Looking to Add to Arsenal

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Some one in TAC Land must have one of these. Here’s your opportunity to brag.

[Cadgirl]

well….. @Guitargeezer I think we would need to know what Taylors guitar you now own to give an idea of partnership.

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Have a Taylor GS Mini and a Taylor 414ce-R but either Martin and Gibson interest me. Also looking at the Zager 900 OM.

[N-lightMike]

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Hello @Guitargeezer ,

This makes me sad that you have reached out for advice on buying a guitar and not gotten any response. On the old platform you would have generated a very robust conversation involving at least 20 people. One of the things we would do was “tag” people to join the conversation. I don’t even know very many “nicknames” on this new platform. But let’s try.

@Loraine @jumpinjeff @Michelle-PSL @SoCal_Ian @BrianSanto @Omar_A.H. @David_M_Dm @Real-Vic-G @Guy_H

[N-lightMike]

Hello again @Guitargeezer ;

I looked up those three guitars to see if I could offer any insight. I can’t offer anything beyond what’s available online in the descriptions and the review videos. I’m sure there are people here on TAC who have those guitars, but it seems like there are not as many people using the forums as before. 🙁

MG 😀

[N-lightMike]

Hello yet again @Guitargeezer ;

I just visited the “Small Hands and Short Arms!” topic and saw that you had responded. You mentioned that you had similar issues to @queenkobraxx . As I had just looked at the guitars you are considering buying, I thought I would weight in on this topic again.

First, I will give the same advice I gave to Maria (queenkobraxx). Don’t buy any of these guitars without being able to get them into your hands first.

Second, I would suggest something smaller altogether. All of these are large guitars. I prefer the slightly smaller body guitars at the largest. My favorite guitars are the even smaller parlors. I don’t have any Martins and I have held a Martin only a handful of times, so I would have trouble giving you a size comparison. But maybe the 00 instead of the 000? As far as the Gibson, it is a dreadnought. I owned a dreadnought once and just couldn’t get comfortable with it and finally got rid of it.

One other thing: I love the 12 fret guitars as the neck feels shorter and easier to reach. You have to ask yourself, how often do you play far up the neck? If you are playing chords, even partial chords, no one goes past the 12th fret as the frets are just too close together to make chord shapes. If you are playing solos, do you really want a guitar of this type? You can always get a smaller guitar with a cutaway if you think it’s an issue.

Anyway, these are my thoughts. I hope this helps.

MG 😀

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Thanks, noticed you are a fellow North Carolinian! Appreciate your efforts. It’s tough to know as these guitars got sold out in this area with the pandemic manufacturing slow down. Not been able to try them as no guitar shops have them. Don’t like buying one online as they each have their own attributes. Been looking at the Zager 900 OM as well.

I have noticed less responding too when I post on other forums too. Appreciate you and one other responding to my second try here.

[Bill_Brown]

Hi @Guitargeezer , in January this year, I went to my local music shop to look at a Gibson G-45 Studio (not the J-45). It looked great and had a solid spruce top with solid walnut back & sides. But when I played it, I was not impressed with the sound at all – granted, it wasn’t “set-up” yet, but I just wasn’t happy with the sound or feel – not happy enough to spend $1000 on it. I asked to see something else in that price range, and the sales person handed me a Martin 000-15m (not a 000-17). When I strummed it the first time (also not set-up yet), I knew I had to have that guitar (but $299 more than the Gibson). For me, the Martin 000 body style was so much more comfortable to play than a dreadnought body style, and sounded brighter too. So I did buy the 000-15 and have no regrets what so ever.

That’s my 2 cents

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Thanks Bill for the advice. I experienced that “this is it” sensation when I first played my Taylor 414ce-r at a guitar store. I am sure I will discover another guitar that sounds and feels right for me (regardless of brand). There’s a special one out there somewhere to adopt into my family. Jack

[Marty73]

Just don’t mess with those and get a Martin CEO-7. Can’t go wrong with it. Just my two cents 😝🎩🧙‍♂️😎

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Watched Tony’s Acoustic Letter review from 7 years ago for the Martin CEO-7. That guitar looked and sounded great in Tony’s hands. It is $1000 more than what I budgeted. Just might need to stretch the bank account when I find one to try then run fast when my wife finds out. Thank you for the recommendation @Marty69 !

