Flatpicker Hangout - Shopping Advice and Product Reviews Forum Feed

Lefty guitar for a right-hander

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:56:22 CST

Hi all. I'm right handed. I think I can get a (really) nice deal on a used lefty guitar. What is involved with making it right-hand friendly? Is it as simple as swapping the strings around or will bridge and/or nut work be involved? Pete

new iphone guitar app

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 11 Mar 2010 16:45:08 CST

hey everyone, i work for universal music and we're going to be releasing a new iphone application that's kind of like guitar hero. we're trying to make it more reminiscent of actually playing a guitar as opposed to the canned audio you hear in guitar hero or rock band. take a look at the video demo and let us know what you think about it! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=p06KmJptLN0

How 'bout them 12-fretters?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 7 Mar 2010 03:58:38 CST

I found a good write up on 12-fret guitars. http://www.lutherie.net/12-14-evolution.html Still, I'd like to hear from some folks with personal hands on (and ears on) experience. How are they different in volume and tone from their 14-fret offspring. If I get one, It'll be for guitar flatpicked solo's and duets only. I'm mainly curious about the impact of moving the bridge further into the lower bout (seems like a good thing), and the result of the first node (or second?) occurring at exactly the point of intersection (neck and body). That also seems like it would be a good thing in a zen kinda way ... but it's all speculation on my part. Want to hear from them what know. Thanks, Tom

Tony Rice D'aquisto strings:

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 28 Feb 2010 09:42:37 CST

I played a Martin D-18 for over 44 years, but last spring spring traded it straight across for a brand new HD-28 that I really liked when I made the trade, and still like very much today. Still, I find that I just can't get the Big E string to sound right to me. My old 18 was a killer guitar, but when I acquired it I really wanted a 28 but simply couldn't afford the other 125 bucks! Any of you who bought guitars in 1965 will understand how different our money is today. The 28 sounds really good, but what I'm wondering is, have any of you used Tony Rice's strings on an HD-28 long enough to be fairly certain that .57 gauge E string won't harm the guitar? I have tried Cleartones lights and mediums, Elixirs mediums, D'addario EJ-17 mediums D'addario EXP mediums (so far EJ-17 are the best sounding) and Martin 4200sp+ which suck a rotten egg in my opinion. They've been on there a week and the overtones are driving me crazy. I hope that the overtone problem is string related and is not a property of the guitar. Barring the Tony Rice strings do any of you recommend something that leans more toward a less bright, more rounded high end with plenty of punch on the low end.

Tacomas??

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 24 Feb 2010 20:43:09 CST

Hi, Does anyone have any experiece with Tacoma guitars? I understand that Fender essentially shut them down. I've heard too that they're known to have neck seting and finish issues - especially around the binding. But they seem to have used good woods and braced in a way that really allowed for some sweet tone and sustain. Since they haven't held their value, I've been thinking about picking one up; it seems like a fairly cheep way to get a good sounding instrument that you'd otherwise pay quite a bit more for. I also love that most of them (including the dread) have 1 3/4 necks. The 1 11/16 standard nuts are such a pet peave of mine and challenge. Any Tacoma thoughts floating around in here?? THX!

pick swap

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 22 Feb 2010 09:59:10 CST

just got home from work and got a nice suprise an envelope all the way from the good ould usa with a red bear pick inside, thought i take advantage of the pick swap program and true to his word chris sent me on a red bear pick ,have heard a lot about them but ye cant get them here i use a dunlop 1 mm and it,s ok but am always lookin for the perfect pick i have,nt got a chance to try it out yet but will in the next couple a days , just like to thank chris for goin to all the bother and will let you know how i get on ,

Huss and Dalton OM or Collings OM?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 13:02:29 CST

I am posting this for a friend. He is undecided between the above two guitars. The Collings is several hundred more and he is wondering if that guitar is worth the difference. They both have the same nut width 1 3/4. Any thoughts as far as best value or easiest to resell or sound or popularity or likes or dislikes, tone etc will be appreciated. Thanks.

Suggestions Please

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 21 Feb 2010 07:11:30 CST

I am a newcomer to the guitar and could any of you suggest a good book and/or DVD for a beginner on the guitar? I know a teacher would be better but not for what they charge per hour in my area.

luthier in Rhode Island

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 15 Feb 2010 07:58:50 CST

Hello , I am in need of some work on my guitar and was wondering if anyone could recommend a luthier in the Rhode Island area . I appreciate any idea's or advise. Thanks John

Oscar Schmidt?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 14 Feb 2010 16:39:01 CST

Someone I know is looking at an Oscar Schmidt for sale (used). Are these guitars any good? Anything better for the same price? Thanks

Faux TS Picks?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 06:53:12 CST

I haven't found a fake shell pick that measures up yet. I can get the real thing but don't want to for a number of reasons. Any suggestions? Thanks.

