Dreadnought vs OM

[blinddog]

Hi, I am in search of a new acoustic. I LOVE my Larrivee dreadnought but want something with a smaller body. I've tried Furch, Martin OMs and they are very comfortable (which is what I want), but they all seem a little too bright and thin sounding to me. So, if I love the tonal depth of a dreadnought but want something more comfortable for noodling on the couch and playing blues and general stuff, what should I consider? I found a 000 Larrivee that sounded really nice, but satin finish that I don't like. Essentially I'm asking about body shape. Sound closer to dreadnought, feel closer to small body OM or OOO. Grand Auditorium maybe? I haven't seen one of those.

[llew]

Maybe a deep body OM? Little closer to the sound of a dread without the dread size? And welcome to the forum!

[aeisen93]

I recently played a Martin M-36. Sounded amazing and very comfortable to play.

[mikealpine]

Have you tried a Grand Auditorium? The smaller waist may make it comfortable enough.

[smic28]

You might want to look at Santa Cruz OMs. They have a fuller sound than my Martin OMs. Not really the sound of a dread, but surprisingly full and balanced even on the low end.

[buddyhu]

Only a dread will sound like a dread. But if you put your dread aside for a few days and play a smaller guitar, it very likely will sound good to you.

I have an 00, an 000, an OM, a grand concert, a dread and a jumbo, with many different wood combos represented. They all sound great to me, and none strike me as “thin”. Some seem to sound there best in alternate tunings. The 00 is my favorite right now, and it never strikes me as thin, even if i am playing my jumbo right before it.

But if you do back to back comparisons, and especially if you begin with a preconception about what constitutes a “full tone”, you might find anything other than a dread to be wanting.

If you want a full sound from a smaller guitar, maybe look at some 12 fret models, maybe a 000.

A deep body OM lights up some folks, whereas others find them very unbalanced and sometimes a bit muddy.

The SCGC H-13’s might be worth a try.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by blinddog

Hi, I am in search of a new acoustic. I LOVE my Larrivee dreadnought but want something with a smaller body. I've tried Furch, Martin OMs and they are very comfortable (which is what I want), but they all seem a little too bright and thin sounding to me. So, if I love the tonal depth of a dreadnought but want something more comfortable for noodling on the couch and playing blues and general stuff, what should I consider? I found a 000 Larrivee that sounded really nice, but satin finish that I don't like. Essentially I'm asking about body shape. Sound closer to dreadnought, feel closer to small body OM or OOO. Grand Auditorium maybe? I haven't seen one of those.

I’ve been through a lot of OMs over the years looking for that dread sound in a non-dread package. Bottom line: it largely doesn’t exist.

But...I finally have one that may stay for the long haul, and it is a Merrill OM-18. Just a huge sounding guitar with deep dark bass and a beautiful, lyrical, vintage voice.

I’m not a fingerstyle player at all and 90% of the time I’m playing fiddle tunes. A dread is typically the first thing I grab but it’s nice to have that OM around when you don’t feel like hugging the elephant.

Good luck...it’s a tough hunt.

[pickinray]

Originally Posted by blinddog

Essentially I'm asking about body shape. Sound closer to dreadnought, feel closer to small body OM or OOO. Grand Auditorium maybe? I haven't seen one of those.

A Breedlove Concerto might be what you're looking for: https://breedlovemusic.com/instrumen...hapes/concerto

I have a Pursuit Concerto and I think it's a comfortable body shape with dreadnought-like sound.

[Graylocks]

a Santa Cruz OM Grand would fit the bill if it would fit your budget. a used one would be more affordable than new.

[zmf]

I went through this painful transition once. How to have the AUTHORITY of a dread in a smaller guitar. Here's a few things that might help, though YMMV.

1. An 000, not an OM. Maybe a 12 fret, short scale, with bridge lower on the body. Likely to be warmer, deeper. An OM is it's own critter, though a deeper body may help.
2. Rosewood (or similar) B/S for a deeper voice.
3. Expect to spend some money for a well-crafted 000 with an authoritative voice.
4. It still won't be a dread, but it will have the guts to be willing to get into an argument with a dread.

[s2y]

I like my Bob Thompson "oversized" OM. Very close to the DN sound with a lot of added comfort with the added benefit of being more finger style friendly. It could easily be my only acoustic.

[Rockysdad]

If you like your Larrivee dread, then try the L body, they’re great.

[mawmow]

Well, Taylor 322 (Mahogany / Blackwood) is an orchestra
that do not sound as clear as "usual" Taylors. Satin finish though.

Her all Mahogany grand sister, 524, would probably "attract you
like no other lover" (Sorry, the Beatles' song intruded...).

Martins OOO-15 ( there is a bunch out there) or OODB Jeff Tweedy (rare !)
or some GPC could also do it.

Did you try Larrivée "L" model ?
Sure 03 line is satin finish and 05 line seem rare on the used market.

[J Patrick]

A Santa Cruz OM/PW might fit the bill...not as big sounding as a Dreadnought...duh....but plenty warm and full sounding....check one out if you're so inclined....

[Dru Edwards]

Originally Posted by Rockysdad

If you like your Larrivee dread, then try the L body, they’re great.

+1. The L body is a great recommendation. Same with GA.