[N-lightMike]

Yeah, the CEO-7 is expensive (relatively), @Guitargeezer , but it’s pretty much a sure fire love at first sight/feel. They are simply one of the best all around guitars out there. My opinion and I’ve never even held one. But so many people here on TAC own them and give them such rave reviews and they sound amazing. If you could stretch you budget that far, you certainly wouldn’t feel the need to buy anything else for a very long time down the road. They are that good. Again, my opinion.

MG 😀

[Real-Vic-G]

Hello @Guitargeezer

I’ll tell you what I know about the guitars that you listed. I will disclaim that I don’t own any of these guitars, but I have tried them in stores pre-pandemic (meaning a long time ago).

Gibson J-45 Studio. Gibson’s “Studio” models are concept pieces. They are usually less adorned to make them a little more affordable. The concept is that these models are the same as their “stage” counterparts, but are meant to be workhorses in the recording studio. Since they’ll be in the studio, they don’t need to be as “showy” as the “on stage” models so it’s basically the same guitar minus any cool inlay, or neat binding, or gloss finish. You basically get a “plain Jane” looking guitar but you wouldn’t be able to tell it apart from the same model guitar that you see on stage when you hear it recorded. Having said that, the Gibson J-45 is an iconic guitar played by an endless number of famous musicians. As a slope-shouldered dreadnought, it is the largest guitar on your list, but I also think it’s the boldest sounding. This is a great strumming guitar and fits you if you are into pop and rock and you’re looking for that sound that hear a lot on record albums.

Martin GPCPA4. Martin’s GPC body shape is the same as Taylor’s Grand Auditorium body shape. I’ve literally taken a Martin GP guitar and put in it a Taylor GA case and it fit like a glove. Although the body shapes are practically identical, each guitar possesses their own iconic respective tones. Interesting that you listed the guitars in this order because it sits in the middle size wise on your list. This is a great guitar if you are a singer-songwriter type player who likes to go to Open Mics. It’s a great guitar for finger picking and strumming and is probably the most versatile on your list.

Martin 000-17. Martin’s triple O body size is smaller and thinner than the guitars listed above. This model guitar, from what I remember, has a more “woody” tone and would be ideal (among the three) if you are more of a “blues-y” type player. I think it’s a better finger picking guitar than the others, but you can definitely still strum on this guitar.

If memory serves me correctly, I believe the GPCPA4 has rosewood back and sides, whereas the other two have mahogany back and sides. I don’t know if you are particular to these woods, but it may be a factor in your decision. I believe they all have spruce tops.

You asked about Zagar guitars and I admit that I have not had much experience with that brand. I’ve tried one Zagar guitar many years back and I remember not being very impressed. I know that they make claims to be the best playable guitars around, but I’ve also seen video reviews saying that their playable claim is just as good as any other brand guitar with a good setup. That’s about all I know and I’m sure that there are others who may be able to give a better review than I just did.

Hopefully this helps.

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Wow! Real-Vic-G – your response is just what I needed. I actually got the Gibson and Martin models listed as suggestions from my son in law who is a very accomplished guitarist. I told him it was time for me to look beyond Taylor for an instrument in the $1600 price range. He has an impressive guitar arsenal and we go to guitar shops to try various brands and types (much to our wives’ dismay). You may have seen a fellow TACer thinks highly of the Martin CEO-7 as worth considering (is $1000 more). I figure whatever I get I will enjoy until passing it on to my grandsons so do want a quality instrument. Watching the many Zager videos I get it they don’t use vendors so they have the nice features at my original price point (discount offers periodically) and reported easier playability for those us with older hands. Very much appreciate your thoughts. Very helpful. Thank you!

[Real-Vic-G]

The Martin CEO-7 is an awesome guitar. It’s got a sweet warm tone and is comfortable (size wise) to play. It is known among many players that it’s an underpriced guitar, meaning that you get more guitar than you pay for. I believe it has an Adirondack Spruce top which is often considered as an upgrade to Sitka Spruce. It’s also got the mahogany back and sides to give you that sweet blues-y vintage tone. This is the smallest guitar on your list thus far with a double-O body shape. I only have one issue with it and I will emphasize that this is just MY issue. The neck carve is V-shaped. I am more of a low oval neck shape player. If not for this specification difference, I’d probably own one myself but that spec is a game changer for me as it didn’t feel quite right in my hands. I will emphasize again that this is an individual choice amongst players so if this is something that you are comfortable with, then by all means pursue it (or at least try one out). This guitar is popular among a few owners here in TAC who just love their CEO-7s. I believe there is a thread somewhere here in this forum speaking about the wonders of this guitar. It is definitely worth you giving it a look and try.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by  Real-Vic-G.