Takamine Owners Sound off

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 13 Feb 2010 05:06:50 CST

Back in the late 70's I bought one of the "Lawsuit Takamine D-28" copies. I didn't know Jack Flip about guitars at the time.. I had my first job with my first paycheck so naturally I was gonna blow the money on a new guitar. I liked the guitar.. but traded it off for something else a couple years later... I don't even remember what ......love and leave them... thats me.. !![:X] I never owned or looked at a Tak again until last Dec. when due to electronic problems on stage with my other "makes" I decided to invest in a couple of new stage guitars to do gigs. I could not help but notice so many country people play Takamines so decided to go try them out... I remembered the one I'd own in the 70's but could not recall anything special about it... I tell you these guitar have blown me away.. I would not compare them to Martins... The Martin experience is a different thing... Performing in clubs requires a different element from a guitar. It has to be work horse.... These Takamines are holding up great so far. We have the EG463SC, EG416S, and may be getting more now that we are so satisfied with them... Who else is pickin on Tak's out there tell us what model your using Julie

Which one?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 8 Feb 2010 15:22:11 CST

Yes you guessed it.....a beginner here with the age old question..... Suggestions for a good beginner accoustic guitar???? How are Recording King guitars? Are they worth the extra money they cost in comparison to say an Epiphone? Thanks

"whole hog"?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 7 Feb 2010 19:09:58 CST

Gas is building up for a "whole hog" guitar. Of course choices are limited. There's the Martin 15 series. Might consider one of those used. More in my price range is an Alvarez RF300 w/solid top, lam b&s, the Guild GAD D-25 or M20, and an intriguing Walden D351, which is totally lam, but under $200 w/bag. The Walden has some nice reviews, plus i've read lots of great comments on construction, etc. of Walden's from owners, however, those were for solid tops (and backs too in some cases). Open to suggestions on all mahogany guitars

Baritone Acoustics

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 6 Feb 2010 14:06:41 CST

Hi, Does anyone here have any experience/advice/opinions regarding baritone acoustics? I keep tuning my guitar down to help with my vocals and now I'm so low I should probably consider a baritone but boy they're sure hard to find. [8D]

Blue book websites

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 6 Feb 2010 12:50:40 CST

Hi, I am wondering if there is any bluebook website where one can type in a guitar they have and know how much is the guitar worth. Mainly I am looking for elctric guitars. Thanks.

Alvarez Guitars (Sound and Construction)

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 14:38:25 CST

Hi, It's hard to believe I'm saying this but I have a Martin dread/cutaway and I'm considering selling it to buy an alvarez jumbo 12-string cutaway (the one with violin finish & solid rosewood back/sides). They do make a 6-string version too. Does anyone have any experience with these or Alvarez in general? I'm also wondering about the overall construction of alvarez? They seem to sound head & shoulders superior to Ibanez, Yamahas and others in comparible price ranges. They even sound better than many higher end guitars. And yea, I know sound is subjective but still... So let me know if there are any thoughts/opinions. Thx! [8D]

Can I put classical guitar strings on my Fender ac

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 4 Feb 2010 10:11:52 CST

Hi, I am a beginner, and I like classical guitars mainly for the nylon strings easy on my fingers. I have a chinese made Fender accoustic guitar and I am wondering if I could put classical guitar strings( 3 of them are nylon, and the other 3 are , I don't know) on the Fender accoustic guitar. Also what will be the pro and con of doing this. Thanks.

Taylor 710CE in like new condition, is $1200 fair

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 2 Feb 2010 15:23:02 CST

Never had a Taylor, I played a 414 and was very impressed. Now I have a chance to buy a 710, great sound. Even not broken in yet. Suggestions? is it a good buy at $1200.

sticker vs. street prices

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 21:33:38 CST

On a discontinued $800 sticker price import, do you think a dealer has room to mark it down? They are a small town shop and mainly carry used high-end acoustid guitars as well as mandos, fiddles and banjos. The stock goes from $100 Corts to new Revival Acoustics to vintage Taylors and Martins. I want to be fair but don't want to overpay as well. The guitar has been there a while. Any advise to a noob is appreciated.

