Best size acoustic for slide

rolls1392 · December 2017

Have been playing a bit of slide on my old dread which is ok
However would like something a bit smaller with a punchier sound.
Any ideas. Ta

Lewy · December 2017

Anything goes really. I think dreads make great slide guitars actually - that footage of early Cooder concerts springs to mind.

But any guitar will offer up a voice for slide - there's no best and there are exceptions for any rule anyone cares to state. Assuming 'punchier' means the same thing to you as it does to me, then I'd make sure I checked out smaller bodied guitars (parlour, Martin O/OO/OOO, Gibson L-00 body shapes....doesn't have to be those manufacturers, just those styles) in spruce top and mahogany back and sides. Depending on budget, an Adirondack spruce top would definitely max the punch.

merlin · December 2017

My 1946 Kay archtop is superb for slide. It's on the large side with approx 16.5" across at the widest point and barks like a Rottweiler.

I've posted this pic before.... sorry if you've all seen it but needs must!

rolls1392 · December 2017

Thanks for the tips
Will have a look around.

ToneControl · December 2017

all depends if you are using fingerpicks, it so - almost any guitar will do
are you amplifying the guitar?

ToneControl · December 2017

hang on, I was assuming you are using a nut riser and playing it on your lap with a proper, heavy steel
that's the way to get a punchy sound, instead of a rattly, weak sound

Lewy · December 2017

ToneControl said:

hang on, I was assuming you are using a nut riser and playing it on your lap with a proper, heavy steel
that's the way to get a punchy sound, instead of a rattly, weak sound

Although it does render you unable to play 90% of the most iconic slide guitar repertoire, because it also incorporates fretted notes.

antifash · December 2017

Really anything will do. Ry Cooder used a dreadnought. If it’s good enough for him...

AliGorie · December 2017

Hmm rolls, u can play slide on most steel strings s'long as it's set up for it - pick u'r size / style and go search for the sound u'd after.
e.g. I like and have jumbo / s/j's and play slide (very occasionally) on them all + 12 stringers.

TimmyO · January 2018

On the occasions I've dabbled with Slide my cheapass Dreadnaught has sounded right powerful! (solid cedar top, laminated b&s)

wrinkleygit · January 2018

how about this kalamazoo usa built classic blues box
FS 1966 Epiphone Caballaro Decided to have a clear out of stuff I don't use to fund something I might, here we have a '66 Epi with some mojo i.e. lacquer checking in spades but…

downbytheriver · January 2018

Listen to Lewy! I’ve heard him play slide on many guitars and it always sounds stellar!

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Best size acoustic for slide

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