Collings IS high end. I have several and each is a keeper.

Now I'm looking for at least one guitar from the next tier above and I'd love any advice you could offer, positive or negative.

My main considerations at this point are Olson, Ryan, Merrill, 1950's or '60's Martins, and anything else that's simply outstanding. I know that "outstanding" is subjective, which is why I'm welcoming any comments from this diverse crowd.

Elambo,

You've been pining for a Merrill for some time. Buy one.

Howard

That is quite a "spread" from Olson and Ryan to vintage Martin. Could you maybe tell us a bit more about your playing, what you want out of the guitar etc?

Or is it just something to be different from but compliment the Collings you own now?

So may variables there.

Depending on your preferences I'd recommend a smallbody 1930s Gibson (one of the Ls, probably) or possibly a 1930s Martin 0 or 00-17 to give you a completely different (woodier, more intimate) vibe than what you're getting from your Collings.

But as Rick says, "so many variables" ...

I love vintage Martins (been bragging about a used and abused but new to me '52 D-28 over on the UMGF), but I've not played any modern guitars that compare to John Slobod's, to be honest.

I have financial interest as I'm a dealer now, but I wasn't when I got two in on consignment and was totally amazed by them.

Andrew

quote:

Originally posted by RickS:
That is quite a "spread" from Olson and Ryan to vintage Martin. Could you maybe tell us a bit more about your playing, what you want out of the guitar etc?

Or is it just something to be different from but compliment the Collings you own now?

So may variables there.

Exactly what I was thinking. Where is the focus here? It is pretty hard to suggest some luthiers if the tone desired is not known.
Rick

quote:

Originally posted by howardc:
Elambo,

You've been pining for a Merrill for some time. Buy one.

Howard

A few years actually. I think they sound great. It may be what I end up with.

quote:

Originally posted by RickS:
That is quite a "spread" from Olson and Ryan to vintage Martin.

Yes, I know, and I thought that might be questionable, but the truth is that I enjoy the sound of an Olson and a prewar Martin equally, even if they're characterized as quite different. I'd likely have equal enjoyment playing either, and either would fit in my current stable without overlapping something I already have.

So I'm quite simply looking for other suggestions that I might not have thought of so that I can do a little research and become more familiar. I'm at a point where I'm willing to spend a larger amount of money on a premium guitar and I want to widen my knowledge of what's available.

I tend to flatpick more than fingerpick, but I'll do both.

quote:

Originally posted by rick-slo:
It is pretty hard to suggest some luthiers if the tone desired is not known.

Put another way, what would you consider the best guitar you could get your hands on, regardless of what I prefer (within reason, of course - I'm not going to spend $20k)?

This could get interesting.
OK, we cover the wide range of tonal preference, which I agree with having everything from a Walnut Goodall to a Braz DS3 A.

Personally, the few Olsons I have played did nothing for me at all. I have not personally played a Ryan yet, but the ones I have heard up close and personal sounded no better to my old ear than a Goodall.

Don't know how much a new Merrill would set you back, never had the chance to play one of those either.

SO, what I will do is just relate an experience. I went up to Dream Guitars back in January to pick up a Braz Froggy that I traded for. While there the entire morning I was able to play anything they had in the shop. and they have quite an inventory. Of all the big money brands they carry, the two that really stood out to me were a Charles Hoffman dream series in Braz and German, and a Wingert in Coco and German. I would readily consider buying either one of those if the opportunity and funds were there.

So there are two suggestions for you from this ole boy.

BTW, I play with a pick also, so that might help a bit.

In non-Collings land ...

If you want a fingerstyle blues vibe, a late 30s Gibson L-00 or L-1 ...

If you play with a pick and want an older, thumpier sound, an early 40s J-45 (think Russ Barenberg) ...

If you want a more modern-sounding fingerstyle guitar, I think the Ryan Missions are amazing (much moreso than his larger-bodied guitars) as are the Baraniks. I also like the redwood-topped Goodalls.

If you want a newer (but older-sounding) guitar and play with a pick, try a Bozung CJ or a Slobod D. I've heard great things about them from people who know what they're talking about.

quote:

Originally posted by elambo:

quote:

Originally posted by rick-slo:
It is pretty hard to suggest some luthiers if the tone desired is not known.

Put another way, what would you consider the best guitar you could get your hands on, regardless of what I prefer (within reason, of course - I'm not going to spend $20k)?

Not having a tonal pallete to work with there are too many choices to make a sensible suggestion just based on my personal preferences. Your best bet is some hands on playing, maybe a place with a good selection like Dream Guitars, The Luthiers Collecion, ect.
Rick