Good Maple guitar for country music

[ross748]

check out the Taylor 610 series. I have had 2 custom shop Taylor Maples and they are outstanding.

[jwhelan56]

Or this one:

https://www.takamine.com/EF341SC

[rwmct]

The other Guild model is the G-37 blond.

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by jwhelan56

I wouldn't overlook a Taylor 614CE, or maybe a Takamine with maple B&S due to their outstanding electronics when plugged in.

https://www.takamine.com/GJ72CE-NAT

Good luck with your search.

A 614ce with bluegrass gauge strings might be the ticket. As a matter of fact, not all that long ago I had the hots for a Gibson SJ200 and would have bought a used one located close by. To my surprise it sounded so much like my 614 that I couldn't buy it much as I wanted to.

It may be important to note that maple takes longer to open up than rosewood or hog, and can open up in a big way when it does. I prefer the older 614's anyway. JMO

[FingahPickah]

Originally Posted by hotroad

I am after a good maple guitar under $2K for mostly flatpicking and strumming. I like 1 3/4 nut width and a dread or jumbo body size. New or used. What do you recommend. Thanks

I've been playing a maple Guild dread D44M since 1976 (listed in an old Guild catalogue as the "Bluegrass Jubilee" model.... If you can find one in good shape you will not be disappointed..

Also - I agree with another post that Breedlove's Sitka/Myrtlewood dread has a very maple-like sound

[hotroad]

OP here. Thanks for the suggestions. Please don't recommend any laminated back and sides. Just not what I am after. Your ideas are all very helpful in rooting out some guitars and including others. I am still looking so keep the ideas coming. Thanks so much.

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by L20A

I forgot that Guild necks are 1 11/16".
Because they are big, chunky necks, they feel like a 1 3/4" to me.
At least those from Westerly. ...

I just measured my Westerly year 2000 D30 nut width and it is bang on 1 3/4"

[hotroad]

Thanks Guitar George. Good to know.

[GeneralDreedle]

Originally Posted by hotroad

OP here. Thanks for the suggestions. Please don't recommend any laminated back and sides. Just not what I am after. Your ideas are all very helpful in rooting out some guitars and including others. I am still looking so keep the ideas coming. Thanks so much.

Can I ask why? The Guild Jumbo's with the laminated back, like the JF 30, is made with an old arch press and are really top notch

[rmp]

Good Maple guitar for country music

I know it is a bit more than what you plan to spend, but, the answer really is a Gibson SJ200! Go big, or go home right??

[hotroad]

I agree that a Gibson J200 would fit the bill perfectly but boy are they expensive at this time. That would be my number one choice if I found an extra grand somewhere.

[Gatorwampus]

Originally Posted by guitar george

A Guild D30 is what you want.

Agreed. I have one, and it's a very good guitar, also really cool looking. It has a tiger maple neck with a thin strip of blood wood (I think) in the center. If I was smart enough to post pictures to the forum, I'd show you.

[Lillis]

I’m no expert but LA guitars has a new old stock Breedlove jumbo maple Sunburst Legacy model which is their top of the line. It’s on sale for 2K. I’m sure it is an amazing guitar.

[hotroad]

Thanks for the lead on the Breedlove. I will check it out.

[guitar george]

Originally Posted by hotroad

OP here. Thanks for the suggestions. Please don't recommend any laminated back and sides. Just not what I am after.

Unfortunately the D30s have laminated arched backs. This makes them look as though they are made from a 1-piece flat-sawn piece of maple. The sturdiness of a laminated and arched back is a major contributor to the bold loud sound. The sides are solid wood.

D30 Back.jpg