Question about the 'One' guitar

[dbvirago]

This is probably out there a bit, but here goes.

You are a fingerstyle player wanting an OM or smaller.

There is no budget, but let's set the cap at 10K just to keep it real.

The clincher is, this is the only guitar you can own for the rest of your life. It can be something you already have or your dream guitar, but this is the one.

What is it?

I know many of you bristle at the only one guitar part, but play along. Or give me more than one. I'm just trying to cast a wide net at this point. 

[Gary Nelson]

This sounds like a great after hours "front porch" discussion for those attending the upcoming Fingerstyle retreat!  

I have often heard Steve say that if he had to pick one guitar to be on a desert island with, it would be his inexpensive Yamaha nylon string classical.       I think I would be in a similar camp and choose one similar to the guitar I heard Richard Smith play at the retreat last year.   A custom built, Rosewood/Spruce (Brazilian of course), 14 fret with a cutaway nylon string.

[Plantsman13]

@Gary Nelson So much for Steve’s “inexpensive” theme! 🤣.  

[Gary Nelson]

@Plantsman13 - I was thinking more about the nylon when comparing my selection to Steve's.      But after all, @dbvirago did give me an imaginary $10K to play with!     I'd hate to see it go to waste!

Edited October 6, 2023 by Gary Nelson

[Plantsman13]

@Gary Nelson Point well taken!  🤣
But let us know when you find a high-end Brazilian RW in that range…

Edited October 8, 2023 by Plantsman13

[Eracer_Team-DougH]

One guitar !! Crazy talk. 

[matonanjin]

14 hours ago, Eracer_Team-DougH said:

One guitar !! Crazy talk. 

Crazy talk, Doug?  Or do we call this out for what it is?  Blasphemy!  😆🤣😮

[TeleRooo]

Maybe something like the size of a M-36 or 0000 Martin - BRW, IRW, Mahog whatever your wood preference. The 0000 is basically the OM/000 shape just a little bigger. Those 12 fret 0000 Sinker Mahog's sure sound and play Nice......JMHO......

[Steve Krenz]

Ha!  I love the discussion.   Of all the guitars I've owned, I still think if I had to choose one  - based on just "loving to play" factor and not value.  I still think I'd choose my Yamaha Nylon string. 

Again, this is strictly just for my personal opinion.

Here are my reasons...

1) It's acoustic.  I can play it in any situation (other than a very loud situation) - with or without power.  Just grab it, sit on the couch and play.

2) It's easy to play.  The nylon strings make it very easy to physically play.  This means that long after my hand strength starts to fade on other instruments, I'll still be able to play this one.

3) It's a smaller body size.  It just fits me better.  I'm sure I'd like any sort of parlor size guitar.  I just prefer the smaller to larger size guitars.  A side note - this also makes it lightweight and easy to carry.

4) Finally, and most importantly, I just enjoy playing it.  I can play classical, fingerstyle, jazz and whatever else on it.  I can't do bends and distortion on it but that's ok.

I can honestly say, if given a choice of "you can only play electric or acoustic guitars for the rest of your life" I wouldn't even hesitate and gladly walk through the acoustic door grinning.

- Steve

 

 

 

[NeilES335]

That's very interesting Steve, as you have some really nice instruments, like your trusty ES335 ( that I believe you've had since college) I'd have to agree though that an acoustic guitar ( or acoustic/ Electric, like my Taylor 224ceK- Dlx) would be the was to go, first the reasons you've stated. I would be tough to give up my ES335!

Kindest Regards; Neil

[Randy120]

But what if the power fails?

For this reason, I would pick the acoustic. No amp required. 

Steve, Good point about nylon strings being easier in the long run. 

I might go with my Taylor Grand Pacific, but I also have a Taylor nylon string Tns24ce. 

Edited October 17, 2023 by Randy120

[matonanjin]

On 10/16/2023 at 11:25 AM, NeilES335 said:

That's very interesting Steve, as you have some really nice instruments, like your trusty ES335......

@Steve KrenzI'm surprised with Neil although a little different direction.  I thought your pick might be the Brent Mason Tele.  Yeah, there is the lack of power issue.  But I know you love that guitar.  (And, admittedly, I was drooling at our lesson in Nashville!😉)

[William]

A little late to party on this one,  the one guitar question is always tough.  I have played same Tele since 1983 so I'm close to that one guitar now.   But, I had not thought about a nylon until I heard Walter Rodrigues' and Steve's nylon at the retreat.  Now, I'm thinking about adding one to the collection.   If money was not an concern I would get a Tim Bram telecaster styled arch top.