Any experience with a Tippin Dread?

[11earl]

Hi,

Apologize if this question is not in the correct forum...

While I understand that Bill Tippin seems to be associated with his designs such as the Staccato and Bravado, I'm interested in possibly purchasing an earlier Dreadnought that he built.

Does anyone here have any experience with these earlier builds?

Thank you,

11earl

[Larry Pattis]

Bill Tippin has been a great builder for a long time.

His new guitars are stunning, and the older designs were/are also great.

[Trevor M]

I have a dread by Bill in my store (I'm assuming you are in the US and not looking at it). See it and listen to the sound clip here:

http://www.theacousticmusicco.co.uk/...n-guitars.html

Its a fantastic guitar. When I get to my store later today I will play it some and give a more detailed report.

[11earl]

Thank you both. I'm curious about construction bracing, etc.

[Trevor M]

Sorry I am not going to be able to get into my store today. I will get back toi you tomorrow.

[MikeD]

I like Bill's dreads. I have played a few 14 & 12 fretters of his over the years and found them to be quite nice for my style. They are much more balanced than your typical Martin-esque style dread. I am guessing that you are looking at one? What year is it and what are the woods?

[Trevor M]

Its X braced. Next time my technician is in I will ask him to look inside and get some more detail.

The sound is very loud and well balanced, huge bass but not overpowering. I would describe the mids as dark and warm, trebles fat and clear/well defined.

[11earl]

MikeD: Back and sides are Khayah Mahogany, top is red spruce. Ebony fretboard, mahogany neck.

Trevor, thank you.

[MikeD]

Sounds like a straight forward D-18'esque guitar. His mahogany dreads have always been my favorite. They are balanced and LOUD... No muddiness what-so-ever.

[11earl]

Thank you, Mike.

I am going back and forth between this Tippin D-18 and a brazilian/spruce dread built by a luthier named Ken Hooper. Torturous.