Looking for recommendations for guitar with 1 3/4" nut for live work

nrand · #1 12-07-2021, 09:50 PM

I am thinking of flipping my Guild D55 and getting something medium-high end and Electric Acoustic with a slightly wider nut. The D55's 1 1/16" width feels a little cramped especially when I switch back and forth between my 6 and 12 string guitars on stage. The D55 has a K&K pickup installed.

I also own a Guild Westerly CE but the sound and electronics are not fantastic. It has the 1 3/4" nut so I would keep it as a backup.

Looking for something in the USD $1500 - 2000 range.
I know Taylor has this option but I prefer to look at other makers as well if possible, having already owned 3 Taylors and kept none.

Thanks!

YamahaGuy · #2 12-07-2021, 09:52 PM

Yamaha FGX5. D18 killer (plugged in). Sorry Martin fans. No disrespect. But the Atmosfeel pickup is hard to make it sound bad.

SecondCity · #3 12-07-2021, 10:57 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

Yamaha FGX5. D18 killer (plugged in). Sorry Martin fans. No disrespect. But the Atmosfeel pickup is hard to make it sound bad.

You have a lot of dreads; the FSX5 would be an option as well. It’s a little smaller obviously, and might give you a change of pace. The sonic differences shouldn’t matter all that much through an amp anyway.

TBman · #4 12-07-2021, 11:21 PM

What about a Gibson J-15? You might be able to find new old stock.

EJJS · #5 12-07-2021, 11:38 PM

I agree with the others, Yamaha FGX5 or FSX5. Amazing pickup system on those!

nrand · #6 12-08-2021, 12:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

Yamaha FGX5. D18 killer (plugged in). Sorry Martin fans. No disrespect. But the Atmosfeel pickup is hard to make it sound bad.

Thank you for this - I had never heard of these before today.

nrand · #7 12-08-2021, 12:06 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by TBman

What about a Gibson J-15? You might be able to find new old stock.

Thank you I had a look at these too. In Australia any Gibson attracts a big markup just because of the name, pricing these at 50% or more higher than the Yamaha. - Yamahas tend to fly under the radar here.

JKA · #8 12-08-2021, 08:00 AM

Being a Tacoma Guild D55 owner myself, I wanted something similar to what you're looking for. Found a wonderful Guild M20E which I really enjoy playing due to the wider nut and Mahogany tones it produces. Very happy with it, though I'll never part with the D55 as it's still my #1 all time favourite...

lowrider · #9 12-08-2021, 08:07 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by YamahaGuy

Yamaha FGX5. D18 killer (plugged in). Sorry Martin fans. No disrespect. But the Atmosfeel pickup is hard to make it sound bad.

I absolutely agree with you in theory, but since there are none of them around to try, it's very hard to order one blind or recommend one.

It was on my list to try all year, but I never was able to find one.

Jim Comeaux · #10 12-08-2021, 09:33 AM

You didn’t say in your OP, but are you strictly instrumental or do you do vocals as well? Some vocalists prefer a Rosewood guitar as opposed to Mahogany, ostensibly because of the “scooped mid range” attribute of Rosewood. Supposedly it makes room for the human voice in between the bass and treble. I can’t swear to this as I sing like a bird. Vultures ARE birds are they not? O.K., after all of that, the Yamaha LL series is a pretty good choice. As to the electronics that you will probably want to install, I can offer no advice as I am strictly acoustic (a bluegrasser), but I do know that they mic up beautifully.

nuchdig · #11 12-08-2021, 09:43 AM

Alvarez MD 60EBG, or MF 60EOM. All solid w a Baggs. Yamaha and the Takamine Pro Series would also be in the running

Macpage · #12 12-08-2021, 10:01 AM

Agree with others that the Yamaha might fit the bill if you can find one to try. For something a little unique, the Martin SC-13 comes to mind. I also like US Breedloves and Larrivee for 1 3/4" guitars if you find the right one.

We have an Alvarez Masterworks GA that is really comfortable and comes in dread as well if you might want to add a cutaway. With walnut, it's not the same tone as your Guild especially unamplified. Yet, not many sound like a D55. I love that Guild guitar! As mentioned, Alvarez also makes a Masterworks rosewood dread now, which I have not played. Yet, the African mahogany dread and OM versions are nice guitars in my experience.

Outside of the Yamaha, you may still prefer to have the K&K. Good luck, and I hope you find the D55 a nice home.

Best,

Mac

davidd · #13 12-08-2021, 10:13 AM

I like the Yamaha L series.

jp2558 · #14 12-08-2021, 12:18 PM

Martin GPC Series? All have 1 & 3/4 nut widths with many models to cover most budgets.

nrand · #15 12-08-2021, 08:01 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Jim Comeaux

You didn’t say in your OP, but are you strictly instrumental or do you do vocals as well? Some vocalists prefer a Rosewood guitar as opposed to Mahogany, ostensibly because of the “scooped mid range” attribute of Rosewood. Supposedly it makes room for the human voice in between the bass and treble. I can’t swear to this as I sing like a bird. Vultures ARE birds are they not? O.K., after all of that, the Yamaha LL series is a pretty good choice. As to the electronics that you will probably want to install, I can offer no advice as I am strictly acoustic (a bluegrasser), but I do know that they mic up beautifully.

Thank you for this question.
I am primarily a singer with reasonable rhythm and finger style skills and I perform solo almost exclusively. My voice is lower and I cover a lot of what Johnny Cash covered plus others such as Nick Cave, Matt Berninger of The National, Neil Diamond - you get the idea. I will probably lean towards something that already has a pickup installed. I have plenty of outboard preamps etc.