Comparing Halcyon & Martin 12 fret guitars

[savvas]

Hi Folks,

I've put down a deposit on a Lutz/Walnut NL-00 with Ed at Halcyon Guitars. I currently (mainly) play a mahogany B/S Larrivee 00-03 and a rosewood Thompson T2. Both are very nice guitars but with differing qualities. The Larrivee in particular has some tonal qualities I'd like to explore further. Ed and I chose the NL after discussion of what I was looking for - a stronger sound overall (than the Larrivee) with balanced, woody tone across the spectrum and a more compact instrument that a 14-fretter. I'm happy with the outcome of our discussions and am looking forward to the guitar, although it looks like it's still many months away.

However the more I advance with my own playing and the more I pursue my interest in guitar construction, the more I find myself interested in the classic Martin 00-18 12-fret style of instrument. I see that over recent years Martin have built at least one reproduction of this design - the 00-18VS &/or 00-18 Authentic (not sure if they are the same series). They seem to become available now and then.

I imagine that some of those who have had Ed build them an NL or maybe a repro 00-18 would also have experience with these small Martins. I would be grateful if anyone with such experience could offer their thoughts regarding comparable (or differing) tonal qualities, responsiveness, dynamics, volume, richness of tone, harmonics etc.

Many thanks,
Sam.

[Halcyon/Tinker]

As of yet, no one has asked us to build a 12 fret 00...though the NL-00 proves to be a very popular guitar. An excellent design, wish I'd thought of it...

That being said, when the time comes if you want to change models, no problem, and no price difference...

[savvas]

Thanks Ed,

For now I'm very happy with my (our) choice of the NL-00. Your excellent advice has more or less confirmed for me that it will do the job I'm after!

I guess I'm asking about comparisons with Martin's 00/12fret design because I'm curious about the impact of what often seem like subtle design differences, particularly sound hole placement and body depth. I note that the Martin's sound hole is a bit further down the face than on my 00-03 which I assume might reduce the vibrating area. The classic Martin 00 also seems to be shallower than the NL which again must reduce sound box volume.

Anyway - just trying to introduce a bit of science into my G.A.S-related thinking!

Sam.

[MBE]

You want input on tonal differences between a Martin a Halcyon?

Ed will build you a far more responsive and dynamic guitar than Martin for anywhere near the same price. I haven't played any of the Martin Authentics, but my Halcyon was built lighter than any modern Martin I ever laid hands on, and sounded that way (which is only a good thing in my books).

[Halcyon/Tinker]

I don't feel the soundhole location on its own is that important, not compared to the X brace intersection location. As in, if the the soundhole and X cross move forward or back together, it's the X cross that's making the difference, not the actual location of the soundhole.

We've actually made quite a few nl-00's with the soundhole moved forward or backwards with the X location remaining static, with no really noticeable or defineable results.

The body depth, otoh, makes a huge difference, and is probably the reason for the extra whomp of the nl-00, even moreso than the shifted braces, though they certainly contribute.

[savvas]

Mmmm - we'll have to talk about all of this down the track I guess Ed. Can't wait!

regards,

Sam.

[psychojohn]

Congrats on your commission !

John