Sofa acoustic?

TimmyO · November 2019

I'm going to be selling a couple of guitars to save space (moving house) and want to spend some of it on a sofa-acoustic - something that I can
a) Use sat lounged on the sofa that doesn't have a huge lower bout
b) something that can live out on a stand without fear of long term issues from not being cased/humidified
c) something that doesn't sound awful and plinky like some small-bodied/parlour guitars can

any thoughts?

ToneControl · November 2019

TimmyO said:

I'm going to be selling a couple of guitars to save space (moving house) and want to spend some of it on a sofa-acoustic - something that I can
a) Use sat lounged on the sofa that doesn't have a huge lower bout
b) something that can live out on a stand without fear of long term issues from not being cased/humidified
c) something that doesn't sound awful and plinky like some small-bodied/parlour guitars can

any thoughts?

what's your budget, and which bigger guitars and woods do you like?

Fuengi · November 2019

Price?

I really liked the Martin Black Smoke series, tried a few in Guitar Village and they were all beautifully sweet little instruments. You can pick them up for around a grand used now.

Gretsch Jim Dandy at the other end?

In between Guild, Faith and Eastman all do some lovely small body guitars.

stickyfiddle · November 2019

My HD28 *is* my sofa acoustic...!

I'd be looking at Atkin for something smaller (00 or 000 size most likely), but that depends heavily on having the budget!

TimmyO · November 2019

ToneControl said:

TimmyO said:

I'm going to be selling a couple of guitars to save space (moving house) and want to spend some of it on a sofa-acoustic - something that I can
a) Use sat lounged on the sofa that doesn't have a huge lower bout
b) something that can live out on a stand without fear of long term issues from not being cased/humidified
c) something that doesn't sound awful and plinky like some small-bodied/parlour guitars can

any thoughts?

what's your budget, and which bigger guitars and woods do you like?

I don't mind spending low, I don't mind used, and I think up to 1k max is probably plenty (file under: shouldn't be spending money but want to, heh)

Woods - I've never been a "it must be this" type but more recently have veered more toward spruce/rosewood (rather than spruce/mahogany) but in the past I know I have enjoyed Cedar tops too, particularly for quieter/gentler playing which might suit the 'sofa' brief now I think about it.

Thanks for prompting those thoughts.

TimmyO · November 2019

Fuengi said:

Price?

I really liked the Martin Black Smoke series, tried a few in Guitar Village and they were all beautifully sweet little instruments. You can pick them up for around a grand used now.

Gretsch Jim Dandy at the other end?

In between Guild, Faith and Eastman all do some lovely small body guitars.

thanks

TimmyO · November 2019

stickyfiddle said:

My HD28 *is* my sofa acoustic...!

I'd be looking at Atkin for something smaller (00 or 000 size most likely), but that depends heavily on having the budget!

oh man my D28A would be (it's just so good for everything) but it's an armful and I don't like to leave it out (which I want this one to be able to be)

TimmyO · November 2019

TimmyO said:

stickyfiddle said:

My HD28 *is* my sofa acoustic...!

I'd be looking at Atkin for something smaller (00 or 000 size most likely), but that depends heavily on having the budget!

oh man my D28A would be (it's just so good for everything) but it's an armful and I don't like to leave it out (which I want this one to be able to be)

ditto I have the Baranik OM but again, not getting left out with children about!

Andy79 · November 2019

Those little Gretsch roots guitars, step up from Jim Ds are bloody good. They do a 00 and 000
All Koa Oscar Schmidt 0 size? I have one for sale.

Kittyfrisk · November 2019

If you aren't getting hung up on brand names, you could do a lot worse than taking a look at a Cort L900P.
They sound great, are very affordable & great 'bang for your buck'.

rustneversleeps · November 2019

Martin 15 series or Sigma plenty of choice with these for little outlay.

CloudNine · November 2019

This is a recent discovery for me, as hadn't played many of this model in the past, despite being a confirmed Gibson acoustic fan. The J-185. A very comfortable guitar on the couch due to the narrow waist and positioning. Obviously the lower bout is still large, but it does not seem to come into play in terms of comfort, and you still have decent bass/power. It is a great all rounder as well, fingers, strumming, the lot. Might not be easy to get dead cheap, but well worth trying if you have never played one. I recently acquired an early 90's model, has the long scale, just a great guitar.

This does not help with the leaving it out, humidification point, but thought I would tell you anyway.

wrinkleygit · November 2019

Brook Torridge, not the cheapest option but it’s a guitar for life, if you’re passing thro Devon on the M5 bring the biscuits and try mine .

Lewy · November 2019

I have a L'arivee parlour for exactly the same duties. Punches above it's weight soundwise and is generally impervious to fluctuations in temperature and humidity.

