Best Stand Alone Bluegrass Guitar Model (Pick ONE)

[bluegrasswannab]

What do you guys look for in a guitar model, if one were to choose specifically one guitar (I guess that's how I am). Forward shifted scalloped bracing vs standard bracing. D28 vs D18. I guess for you bluegrassers, if you had to choose one bluegrass guitar, what model would you pick? What features of the guitar make you think this?

[Scholar]

My views on this might change in future, but I've already chosen my perfect bluegrass guitar: my Bourgeois custom slope D sunburst, adi over MadRose with mammoth ivory nut, saddle and pins, adi bracing, 25.5" scale, 1 23/32" nut width, 2 1/4" string spacing at saddle, and Waverley tuners.

If I had to pick a Martin product, I'd be partial to a new "stock" D-42 -- I gather that's the model range at which Martin starts to use reserve-quality woods, though I could be wrong about that. A friend has one, and it's pretty close to perfect for me, as full-size dreads go. Still, I prefer a slope. YMMV.

[apshaffer]

I think either of those models will work fine. The D18 GE is another option is you can handle the neck. I personally prefer the mahogany sound. Of course there are other options besides Martins.

[rkl245]

Originally Posted by apshaffer

Of course there are other options besides Martins.

That's it....you are in time out mister !!!

[redcloud]

D-18 Authentic

[Misty44]

Personally, I'd choose the Martin D-18 Authentic because it exhibits the best qualities of the D-18 (clear cutting mids for lead) as well as some of the ringing overtones of the rosewood D-28's nicely suited for rhythm +++ PLUS +++ it has outstanding punch, projection, and volume with plenty of headroom -- and I love its bass.

That said, for bluegrass I'd be happy with several of the production Martin D-18's (the GE and Del McCoury in particular) or D-28's (the Tyminski or Clarence White would be nice).

That said, I've heard excellent runs and rhythm played on run-of-the-mill, plain old, no frills, garden variety D-18's and D-28's.

[Teletodd]

If cost were no object, a D-18 Authentic or D-18GE, if on a budget, Eastman E-10D.

[apshaffer]

Originally Posted by Scholar

but I've already chosen my perfect bluegrass guitar: my Bourgeois custom slope D sunburst,

Originally Posted by rkl245

That's it....you are in time out mister !!!

But he started it!

[JimB1]

Well, I play a D-18 but lately I've really been thinking a lot about a Guild D-50 Bluegrass special. I got to play one about 8 months ago. Generally I'm a Mahogany fan but I do like a lot of rosewood guitars too and this was a really nice and snappy Adi topped tone monster.

The Guild D-40 Bluegrass Jubilee is really nice too and I definitely wouldn't turn my back on that one either but I think my D-18 has me covered for Hog for a while.

Some folks won't like the 1 11/16" nut but it's what I am used to already. I think Mahogany works great to cut through a jam but for a stand alone (I'm guessing you mean playing solo without other instruments) I really like the sound of the D-50...

-Jim