Finding my 3rd guitar- an OM or SS dread?

[hann]

1st guitar - Taylor GSRS (EIR/Sitka)
2nd guitar - Taylor GS mini full hog

Play mostly in church with a full contemp band, and I sing as well.

Kinda drawn toward the OM or slope shoulder dread.
Also since I’ve my taylors, I’ve a more old school, dry sound in mind to complement/contrast the other 2.

No right wrong, just seeking opinion.

And any recommendations work as well, I see some builders coming out with “tradition” versions as well, if that makes any difference.

Fire away!

[Dru Edwards]

Hann, what's your price range? Given your description I'll recommend a Gibson J-45 or a Martin OM-18 if that's in your range.

[hann]

Maybe 3-4K, and I’m not one to buy new so I’m sure I could find real value in the used.

Combing the forums I hear a lot on Collings, bourgeois, SCGC, Huss, Martin but I know some of these Have a more modern sound inherent compared to others.

[lowrider]

Willcutt Guitars orders 0000-18 12 frets from Martin Custom Shop and they are really not any more expensive than a standard OM.

I love my 000012-18. Every time I play it, I'm amazed by all the deep, rich sound that comes out of it.

[hann]

Not sure I’d enjoy such a small body? I can get carried away

[Capo on 7]

I recently grabbed my first OM and can’t imagine not having one from now on. In my opinion, they truly are the shape that can do anything.

Martin doesn’t currently make an OM-18…but there are plenty of used ones out there. In fact, there is one for sale here that would be worth checking in to.

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=641067

It’s a beauty. 1933 VTS. Great videos on YouTube of this model in action.

[hann]

Thanks! I’ll check it out

[lowrider]

A 0000 is bigger than an OM. It's 16 inches across vs 15. It's also long scale, the same as an OM.

I had a custom shop OM-18 Special, it was a great guitar but I just couldn't get along with it. It had the kind of tone that would cut through a room full of dreads, but I just couldn't sing with it solo.



Around Thanksgiving, I got the 000012-18. I think it's because it's a 12 fret but it sounds like someone is playing tricks on me.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

I'm not sure what's available to you in Singapore but slope shoulder/old school/dry sound screams Gibson J45.

[lowrider]

Singapore! I missed that. I don't know what's available to you, but good luck with your search.

[kakashi]

I'd recommended a J45/D28. If its mostly for church, strumming most of the time you want the sound of a dread. My brother-in-law was the guitar tech for Hillsong and always told me those 2 is all that you'll ever need. Martin used to offer the D28s for $1200 after they finished a tour and I regret not taking one when I had multiple opportunities even though I get a nice discount from them.

[sakar12]

Maybe the Maestro traditional series? (Since you're in Singapore.). I just got a 000 from Maestro and am stunned at how nice of a guitar it is. For fingerstyle, it's pretty close to my Lowden.

Their traditional series is obviously their attempt at sounding like a Martin / Gibson, and if the quality is anything like my Original Series, it's a ton of value.

[hann]

Originally Posted by lowrider

Singapore! I missed that. I don't know what's available to you, but good luck with your search.

Not afraid to ship from US

[hann]

Wonder if a 000-18 with a shorter scale would be more similar voice wise to a J45 than an OM.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by hann

Wonder if a 000-18 with a shorter scale would be more similar voice wise to a J45 than an OM.

000-18 would've been my 2nd suggestion if they're more readily available to you.