Well, my perspective on things as time passes is that playing the field (buying different builders - either small production line or one man shop) makes so much sense.

There are so many good builders out there that buying a few, Collings, for instance, just ain't going to happen. One of each I say (max likely five for me), so I can experiment and try out these guitars. I may trade my Collings at some point, just to try another Collings for a while. Though I'm so damn picky, I would likely have to sell mine and buy a new one.

But playing the field sounds like a winning proposition. My collection is going to grow to three by next year, then I'll take a breath for a while before moving forward and do some slow research across time. Later I'll pick up one or two more then call a halt to buying.

One issue is that it takes a lot of time if you're going to do this, just to get educated.

Your thoughts welcome.

Stuart

Stuart, makes sense to me (Collings OM1ACut Varnish, McAlister OM28 Vintage Series, Martin OMC-28M LJ, and Collings OM1A in DADGAD)

Variety is a good thing, if you take your time and find the different ones that work for you. And variety can even be within the same bodystyle (as I'll attest about my four OMs). Took me about a year and a half to pull this herd together, but one thing's for sure...I've yet to find an occasion now that at least one of my guitars doesn't sound magical to me, regardless of humidity, room acoustics, my mood, the phase of the moon, what type of music I want to play, or whatever.

Have fun playing the field. And you don't even have to worry about protection

Tom,

very cool guitars,

Love to hear the sound, one and then another. Awefully curious about the McAlister OM28 and how it sounds. And the OM1A, how close is it or how far away to the Varnish Cutaway.

Glad you've included a variety of builders.

Stuart

Stuart, the McAlister is incredibly responsive (no doubt due in part to the purposefully domed Adi top that Roy builds), LOUD, and has a dry woody tone, with great deep bass but which does not distract from the balanced tone. This OM thinks its a dread, and if I close my eyes while playing it sounds that way to me. Neat trick that. But SteveQ has the real deal McAlister dread.

The Varnish and Lacquer OM1As are both great guitars in their own right, each with its own distinct tone (I've posted extensively on that so I'll pass on repeating it all here). The Varnish OM1A is my "go to" guitar, and its great for playing just abut anything (various styles of flatpickin and fingerstyle) I can throw at it (only exception is that it's not my first choice for strummin; the McAlister is the best OM for strummin I've played by a mile). I've now got the Lacquer OM1A as my dedicated DADGAD guitar, and strung with GHS True Mediums, it sounds fantastic. Even noodling on this OM can be magical, but it helps if you've first had a good glass of Pinot .

What makes sense to me is to focus in on practicing and writing. The least musically productive part of my time has been the search for another guitar that might in some way be “better” that what I already have. I have spent time on finding what guitars I have, I know there are many great guitars out there, and I am open to another guitar should one fall across my lap, but boy I am glad I am not constantly on the hunt.
Rick

But Rick, didn't you just buy a new guitar to replace your OM1A?

Tom, dry and woody sounds great, especially with a vintage edge. I'm going to have to play the OM1A before I'm able to conclude on it.

I don't dissagree with you rick. I played for four hours today and many cannot say that. Usually, play for 3 hrs on sat and sunday.

But having a few different tones (and investigating and discussing different tones and builders) isn't a waste of time, as long as you have perspective on it all.

I find a fine guitar does in fact make playing more fun.

Besides, my search for piedmont blues songs to learn would bore people.

best,

Stuart

This message has been edited. Last edited by: Stuart,

quote:

Originally posted by Tom F.:
But Rick, didn't you just buy a new guitar to replace your OM1A?

I sold both a Collings Om1A and a Ramirez 1A because they were not being used enough. I am thinking about buying a guitar I played while it was on a road trip. I did not go looking for it, I came looking for me. I was not actively looking for another guitar. If I get this guitar I may sell another one or two guitars.
Rick

Sounds like that McKnight is a very special guitar. Rick, you deserve it; go for it!

quote:

Originally posted by Tom F.:
Sounds like that McKnight is a very special guitar. Rick, you deserve it; go for it!

Thanks Tom, but that is not the guitar. No comments unless and until the deal is done.
Rick

I've sampled the alphabet of builders over the years, Alberico, Blanchard, Bourgeois, Collings, Eichelbaum, Flammang, Goodall, H&D, How, Leach, Lowden, McPherson, McKnight, Olson, Osthoff, Robertson, SC, Thompson, Tippin, Walker, Wingert and more wonderful guitars.

I've owned a Goodall, Leach, and now I have three Thompsons. My dream guitar is a Blanchard Pinyon fan fret, but my Thompsons keep me very happy.

quote:

Originally posted by Stuart:
Well, my perspective on things as time passes is that playing the field (buying different builders - either small production line or one man shop) makes so much sense.

I couldn't agree more. I like different colors in the crayon box, not just different shades. Collings guitars paint a wide and vivid stroke but there's a whole spectrum coming from some other shops.