What are your favorite slope shoulder dreads in the $2K range?

[kriso77]

Hi all,

I've been GASing for a J45 hard, but would love to hear what you all like in the $2K and under range in the slope shoulder dread family? I had an Eastman E10SS at one point and while I loved the quality, I found I prefer Sitka to Adirondack.

[fretfile100]

Perhaps a used Larrivee DS-60. I see them on occasion on Craigslist or Reverb.

[Rudy4]

My buddy plays a Larrivee SD-50 which is smooth, rich, and one of the loudest dreads I've ever heard or played.

[kingofdogs1950]

J-50(2002)


Sometimes its best to save up for what you really want.

Mark

[mikef]

I've never had a J-45 but I did own a J-35. I really liked it and wish I hadn't sold it. You should be able to find a nice used one for well under $2K.

[zmf]

Originally Posted by kriso77

I had an Eastman E10SS at one point and while I loved the quality, I found I prefer Sitka to Adirondack.

Darn. I was going to suggest you try one.

Otherwise, save up for a Wildwood Guitars shop custom J-45. Or my go-to, a Santa Cruz VS, which plays smoother than any J-45 I've played.

Lots of choices, but if you want something a cut above the very good Eastman, it's going to cost.

[gr81dorn]

You probably can’t find a better quality instrument for around $2k in the slope shoulder style than the Iris DF model. Dale Fairbanks J-45 in the Iris clothing. Amazing.

[ataylor]

Here are a few ideas.

First, if you’re set on a J-45 and have a budget of $2000, you might ask around here for a dealer or two that will give you the best deal. You should be able to get in the ballpark — close enough not to settle if you don’t want to.

Second, a lightly used J-45 in great condition should be well within your budget if you wanted to stay under $2k. I would imagine the market is such that most sellers would be open to realistic offers.

Third, you might consider the J-15. It has a look and a sound that is similar to the J-45 but different enough that it’s got its own thing going on.

[kkstpattisday]

Here you go. I own a j35 and love the guitar but if I was looking for a screaming deal of a slope dread right now I would look at the Gallagher guitar for sale on your craigslist. These guitars are sold at 4 grand plus and this person is dumping it for 1800 bucks. I have no affiliation with them I just noticed how close you are to Bushwick being in Morris county. You might want to consider that guitar or keep GASin for that j45 and score one on the used market for Maybe the right offer of 2k. Cheers KK

[ataylor]

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

You probably can’t find a better quality instrument for around $2k in the slope shoulder style than the Iris DF model. Dale Fairbanks J-45 in the Iris clothing. Amazing.

Totally spaced this one! This is another great option.

[gr81dorn]

Don’t sell the J-45 studio short. Way under budget and outstanding and the thinner body and walnut really give it a fun voice but still get Gibsony

[UncleJesse]

I didn't read the part about liking sitka So my eastman recommendation won't be what you're looking for.

[Planemaker]

Buy used, always the budget saver. I found my buddy a deal on one for 1500 Canadian a couple years ago. Just keep an eye on your local ads

[Mjme123@aol. Om]

Assuming you want to buy new, you can’t do better in a slope shoulder dread for under $2,000 than a Gibson j15. But for under that price, you can also get a nice used mahogany J 45.

[loco gringo]

I know nothing about the guitar. I do know that Carter is not known for selling substandard guitars or guitars that need work. They have a 48 hour return policy.

https://cartervintage.com/collection...deluxe-1970s-1



Edit: You asked for slope shoulder and that is a square shoulder J50. Still a great deal, though.