Anyone else think huss and daltons lean more towards the Gibson tone?

[Bill Ashton]

Zomby...I think you are somewhat near to me...should the itch need scratching, let me know (PM me) and we can get together, I can bring the DS and T-DR...

Your wife sounds very very much like mine...or, maybe YOU do?...you are a lucky pair

[Bill Ashton]

Brucebubs, you're killing me...that is one beautiful guitar!

[Kerbie]

Originally Posted by parlorpower82

Maybe I need to get my ears checked lol. I do have a cold...

Lol... I think that could explain it!

I need to restring my H&D. Think this thread has made me do it. Thanks, guys.

Those Virginia boys can make some fine guitars!

[dreamincolor]

Huss & Dalton instruments are made just down the road a bit from me, and I've had the chance to play quite a few models over the years. My buddy had a T-OO14 and a TOM-M, and I've been able to spend some significant time on both of those. Wonderful guitars, but I believe they have their own sound—not one I'd necessarily equate to either Martin or Gibson. And of course different models sound very different from guitar to guitar, as do different wood combinations, etc.

My favorite was one just like the maple-bodied model Brucebubs posted above. I played that one at Fret Mill Music Store in Roanoke, VA years ago and it just sang.

[SpruceTop]

Originally Posted by dreamincolor

Huss & Dalton instruments are made just down the road a bit from me, and I've had the chance to play quite a few models over the years. My buddy had a T-OO14 and a TOM-M, and I've been able to spend some significant time on both of those. Wonderful guitars, but I believe they have their own sound—not one I'd necessarily equate to either Martin or Gibson. And of course different models sound very different from guitar to guitar, as do different wood combinations, etc.

My favorite was one just like the maple-bodied model Brucebubs posted above. I played that one at Fret Mill Music Store in Roanoke, VA years ago and it just sang.

Now, on my third H&D (all dreadnoughts), I, too, hear Huss & Dalton guitars as having their own kind of tone; very open, forward, and complex while having clear note articulation. If I was to recommend a stellar-toned H&D model that doesn't seem to get much mention on AGF, it would be the Huss & Dalton D-RH, which I had. This model is a full and resonant lap-piano with power! I also had the Huss & Dalton DS (Rosewood) Slope-Shouldered Dreadnought, which was a boomer!

[Steel and wood]

The only Huss and Dalton guitar I picked up was a dreadnought which looked and sounded like a Martin.

Nice enough guitar though!

[j3ffr0]

My DS Crossroads is my favorite guitar. It is certainly one of the best guitars I've ever played if not the best. Do I think it sounds like a Gibson or Martin? No. It is certainly a Gibson J-45 inspired model, but much more lively and sweeter than any of the J45s I've played.

[devellis]

I guess I can see where H&D is sort of a mix of Gibson and Martin tones. But I think the result is a unique tone of their own. These are amazing guitars. My Crossroads is one of those guitars that always floors me if I haven't played it in a while and pick it up. When a guitar you've had for more than 6 years still has that "wow" factor, you know it's a good one. And I've had my 00 even longer and have the same reaction.

We all have our own personal tastes and I suppose there might be people who just don't care for Huss & Dalton guitars. But there's no denying that they are top-quality instruments consistent with the best and longest-standing traditions of American guitar making. I've owned three, still own two, and have played a bunch of others. I'm in a post GAS stage of life now. I haven't acquired anything in about two years and that was a guitar I literally was able to get for free. But if there were any guitar brand that would tempt me, I think it's H&D.

[MHC]

I own a Huss & Dalton TOM-M with an Italian Spruce top and a Martin CS-00-21. I love them both but it's tough to compare tones as it's mahogany to rosewood, but I'll just agree with everyone else and say that H&D has its own thing going on.

I've always thought of Martins as having a growl to them, but H&D has a bite. My guitar is warm, resonant, sweet in the trebles, and clear for sure -- but I can definitely hear an edge to it that reveals the bluegrass influence of the makers.

As for Gibson, I don't really have enough experience to make any conclusions, except that when I think Gibson, I think thump, quick decay, and sweetness. Not much like my H&D (but it could be different with the Crossroad series).

The bottom line is that Huss & Dalton guitars are awesome.

I recently visited Rudy's guitars in SoHo and they currently have about five H&D guitars on the floor, and just as many Collings and Santa Cruzes. They also have a handful of Martins and Gibsons, so if anyone's interested in comparing for themselves -- make a trip to NYC.

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by parlorpower82

While they have a voice of their own, they usually get compared to the Martin camp. I actually think they lean more towards Gibson’s. Even my TOM-R has kind of a woody/jangly sound. But it also has a ton of clarity and lushness to its voice. Basically it’s almost the perfect cross between the Gibson and Martin tone in some ways, with a heavier lean towards Gibson.

The clarity of a Taylor
The woody jangle of a Gibson
The bass/overtones and lushness of a good Martin

Talk about a complex voice.

Pretty awesome guitars

Hi pp

I have a friend with a 15 year old Huss and Dalton D-28 copy that sounds more like a D-28 than most D-28s do. It sounds and plays like my old Martin D-28 did.

Perhaps they are good at building different models of instruments which reflect the character of the company they mimic.

[brencat]

I don't have a lot of experience with H&D, but I hear Martin low end coupled with Collings mids and highs.

[mercy]

In between Martin and Gibson. In my opinion its a better sound than either but different people like different things.

[Godfather]

Originally Posted by mercy

In between Martin and Gibson. In my opinion its a better sound than either but different people like different things.

I am fortunate to own a T-00 14 and have to agree here. This H&D is the most balanced guitar I have ever played. Deep bass with very defined mids and sparkling highs.....with a voice all its own.

[LJOHNS]

I played a few different H&D's last weekend in Nashville. I didn't here any Gibson tone from any of them. Like others have said - they have their own tone. I think a cross between Collings and Martin.

I fell in love with a custom 00 that I am selling some gear to buy. It had Bubinga back/sides with an Italian spruce top and koa binding. Stuning to look at and play. Again - nothing like a Gibson.

[dhockenbury]

I am fortunate to have two H&D’s. To me they have their own voice. Very balanced, clean and articulate, with impressive sustain and harmonics.

My 000-12 fret is the best sounding guitar I have yet played.

Yes, the folks in Staunton are doing things very well indeed.