What’s the most affordable boutique guitar?

[rollypolly]

I feel like when I see boutique guitars here in the forum or on reverb the prices are all over the place, probably my lack of knowledge on the individual models’ own values. So if I were go after one of the more affordable small builders offerings, what would you recommend? Are there any that go for between 2-3k? I’m thinking 000 or OM. Thanks!

[sdelsolray]

A used David Webber Roundbody, 000 or OM is worthy of consideration.

[wguitar]

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=629272

Here's a Webber in the AGF classified as an example.

Good luck with your search!

[llew]

Huss & Dalton used might be in that ball park and also Boucher Studio Goose used. I'd check our classifieds regularly and Reverb.

[warfrat73]

Northwood and Webber are approachable, more modern voiced, very small shop/single builder.

You may be able to pickup a Huss and Dalton or Bourgeois for under $3k if you are lucky, and/or willing to accept a bit of play wear.

[KevinH]

You can find used Collings' in the low 3K range and, now and then, a Bourgeois.

And, if you're interested in the small shops you can sometimes find used ones for a good price. I saw some nice guitars by Joel Stehr in the classifieds some time back in the low 3K range. The problem there is it can be hard to play one first.

[catndahats]

Howdy RollyPolly.
I occasionally see some Santa Cruz and Collings om/000's towards the higher end of your price range. There are probably others, and like has been stated, the Webber models are very well thought of. I have found them searching FB marketplace and CL, and less often on AGF or Reverb. Good luck on your search.

[warfrat73]

Waterloo is worth considering too... can get a new one under $3k.

[David Eastwood]

Define ‘boutique’.

[standup]

Originally Posted by rollypolly

I feel like when I see boutique guitars here in the forum or on reverb the prices are all over the place, probably my lack of knowledge on the individual models’ own values. So if I were go after one of the more affordable small builders offerings, what would you recommend? Are there any that go for between 2-3k? I’m thinking 000 or OM. Thanks!

Depends on what kind of sound you want. Play lots of guitars, figure that out.

I’m having vague feelings of wanting to “upgrade”, but I’ve got a Gibson j50 I like a lot. And just picked up a Breedlove solid-wood concertina that has a contrasting sound. So I might honestly have everything I need.

But I’d like to play some Furch guitars sometime, see what the sound/feel is like.

[sinistral]

This Collings in the classifieds seems very reasonably priced (~$500 over your price range):

2003 Collings D2H, Indian Rosewood/Spruce - Dream Guitars

I find the sound quality of Dream Guitars’ videos to be really high, so you get a better idea of each guitar’s character than on many websites. Still no substitute for playing them in person, but you get a sense of the uniqueness of the instrument, and almost invariably the more expensive the guitar the better it sounds. Similar for the Music Emporium videos.

[YeOldRocker]

If you have to ask...

[Dotneck]

Halcyon should be in your range too…for a single luthier build.

[rollypolly]

Originally Posted by David Eastwood

Define ‘boutique’.

I guess anything from either a very small builder who has a website and some customer service all the way to companies like Collings and Lowden. Everything in between. Mostly interested in traditional aesthetics but I’m not opposed to something different. Webber guitars definitely look nice. Huss and Dalton would probably be up on the list just because they’re very close to home and I like their approach. I’d also really be interested in something built with locally sourced woods but that may be a stretch for my budget!

[29er]

I'm a Waterloo fanboy and both of mine were purchased (used) in the middle of your price range.