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  #1  
Old 06-05-2019, 02:19 PM
Huskyman Huskyman is offline
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Default Fingerstyle Guitar

What are some guitars that lend better to fingerstyle playing or fingerpicking? My budget is around $2000 but of course less is good but I have no issue going a tiny bit higher either. I'm looking for sound, comfort and playability. Thanks.
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Old 06-05-2019, 02:29 PM
GTRGUY005 GTRGUY005 is offline
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Taylor 322e.

I have a 522e and it's perfect for fingerstyle.
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Old 06-05-2019, 02:37 PM
Shortfinger Shortfinger is offline
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All three of mine work and sound just fine. It ain't the guitar so much as the fingers.

For learning something new, though, I think a parlor is best, as it's easier to wrap over and see all your fingers.
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Old 06-05-2019, 02:41 PM
Dru Edwards Dru Edwards is offline
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Hi Cobalt, a lot of fingerstyle guitarists prefer 1 3/4" nut width over 1 11/16". Something you'll want to consider and try for yourself. Also, many enjoy playing a guitar smaller than a dread.

I've never tried a GA or GC Taylor with the new V bracing (well, only once but it was only for a minute) but I'd be inclined to check that out.
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Old 06-05-2019, 02:54 PM
Huskyman Huskyman is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by GTRGUY005 View Post
Taylor 322e.

I have a 522e and it's perfect for fingerstyle.
Thanks. Any thoughts on the 324ce while I have you here? Thanks.
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Old 06-05-2019, 02:56 PM
Huskyman Huskyman is offline
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Quote:
Originally Posted by Dru Edwards View Post
Hi Cobalt, a lot of fingerstyle guitarists prefer 1 3/4" nut width over 1 11/16". Something you'll want to consider and try for yourself. Also, many enjoy playing a guitar smaller than a dread.

I've never tried a GA or GC Taylor with the new V bracing (well, only once but it was only for a minute) but I'd be inclined to check that out.
Thanks Dru. I would surely want a guitar smaller than a dread. I had a frozen shoulder once and even though it's all healed I have noticed in the past that it seems to tire out a bit with a dread. So something smaller woud be good for sure.
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Old 06-05-2019, 03:14 PM
beatcomber beatcomber is offline
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I'm really happy with the Martin 000-15SM that I recently purchased. Most dealers list it for $1599, but you might be able to get one for around $1400 if you ask.

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Old 06-05-2019, 03:16 PM
Shortfinger Shortfinger is offline
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Get a Collings Baby 2H, only about $5,500.
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1972 Martin D18 (Kimsified, so there!)
Alvarez Yairi PYM70
Yamaha LS-TA with sunburst finish
Republic parlor resonator
Too many ukeleles
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Old 06-05-2019, 03:19 PM
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Jim Owen Jim Owen is offline
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Cobalt,
I’m biased toward Martin 000 18s; one of my main guitars is a 65 000 18. I play 90% fingerstyle. You might find a 000 or OM more comfortable than a Dreadnought, given your shoulder concerns (as 000s are less deep).

I find that 000s are very balanced in their response. You won’t get the depth of bass that a dreadnought provides, but I enjoy midrange and treble.

The latest iteration of the 000 18 has a 1 3/4 inch nut. I’d buy a modern 000 if I weren’t overrun with guitars.
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Old 06-05-2019, 03:24 PM
Nctom Nctom is offline
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You didn't say if you wanted new or used. I have, within the past year, bought 2 used Waterloos and a new Martin 0-18. All are excellent fingerstyle guitars. All were within your budget. I think the answer is to get out and play a bunch of guitars. You will know it when you play it.
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  #11  
Old 06-05-2019, 03:29 PM
ChalkLitIScream ChalkLitIScream is offline
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You need to try a Furch.

Their Yellow series, GA shape with cedar and rosewood sounds magical.
They make a slightly wider nut (45mm) which may help you out.

You could go lower in their series for a green Cedar, khaya too
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Old 06-05-2019, 04:04 PM
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For more lyrical fingerstyle where I want lush overtones and lots of projection and sustain I prefer my Cedar/EIR Webber OM. You may be able to find for around $2k.

For more bluesy, old-timey stuff I prefer my Martin 000-15sm.
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Old 06-05-2019, 04:22 PM
gfirob gfirob is offline
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Look at any Martin OM.
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  #14  
Old 06-05-2019, 04:24 PM
Rosewood99 Rosewood99 is offline
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More than nut width, keep in mind string spacing. Many (but not all) fingerstyle players prefer 2 1/4 or even 2 5/16 string spacing at the saddle because it gives your fingers more room between the strings.
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Old 06-05-2019, 06:09 PM
Huskyman Huskyman is offline
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Thank you all everyone. Lots of things to look at and choice and things to consider. Appreciated.
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