Guitar for solo singer-songwriter.....

[goldenboy]

I know every guitar and taste for guitar is different, but I'm curious what guitars all of you singer-songwriters are playing these days. Do you feel certain models or wood combinations compliment vocals better than others?

[Oldguy64]

My main guitar is an Alvarez MD70.
I also play an old (1980) Alvarez 5013 that my dad helped me buy.

But it's largely subjective. I've found that playing the same progression on different guitars can evoke completely different focus and feel.

I played a Gibson J45 in a shop not long ago, and it brought out a whole different feel to my playing.

[martingitdave]

I think its entirely subjective. Mine are listed below.

For my taste, rosewood and spruce, with a deep bottom end, and easy to play.

Good luck.

[kydave]

A Martin D-28 has worked for me for over 40 years... Basically, if it can't be done with a good D-28, it's user error.

[rygi]

Originally Posted by martingitdave

I think its entirely subjective. Mine are listed below.

For my taste, rosewood and spruce, with a deep bottom end, and easy to play.

Good luck.

I feel the same way. All subjective. It's important to try out guitars in person so you can sing with them,and see what complements your voice.

I also prefer rosewood and spruce,i.e Martin D-28,HD-28,D-35,HD-35,D-45........oooooohhhhh D-45 lol.

Dang,now I gotta buy 'em all

[duluthdan]

If all I was left with was my J-45... I could live with that.

I use all the guitars in my sig for singer/songwriter stuff, but if I had to choose only one, it would be the Gibson.

[mds08]

My Taylor 910 works for me. I second that on a Rosewood/Spruce combo.

[SalFromChatham]

Originally Posted by duluthdan

If all I was left with was my J-45... I could live with that.

Strong agreement. I also think a D35 is nice, and if you like a smaller body, a Martin 0000 size, the new 000-18, and while we are at it, a Gibby LG-2 AE.

Jeez. I can go on for hours.

At the end of the day though? Some kind of J45 feels like home,

[picassov7]

I'm enjoying an Adirondack over walnut mini jumbo for my needs.

[brencat]

I can't sing that well. But my HD-28 makes me sound the best that I can.

[Play2PraiseHim]

A Gibson Hummingbird is my choice .

This guitar was specifically made to compliment the human voice and it does the job very well.

Gibson j-200's, J-45's , LG2 American Eagles, and Songwriters are great too.

Martin 15 series , d-18, 35, 28, 40-45's, are great too.

I would also check out a Martin J-40 or a Guild D-55 or JF-50R.

If you prefer the Taylor tone, a cedar or mahogany top GA or larger is worth a look. In haven't tried one myself,but the new 814's get good reviews .

[BoneDigger]

My voice goes best with a solid mahogany guitar (top, back, sides). So at this point I might just choose my Seagull SWS mahogany or my Guild D125.

Todd

[DesertTwang]

I started out with a dreadnaught and bluegrass. The more I began venturing into singer-songwriter territory, the more tired I got of the boominess of the dreadnaught. I just got a brandnew Martin 000-15sm (all mahogany), which I'm setting my hopes on. I can't say much yet, other than that I absolutely love how much more balanced and nuanced this guitar is compared to my dred. I think dreads are great workhorses in a band setting, but for solo work, I'm really intrigued by the smaller-body guitars. It all depends on your style of music and your vocals of course.

[martingitdave]

One thought that just occurred to me was to consider what your favorite artists play(Ed), assuming you like their tone.