Which is the best small bodied Maple back and sides guitar you've played?

[sdelsolray]

I don't know if I've ever identified a "best" mid-sized guitar with maple back and sides. I do know that three have stood out over the years, a SCGC F (Flamed German maple/German Spruce), a Webber OM (Quilted Big Leaf maple/cedar) and a Webber Roundbody (Flamed Big Leaf maple/sitka).

[Johan Madsen]

Thanks guys there's plenty of beautiful guitars here, I love maple and I'm glad to hear that many you've mentioned here sound great ! I'm getting bored with all those rosewood guitars

[jt1]

My favorite is my 1936 Gibson L-Century. The bonus feature is that it's paired with a matching, 1936 Gibson A-Century mandolin.

[Johan Madsen]

Originally Posted by jt1

My favorite is my 1936 Gibson L-Century. The bonus feature is that it's paired with a matching, 1936 Gibson A-Century mandolin.

Cool pair!

[jt1]

Originally Posted by Johan Madsen

Cool pair!

Thanks!

Here is what the maple L-Century sounds like, compared to its 1920s and 1930s Gibson siblings:

[jpd]

Originally Posted by jt1

Thanks!

Here is what the maple L-Century sounds like, compared to its 1920s and 1930s Gibson siblings:

That was a treat to see and hear those beauties!

[oldrocker]

Webber Roundbody for its tonal beauty and volume and a Taylor GS6 for its huge sound (my favorite Taylor GS model). Both these guitars completely opened changed my existing opinion about potential tonal qualities of maple in an acoustic guitar.

[veryzer]

Originally Posted by Johan Madsen

Tell me how does cedar interact with maple? I've never tried this combo

I have a Gibson LC-1 Cascade that is cedar over maple. They seem to get along, though to a degree I suppose they cancel each other out. The respective warmth and brightness are moderated. For my ears, the cedar imparts an articulate, "classical" tone, while the maple lends some brashness. It's almost like swearing with a blue blood accent.

[47gene]

I had a Larrivee P-09 parlor... all maple... a great sounding guitar ... wish I still had her...

[Dan_T]

A Mid-90s Breedlove C1 or C2(can't recall). Back when Breedlove was a tiny boutique. Never heard a bass like that on another guitar, and the maple back truly beautiful too.

[okeem22]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

Early 1930s Oahu Jumbo. 00 size, X braced, 12 frets, Grover "clipped plate" tuners, deep "Nick Lucas" maple body. Hey, you said the best and in almost 55 years this remains the best sounding maple body guitar of any size I have ever gotten my hands on.

Yup.....I had one of those, Hawaiian that was converted by Ark Guitars, a really great sounding instrument. Still haunts me and have considered getting another a few times.

[virob]

Originally Posted by Johan Madsen

Tell me how does cedar interact with maple? I've never tried this combo

Maple is on the brighter side, with less sustain which helps separate the notes and allow them to ring out clearly. Those same characteristic can make the sound colder. The cedar helps to give some warmth back and mellows some of the brightness. Done right, it is a great combo

[Johan Madsen]

Originally Posted by jt1

Thanks!

Here is what the maple L-Century sounds like, compared to its 1920s and 1930s Gibson siblings:

Waouw those guitars are really cool don't have much experience with Gibson 's acoustic but I like their shape and their meaty sound

[Johan Madsen]

Originally Posted by lalowdwn1

My Larrivee P09-FM

Beautiful maple, that's the way I like to see it, no taylorish stain bul..hit. I love it

[EverettWilliams]

So, back on page one someone asked about cedar and maple. I had a Goodall parlor in this configuration and it was an awesome combo. Really cool guitar.

Only think better might be Lizzard's Doerr -- played it at Memphis and, well, that's a guitar....