Banjo Picker wants a descent Guitar

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 1 Feb 2010 19:41:17 CST

Need some help from you guitar guru's! Ive been playin banjo for 3 years. Last christmas my wife wanted to learn guitar so i stopped in a local music store and picked up a Takmine "Jasmine" model for her. In the past year shes played it a total of maybe 1 hour and ive spent countless hours strumming away. Its usefull for learning chords but thats bout it, not hittin on much tone-wise.For a year I've taught myself by watching and listening my uncle whos got more that 40 years playing time in, and other folks at jams. I dont do much flatpicking, I mostly play kinda like Earl did with thumb and fingerpicks, and play a Flatt style rythem. We play bluegrass and BG/ Gospel in local churches and id like to incorporate me on guitar some with songs like Jimmy Brown, and classic F&S stuff. Point is my birthday is coming up this month, Feb 19, and just so happens i get a nice bonus check at my work the same day and im itchin for a descent guitar (good enough to pull out on stage). Im not proficient enough to deserve a D35 or nothing (besides i already got one of those willed to me God forbid anything happen to my uncle)but what would be a good model to get for me. Not dead set on a Martin but its kinda what i want, being synonymous with BG guitar like Gibson is with banjo's. Id really like to keep the spending under 6 or 700 for something new. Might spend more if i found a great deal on a used D-18 or 28. Ive heard one absolute killer mid 90's DM or D1 i forget which but i also know from the banjo that every one outa the factory aint a diamond. Ive also learned to play it before you buy it, let the instrument choose you not vice versa so im not looking for a staight answer here of " Buy Model X!" How do the lower end Martins stack up to their higher end solid wood counterparts?Any other makes and models, wood choices, etc would be greatly appreciated. Sorry for the long post, lol. Thanks in advance.

Lazy Boy Guitar !!

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 14:04:10 CST

I just purchased an Art & Lutherie Ami parlor guitar to play while I am laid back in my Lazy Boy recliner. I bought a used spruce model and I am quite pleased in the feel and sound, really surprised at the quality of this entry-level guitar. [:)]

German Spruce????

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 12:22:40 CST

On rosewood dreds, whats your exsperance??

Best 12 string for under $400?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 31 Jan 2010 10:24:44 CST

I'm thinking of buying a 12 string guitar. What do ya'll think would be the best for under $400? Are Fender and Yahama any good with 12 strings? Thanks, A

Collings D 1 AV non Varnish

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 30 Jan 2010 18:24:12 CST

I have one on order who else loves these Tone Monsters?

audiolinks.com advice?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 26 Jan 2010 11:17:07 CST

I am looking at possibly buying a guitar from audiolinks.com and wondered if anyone has bought anything from them, whether they're a reputable site, what their customer service is like etc... I am pretty new here (this is my first topic) :) and would apreciate anyone's advice.

Alternative to a tonerite

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 25 Jan 2010 10:41:48 CST

check this out. [url][/url]http://www.me.gatech.edu/mechatronics_lab/Projects/Fall00/group3/index.htm

Takamine EF360SBG or 340SBG

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 20 Jan 2010 12:29:15 CST

Has anyone ever owned or played one of these? I understand that the neck is really thick with a 1 3/4 nut. Please give opinion; how do they play and sound? Thanks

2005 D28s

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 15 Jan 2010 19:46:01 CST

Hi, I'm a new member on this site. I have a chance to buy a 2005 D28 Martin guitar for a very good price. In fact it's an unbeliveble price. Is there anything bad about D28s from 2005 that I should know about?

Light gauge banjo strings on a Guitar?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 14 Jan 2010 15:21:08 CST

Hi, I just started learning the guitar and I hate those thick guitar strings. Is it possible to put light guage banjo strings on the guitar, or any other recommendations, besides quitting?. Thanks.

FOR SALE on eBay Larrivee LSV-11e (no cut)

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 12 Jan 2010 22:48:43 CST

with LR Baggs iMix System. Great for finger picking and flat picking. Search "Larrivee LSV" on eBay.

Martin HPL

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 10 Jan 2010 08:32:29 CST

I'd like to hear from owners and players of Martin HPL back and sides guitars.

