Recommendations please

[AbMaj7]

I'm on the search for a high end slope shoulder dread. My initial thoughts are 12 fret, mahogany/adi, short scale, wide neck, sunburst finish and LOUD. I was impressed with a Fairbanks recently (hesitated and missed it - none to be had in UK just now) but other suggestions welcome. It'll be both strummed and finger picked.

What do you think guys?

[DukeX]

You can order a Larrivee SD-50 in that configuration. Not sure about the Adi top.

[51 Relic]

In the UK , have you tried Guitar Village in Farnham Surrey . I saw a lovely Martin Ralph McTell RM on the website would add that to my collection any day . Also a great selection of guitars and wonderful service .

[taylorgtr]

Originally Posted by AbMaj7

I'm on the search for a high end slope shoulder dread. My initial thoughts are 12 fret, mahogany/adi, short scale, wide neck, sunburst finish and LOUD. I was impressed with a Fairbanks recently (hesitated and missed it - none to be had in UK just now) but other suggestions welcome. It'll be both strummed and finger picked.

What do you think guys?

Well built...but not high priced. Eastman E20SS?

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sgl-tA94uPs

[fitness1]

Collings DS1?

[Vyse Hazuky]

If you're based in the UK, you could look for Atkin's version of the Roy Smeck you're looking for. It should be easier to find than another Fairbanks and would cost you less for, imo, the same level of quality.

http://atkinguitars.com/guitar/hawaiian-master/

[llew]

I own three slopes in no particular order and love them all...
-Kevin Kopp K-35 Adi/Mahogany 14 fret
-John Walker Wise River Adi/Maple 14 fret
-Pre*War Guitar Co. J model Adi/Mahogany 14 fret
Most 14 fret slope shoulder dreads (Jumbo's in Gibson speak) are short scale. However...the 12 fret variations are usually standard scale.

[RTA48]

Originally Posted by AbMaj7

I'm on the search for a high end slope shoulder dread. My initial thoughts are 12 fret, mahogany/adi, short scale, wide neck, sunburst finish and LOUD. I was impressed with a Fairbanks recently (hesitated and missed it - none to be had in UK just now) but other suggestions welcome. It'll be both strummed and finger picked.

What do you think guys?

Collings CJ

[jrb715]

If you are able to order a Huss & Dalton you have some interesting choices:

1. The DS-12: Twelve fret DS with 24.9 scale. (They'll make just about any neck you want if you order.)

2. The DS-12 Crossroads: Twelve fret DS with 24.75 scale and 1 3/4 nut.

Both these slopes are available in 14 fret models.

The other likely target for me would be, as RTA48 writes, the Collings DS1: 1 13/16 nut and available on order with the relatively hefty Vintage now neck and adi top.

This is, of course, also available in 14 frets as the D1A.

[Organic Sounds Select Guitars]

This is my Kopp K-35. Wonderful slope dread, and loud, with a pic or with fingers. This one’s a 14 fretter, but I believe Kevin makes 12 fret models as well.

[Silly Moustache]

Originally Posted by AbMaj7

I'm on the search for a high end slope shoulder dread. My initial thoughts are 12 fret, mahogany/adi, short scale, wide neck, sunburst finish and LOUD. I was impressed with a Fairbanks recently (hesitated and missed it - none to be had in UK just now) but other suggestions welcome. It'll be both strummed and finger picked.

What do you think guys?

Let's just analyse the wish list of the OP.

"High end" OK
"Slope shoulder dread" - that means original Martin dread design ...(not a jumbo)

"12 fret" - that confirms Martin dread design.

"Short scale" A conflict - Not a Martin dread.

"Wide neck"- that confirms Martin dread design.

"Sunburst finish" -more usually associated with a Gibson styling - conflict.

So, "short scale" , and "burst" confuse the issues.

Clarification necessary - is a Dread or Jumbo required?

Santa Cruz Southerner: Short-scale, 12-fret, burst finish, dread. The biggest problem is that narrow 1 11/16th nut, which just won't do. Too bad. However, you can custom order one with a wider nut. Collings has something pretty similar but it's 14-frets to the body.

Any way you slice it, if you want those EXACT specs I think you're probably going to have to custom order one unless you get really lucky in your search. Martin will do exactly what you want. Gibson probably would (if they still do custom orders). Santa Cruz will for sure. So, too Collings.

[Organic Sounds Select Guitars]

Originally Posted by Frozen Rat

Santa Cruz Southerner: Short-scale, 12-fret, burst finish, dread. The biggest problem is that narrow 1 11/16th nut, which just won't do. Too bad. However, you can custom order one with a wider nut. Collings has something pretty similar but it's 14-frets to the body.

Any way you slice it, if you want those EXACT specs I think you're probably going to have to custom order one unless you get really lucky in your search. Martin will do exactly what you want. Gibson probably would (if they still do custom orders). Santa Cruz will for sure. So, too Collings.

Actually, if you’re thinking Santa Cruz, I believe that the RS model is a better fit for your specs than the Vintage Southerner. The RS is a 12 fret with sunburst and a 1 13/16” nut. Great guitar! I think that Silly Mustache has one - maybe he can confirm.