High quality small guitar

[DavidM 1968]

This can’t have been asked before so I’ll throw it in here ;-)

I started on a Taylor GS Mini mahog, and liked it lots and in particular the size. When I went shopping for a posh guitar I managed to convince myself I’d be fine with an OM so bought a Collings OM1. However, I crave for something the size of the Taylor but the quality of the Collings. The small Collings seem to need to be ordered and I don’t want too wait 9 or 12 months for something that I might not love. So, what is the very best quality, off-the-shelf small guitar please?

As an example, I like the look of the Santa Cruz H13 but they as rare as rocking horse ..........

I understand I can’t go try anything at ther moment but presumably shops are being a bit more flexible with their returns policies?

Best, David

[fpuhan]

Maybe just adjust your mindset? I have a Taylor GS Mini-e Koa, and to me, it's a "posh" guitar!

[ben]

Originally Posted by DavidM 1968

However, I crave for something the size of the Taylor but the quality of the Collings. The small Collings seem to need to be ordered and I don’t want too wait 9 or 12 months for something that I might not love.

There are plenty of Collings Baby and O-sized guitars available on Reverb if you are willing to buy from afar and aren't put off by the price. Also consider the Wee Lowden and Larrivee Parlor. And lots of folks make excellent O-sized instruments (Martin being the most obvious).

[Gee Man]

Plenty of beautiful Martin's in the smaller body sizes.

[Jim in TC]

I went from GS Mini through CA Cargo and on to Emerald X7. The X7 is the best of those by a good margin, but you have to go to the "dark side" (carbon) to get there. If you special order from Emerald it takes several months but off the shelf is oftne possible, within a couple weeks to the US. Down side, can only purchase from the factory so no tryouts...

[vintage40s]

Originally Posted by ben

... consider the Larrivee Parlor...

I sold this one on Reverb last year, a few weeks after I had bought it.
https://reverb.com/item/27797081-lar...r-2003-natural
The sound was disappointing.

[gr81dorn]

Iris CH is incredible...

[Trawlerman]

I played a Gibson parlor in a guitar shop recently. Excellent guitar.

[KenL]

You wouldn't believe the quality of the Eastman parlors (E10P & E20P).

I'm absolutely delighted with mine.

[Earl49]

Originally Posted by Jim in TC

I went from GS Mini through CA Cargo and on to Emerald X7. The X7 is the best of those by a good margin, but you have to go to the "dark side" (carbon) to get there. If you special order from Emerald it takes several months but off the shelf is often possible, within a couple weeks to the US. Down side, can only purchase from the factory so no tryouts...

We went down the same carbon fiber road as Jim. My petite wife liked a GS Mini spruce, then a GS Mini mahogany. As soon as she tried the CA Cargo, the Mini's were gone. Later when she tried an Emerald X7, the Cargo was officially "retired" to a closet. She is done. Come on over to the dark side - we have donuts!

Staying with wood, a Taylor 312 or higher x12 / GC body would be a distinct step up the food chain from a Mini. Any number of Eastman models would work too. A Martin 00 of some flavor would be OK too. The Waterloo by Collings are quite nice, but buy before FEB 01 when prices go up, even for current stock (required per dealer agreements). A Santa Cruz H13 from 30 years ago at Gryphon still haunts my memory, but it was way above my pay grade then, and even today would still be twice as expensive as *any* guitar that I ever bought.

[Dru Edwards]

I've never heard if Iris before so I checked out their website. Some beautiful guitars made in VT. How did you first hear of Iris?

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

Iris CH is incredible...

[RRuskin]

What's your budget?

[RogerPease]

Santa Cruz Firefly. _Roger

[JHey!]

I’ve owned 2 Collings size 0. Both were used and I got them from forum members (the first I purchased outright, the second I got on trade using the first plus cash). I also bought a SCGC size 00 from a forum member. Each AGF transaction got me an amazing guitar for a fair price. There are some really nice looking 0s and 00s for sale in the AGF classifieds right now. Based on my experience, I wouldn’t look any further than this forum for a “posh” small body guitar.

Here’re a few:

2015 Collings 01 with 1 3/4 nut and 2 5/16 string spacing and Collings handmade case (I used to own this one, and it’s such a sweet little guitar with a big sound. I only traded it because I really wanted something with the 28 styling)

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=591237

Santa Cruz H13 (2014)

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=604219

2013 Bourgeois Custom 00 Italian and Red Gum Eucalyptus

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=601433

2019 Santa Cruz Custom H-13 NAMM SHOW

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=601976

[Methos1979]

Originally Posted by DavidM 1968

This can’t have been asked before so I’ll throw it in here ;-)

I started on a Taylor GS Mini mahog, and liked it lots and in particular the size. When I went shopping for a posh guitar I managed to convince myself I’d be fine with an OM so bought a Collings OM1. However, I crave for something the size of the Taylor but the quality of the Collings. The small Collings seem to need to be ordered and I don’t want too wait 9 or 12 months for something that I might not love. So, what is the very best quality, off-the-shelf small guitar please?

As an example, I like the look of the Santa Cruz H13 but they as rare as rocking horse ..........

I understand I can’t go try anything at ther moment but presumably shops are being a bit more flexible with their returns policies?

Best, David

Isn't there one for sale right now in the classifieds?

For Sale Or Trade: Santa Cruz H13 (2014)