experienced builder, great build quality and sound (other AGF folks would agree,) very nice person, should be w/in your budget.

[Roccorobb]

One of the best 12 frets I've ever played was a Brazilian backed 000 by Jon Nixon in northern VA. I just happened to see the exact guitar back on the market this morning for a song. Well below your budget.

https://reverb.com/item/60858606-nix...h-valley-of-va

No affiliation. Just loved this particular guitar and thought I would pass it along.

[Silly Moustache]

Small body builders ?

Well, I go to the gym regularly and I'm only 5' 7" ??

Ok, I'll see myself out.

[FingahPickah]

Where are you located?

Alex Edney in Hiram, ME builds outstanding instruments. He offers three body sizes/styles.

He built me a SS dread (Engelmann/Black Walnut) that is fantastic.

https://www.edneyguitars.com/guitars

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by dkg1616

Who are some of the better known small body guitar builders? Outlined a few things below that are important to me.

Generally want to stay around 14” lower bout - really want a comfy “couch guitar” - think 0/00/L1 size
12 fretter / short scale
Primarily strummer / light picker with some finger picking (maybe 15-20%)
Definitely want to go rosewood tone woods as everything else I have is hog
Budget: 6-10k(big driver is Brazilian or not)

Santa Cruz with long-running great reputation makes 14 fret 000 but not so often as stock models. The "OMS" is their 28 style trim and they make the pre-war style too. It's been my now 14 years GAS-killer and more versatile than one would think. The tone is balanced and deep for the size. It is extraordinary responsive so it can even go to my local bluegrass and old time music jams.

If you find their standard OM (28 style) and pre-war in stock somewhere think of it as the short scale with tone sort of in between. This guitar also proves you don't need exotic woods as much as good stock put together really well.

[sinistral]

Having been to multiple guitar shows over the last several years, I would venture to guess that the 00 size is one of the most prevalent sizes. Pretty much every builder who frequents this subforum—and many more who don’t—could build you a stellar 00 or 0. I would highly recommend going to a show or two—the Artisan Guitar Show is coming up in April, La Conner in May, and the Fretboard Summit in August. You will easily find several dozen guitars at each show that fit your description. Playing the guitars and meeting the people who build them is a great way to focus your search (or thoroughly confuse you, but it’s a good confusion ).

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Small body builders ?

Well, I go to the gym regularly and I'm only 5' 7" ??

Ok, I'll see myself out.

I missed that when I posted earlier—that’s very funny!

[fazool]

Originally Posted by Silly Moustache

Small body builders ?

Well, I go to the gym regularly and I'm only 5' 7" ??

Ok, I'll see myself out.

Andy - I read the title and opened the thread intending a similar reply


Apaprently I have the same humor gene as you

[Guitars44me]

Originally Posted by fazool

Andy - I read the title and opened the thread intending a similar reply


Apaprently I have the same humor gene as you

Hahaha. Good one Andy.

To the OP, May I suggest a Manzer wedge at least? John Kinnard and others, especially around here, have repeatedly proven that you CAN have comfort and size in the same guitar.

If you still want a small body you just get MORE comfort….

Have fun

Paul

[The Bard Rocks]

Every time I read that title I think of muscle men of small stature. Then I come to. I must be easily amused.

[TomB'sox]

Many do well in this area, but Steve Kinnaird makes a killer parlor, Oak works and looks great with these.

[j. Kinnaird]

While i do agree with Tom that my brother makes a great small bodied guitar, i must toot my own horn. Here is a single 0 in oak and cedar. It sounded very good.

[TomB'sox]

Originally Posted by j. Kinnaird

While i do agree with Tom that my brother makes a great small bodied guitar, i must toot my own horn. Here is a single 0 in oak and cedar. It had exceptional sound.

That is why I hate to reply to these types of threads, I do not want to single someone out, but I am most familiar with Steve's and based on the John Kinnairds I have, there is no doubt your parlor would be great. Must be genetic!

[j. Kinnaird]

Thanks Tom. Here is a pic of the back just to show how pretty oak can be.