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#1
06-07-2016, 04:34 PM
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Suggestions Wanted! Double Duty Guitar: Archtop & Flattop for a Cheapskate
Hi everyone. I'm on the hunt for a jack-of-two-trades guitar. First, a little background. I've played flat tops (J-45) in my country group for several years now. Then, I started a second project where we play western swing and jazz standards in addition to country. I play archtops in that (Guild A-150, Gibson L-50).
I'm starting a new project in the shape of a trio. This group won't have a drummer so I'd like to have a guitar that makes a nice percussive sound like an archtop but I also want it have the resonance resembling a flat top so that it sounds full when strummed. My natural inclination is toward a small-bodied, mahogany-topped Martin. I've play several and I think that they would fit the bill. I have enough money for a used Martin as well but I wanted to put this to you all first. Here's the thing: If I'm being honest, I don't really want to spend that much. I'm talking $600 or less. I wanted to see if any of you had suggestions or know of any hidden gems. Here are a few other things to keep in mind: 1) Cosmetic condition is not all that important. I actually prefer things a little rough around the edges. 2) However, I DON'T want it to look like a toy either. 3) I would prefer a mahogany (or sapele in this price range) top. 4) I don't much mind if the back and sides are laminate but the sound has got to be there. 5) I want a smaller bodied guitar because I want the percussive quality to more closely resemble the sound of a snare drum than a dreadnought would. Does that make sense? Any suggestions?
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Late Shift: https://lateshiftcountry.bandcamp.com/releases The Davenport Brothers: https://www.reverbnation.com/thedavbros 1942/3 Gibson L-50 1952 Kay K-27 1965 & 2001 J-45 JW Peabody Parlor 1960s Goya G-12 Last edited by ComradeGarrett; 06-09-2016 at 10:43 AM. 
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#2
06-07-2016, 06:14 PM
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Speaking as an owner, try a Godin 5th Avenue with 13's or (preferably) 14's - the factory 12's don't do it justice...
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"Mistaking silence for weakness and contempt for fear is the final, fatal error of a fool" - Sicilian proverb (paraphrased)
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#3
06-07-2016, 06:58 PM
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Thanks Steve. My flat tops are 13s so I think 14s wouldn't be a problem. You're using round wound strings, right?
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Late Shift: https://lateshiftcountry.bandcamp.com/releases The Davenport Brothers: https://www.reverbnation.com/thedavbros 1942/3 Gibson L-50 1952 Kay K-27 1965 & 2001 J-45 JW Peabody Parlor 1960s Goya G-12
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#4
06-09-2016, 10:44 AM
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A bump to the top
__________________
Late Shift: https://lateshiftcountry.bandcamp.com/releases The Davenport Brothers: https://www.reverbnation.com/thedavbros 1942/3 Gibson L-50 1952 Kay K-27 1965 & 2001 J-45 JW Peabody Parlor 1960s Goya G-12
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#5
06-09-2016, 10:57 AM
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I've got a, all mahogany Sigma triple 0 that I'm happy with.
I do swing. Although my way. Macaferri copies could also fit the bill. I got a D500 Gitane which is very nice. But larger.
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#6
06-09-2016, 09:24 PM
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+1 on a Sel-Mac. You don't want to spend as much but my Altamira is an incredibly loud and versatile guitar. Look at the Gitane or Cigano by Saga.
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#7
06-10-2016, 03:02 PM
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This is why I'm glad I posted here. A maccaferri would never have crossed my mind.
Any more ideas?
__________________
Late Shift: https://lateshiftcountry.bandcamp.com/releases The Davenport Brothers: https://www.reverbnation.com/thedavbros 1942/3 Gibson L-50 1952 Kay K-27 1965 & 2001 J-45 JW Peabody Parlor 1960s Goya G-12
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#8
06-16-2016, 05:50 PM
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I ended up buying a Larrivee OM-2 for a song of a price. If it's too bright, I'll go up a gauge in strings and maybe try flatwounds.
__________________
Late Shift: https://lateshiftcountry.bandcamp.com/releases The Davenport Brothers: https://www.reverbnation.com/thedavbros 1942/3 Gibson L-50 1952 Kay K-27 1965 & 2001 J-45 JW Peabody Parlor 1960s Goya G-12
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#9
06-16-2016, 07:26 PM
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The Loar LH300 might fit the bill.
 The Gretsch G9550 New Yorker looks good too and runs about $500.  https://www.amazon.com/Gretsch-G9550.../dp/B00I5R23IM
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| Tags |
| archtop, combo, flat top, hybrid |
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