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

I thank you again for enlightening me. Have to see how that neck fits in my small hand. There is an awesome non-chain guitar shop in Charlotte, NC that likely has it or can get one.

[N-lightMike]

Hey @Real-Vic-G ;

I’m really happy to see you on the forum. And I think your comment is just amazing. The amount of personal insight you have provided shows the amount of information and experience you have with various guitars.

All that having been said, I have to admit to all but quitting the forums for awhile since the change over. I never stopped logging in and doing the lessons. I am a lifetime member and have trouble believing that I will ever be accomplished enough to no longer benefit from the small amount of time it takes to do the dailies. But I think this new forum could be just as amazing as the old one was if (and when) more people would participate. I used to get so much out of the old forum and I used to love the amount I could give back on the old forum that it occurs to me I should take my own implied advice and put some effort into getting more active on the forum on this new platform.

Anyway, all that just makes me really happy to see an old, and very helpful member getting back on. Or maybe you were here all the time and I was the one who didn’t see you because I was not here. Either way, I’m happy that @Guitargeezer , that is Jack, has gotten such wonderful input. Thanks Vic.

MG 😀

[Real-Vic-G]

Thx Mike

[Kristin1]

I tried the Martin 000-17 whiskey sunset <i style=”font-family: inherit; font-size: inherit;”>twice intensly. It´s a beauty .I really liked the size and the playability. It just wasn´t the sound I was looking for. But maybe it´s the sound you are looking for…

• This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by  Kristin1.
• This reply was modified 3 years, 6 months ago by  Kristin1.

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Thank you Kristin1. Both how it feels and how it sounds will be important attributes.

[Michelle-PSL]

Hi @Guitargeezer. If you are looking for a “hog” the Martin 000-15M is a wonderful guitar. If you prefer the sound of spruce on the top, I agree with the suggestions of the 000-17. All that said, I absolutely LOVE my Larrivee OM-40R. I’m also waiting on the arrival of a Martin CEO 7e. I sure there are many CEO 7 users who will give this guitar a big thumbs up. It is a 00 size with a “V” taper neck.

Good luck in your search for the next addition to your guitarsenal.

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Hello @Michelle-PSL – Yes, Larrivee OM’s have been recommended to me. Will have to try them. Looking forward to seeing and hearing you play your new CEO-7 on Play For Us! I am sure that guitar will be a dream come true!

[Guy_H]

Hi @Guitargeezer So many options hey!

I have a J-45 Standard and Larrivee OM-40 . I’m a smaller person so the Gibson’s round shoulder and shorter scale are comfortable for a dread. The sound is outstanding. It’s a tremendous guitar for strumming and flatpicking. Certainly holds it’s own for finger picking as well. The Larrivee, I took off the wall in the music shop and just had to have it. Very comfortable size, beautiful sound (walnut B&S) great looking guitar and a joy to fingerpick. I love em both😃

• This reply was modified 3 years, 5 months ago by  Guy_H.

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

@Guy_H I appreciate your letting me know your personal experience with both guitars. So many guitars and so little time (and funds). Thanks to all who responded! Life certainly is full of choices!!

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

Still looking to add another acoustic to my small “guitarsenal” but my daughter and son-in-law surprised me big time two ways for my 70th birthday by first giving me a Gretsch G 2210 Streamliner Junior Jet then by blessing me with a second grandson! I love both already as I do my other grandson.

• This reply was modified 3 years, 4 months ago by  Guitargeezer-Jack.

[Bill_Brown]

That is some AWESOME news @Guitargeezer-Jack 🤩👏👏👏 Happy NGD X2 🎂(new guitar day & NEW GRANDSON DAY)🤣👍👍

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

It has been definitely awesome Bill. Thanks.

[Marty73]

If you want to hear a Martin CEO7 played, I have 3 post in “Play For Us” forum where I play mine. I love my CEO7 but I am in the market for a Santa Cruz vintage. Want to play it first before I buy. 😊🧙‍♂️😎

[Guitargeezer-Jack]

👍