Small to medium body strummer

offkey · #1 02-24-2017, 09:10 AM

I have a great Classical guitar and a couple very nice 00 size fingerstyle instruments. All of which can be strummed of course. But I would like to add a comfortable size guitar that will be a bit stronger strummed. I recently asked about a Seagull SWS Concert Hall, which is about an om size, but got no info. Maybe a Martin 000 17sm or another om size like an Eastman om. Dreads are too large to hold for long so all things equal the smaller the better for my short thick arms.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.And I don't care to spend any more than necessary to get a good strong tone and sound. Thanks!

roylor4 · #2 02-24-2017, 09:21 AM

All of my OM's keep up with my wife's Goodtime Banjo. Plenty of volume. My E6OM is my go-to gigger but the Alvarez and AC240 are just as good in the volume and tone department.

Have not played an SWS CH.

Nyghthawk · #3 02-24-2017, 09:32 AM

I have an OM size Blueridge that has a very nice tone and lengthy sustain. I paid a little over $750 with tax for it. The Seagull SWS Concert Hall is mahogany instead of rosewood like my BR but has a nice mid-rangy sound too. It is very similar in price. Simon and Patrick make a Concert Hall size with a rosewood back and sides if you prefer that tone wood combination.

Any of these would make a good small bodied strummer.

ChrisE · #4 02-24-2017, 09:35 AM

The Taylor GA size would be good option. I have a 314ce. I like it a lot.

Here's the scoop from Taylor's propaganda machine:

https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitar...and-auditorium

madhat · #5 02-24-2017, 09:57 AM

Gibson LG2 American Eagle.

madhat.

Steve DeRosa · #6 02-24-2017, 09:58 AM

Martin 000-15SM, bluegrass-gauge (12-56) strings, pound the snot out of it a couple hours a day fir the first 3-4 months - problem solved...

Cincy2 · #7 02-24-2017, 10:23 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offkey

I have a great Classical guitar and a couple very nice 00 size fingerstyle instruments. All of which can be strummed of course. But I would like to add a comfortable size guitar that will be a bit stronger strummed. I recently asked about a Seagull SWS Concert Hall, which is about an om size, but got no info. Maybe a Martin 000 17sm or another om size like an Eastman om. Dreads are too large to hold for long so all things equal the smaller the better for my short thick arms.

Any suggestions will be appreciated.And I don't care to spend any more than necessary to get a good strong tone and sound. Thanks!

I recently picked up a Wee Lowden and was blown away by the power in this little guitar. It's about the size of a Hauser body classical. I've got the fan fret version with two scale lengths (650mm on the bass and 610 on the trebles). Despite the size is puts out a strong, resonant sound that sounds impressive whether you are finger picking or strumming (fingers or pick).

Cincy

sakar12 · #8 02-24-2017, 10:26 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Cincy2

I recently picked up a Wee Lowden and was blown away by the power in this little guitar. It's about the size of a Hauser body classical. I've got the fan fret version with two scale lengths (650mm on the bass and 610 on the trebles). Despite the size is puts out a strong, resonant sound that sounds impressive whether you are finger picking or strumming (fingers or pick).

Cincy

I am jealous of your sig line!

offkey · #9 02-24-2017, 10:38 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by madhat

Gibson LG2 American Eagle.

madhat.

These look great, but I need a 1.75 spacing at the nut, Fat fingers as well as arms.

As for the 000 15sm, that could be a good choice. I have however a 00 15sm already, maybe I need to pound some sound through it and see what develops!

Nyghthawk · #10 02-24-2017, 10:46 AM

On the Blueridge OM's you have to go with the Adirondack top to get the 1.75" nut width. Mine has 1.63.

Treenewt · #11 02-24-2017, 11:34 AM

Go get a Larrivee OM-40 and thank me later. :-)

roylor4 · #12 02-24-2017, 11:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by offkey

These look great, but I need a 1.75 spacing at the nut, Fat fingers as well as arms.

As for the 000 15sm, that could be a good choice. I have however a 00 15sm already, maybe I need to pound some sound through it and see what develops!

I feel ya. Under 5'6" and +50" chest. Big guitars don't work for me either, including GA's. I also find playing clean much easier on 1.75 nut widths too.

Of all my OM's, my Alvarez MFA70 is probably the most powerful. Since you already have an all Hog 00 I would encourage you to look at a different tonewood combination for the sake of variety.

The widest string spacing I have is on my RK 12 fret 000, but it has a baseball battish neck that put some off. Next widest is the Alvarez. Very comfy deep C profile.

Angiodan · #13 02-24-2017, 11:41 AM

Hi, I just picked up a 324 and it really keeps up with our fiddle player.
Anyway, works for me .Good luck with your search
Dan

TJNies · #14 02-24-2017, 12:31 PM

The OP didn't state a budget figure. I would suggest either the Martin 00-18 or 00-28 14 fret models. Either is a great choice, louder than you might expect.

I have a Custom Shop 00-18, and it's a little sweetheart of a guitar! It only varies from a standard model by the Engelmann top and pearl fingerboard dots.

jsanfilippo5 · #15 02-24-2017, 12:53 PM

I just sold a Larrivee OM-40r that had the loudest strumming sound I ever heard out of an OM. If you did blond test it could easily be mistaken for a dread.

Here is a sample I took with it at open tuning.

I only sold it because I didnt like the neck - just wasnt for me.

If you can play one and get along with the flatter finger board - which probably could since you have a classical guitar - I think you ay be really happy!