Small body hog fingerstyle recommendations

[Fatfinger McGee]

Rather than jack another recent thread, figured I'd start my own.

If I could afford it, my next guitar would be a Martin 00-18 Authentic 1931, but I can only afford about half of the cheapest used ones on Reverb.

What would you suggest I look for instead? Solid spruce/mahogany, U.S. made, 12-fret, 00 size, slope shouldered, slotted headstock preferred. New or gently used, made in the last 10-15 years, and in the 1.5-2.5k range.

What would be on your short list? I got sidetracked in my search recently and bought a Larivee 00-03R which I love, could get the hog version but would like to try something new. Maybe watch for a deal on a nice used H&D road series?

[otis66]

Try a Larrivee 00-40 or the new Larrivee T-40.
I have an OM-40 that I just installed a LRBaggs Lyric pickup. Larrivee makes a great guitar. The Larrivee LRBaggs set up is amazing.

[Methos1979]

Probably the best little all-hog fingerstyle guitar I had was a Santa Cruz 1929 00 12-fret. I actually owned two. Used they typically sell slightly below your high end. Down side is no slotted headstock unless you go for the much pricier Don Edwards signature model!

The little Martin 00-15 series guitars seem like a great deal although I have no direct experience. Alvarez makes a small, inexpensive all-hog 00 12-fretter, I think.

[BluesBelly]

Originally Posted by otis66

Try a Larrivee 00-40 or the new Larrivee T-40.
I have an OM-40 that I just installed a LRBaggs Lyric pickup. Larrivee makes a great guitar. The Larrivee LRBaggs set up is amazing.

THIS!
You can’t go wrong with a Larrivee especially for fingerstyle. It’s like they are made to play fingerstyle but are also all around great guitars for every style. All solid woods with Bone nut and saddle as well as great string spacing at the saddle and a 1-3/4” nut.
USA made as well. The OM-40 is a wonderful guitar.

Blues

[mikiekimi]

Doesn’t have a slotted headstock, but I LOVE, LOVE, LOVE my Waterloo WL-12 Mh.

[GTRGUY005]

I have a Taylor 522e...it's a great small body fingerstyle guitar.

[Parlorman]

Another vote for a 12 fret Waterloo.

[A Datts]

Another WL-12MH fan here. A fantastic guitar.

[downtime]

I was on the same hunt recently. Sold my custom shop 00-15 and wanted to replace it with a 00 12 fret.
I ended up buying a Martin 00-18vs UMGF custom model and I really love the guitar.

It has more bass and more chime in the trebles than the 00-15.

I got a good deal on it, under 2k

[KevinH]

Another vote for the Taylor 522. You can find them used in your price range. All hog, 12 fret, slotted headstock. Very close to 00 size. I love mine.

[Fatfinger McGee]

Thanks all, found my new guitar baby. Will NGD it when it gets here next week.

[Nctom]

I must be getting slow since I am no longer the first to recommend the Waterloo WL12Mh. Mine is just a great little guitar I can't say enough about!