Acoustic Guitars

[Jon Chappell]

Acoustic guitars often don't get the attention of their more-flashy electric counterparts, but there were significant developments on the unplugged front, from new models to other innovations (pickups, strings, accessories, etc.). Post your findings here, and check back often as we upload the latest in the quiet riot of unamplified sound.

[Rada]

stonebridgeguitars.com

[rtilryarms]

I was frustrated.

I quit playing the guitar about 20 years ago but picked up Yamaha nylon (CG150 SA) for occasional use. Nylon because I was going to play 3 hours a year instead of the 3 hours per day I was accustomed to and my fingers would not tolerate steel. It must be noted that I am a flat-picker, not classical.

Anyway, something happened. My Son turned 17 and suddenly took an interest in playing the guitar. I taught him. He started playing 3 hours a day and I wanted to play along so I bought a cheap steel-string on Ebay and gave it to him ($30 plus 21 shipping).
As cheap as it was, I longed for the steel sound again (OK, brass-wound). And that’s where the trouble started.

You see I started playing when I was 12 on a guitar my older brother loaned me when he went into Navy boot camp. It was a brand new 1968 Gibson J-45 Sunburst. (Sadly, the date gives you a clue as to why I had this longer than just boot camp). I had it 2 years until he claimed it, pawned it and bought others. He kept going into debt and I kept buying whatever guitar he had at the time. They were Guild F50 Arch-back, Martin D28’s and several more expensive guitars I would buy at 500 or 800 dollars and sell back for $100. Why I did this would fill a book, but I am already wordy in an intended short post.

So now I longed to play again but I was frustrated. Kids in college, high mortgage, expensive cars and all the other punishments of corporate and life’s success leaves me cash-starved. What to do?

I took my Son to Guitar Center so he could hear the difference. At the same time I was trying to figure out how I could tell my Wife that I needed 2 – 3,000 dollars for a new guitar. I could afford the guitar but the resulting divorce would have exceeded my financial desires. We played the D-28 Martins, the Guilds, Gibsons and all the top-hanger guitars. He once was playing the D-28 and I reached over for one of the cheapie Martins, a DX-1 and played along. Surprised, I had to look at the sticker again because the price tag did not match the sound - $565. I looked closer and found it was constructed of laminates on the sides, back and neck. I found out later that the body was actually molded.

I’ll save the rest for a review page but I am sold on the new Martin design and materials. The DX-1 sounds great and, as a tribute that new technology matches new technology, I found the old style, black Micarta fingerboard style on Ebay and purchased it for $350 plus $22 shipping and a Gator hard case was included!

Initially it had a buzz on the heavy E-string but now that I have been playing an hour or two a day, I found that that was actually the result of my soft fingertips and not really the guitar. Sure, I should go get it set up but I would have to do that to almost any guitar eventually.

I was reluctant at first, but the new technology in guitar making should not be scoffed. Be not afraid, they sound great.

By the way, my older Brother hates it. He never played it, never heard it and never will because it is not traditional. Like I said, he is another multi-chapter novel. But for once, I am making my own guitar decisions.

Mike

[spokenward]

I believe that these folks were at NAMM,

http://www.new-mad.com/

They have a new carbon fiber mandolin that I am really curious about. Did anyone get a chance to play one?

[voodoo]

Looking at the new Stanford Performer series. D, round shoulder, OM, full range listing about $950 to $1500. Bracing looked beautiful, nice scalloping. Open tuners, vintage look. Anyone see these? Opinions? I've been trying out an OM. Seemed pretty nice, then I picked up the competition, and it suddenly seems very nice (I'm just spoiled with my normal custom OM). Some of the dreads seemed really good for that price point.

[preacherswife]

I have just recently while searching ran across the brand, "Oscar/Schmidt" guitars. How do the OG10CEWH rate? I simply love the white color! In comparision with Ibanez, Jasmine and Washburn, which would be the best for a LONG time to come? I play in church and basically pick a little and strum.