Martin 000-18 vs. 000-28?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 3 Jan 2010 11:03:50 CST

Standard, not signature models, no electronics. Just a guitar! I'd love to get a dread but my arthritic shoulder can't reach around, so I'm aiming at a smaller model. Martin, well that's just a given ;-) Martin 000-18: http://tinyurl.com/ybjwmar Martin 000-28: http://tinyurl.com/yl2gb43 I flatpick and fingerpick, but the arthritis is going to eliminate fingerpicking soon enough. The two models are nearly identical; both have Sitka spruce tops, for example. The primary difference are the sides/backs: the 18 uses mahogany and the 28 rosewood. I'd love to play them side-by-side, but I can't find a store in the NYC metro area that carries both. So, here are some questions: 1. Does anyone have experience with both models? 2. How about the woods in question -- is anyone a proponent of one or the other (or better, have a nuanced argument about the pros and cons of each)? 3. Is there another Martin model I should be looking at? 4. Although I wrote above that the Martin is "a given," I really am open suggestions of comparable makes. 5. Other sites, resources, forums I should consult? 6. Is there a guitar store in the North Jersey/NYC area where I could possibly try both? I'm in no hurry -- this guitar is going to last me a while. Thanks in advance! Un

adirondack vs sitka

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sat, 2 Jan 2010 14:33:28 CST

What is everones opinion on the best top for a dred?The adi top is a bit more expensive. Is it worth the extra money?

Dunlop Ultex Jazz III

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 28 Dec 2009 16:49:18 CST

Anybody else discovered the Ultex Jazz III picks? I like the Ultex in general, but I've always like the Jazz III shape. Now I'm in pick heaven! For now at least . . . [;)]

Bone nuts and saddles

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Tue, 15 Dec 2009 03:08:45 CST

A good range of bone nuts and saddles for acoustic, electric and classical guitars and also mandolins are available from http://www.janika.co.uk/Nuts_and_Saddles.php

Rowe No Drop Guitar Strap

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 11 Dec 2009 11:26:50 CST

If you are looking for a solution to a guitar strap that keeps slipping off the end peg, the peg style that is used if you are using a 1/4 jack to plug in, consider the strap design Mike Rowe (http://www.flatpickerhangout.com/classifieds/detail.asp?id=4020&cid=1253) has come up with. Previously I was not able to find a good solution to prevent the strap end from slipping off after the leather end got broken in. This would lead to a occasional near miss of myguitar meeting the floor when my strap would slip off of the end peg. I happened to run across Mike's video and was curious so got in touch with him. After email communication I had him make a strap for me and now have a well made leather strap I can trust that will keep my Taylor acoustic guitar safely in my hands. Mike stands behind his product and is great to work with. This video may help give you a better idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RVRdfXpEL04

Takamine/DSM

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 7 Dec 2009 07:48:28 CST

Last weekend I did a little guitar "research" shopping. At one store (gc) my favorite was the DSM. On sale, too $899. One thing, I don't want to buy a guitar at GC, however, they are the only Martin dealer around AND the only one's with this specific model. Also a store with Tak's. The guy knows the music i'm interested in and wanted to sell me an EF340SBG (he calls it a Brad Davis guitar). No external controls on the preamp, just plug in and go. I'd be playing acoustically a lot anyway, but having the electric option would be nice. I play primarily big open rhythm chords. They sounded amazing to me on the Martin. Didn't touch the Tak (too expenive and I was in a hurry anyway) so I don't know for sure about how they would sound on it. Does anyone have this guitar? Merry Christmas from Indiana

Huss & Dalton D-RH

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 6 Dec 2009 16:29:43 CST

Good Evening All, New to the form, member of Fiddlehangout but also love the Acoustic Guitar, I just need to drop a review on a New Guitar, I bought my wife, its a Huss and Dalton D-RH and man let me tell you these guys are going places, I'm not on a crusade to win over you Martin, Gibson, Collings ect. patrons, but you have to just try one of these guitars and I guarantee you'll have to have one. I am in no way related, never met or am not an employee of Mr Huss or Mr Dalton, just a very satisfied customer, I'm already making plans on another one. Hope this helps anyone who maybe thinking on buying one, for the money you'll not be dissatisfied.

Slope Shoulder for Flatpicking?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 3 Dec 2009 20:38:45 CST

Any body prefer a slope shoulder for flatpicking?

Martin DSR?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 2 Dec 2009 17:42:13 CST

Have seen this online at GC/MF. Anybody have one? Listened to recordings of my DX1RGT and the sound surprised me enough to calm down from my gas fit for awhile (I think). Even though it sounds good I still want a solid wood for my last guitar purchase (famous last words). A Breedlove Retro D/SM at a ridic low price (refurb) had me gassing the past few days but i've calmed a bit. SIdes are ply. Do you think there will be any more price reductions or even a really good sale in Jan.? Or will Martin's hold the line? The D-16GT I played at GC a couple of weekends ago is stil haunting me! Also, the Custom D has me intrigued. May go all the way and get Rosewood this time, But for now, i'm watching... Thanks for any advice and comments.

