Small Chic looking for BIG sound on a smaller body acoustic

[jenciv]

Hi All!

 

I am a petite (short, small, thin...LOL) gal looking to find the right "fit" Gibson Acoustic (or another brand as good or better than Gibson, is there such a thing??? ; )

 

My dad thought he'd be a riot and give me a jumbo Carlo Robelli electric acoustic and well, that has me practically climbing over the damn thing to play it.

 

Help!

 

I would like an elec. acoustic model..thanks!

 

JenCiv

[guitarstrummer]

Check out the Gibson CJ165. It comes in rosewood or maple. I think the size would be just right for you (based upon your description of yourself).

[Thermionik]

Can I go WAAAAAY off-topic here and say (after welcome and all that) how do you find the Line6 with the SG. I am currently trying to decide whether to keep/sell a VOX Valvetronix modeller. It's very good with the Strat and Tele S/C's but I can't get good sounds with the SG's H/B's. I was wondering what guitar volume/tone settings versus modeller gain etc gave good sounds in your set-up.

 

I admit to being spoilt - my Blonde Bassman is sweet with the SG, but then, it is mind blowing with most guitars..... and I don't expect a modeller to go to those places, but the Marshall/Dumble sort of settings are realistic(ish) with the single coils, but fall flat and weak with the SG's 'buckers.

 

So please tell me any thoughts YOU may have.....

 

.....srub that - I just realised - the Line6 is a modelling GUITAR !!!!

So - tell us, what on earth is THAT like to play.....

[jefleppard]

good suggestion, GS. the 165 is just right. you might also look at the blues king or an L-00. they are considered parlour (sorry about the spelling, im canadian!) size and have a great sound and fit nicely on the lap as well. good luck in the search and let us know what you come up with. there is lots of great advice to be had here as well so don't be afraid to ask!

[onewilyfool]

That Gibson Robert Johnson is hard to beat for a small bodied acoustic .......

[CAMELEYE]

JenCiv, I'll second the L-00 recommendation. The new bubinga models have a HUGE sound, very clear, with tons of sustain.

[Johnt]

That Gibson Robert Johnson is hard to beat for a small bodied acoustic .......

 

 

As you know,oh wily one.Having built myself into a neo-frenzy re an RJ. I drove 100 ,miles to play/buy one and it fell really flat for me at least.

 

All advertising .....no product, or at least that particular one was (for me IMHO before I get drummed out of the brownies)

 

Now the Arlo Guthrie might suit the lady! Nice nice little guitar but I lost it under my tummy!

[guitarstrummer]

That Gibson Robert Johnson is hard to beat for a small bodied acoustic .......

 

I was going to mention that one too, but she said she wanted an acoustic/electric.

[guitarstrummer]

 

 

As you know' date='oh wily one.Having built myself into a neo-frenzy re an RJ. I drove 100 ,miles to play/buy one and it fell really flat for me at least.

 

All advertising .....no product, or at least that particular one was (for me IMHO before I get drummed out of the brownies)

 

Now the Arlo Guthrie might suit the lady! Nice nice little guitar but I lost it under my tummy![/quote']

 

You must have stumbled onto a bad one. My RJ is a great sounding guitar.

[Todd Wilson]

I'm gonna defend Johnt a little here, as I have played both.

 

I love the RJ model. I want one as a matter of fact!

 

However, I did not like the Arlo Guthrie model. It sounded very thin and tinny, not bunch bottom end or typical Gibson thump.

 

 

 

As to Jen's original question.....welcome by the way......the suggestions you've received are great, but also, Epiphone has some quality acoustics with smaller bodies, and the Masterbuilts are really good.

[jchabalk]

I was going to also suggest the robert johnson and blues king as options. You might try and play a J45 and or Hummingbird. They may be too big for you in the end but overall aren't huge guitars. Either/or would be great with a pickup installed, or may come with one by default.

