Going to the Dark Side: I Now Love Round-Shouldered Dreads Best!

Originally Posted by lowrider

I’ve called the DSS-17 a lot of things, this morning I finally found the perfect name; It’s the Telecaster of acoustic guitars!!!!!

So ... it's trebly and twangy?

[lowrider]

Well, it's sure got some twang to it!

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by llew

Yeah but then what would we call the real Jumbo's? You know...the J-200 style guitars?

Gibson have a number of models prefixed "J" - that stands for Jumbo, somewhat like "D" prefix has for Martin.

The Jumbo (original Jumbo), was introduced in 1934.

The SJ-200 was introduced in 1938 ... SJ stands for "Super Jumbo" The fact that Gibson dropped the "S" after a while serves only to confuse.

Jumbos and super jumbos and even "AJ" Advanced Jumbos are NOT dreadnoughts.

Gibson also called their early flat tops "L" models, L-0,1,2, L-0O etc., but they didn't get into flat tops at all until 1926.

If you see a "D"-something or other, in the Gibson range - then we should discuss it - even Gibson don't name heir "bird" models dreadnoughts, although there was a time when Gibson marketeers didn't know their backsides from their elbows and mis-describes them.

Martin made the first dreadnoughts (for Ditson) in 1916, introduced them as Martin branded in 1931, then replaced them with reduced body volume and 14 fret skinny necks as rhythm guitars in 1934.
The 1916 - 1933 models were what some people might call the slop shouldered dreads, but maybe "original dreadnought" might be a better description.
As many know, I only use original Dreadnoughts because of the wider fretboard and superior design over all.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Beautiful Collings, Andy.

sm

[TBman]

Everyone should have ss at some point. There's just something right about the tone that grabs you.

[Charmed Life Picks]

Originally Posted by TBman

Everyone should have ss at some point. There's just something right about the tone that grabs you.

Barry, yeah, agreed. I'm late to slopes, but I'm deeply in love, esp backed with hog.

sm

[lowrider]

Yes, but each model from each maker is different. It's not just the slope shoulder that makes the tone. To me, it's the maker not the shape; the DSS-17 sounds more like a D-18 than it does a Gibson, Eastman or Taylor.

I've played five different brand slopes; Gibson, Epi, Eastman, Taylor and Martin. None of them sounded at all alike. And only one of many Gibson's and one of a few Eastman's impressed me at all.

And only the DSS-17 made me want to go back and play it again, and again and again.

[The Kid!]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

I'm sure the Martin is superb, it's just not a J45.

They're entirely different animals. Both are great, IMO.
I just happen to prefer the vintage J-45 tone. My '52 is really special.
I still want a DSS-17 though.

[Psfam]

I "discovered" that I must like slope shoulders a couple years ago through the revolving door of GAS. There was a moment when I must have had a 12 fret 00, a CEO7 prototype, and Froggy Bottom SJ, and maybe a Collings C10 all about the same time. Sorry I can't remember exactly which and when, but, the light went on!

And it actually didn't matter the size of the guitar. The slope shoulder shape seemed to not only round out the shape but also the sound and limit some of the boxiness. That's a very general statement I know, but when I held them together the 12 fret 00 was very close in shape to a CEO, so it is like a 12 fret body with a 14 fret neck. And there is something I really like about the sound of 14 frets over 12 frets as hard as I have tried to love 12 fret guitars. It's just something I hear, maybe no foundation, but generally they seem more focused.

So now what do I have left? I still have the SJ and the CEO prototype (Australian blackwoo Adirondack) along with a couple others... but there is something to that shape and not just in large guitars either.

[lowrider]

Originally Posted by The Kid!

They're entirely different animals. Both are great, IMO.
I just happen to prefer the vintage J-45 tone. My '52 is really special.

I 100% agree with this. The J-45 is one of the iconic guitars. It's an all-timer. The DSS-17 is Martin's take on the cheap, catalog guitars from the '40s, it's not anywhere near the J-45's class.

But which one would you choose to play ''Bat out of Hell"

[varmonter]

I have a early 70s D28s which isva slope shouldered
12 fret dred. I like the looks and the guitar sounds
great.

[llew]

Originally Posted by Tnfiddler

I have to ask what you didn’t like about it? I’m still blown away by mine every time I play it.

It was an impulse purchase. String spacing wasn't quite right. Don't get me wrong...it was a very nice guitar...just not what I was looking for I suppose? In hindsight I would have probably preferred it with EIR rather than mahogany? Beautiful build quality...Dana knows his wood. Enjoy yours!

[UncleJesse]

Originally Posted by lowrider

But which one would you choose to play ''Bat out of Hell"

A musical with nothing but Meatloaf music should be against the Geneva Convention.

[John K]

For gigs at the local pub I most often bring my D35.
For DADGAD fingerstyle stuff I have my Fylde Orsino.
For most recordings, I tend to favour my '65 J45. Good enough for Donovan, good enough for me.
Happy Easter Holidays!

[Rosewood99]

Why is that the dark side?