Shallow/Thin for my poor shoulder . . .

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 18:07:44 CST

HI -- my right shoulder is arthritic, and playing my Guild D46 hurts -- my arm has to go out too far. I have no problem with my open back banjos or mandolins, but I can't play the guitar. I'd like to start playing guitar again, and am looking for an acoustic guitar that is diminutive but still quality. Don't want to pay over $500 because I'll get a shoulder replacement one of these days and it won't be an issue any longer. So I was looking at the Seagulls, and they seem OK. Elsewhere on this page forum members have had good things to say about them. But I'm also looking at the Martin 00X1 Java Mahogany. The Martin has the advantage of being a, y'know, Martin. Does anyone have advice on Seagulls, the Martin I mentioned above, or any other alternative? And no, I'm not interested in electrics or hybrids. Thanks, Robert

Korg AW2G clip on tuner

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 25 Nov 2009 08:11:49 CST

I am thinking of buying the Korg AW2G clip on tuner, does anyone know anything good or bad about them? Do they tune a instrument well with lots of background noise? Thanks!

Clip-on guitar tuner

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 23 Nov 2009 16:30:47 CST

Does anyone know of any good clip-on tuners? I'm looking for one under $30 dollars. Thanks for your help!

Jennys Creek "Never-drop" strap

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Thu, 19 Nov 2009 03:38:54 CST

OK, let me start by saying up front that I'm Mike Rowe's webmaster. I met Mike on BHO and volunteered for the job because I could see that he designs some really cool and inventive stuff, but the DIY site he had didn't do it justice. We've more or less improved that now. Mike has just introduced a guitar strap that I think would have saved me one damaged acoustic guitar and a foot bashed by a bass guitar. I've just put the pix up on his site and let me tell you, that's an ingenious idea for a strap. The guitar I have now isn't worth one, but the day I finally do get a good one is the day I'll be getting one of these staps. Check out http://www.rowemusicparts.com/guitar_strap/index.html - and definitely look at the "Don't try this..." video. [xx(]--no more signature--[xx(] (But that's OK)

Cleartone Strings

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 18 Nov 2009 11:44:37 CST

Anybody use Cleartone brand strings? I just bought a set for my Martin. The guy at the store said he quit carrying Elixir, which I liked the polyweb a lot on my guitar, because everybody was using these now.

Kling-On temporary pickguards - WARNING

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Wed, 28 Oct 2009 21:05:43 CST

OK, so I thought these clear plastic flimsy non-adhesive pickguards would be the ticket for my early Martin, which has no pickguard. I didn't want to add a permanent guard, but I need some protection so I ordered some. I finally tried one a few weeks ago, and it supposedly stays on by static attraction or something - absolutely no adhesive or anything. Well, I left it on for a couple weeks and just removed it to find some marking on the finish (I'm calm now). The instructions warn against using on new finishes, 6 months or less especially with nitro cellulose. Obviously my finish is way older than that. Not sure what I'm going to do to correct the finish, maybe it will polish out with a mild compound, but the "warranty" only covers a replacement set of guards - NO THANKS, I'll never use anything like this again. Beware. Jim Holland Athens, AL

Washburn D64 SWK

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Mon, 26 Oct 2009 09:24:08 CST

Have been looking them over online. As I posted earlier, the only dealer close sells ONLY Cort. Best price $799 at MF. Anyone play one yet? They are billed as "the bluegrass guitar" BJ of Indiana B.J.

Martin laminate?

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Sun, 25 Oct 2009 19:09:24 CST

The same "buy, sell, trade" shop guy (not just guitars, all sorts of things). Showed me in addition to the Sigma, a Martin DX (somthing or other). He said it was a '"custom model and all laminate". I played it a bit, it was VERY light. Sounded nice and played well. He wanted $549 and since it was on consignment "from a friend" he couldn't (or wouldn't ) negotiate on that price point. I walked. BJ of Indiana B.J.

Sigma #2

eric@flatpickerhangout.com — Fri, 23 Oct 2009 10:08:57 CST

Have a lead on a Sigma DM-34 1985. Might be able to get it for $300. Any advice? They might hold it until Sunday if I beg. I haven't seen it yet, it's out of town. BJ of Indiana B.J.