"Singer/Songwriter Guitars" - What Say You?

[Kh1967]

Hi All,

I think many of us associate a certain guitar/guitar tone with the singer/songwriter ilk. We have a sound in our head that makes us categorize, if you will.

Depending on a variety of factors, with none of them being right or wrong, what is your favorite singer/songwriter guitar? How come? What about it makes you think of it in that way?

Curious as to what the AGF has to say. Yes, this has been discussed before but, we have new members and for those of us who have been around awhile, sometimes our ears/thoughts change.

Looking forward to replies!

[Glennwillow]

Hi Kori,

For me, my old 1967 Martin D-35 is a great singer-songwriter guitar. It's a dreadnought, so it's a little on the big side and will not fit all players, but it sure has a lovely sound. If you are interested in hearing this guitar, the last three songs I have recorded for my YouTube channel have used this old D-35. Those songs are in the AGF Show & Tell section of the forum, Here, Here, and Here.

Really, though, any guitar that encourages a person to play and sing can be a great singer-songwriter guitar!

- Glenn

[drive-south]

I dont know what differentiates a singer songwriter from any other musician that writes and performs their original music. Is John Hiatt a singer songwriter? I've seen him perform solo acoustic as well as with a full band. When playing solo acoustic I've seen him play J45, J200, and a hand-built parlour from Rigaud.

The singer sonwriters I'm familiar with all play different guitars. Whatever works for them.

[Kh1967]

Originally Posted by Glennwillow

Hi Kori,

For me, my old 1967 Martin D-35 is a great singer-songwriter guitar. It's a dreadnought, so it's a little on the big side and will not fit all players, but it sure has a lovely sound. If you are interested in hearing this guitar, the last three songs I have recorded for my YouTube channel have used this old D-35. Those songs are in the AGF Show & Tell section of the forum, Here, Here, and Here.

Really, though, any guitar that encourages a person to play and sing can be a great singer-songwriter guitar!

- Glenn

Hi Glenn,

Okay...I have to say it - BEAUTIFUL! That guitar nestles in so nicely next to your voice. I can see why you like it. My ears agree with you. Plus, 1967 is a really great year.

Thanks for sharing!

[L20A]

I have spent way too much time watching YouTube videos of a lot of my favorite Acoustic Artists.
One thing that I have decided after seeing all of these recording artists is that there is NO one singer/songwriter guitar or type of guitar.

There are some artists that have a stage full of instruments that are used for certain songs while others use just one guitar for their shows.

For many years, I thought that a guitar with a lot of sustain and plenty of bottom end was the perfect fit. After seeing all of these different artists and their wide variety in guitars, I have come to the conclusion that the right guitar for a singer/songwriter is the one that they like and use.

Guess that is why there are so many guitars to choose from.

[Davidb]

https://www.google.ca/url?sa=i&rct=j...35989346157144

[brencat]

When I think “singer/songwriter” guitar, I think of guitars that have an enveloping sound, that harmonize, and trick the listener into thinking there is more than one guitar playing.

The Martin D-35 certainly qualifies, as well as most Gibsons.

[Kh1967]

Originally Posted by L20A

I have spent way too much time watching YouTube videos of a lot of my favorite Acoustic Artists.
One thing that I have decided after seeing all of these recording artists is that there is NO one singer/songwriter guitar or type of guitar.

There are some artists that have a stage full of instruments that are used for certain songs while others use just one guitar for their shows.

For many years, I thought that a guitar with a lot of sustain and plenty of bottom end was the perfect fit. After seeing all of these different artists and their wide variety in guitars, I have come to the conclusion that the right guitar for a singer/songwriter is the one that they like and use.

Guess that is why there are so many guitars to choose from.

Yes...you absolutely see a variety and that is why I put "no right or wrong." It was more curiosity as to what our members hear and what appeals to them.

Fortunately, as you well state, there are many guitars to choose from!

[rokdog49]

I submit it's the guitar or guitars that you are most comfortable doing your singer-songwriter thing with.
I like what I have and there are four different ones.

[Kh1967]

Originally Posted by rokdog49

I submit it's the guitar or guitars that you are most comfortable doing your singer-songwriter thing with.
I like what I have and there are four different ones.

And, a very nice collection, indeed!

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by Kh1967

I think many of us associate a certain guitar/guitar tone with the singer/songwriter ilk.

I think the notion that some guitars are "singer/songwriter" guitars and some are not, is a silly one unless someone can show me the guitars that impede singing and songwriting. I know of none.

[Silly Moustache]

Hi, I am a singer-guitarist and occasionally write my own songs, but tend to "cover" songs from fine singer-songwriters that I admire.

I have 12 fret dreads, a 000 a Waterloo, a Jumbo (RS style) and a hand made 00. as well as a couple of 12 strings .... it really doesn't matter.

Almost always perform with my dreads because when I'm in front of an audience I feel more comfortable with medium strings on a standard scale, but the guitar,, the shape, make or anything else really isn't that important.

[C_Becker]

Originally Posted by jim1960

I think the notion that some guitars are "singer/songwriter" guitars and some are not, is a silly one unless someone can show me the guitars that impede singing and songwriting. I know of none.

All of mine seem to do that. Guitar playing as well

For some reason, "singer songwriter" makes me think J-45, though of course you could use any guitar.

[stephenT]

I think of a songwriters guitar as a small body, so you can lean over and write a few lines without the guitar digging into your chest. Think Woody Guthrie.

My vote would be a Martin 00, say a 00-15.

[Kh1967]

Originally Posted by brencat

When I think “singer/songwriter” guitar, I think of guitars that have an enveloping sound, that harmonize, and trick the listener into thinking there is more than one guitar playing.

The Martin D-35 certainly qualifies, as well as most Gibsons.

Nice description...cannot say that I disagree.