#1
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Waterloo Questions
Hi everyone,
I had a WL-14L that I recently sold and tried replacing with a much 'nicer' guitar. I've realized pretty quickly that the Waterloo's sound is really what I'm after, so I'm ready to buy another one. FWIW, I don't regret selling the first one - it was really in player's condition, and since I'm a pretty strict 'one guitar at a time' guy, I don't see it as a waste to have sold that one only to replace it with one in better condition.
Like I said, I really loved my WL-14L, it just wasn't quite the guitar I wanted to keep for years and years. Thanks! [Edit] I forgot to mention this, but I have a strong preference for 14-frets, although if someone knew of a WL-S Deluxe for sale for sub-2k, I could certainly make an exception for that Last edited by cc132; 06-14-2020 at 10:09 PM. |
#2
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I got a discount a few years back from a small dealer on the west coast on a WL-14 but with the current situation, it may be different. You just have to call or email around.
The Scissortail is a 14 fret version of the WL-12 which is the model I own (sold the WL-14) and I love mine. Maple is not mahogany, so YMMV. If you really liked the sound of the WL-14,.. maybe a WL-14Mh is want you want. You've mentioned all the places I'd look for used Waterloos. If you're picky about condition, just buy new. And to your last question, haven't you already answered it? Quote:
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#3
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I believe most dealers knock off 10% of the MSRP but that may have changed now? Best thing to do is call and ask.
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Jim Dogs Welcome......People Tolerated! |
#4
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Beard Deco-Phonic are along the same lines for around $1800.
https://www.beardguitars.com/aeroxbracing Gibson G-45 is also a good candidate at $1000 Martin 000-17 at $1600 might be a good fit |
#5
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When I bought my WL-14X, I put it up against all the 14 fret options - the maple back and side Scissortail, the Mahogany top WL-14MH, and the Ladder braced WL-14L. For my money the WL-14X was the sweet spot out of all of them - not as bright as the Scissortail with its Maple, more articulate than the WL-14MH's mahogany top, and more hi-fi/less mid-focused than the WL-14L. They were all great though - I don't think there's a loser among the entire Waterloo lineup.
As mentioned another guitar in the same depression-era vein you might want to check out are the Beard Decophonics. |
#6
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I own both a WL-12Mh and a WL-14 and while I love them both they are pretty different guitars. The WL-12MH, which is 12-fret all-mahogany, is among my favorite guitars. It's tone is sweet and mellow. I bought it new and it is breaking in nicely. I bought my WL-14 used, a low 3-digit serial#, with a little wear and tear but nothing serious. I love it's sunburst and serious V neck. It is quite raucous and bluesy. Both have a deep and lovely mahogany tone.
I tried a couple of maple and cherry B&S models but could not bond with any of them. The Oriole model I played was striking, but I just didn't care for its thin voice but it was brand new and may have broken in fine. All of the Waterloo models seem to be great guitars at great price points. I also had a WL-JK for a while and it too was a great alternative to Gibsons I have played. Good luck choosing the one that fits your needs. |
#7
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Check out IRIS guitars by circle strings. Their OG model is based Gibson LG/00 size and it’s sonically way more versatile and (IMHO) better than any of the models from Waterloo (I’ve had em all). Waterloo nailed the dry boxy thing so well that I think they lack some sweetness and character. OG could be an “only guitar” for sure. They are stripped down and simple in the same way the Waterloo’s or beards are.
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#8
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Another vote for the WL-12Mh. I owned three other Waterloos but couldn't bond. Not so with this one. Bonus: sounds particularly good in lowered tunings.
I use it for Celtic and Hawiian. |
#9
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Might want to check out the current thread here on the Martin CEO 7.
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#10
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I previously played the Scissortail but ended up going with a WL-12 because of the 12 fret and the way it made the sound a bit more versatile for my needs. (I sold an L-00 to bring it home.) I'm really itching to get my hands on a WL-12Mh though. And wouldn't mind playing one of those CEO-7. I should just stop now. My WL-12 is great. Yes. Yes, the WL-12 is a wonderful little guitar.
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#11
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Quote:
I've had the Scissortail for a while now and just can't get enough of it. I had a WL-14x in mahogany previously, but the tone seemed thin to me. I would highly recommend the Waterloo Scissortail! Here's a link to a YouTube video of me playing my Scissortail: https://youtu.be/qn7WZDNulpI |
#12
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I may be too blunt in saying this and no disrespect to anyone who thinks otherwise, I think the Scissortail is by far the worst Waterloo. The one I had and the several I played were just dead-sounding and lacked for almost everything I tend to like in a guitar. It was also way heavier than all of the other waterloos I've had...likely contributed to the dull sound.
The mahogany bodied versions are considerably better to my ear. The mahogany topped 12 fret is the single best thing they make by a long margin in my opinion. It's the most versatile and sweetest sounding and the one I should not have sold. I haven't played a mahogany top 14 fret, which they've made very few of, but I'd guess it'd be pretty great, too. I believe Waterloos NAILED what they were going for, which is super well suited for a few styles and then completely unfit for many others. That's true of a lot of guitars, but for folks like me who don't like to change guitars every song, most of the Waterloo line leaves you wanting more a lot of the time. |
#13
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I've seen several Waterloos for sale in the Mandolin Cafe classifieds over time. Lots of guitars for sale there, guitar ads are a separate category, so it's easy to search.
Great website all around, IMO.
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Riley Just playing for my own amazement Martin 000-15sm Eastman E10SS RainSong SMH Blueridge BR-142 The Loar LH-250 Recording King RPS-9 (for slide) Kentucky KM-250 Mandolin A Strat and a Tele Les Paul and Jazzmaster copies |