Which one suprised you?

Mbroady · #1 11-09-2014, 07:51 AM

Some guitars you just have expectations about. You think Olson and you know it is going to sound amazing. You think Lowden, Huss and Dalton, Santa Cruz, or any of the relatively smaller, high end companies and you just know that they will be quality, perhaps not your cup of tea but still a great instrument.

Any guitar (Specific or company) that you played that you just had no idea it would sound so good.

For me it was 2 Guitars
The first time I tried a Stonebridge (G23CR) I was blown away. But now I except every Stonebridge/Furch to sound great, and they always do.

But the one that really took me by surprise was the Voyage Air VAD-2
It was relatively inexpensive but sounded (and still does) Stellar.

How about you?

Jarlaxle · #2 11-09-2014, 07:55 AM

Actually the guitar that surprised me the most was a used big baby taylor. Picked it up just for giggles and came away really impressed. I don't really need a beater guitar so didn't buy it but if I ever decide I do, that's the first one I'm going to look for.

Oldguy64 · #3 11-09-2014, 07:57 AM

I've heard all the "hype" about Eastman.
It wasn't till I played a few that I realized it was awfully subdued hype compared to how good the guitars are.

reholli · #4 11-09-2014, 08:02 AM

The two Art & Lutherie guitars I currently own surprised me with their overall quality (tone, playability and build)...every bit as satisfying as the Martin 00-18 and 00-21 I'd previously owned.

Over the 8 years I've owned them, they continue to surprise me. Links in my sig.

Rondoraymundo · #5 11-09-2014, 08:04 AM

Cordorba crossovers and classical. Their higher end stuff like the C9 and C10 are exceptional instruments for the money.

Gasworker · #6 11-09-2014, 08:07 AM

I will add my Halcyon Walnut AJ. There can't be very many people who have bought a Halcyon because of their first hand experience with them. When I finally decided on a walnut AJ I honestly had no reference point. I had always wanted a Gibson so I went in search of a new J15. I was so impressed with the J15 that I hoped my Halcyon could come close. It has exceeded my expectations. Fit, finish, tone are extraordinary and I could never have afforded a custom made guitar of this quality without Larrivee Canada making Ed Bond unemployed.
So thank you Larrivee (oh, and you to Ed)

8upSS · #7 11-09-2014, 08:07 AM

The Taylor GS Mini.

gotgas · #8 11-09-2014, 08:11 AM

I played an Aged Tone Bourgeois OM at Hill Country Guitars this past summer that I really, really liked. This was my first Bourgeois I ever played, and I am pretty sure it will not be the last!

Mbroady · #9 11-09-2014, 08:12 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Gasworker

I will add my Halcyon Walnut AJ. There can't be very many people who have bought a Halcyon because of their first hand experience with them. When I finally decided on a walnut AJ I honestly had no reference point. I had always wanted a Gibson so I went in search of a new J15. I was so impressed with the J15 that I hoped my Halcyon could come close. It has exceeded my expectations. Fit, finish, tone are extraordinary and I could never have afforded a custom made guitar of this quality without Larrivee Canada making Ed Bond unemployed.
So thank you Larrivee (oh, and you to Ed)

I have heard great things about Halcyon. One of the few known affordable custom builders. Have not had the pleasure to try one yet.

rmyAddison · #10 11-09-2014, 08:17 AM

My OM-18 Authentic 1933. I expected it to be very good, but when I brought it home to a pretty nice Martin collection (including far more expensive guitars) and it just schooled every guitar I had.......to answer the OP's question, yes I was surprised, and thrilled..........

rsfanforever · #11 11-09-2014, 08:20 AM

Yes, my Yamaha FG730S is just jaw-droppingly awesome, what a beautiful tone, a guitar that has some magic. Have friends I play with that all have very nice guitars and they all want to play that Yamaha when we all get together and play. What a special guitar it is.

futboljim · #12 11-09-2014, 08:28 AM

I played used a Martin 000-15sm custom (I think a Podium Custom from a few years ago) that blew me away. I had always liked Martin 15 series, but never got excited about them, and that guitar changed it.

That led to my purchase of my 0-15sm from Ted. I expected a great tone, and got it, so this one did not surprise me. However, when I had a couple of friends try it out, the look on their face said it all - they were pleasantly surprised by everything about this little gem!

hawk · #13 11-09-2014, 08:31 AM

Two guitars have really jumped out at me over the last couple of months. The 1st was a Gibson songwriter deluxe. This one had been played and showed it but it was a guitar that could pass as a good J45 or a good D28. I just had a Taylor 324ce. I'm not a big Taylor guy but the hog top really toned down the Taylor mids that can sometimes be too much for me.

Oldguy64 · #14 11-09-2014, 08:35 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by 8upSS

The Taylor GS Mini.

I forgot about that one. And I bought one this year....

Mooh · #15 11-09-2014, 08:43 AM

Very little will replace my Favourite Beneteau and House guitars, but here are a couple that are a nice diversion.

I've owned lots of great Godin products, but this Seagull Maritime Mahogany dreadnought really surprises me. I expected it to be good, but it's way more than $700 good, and that included the case. They seem to cut corners with less finish buffing than it deserves, and the frets could have been polished better, but the tone is pure and clean, loud and smooth. I did get the nut and saddle replaced with bone, but whatever is stock would be acceptable. I bought this because I really couldn't afford another custom built guitar right now, and thought I might develop my mahogany tastes a little with it.

A couple of years ago my wife brought home a new import wood body Dobro resonator for me. (Yes, she's one of those women that other women are exasperated with because she supports my interest in musical instruments.) I often don't expect a whole lot from grand old instrument names on modern imports but with a modest set-up this thing has been fantastic. It has inspired 2 of my students to buy their own resonators, and a couple of others to repeatedly comment on it, lust after it, or ask to play it. (Related, I have a Regal steel body resonator that is nice and fun but not particularly outstanding, and a Gold Tone resonator bass that is the loudest acoustic bass on the market to my ears, though it does come with a magnetic pickup.)