In search for a mahogany fingerstyle guitar. Need help!

[JTFoote]

Did you try the 14 fret version of the Martin 0017 series (00L-17)? There are very nice, round trebles on mine. That's what I thought was somewhat missing in the balance of the 12 fret version, but nicely present in the 14 fret.

Spoon Phillips Review
Guitar Gallery Review
Andertons Review

I think the biggest tonal difference between the two guitars is the balance of the bass voice and the prevalence of the trebles. The mids seem fairly similar. My 00, in person, has stronger, less chime-like trebles than in any of the recordings and a more open sound in the bass.

... JT

[IndyHD28]

Have you considered a Cedar topped Taylor? It sounds like it would fit your needs perfectly. I have played this guitar and it is wonderful. It looks, feels and plays differently than any Martin because Martin doesn’t build with Western Red Cedar. In fact, I would recommend the 514ce as a ‘must test drive’ for anyone in the market for a new mahogany guitar.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/514ce

[Wrighty]

Another Furch recommended here, I have a cedar/mahogany OM that I love for finger style. Lightly built and very responsive.

[Eso612]

Originally Posted by fitness1

You haven't mentioned a budget, but I would certainly tell you to consider a custom built instrument.

You also mention not wanting anything overbuilt - easiest way to avoid that!

The budget? Well, the less possible. Anyway no more than 3000 europe street price. I may consider selling 2 guitar instead of 1 to buy this.
A custom built means I can't try it before... I considered it but I'm afraid not to have what I want.

My Santa Cruz FS is very light and responsive and has beautiful highs. My Larrivee is cleary overbuilt and trebles are bright and thin. So it depends on many things.

[Eso612]

Originally Posted by JTFoote

Did you try the 14 fret version of the Martin 0017 series (00L-17)? There are very nice, round trebles on mine. That's what I thought was somewhat missing in the balance of the 12 fret version, but nicely present in the 14 fret.

Spoon Phillips Review
Guitar Gallery Review
Andertons Review

I think the biggest tonal difference between the two guitars is the balance of the bass voice and the prevalence of the trebles. The mids seem fairly similar. My 00, in person, has stronger, less chime-like trebles than in any of the recordings and a more open sound in the bass.

... JT

I tried both. The 14 fret was good but seemed a little bright after having played the 12 fret. Please don't think wrong about me. I like all this guitars, but I'm looking for the most possible definitive mahogany guitar and I must like everything about the guitar I choose.

[Eso612]

I'm listening to youtube sample of all the guitar you suggested me.
Yes, Collings, Bourgeois and Santa Cruz OM or OO-OOO are maybe the greatest choice but they are too much expensive.

Even on youtube (and I think it's impossible to really understand the sound of a guitar in this way) I find Martin trebles poorer compared to this special boutique jewels.

To Furch owner: Please can you give me the right string space at saddle? I considered a Furch (even if I don't know where to go to try one) but from data sheet it seems there isn't enough space for my right hand.

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Shadowfox

In Europe why not look at a Furch.

It would have to be a custom to fit his "wider than 2 3/16 saddle" needs.

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Eso612

To Furch owner: Please can you give me the right string space at saddle? I considered a Furch (even if I don't know where to go to try one) but from data sheet it seems there isn't enough space for my right hand.

Most are 2 5/32

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Eso612

So it depends on many things.

As someone who's been through about 250 instruments in the last 20 years, I can attest to the fact that it always does!!

[Eso612]

Thanks fitness1 for your support.
It's difficult to find more than 2 3/16 as standard.... usually it's on vintage models with a no modern neck

[fitness1]

Originally Posted by Eso612

Thanks fitness1 for your support.
It's difficult to find more than 2 3/16 as standard.... usually it's on vintage models with a no modern neck

I'm pretty locked into 1 13/16 and 2 5/16 (likely the same as your FS) There are VERY few out there with those specs that aren't 12 frets, which are not very useful for my style of play.

So, I feel your pain - and why I mentioned the custom route.

[PiousDevil]

You'll probably never find one, but if you can try a Yairi FYM60HD. Adirondack (Red) Spruce over Honduran Mahogany (Supposedly seasoned 40+ years). Scale is 25", Nut is 1 23/32", so just a hair off of 1 3/", but I don't know what the spacing at the saddle is. I recently got the dreadnought from this line, the DYM60HD. Fattest trebles of any guitar I've played, and all of the Yairi masterworks guitars I've played are extremely lightly built and resonant.

https://alvarezguitars.com/guitar/fym60hd/

[Eso612]

You are right, maybe I will never find one....
If you go custom, who would you choose?

[PiousDevil]

Originally Posted by Eso612

You are right, maybe I will never find one....
If you go custom, who would you choose?

Do you have Lowden money?

[jstroop]

One man’s opinion:
Factory - Collings OM1 cutaway.
Custom - John McQuarrie, Northwood Guitars. AGF sponsor Shoreline Music works closely with Northwood.