ICBM · November 2019

Image: http://cdn.mos.musicradar.com/images/features/frankfurt-musikmesse-2010/gibson-stand-final/seat-630-80.jpg

proggy · November 2019

I've got an Eastman E20P parlour guitar, a real sweet sounding little thing.

octatonic · November 2019

Faith, Sigma or Eastman.
Budget for a proper setup, bone nut and saddle- it will transform the instrument.

richman6100 · November 2019

A couple of years ago, I was looking for pretty much the same thing - a small-bodied acoustic for sofa use - so maybe my experience will be of interest. I tried quite a few models from several brands, a number of those mentioned above in fact. I soon decided that a parlour suited my need best, not only from a comfort point of view, but also by being different enough from my other acoustics to justify a purchase.

Unfortunately, many parlours that I tried were rather lifeless sounding, too boxy and constrained. I then paid a visit to Auden Guitars in Higham Ferrers whilst visiting friends in Northamptonshire. They do a few small acoustics, two of which can be regarded as parlour models. I found the Emily Rose (12-fret, slotted headstock) a bit too short, although it sounded excellent. Next, I tried the Marlow 14-fret (solid headstock) and I was smitten. I was lucky enough to try all the different wood combinations they had in stock and eventually settled on a spruce/rosewood model. The thing that, for me at least, set both parlour models from Auden above the other parlour acoustics I tried, is the bigger sound they deliver due to a slightly deeper than usual body. It's not enough to make the guitar feel big, but sufficiently deep to produce a sound that belies the guitar's dimensions. The Marlow sounds not unlike an OM/OOO in some situations. I own three other acoustics, two of which are considerably more expensive than the Marlow, but it's the one I reach for most. In fact, it's one of my most played guitars (including too many electrics) because it's so damn comfortable.

Now the slight fly in the ointment. I understand that Auden are currently not making the Marlow (it's being temporarily 'rested' from their model line-up, according to Doug Sparkes - the owner of Auden Guitars), so it's not technically discontinued. I guess Auden may have some old stock left (which they do tend to sell at a discount), or you could look for a secondhand one. Or maybe the Emily Rose would suit you more than it suited me. Either way, with the exception of a Martin CEO7, the Auden was some way better than pretty much everything else I tried.

Hope this is useful.

Rich

TimmyO · November 2019

Cheers folks

WindmillGuitars · November 2019

Taylor GS Mini .. ideal couch guitar

TimmyO · November 2019

Anchorboy said:

Taylor GS Mini .. ideal couch guitar

They sound like ass
(IMHO)

Chris_J · November 2019

Fuengi said:
I really liked the Martin Black Smoke series, tried a few in Guitar Village and they were all beautifully sweet little instruments. You can pick them up for around a grand used now.

If you can find one definitely check it out.

I love mine. I also play it at the pub acoustic nights as not only does it sound great, it's plenty loud and its compact size is a bonus when we're all crammed round a couple tables.

rze99 · November 2019

my perfect sofa guitar is a Casino. Acoustic but not loud, easy to play and light to hold. Mine is permanently in my living room.

hollywoodrox · November 2019

What about that Vintage one that won best guitar under £1000 award V300

robwright · November 2019

I’m selling one of these:

https://www.muziker.co.uk/ibanez-avn3mhe-opn

Fuengi · November 2019

Chris_J said:

Fuengi said:
I really liked the Martin Black Smoke series, tried a few in Guitar Village and they were all beautifully sweet little instruments. You can pick them up for around a grand used now.

If you can find one definitely check it out.

I love mine. I also play it at the pub acoustic nights as not only does it sound great, it's plenty loud and its compact size is a bonus when we're all crammed round a couple tables.

What size did you go for @Chris_J ? The onboard electronics were a few more quid, worth while?

Andy79 · November 2019

You can easily use that J45 of yours on the sofa. Reckon you will regret selling that beauty

jellyroll · November 2019

Small guitars sound like small guitars. Can be nice for fingerpickin’ but you have to accept that you give something up for strumming. I currently have an Atkin 0 for the couch but have had far more expensive small guitars which all sounded...small. As does the Atkin.

Agree with the suggestion of a J-185 as a comfortable bigger guitar. Love mine.

Or you could just get the best guitar ever designed.....an OM. The only guitar anyone really needs.

TimmyO · November 2019

Andy79 said:

You can easily use that J45 of yours on the sofa. Reckon you will regret selling that beauty

I am having serious WTF pangs about putting it up for sale to be fair. We shall see.

Chris_J · November 2019

Fuengi said:

Chris_J said:

Fuengi said:
I really liked the Martin Black Smoke series, tried a few in Guitar Village and they were all beautifully sweet little instruments. You can pick them up for around a grand used now.

If you can find one definitely check it out.

I love mine. I also play it at the pub acoustic nights as not only does it sound great, it's plenty loud and its compact size is a bonus when we're all crammed round a couple tables.

What size did you go for @Chris_J ? The onboard electronics were a few more quid, worth while?

I went for a 12 fret join 00, without electronics. I already had a D18 so wanted something smaller and with a completely different vibe.

It replaced an Alvarez parlour which I gave to a friend on long term loan so he could get back into playing again.

TimmyO · November 2019

I have to go meet a guy in Guildford to sell my 335 today so I may come home via Guitar Village and try a few smaller acoustics

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