 

You could also check out the J160, it's definitely got a pickup and is about the same size as the 2 above. without causing the thread to go off the tracks i think the reviews are mixed on the build of the J160. ymmv :D

 

UPDATE: Also check out the Epiphone Masterbilt guitars. I've played a few in the shop and really liked them, they tend to get really positive reviews, are built well and priced really attractively. (not to mention they're part of the "Gibson Family Of Brands." oy.)

[ballcorner]

You will likely be very happy with a Martin OM-21. It has a body that fits most petite players very well without sacrificing tone. It is designed as a finger style guitar, but in no way is limited to that playing approach. It is indeed very versatile, full of tone and not as heavy in the bass as a Martin dreadnought is rumoured to be.

[jenciv]

Oh my!

 

You fellows are OUTSTANDING!

 

I have a few threads here I would like to respond to but I wanted to give you all a great big thanks (so you didn't think I was being snooty not responding :D !!

 

I will be back here in a bit to answer some questions (waaaay off topic like what it's like playing my Variax Modeling guitar :D ..and respond to each of you who had questions about the electro-acoustic I am looking into..)

 

Thanks Gents!

 

JenCiv

[Thermionik]

Gents, on THIS forum, where

 

.....some mistake, surely

 

Here, there be only mad people, pirates, jackanapes and the odd poltroon.

 

And a few fine ladies

 

So - best behaviour, yah rascally rapscallions, best behaviour.....

[onewilyfool]

Johnt......I have played 4 Robert Johnsons.....all used. Three were from Craigslistings which I went to see.....Two of them were dead sounding, one needed a neck reset, and one had a twisted neck (basically unfixable....) BUT the 4th one was used in a local guitar store....I played it, couldn't beleive the sound....went back the next day it was sold.....damn......It was exceptional....and I think for $100-200 any guitar can have a pickup system added.....so this would have been a great performer. Keep trying JohnT.....I'm pulling for you.....You may have to kiss a lot of girls before you find the right one....John, I think they have Craigslist in England? On a lark, I put and ad in the local Craigslist and was searching for an electric guitar with an 1 3/4" neck.....this guy had one, and now I have a VERY comfortable guitar to play, so you might try being proactive and seeing if anyone out there in cyber land has a RJ for you to try......Guitar strummer got a great one in the store....but it seems there arent't that many to choose from in jolly ol'....keep hunting...wily

[NevadaPic]

I also recommend the CJ-165. Make it the rosewood back/sides model. It is an impressive sounding guitar especially when fingerpicked with fingerpicks. Anything goes when it is plugged in... An outstanding guitar.

 

Pic

[Rambler]

Jen-- being small of stature myself, I'd say a good fit would be the grand concert size (15" wide) or concert (14"). Quality GCs include the Cj165 and Martin's 000(4.75 scale) and OM (25.5 scale) series. Quality concerts include the LOOBK as mentioned, also Martin 00s. Recording King makes a nice 12-fret 000 copy, as well as OMs. Shop around--see what catches your ear.

 

Body depth could be a factor The Martins I mentioned are 4.25 deep, vs 4.75 for a dread/jumbo (not sure re the CJ--help?), which is more managable for someone lacking, say, Jinder's wingspan. I had a deep body L00 (like a Nick Lucas); it was almost as annoying to my picking hand as my J50. Again, shop around.

 

Finally, national resophonics are small (14" x 4.25) and pow'ful. Of course they weight like 9lb. but iff you play a Les paul you'll be right at home! JK

[modoc_333]

have you tried a few normal round shoulders too?

[Modac]

I'd humbly suggest that you try a Martin 00-18v. These are one of Martin's "sleepers"----unbelievable tone for reasonable money----one of the best values in the "small body guitar" marketplace, imo.

