“Best” all-hog under 2k

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Lillis

Yep. Biggest guitar mistake I've made was selling my 00015SM. I must say I am loving my new Guild M20 though.

How would you compare the two?

[blews]

I know you sent this to Lillis, but I'll give you my two cents as well...The Guild M20 and M25E have more of a vintage tone than the Martin....IMHO.....great Blues boxes....

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by packmule

How do the Furch all mahogany Blue series guitars compare to the Martin 15 series? Pricewise they would also come in under the OP's budget.

Having had a couple 15 series and the all mahogany blue series, they are totally different guitars in most meaningful ways to where they don't compare apples to apples other than the fact that they are all mahogany.

The Martin has a mellower, warmer tone and is lighter in weight and built with a vintagey classic tone.

The Furch is just remarkably well made, has a couple embellishments (binding) and feels and sounds much more modern to my ears. The neck joint and construction method is modern, not to a fault at all, just really different.

Furch guitars are shockingly underpriced. Just on a quality and fit/finish level and the fact that it has to travel halfway across the world to get here, the Furch Blue series should be $5-600 more than the 15 series, but it's somehow at or less.

They are both awesome and insanely good values. I would simplify it as saying that 15 series Martins are for people looking for an all hog guitar with classic tone and style and the Furch is an all hog for someone who wants a modern spin on it.

[cliff_the_stiff]

Right above your limit,
listed on Reverb are some Martin Jeff Tweedy 00db.
These are a little unobtainium-
Player grade options pop up from time to time.

[mawmow]

I was not impressed by OO-15 and OOO-15...
But maybe I should have tried other string types...
My more expensive OODB is fabulous !

A used Taylor 322/324 would probably do it.
I love my 322 though the back is blackwood.

[packmule]

Originally Posted by gr81dorn

Having had a couple 15 series and the all mahogany blue series, they are totally different guitars in most meaningful ways to where they don't compare apples to apples other than the fact that they are all mahogany.

The Martin has a mellower, warmer tone and is lighter in weight and built with a vintagey classic tone.

The Furch is just remarkably well made, has a couple embellishments (binding) and feels and sounds much more modern to my ears. The neck joint and construction method is modern, not to a fault at all, just really different.

Furch guitars are shockingly underpriced. Just on a quality and fit/finish level and the fact that it has to travel halfway across the world to get here, the Furch Blue series should be $5-600 more than the 15 series, but it's somehow at or less.

They are both awesome and insanely good values. I would simplify it as saying that 15 series Martins are for people looking for an all hog guitar with classic tone and style and the Furch is an all hog for someone who wants a modern spin on it.

Thanks for this comparison - I have a friend who's in the market for an all mahogany 000/OM and based on this I'm going to suggest he check out a Furch.

[Jim Comeaux]

Why has nobody mentioned the Yamaha FG-5? It checks all the boxes.

[Br1ck]

Originally Posted by KESTLY

Guild M20 - this is the guitar that Nick Drake used!!!

There is no one who can recall Nick Drake playing that M20 in the studio or on stage. He did a photo shoot with one.

Let me recommend that if you get a 15 series, you buy a special from LA Guitars or others that order them. The tortoise binding really adds to the guitar while maintaining it's austere character.

I believe the slot head comes with a 12 fret, paddle head with the 14 fret. These are quite different sounding guitars. Want to double your budget and find a used SCGC 1929 00?

Or going the other direction, 000 15s go for $900 used all the time, or at least occasionally.

[gr81dorn]

Originally Posted by Jim Comeaux

Why has nobody mentioned the Yamaha FG-5? It checks all the boxes.

Except that pesky spruce top.

[MikeMcKee]

My personal favorite is the Waterloo WL 12MH, although I’d like to check out the Furch. Paramount Guitars has a few.

[Doublea1269]

Several years ago bought a Taylor 324ce as a clearance before they changed specs a little for the upcoming year. All hog and a really nice playing and sounding guitar. Typical warmth with a little brightness, but nothing like your typical Taylor brightness.

[Rev Roy]

Lot of suggestions for Martin 15 series. Which are great guitars (I’ve owned one). But OP wants 1 3/4” nut and the 15s are 1 11/16”.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Lot of suggestions for Martin 15 series. Which are great guitars (I’ve owned one). But OP wants 1 3/4” nut and the 15s are 1 11/16”.

Except for the 000-15sm

[Rev Roy]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

Except for the 000-15sm

Didn’t know that. Guess there’s always an exception. Thanks for the info.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Rev Roy

Didn’t know that. Guess there’s always an exception. Thanks for the info.

You're welcome Roy. Martin likes to keep on our toes.