Loudest medium size guitar

[Msedg]

Try a 12-fret 000. My Atkin is very loud for it’s size, not quite as much as a D-18 say, but pretty close. Having a 12-fret style body gives a bigger soundbox but without the depth and large lower bout of a dreadnought.

[Deliberate1]

Originally Posted by FingahPickah

My Larrivee 000-40 is "dreadnought loud" in a medium size body.

Agreed - well, mine is too.

David

[llew]

The little known Martin 0000 12 fret will be as close to a dread (IMHO) as you'll likely find.

[lowrider]

I had a Custom Shop OM-18 Special that was originally ordered by Mandolin Bros on Staten Island. This was the guitar that I would take to a big group if I wanted to be heard. It wasn't that it competed with the dreads, it had a laser focused tone that would just drill through them.

I couldn't sing with it. It would overpower my voice. So I eventually sold it, but that was the guitar that would blow all the dreads out of the water.

[MHC]

Having played many OMs from a variety of makers, I’d say that the standout in terms of sheer volume was a Huss & Dalton TOM-R.

Jeff and Mark come from a bluegrass background and IMHO all of their traditional model guitars have that bark and projection. But the TOM-Rs that I’ve played were way loud.

[catndahats]

(EDIT)....yikes, I need to read better, thanks Robin,Wales .

...then I pick up my dred and in comparison, not so much.
But a smaller body sure is comfy.

[Goat Mick]

My Martin 000-17 is the loudest guitar I've ever played. It sounds pretty amazing too.

[Robin, Wales]

Folks, just remember that the OP was asking for suggestions in the $1-$2k area. There are some quite expensive guitars appearing!

[jjhturbo]

Going to be a bit above your budget, but an Emerald X30 is amazingly loud. It's a "jumbo" body, but with the contoured design...it is as comfortable (or even more comfortable) than a medium-sized guitar. If you can find a used one, it might not be too much over your budget.

[J Patrick]

….I’ve never had any luck with a smaller bodied guitar at a well attended Bluegrsss jam….I tried a couple of times with OM’s and such and was sorry I tried….a smaller jam with a single banjo mandolin and fiddle is a different story.
…in that setting a smaller bodied instrument requires the other players to take a little off their volume but a nice blend can achieved……I like a 000 12 fretter the best in that setting…..OM depth but generally a little more bottom end…

[llew]

Originally Posted by Robin, Wales

Folks, just remember that the OP was asking for suggestions in the $1-$2k area. There are some quite expensive guitars appearing!

Whoops...guess I didn't see that...my bad?

[mr. beaumont]

Originally Posted by printer2

With lights?

You'd be surprised!

[zmf]

One guitar that startled me with its loudness is the Blueridge parlor. BR-341 or 371. Smaller than you mentioned, but the price is right. Be fun to bring it into a circle of dreads.

If you really wanted to splurge, the Froggy H-12 is confident that can stand up to a dreadnaught.

[rollypolly]

An OM long scale like an OM-21 or Martin cherry OME or the like. I’ve seen them in that price range. I’ve been impressed by the volume of my SWOMGT.

[A.Wilder1]

I don’t think you’ll be able to do better than a Martin 000-18/28 Norman Blake for under 4K.

000
12 fret
1 13/16 nut

I’m not sure if the 00 size soundhole plays a role in this or not but they pack a heavyweight punch.

Edit; Sorry I missed your budget. I’ll defer.