[jefleppard]

and the there's gretchen....

with her epiphone masterbilt ef-500r

[Rambler]

Jen-- re slope jumbos. The rounder shoulder makes it sit more comfortably--tho you still have to get your arm around the deeper body. Ditto a J185. The bigger guitars do get more air moving. The smaller ones just arent as ..... expansive. The Modac mentioned 00-18 is a good balance of top size to body width. I tired one a while back side by side with a D18v. It held its own.

[Hoss]

I play mostly 'smaller' guitars, and find them plenty loud enough. My list of small flattop options, for what it's worth and in no particular order-

 

The Martin "V" series. Great quality and sound. You have to spend a lot more to improve. Second the motion to check out a 00-18V. My OM 18V is the loudest flattop I've ever owned-- I actually don't play it, because it's just too dang loud, with too much sustain.

 

The Epiphone Masterbuilt 500 series. You can't do better for $500 for a new guitar. I love the playability of this line- the vintage V neck, the 1 3/4" nut, scalloped braces, dovetail neck joint, solid wood....The price is ridiculous.

 

The two flattops I use most are a Vintage L00 and a 'new' custom L00. The VIntage is very 'alive' and loud, and I'm getting attached to it- esp since the strings are finally quieting down after a couple months. The New L00 isn't as loud, but I love the tone and punch. In another 4 or 5 years, it should be a screamer.

 

You might be able to find a vintage LG2 from the late 40's or early 50's for a reasonable amount. I sold a '50 LG3 for $1100 a couple years ago- it was in perfect shape and really barked. I would think you might still find a 'player' LG2 for $2000 - $2500. The new Gibson Vintage L00 is great, if a bit pricey. However, I'm seeing some pop up on the used market, and that's where I'd start looking.

[Jinder]

okay,I'll start by saying I LOVE the CJ165, especially in Maple. It's a brilliant guitar on many levels to my eyes,ears and hands, and it has to be played to be believed.

 

I know this is tantamount to heresy to say, especially as a Gibson endorsed artist on the Gibson forum, but the only non-Gibson guitar I own is a wee Guild GAD series F20E parlour in Sitka and Mahogany-it came as almost a giveaway as part of a deal I had on one of my other guitars a while back, but they normally retail at £550 in this country. It is, without doubt, one of the best small bodied guitars I have ever owned, and is one of my very favourite possessions. It is all-solid, and comes with a Fishman Matrix pup as standard, along with a lovely tweed case. It sounds amazing plugged in too. Such great value by anyone's standards.

 

I would also recommend checking out the Gibson Emmylou Harris-pricey but a jaw-dropping instrument.

[RandalE]

Jen, Seagull makes a very fine parlor guitar for a reasonable price. Under 3 bills used if you keep looking on ebay. I have had one for several years. While it has a cedar top (soft wood) and cherry back and sides it is a very responsive guitar and comfortable. Nicely done.

 

Hope i am not breaking Gibson code here speaking of a Seagull.

 

I ordered a Gibson cj165 just yesterday and it is lots of money for me; but Gibsons are destined to become heirlooms in my family. Even if they don't know it.

 

Best of luck.

[nodehopper]

I am adding another vote for the CJ-165 ! I have had mine for over a year and it is still my favorite guitar over the Martin, Washburn, etc that I have.

 

While the Robert Johnson and Blues King have been mentioned.....I also looked at those when I was shopping. I never got a chance to play one locally, but much of the advice I received mentioned that the RJ and BK would have a bit of a rougher/barking sound that is great for blues. I don't know if they are as versatile. I do know from first hand experience that the CJ-165 is a very versatile guitar. Strum the heck out of it or fingerpick anything ....pop to blues it seems to do everything well.

 

It is also a shorter scale 24 1/2" I believe ...while the RJ and BK are 25". This is another spec to consider and until I got the CJ-165 with its short scale I didn't realize what an important spec the scale of the instrument was. Double check my numbers, but I think I have it right. What ever you decide on. Please do yourself a favor and try before you buy to make sure it is what you want. I would take advice from my own ears and fingers over any Forum advice.