What is the quintessential Country Acoustic?

[dwolf]

I'd not be too quick to write of a J-200. As for it being too loud--think of it as having more dynamic potential. You can finesse it on the verses, lay into it on the choruses, and if you play leads, well it's got a nice warm round sound, but still retains a lot of bite. As for solo accompaniment, as I understand it, the design was meant for just that. Clear treble, warm midrange and tons of bass. Supposedly meant to cover the spectrum absent a proper bass player, etc. Also, the J-200 was based on the large acoustic archtops of the day in terms of size and general shape. The better examples, to my ears, retain a hint of archtop tone. And the archtops were the earliest country guitars. I concede the fact that Martins are more common in classic country music, but lots of the greats have been seen with a J-200 now and then. And, don't forget the visual aspect. For many folks a J-200 just looks like a country guitar. Play what sounds and feels right to you and you won't go wrong.