Suggestions for something smaller than a J45 - UPDATE

[shekie]

I've reached a point where I am finding my beloved J45 a bit too big to play without stressing my right shoulder and back. Also, my guitar needs have changed in that I'm playing less in a big ensemble and more in a trio, where volume is becoming less important.

I'm also taking lessons and my teacher is basically trying to have me re-learn both right and left hand technique after what he suggests are 6+ years of learning some bad habits. He has suggested I would have an easier time of it with a smaller instrument.

So............I'm looking for suggestions for maybe an OM size, or Grand Auditorium, that would still provide a "full" sound without that 16" wide, 5" deep lower bout that the J45 and most dreads have.

I'm well aware I will have to spend time in the shops trying them out, I'm just looking for recommendations to try to winnow down what I should be looking at. I am lucky to have the Music Emporium a few miles away from where I live where I will likely go to try and buy.

Then there is budget.........with a child in college, I would like to keep the new purchase under $3000 and preferably under $2500 if possible. I'm also reluctant to consider the boutique brands (if there is anything remotely in my price range) as should I need to sell in the future, I have found Martins/Gibsons/Taylors easier to sell than some of the less well known brands. Your thoughts?

[Marshall]

In the Gibson world; an LG2, or an L00, or a Nick Lucas.

[whvick]

Eastman E10-OO 12 fret
Great sound and volume and fits with me in recliner. At 1200-1400 dollars you might could squeeze a little and keep both the J-45 and the Eastman. I love this guitar.

[J Patrick]

…a Martin or Martinesque 000…either 12 or 14 fret could fit the bill nicely….a 12 fretter will likely do a better job of getting you a bigger fuller sound….

[tomcstokes59]

Looking at TME on-line inventory maybe look at the Taylor 314ce or 514ce models or Taylor's 12 fret - 322 or 522. The Martin 15 series especially a 12 fret 000-15SM might be something to consider. And finally a 000-18 is just under your $2500 price point. The cool thing is to be able to compare them all in one place as it looks like TME might have them in stock.

PS - I would concur with the post below. The Farida OT-22W I picked up is a surprisingly nice guitar for under $500. Also might want to consider an Iris OG in 12 or 14 fret. Basically a LG2ish model but they are hard to find.

[generalliamsayn]

Originally Posted by Marshall

In the Gibson world; an LG2, or an L00

yup.

Easiest jump from a J-45. Very comfy to play.

If you want to do it on the cheap, consider a Farida OT-22, which is a surprisingly good LG-2 knockoff for less than $500. They're well-loved on this forum; do a search. I just picked up a used one and am very pleased.

[Rudy4]

When faced with physical problems resulting from a pulverized collarbone I went with a 14 fret Taylor 322, which is a smaller grand concert body. I like it very much, and purchased as a 1 year old pre-owned for slightly more than 1/2 of what the street price would have been.

I eventually decided to go even smaller, and now play a 00 sized all mahogany guitar.

[Goat Mick]

If you like your J-45, you'll love an LG2. Not quite as much low end rumble but it sounds a lot like a J-45.

[lowrider]

It seems like the LG-2 or a Martin 000-18 will be right up your alley

[jheath]

Echoing others here, but an LG2 or L00 would be the first ones I'd check out if you like the sound and feel of your J45. I will throw my vote in for an Iris OG as well but I know you're trying to stick to big brands and there's nothing wrong with that.

For something a little different but no less amazing, a Martin 000-18 standard would fit the budget and the bill. An incredible, versatile guitar that really will do it all. If I could only have one, it would probably be that.

[shekie]

Thank you for all the suggestions!

Despite having really enjoyed the J45, I admit to being drawn toward Martins, in particular the 000-18, 000-28 (probably too expensive) and the OM-21. My wife who is a professionally trained classical pianist keeps nudging me in the Martin direction.

I haven't taken a look at what Taylor is up to in the past few years but I'm thinking one of their Grand Auditorium models might also work for me.

I'm also torn between sticking with mahogany b/s or considering rosewood on a smaller/shallower guitar to enhance the bass.

[JackB1]

A grand auditorium model will be just as thick as a J45 so that's not a great option. I would suggest a Gibson J45 Walnut or Studio model. Same feel as a J45 but with a thinner body. I have a walnut model and love it. Gibson's new G45 also has a thinner body.

[Kyle215]

Originally Posted by shekie

Thank you for all the suggestions!

Despite having really enjoyed the J45, I admit to being drawn toward Martins, in particular the 000-18, 000-28 (probably too expensive) and the OM-21. My wife who is a professionally trained classical pianist keeps nudging me in the Martin direction.

I haven't taken a look at what Taylor is up to in the past few years but I'm thinking one of their Grand Auditorium models might also work for me.

I'm also torn between sticking with mahogany b/s or considering rosewood on a smaller/shallower guitar to enhance the bass.

Can’t go wrong with a 000-18. You might take a peak at a CEO-7, if you can. They say it’s based on an 00 body, but really it’s closer in size to a 000. I had both and I kept the CEO…. The 000-18 sounds a little sweeter, the CEO has a bit more oomph to it.

[Gee Man]

Both the 00-18 and the OM-21 are great options, and both within your price range on the used market. At that point, it comes down to 2 things, Hog vs EIR, and 24.75 vs. 25.5.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Just be sure you're ok with the longer scale if you're going OM21