What are your favorite slope shoulder dreads in the $2K range?

[blue]

Slope Shoulder gets thrown around alot. Do you mean a true 12 fret slope shoulder? Or do you mean a Gibson J-45 type guitar?

For a true 12 Fret Slope shoulder as has been suggested, you can't beat a used Larrivee SD. Either mahogany 50, or Rosewood 60. I've owned SD-50s twice. The first time I had a bad shoulder situation and it just killed me to play it, so I sold it. I missed it so much, that when my shoulder improved a little I bought another! And immediately my shoulder deteriorated Sold that one too... But both were amazing guitars. Happy ending: The 12 fret Larrivee OOO-50 is every bit as stunning, and is perfect for my body.

For a Gibson J-45 type, just go used. If I might be so bold, I would suggest also looking at Gibson AJ. Same gorgeous body shape, but with a longer 25.5 scale, a rosewood body, and the greatest inlays this side of a Southern Jumbo.

[TBman]

After my J-45, I like the J-15.

[jpricewood]

I agree with the J-45 and J-15 suggestions. Why settle for a copy of a J-45 when you can get the real thing?

[D41Fan]

The Martin DSS-15M sounds real nice to me.. I can also recommend the Godin Metropolis Ltd.

[Shadowfox]

I'd throw Furch into the ring too. They have a standard scale length on their RS.

Here's a nice option in burst: https://reverb.com/item/33442720-rad...-sunburst-ohsc

[DukeX]

A Larrivee SD-40, for about $1,200 is a thing of visual and sonic beauty. Great case, too.

[kriso77]

These look sweet. I wish there were more sound samples available.

[evening_crow]

Originally Posted by jpricewood

I agree with the J-45 and J-15 suggestions. Why settle for a copy of a J-45 when you can get the real thing?

That's why I've got both!

[dogboy]

Hello,
Have wanted a J-45 (fat neck, 1 23/32nds nut, maple = banner era) all my 60+ years of playing guitar, but could never come up with the cost of a stock model, much less the $10,000 for vintage.

If I had 2K I would run-not-walk to buy a Beard Highball.
https://www.beardguitars.com/deco-phonic-highball

Can't swear by the neck profile, but it is slope shouldered, 25" short scale, with a 1 3/4" nut. Best of all the back and sides are laminated Finnish Birch. Solid Engelmann top and mahogany braces.

The Guitar I have had to settle for due to $$ restraints is an all solid birch 1963 Harmony H-615 and it is by far the best sounding guitar I have ever had the privilege to own.

No financial interest. Suggest you give it a listen. Fare well, db

[llew]

Originally Posted by DukeX

A Larrivee SD-40, for about $1,200 is a thing of visual and sonic beauty. Great case, too.

They are nice but a 12 fret slope shoulder dread is a lot different than it's 14 fret counterpart. If you're looking for a J-15/35/45/50 style slope shoulder dread the 12 fret will be a different animal for sure. Not better or worse...just different.

[Robin, Wales]

Originally Posted by dogboy

Hello,
Have wanted a J-45 (fat neck, 1 23/32nds nut, maple = banner era) all my 60+ years of playing guitar, but could never come up with the cost of a stock model, much less the $10,000 for vintage.

If I had 2K I would run-not-walk to buy a Beard Highball.
https://www.beardguitars.com/deco-phonic-highball

Can't swear by the neck profile, but it is slope shouldered, 25" short scale, with a 1 3/4" nut. Best of all the back and sides are laminated Finnish Birch. Solid Engelmann top and mahogany braces.

The Guitar I have had to settle for due to $$ restraints is an all solid birch 1963 Harmony H-615 and it is by far the best sounding guitar I have ever had the privilege to own.

No financial interest. Suggest you give it a listen. Fare well, db

Oh I'd like to try one of those out! Love the earthy tone and county twang - it sounds so dry and old straight out of the box. Great to see a company doing something different. The birch laminate back and sides and spruce top really seem to work well together. And the hog bracing is innovative. Plus the workhorse 30s look is great!

[TacomaDR20]

Taylor Grand Pacific. My favorite of them is the 327.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by TBman

After my J-45, I like the J-15.

Me too...........

[llew]

Originally Posted by dogboy

Hello,
Have wanted a J-45 (fat neck, 1 23/32nds nut, maple = banner era) all my 60+ years of playing guitar, but could never come up with the cost of a stock model, much less the $10,000 for vintage.

If I had 2K I would run-not-walk to buy a Beard Highball.
https://www.beardguitars.com/deco-phonic-highball

Can't swear by the neck profile, but it is slope shouldered, 25" short scale, with a 1 3/4" nut. Best of all the back and sides are laminated Finnish Birch. Solid Engelmann top and mahogany braces.

The Guitar I have had to settle for due to $$ restraints is an all solid birch 1963 Harmony H-615 and it is by far the best sounding guitar I have ever had the privilege to own.

No financial interest. Suggest you give it a listen. Fare well, db

I hadn't seen these before? Interesting builds for sure. Kinda remind me of the Martin DSS-17 and the Waterloo models. There's something about the voicing on an open pore satin finish guitar. They just all seem to sound good. I'd sure like to try one!

[DukeX]

Originally Posted by llew

They are nice but a 12 fret slope shoulder dread is a lot different than it's 14 fret counterpart. If you're looking for a J-15/35/45/50 style slope shoulder dread the 12 fret will be a different animal for sure. Not better or worse...just different.

Yes I agree 12 vs 14 fret are different. Another difference between the Gibson and Larrivee is the scale. But I don't think the OP specified 12 fret and short scale--had looked at the Gibson but was also looking for other slope options.