Flattop Thread, No Archtops Allowed

[Gilpy]

I only have one flat top, which I’ve had for over 50 years. It’s a 1936 Martin 000-18. It sounds wonderful and deep and complex. I record with it a lot. But it’s a little too precious to leave out on a stand every day so I find myself playing my Rancourt 15” archtop more. It has a lot of the harmonic complexity and dynamic range of a good flat top.

[omphalopsychos]

That Epiphone archback takes the prize. WOW.

I have one flat top: a 1947 Martin 0017. It’s not very loud but has a wonderful tone. I’ve never recorded with it (and haven’t recorded anything in a year). Maybe I should get back to it.

[frabarmus]

[frabarmus]

Flat tops I've had: Eko 6 strings, Exo Ranger 12, Epiphone (don't remember the model), Alvarez, Taylor GS Mini.

Classical: Suzuki, Yamaha, Alhambra.

The only one that's still in the house is the Alhambra (my son uses it). All the otherones are gone.

[SierraTango]

As I posted in a separate thread, I recently acquired a flat top. Background-I was at a campfire party up in the mountains and the host was a fan of my duo (guitar/trumpet/flugel). It so happened that he had a red label Yamaha acoustic he's owned for a long time-it's a nice one. He insisted I play it out by the campfire for his guests. Cole Porter and Rodgers and Hart didn't cut it with this crowd-OK maybe Don't Fence Me In. But I remembered Marty Robbin's El Paso word for word and it was a big hit. So I played some Bob Wills and Merle Haggard. Huge happiness.
I decided to take it further. I haven't had a flat top in decades since a D-35. But I wanted flashy and cheap. Think Nudie suits. The reissue Gretsch Rancher ticked the boxes.
It's a shockingly great guitar for $400. Did a set up, TI Plectrums. Fishman Pizeo system works for what I'm doing with it. I bought a Blackstar Acoustic Core 30 to complete the set and they play well together for Country AND Western. Now mind you I'm used to my 1990 Benedetto Cremona-it's nowhere near that of course-but playing gunfighter songs on the Benedetto just ain't right. Think "Big Iron"

[pauln]

Playing this for almost 50 years; DM-18 (mahogany back & sides), a forever guitar.

[jim232777]

Eastman ac308ce LTD. It's a "grand concert" size comparable to a 12-style Taylor.

here are four on a Taylor 322e in different genres:

I have a Taylor 314 (slightly larger than the 12 and 22 models). The body shape (and maybe some other details in the construction I"m not aware of) produces relatively more mids than the stereotypical dread sound, but it still has more bass than my archtop. Seems to be nice for solo stuff when there is no bass player.

[jim232777]

One of my favourite albums to listen to is Flatpick Swing by Robert Bowlin and Tim May.

Tim was a great friend of mine in college, so I love seeing his name dropped here. He's a monster on all things acoustic--guitar, banjo, mandolin, fiddle... He was my gateway into bluegrass, which continues to this day, although I've never really tackled learning how to play it. Maybe in retirement.

It's been a while since I listened to that album, so I guess that will be on tap for some time today.

[Tal_175]

I only have one flat top, which I’ve had for over 50 years. It’s a 1936 Martin 000-18. It sounds wonderful and deep and complex. I record with it a lot. But it’s a little too precious to leave out on a stand every day so I find myself playing my Rancourt 15” archtop more. It has a lot of the harmonic complexity and dynamic range of a good flat top.

Damn, that's some guitar you got there. I used to be more in the Gibson, or Taylor camp but I've become a big fan of the Martin sound. I have a Modern Deluxe OM-28. It is on the more boutique, delicate end of the Martin sound. I'm planning on also getting an 000-18 which is on the opposite end of the Martin spectrum. They got lots of character.

[omphalopsychos]

80 year old Martin shot with a 70 year old lens.

[John A.]

I have a Taylor 314 (slightly larger than the 12 and 22 models). The body shape (and maybe some other details in the construction I"m not aware of) produces relatively more mids than the stereotypical dread sound, but it still has more bass than my archtop. Seems to be nice for solo stuff when there is no bass player.

I like 14-style Taylors a lot. A 314 was definitely in the running for me, but I do prefer a smaller body.

[deacon Mark]

Tried as I have I do not like the sound of flattops in general some if they can make the top end shine more brightly. I don't even like the feel of the way the necks play compared to the archtop. If I were playing even Bluegrass I would use an archtop. The only exception might be playing in a completely quiet living room setting that the style was geared to open strings and sustaining notes. Once you get a flurry of fast single line stuff, they go out the door.

The best flattop guitar I ever played was a Mossman, probably some have never heard of them or played one. I played on over 40 years ago at McCabes in Santa Monica. They had ever conceivable flattop you could image in the walls, so I decide to dive in. All these years later I am still impressed it simply was fantastic and played great. Otherwise, I just cannot get one to near me.

[Jimmy Mack]

I have a Taylor 810, a dreadnaught, it's big and loud. Plays nicely but never use it.
I have 2 classical guitars, one cheap, one quality one.
I think my taste and my ears would love to have a "classical" sounding guitar but with steel strings. Classical guitars can sound so rich!
Can anyone steer me to the guitar that would do that? I know, I know, there's only 1 million out there to choose from, and ya gotta play them first. But I was wondering if anyone out there already been down that rabbit hole?

[213Cobra]

Tried as I have I do not like the sound of flattops in general some if they can make the top end shine more brightly. I don't even like the feel of the way the necks play compared to the archtop. If I were playing even Bluegrass I would use an archtop. The only exception might be playing in a completely quiet living room setting that the style was geared to open strings and sustaining notes. Once you get a flurry of fast single line stuff, they go out the door.

The best flattop guitar I ever played was a Mossman, probably some have never heard of them or played one. I played on over 40 years ago at McCabes in Santa Monica. They had ever conceivable flattop you could image in the walls, so I decide to dive in. All these years later I am still impressed it simply was fantastic and played great. Otherwise, I just cannot get one to near me.

Stuart Mossman started shipping guitars in 1968. One found its way into my little town in Pennsylvania in 1969, which I had an opportunity to play. It was as memorable as you say, Mark. I was 15 and couldn't round up the cash to buy it, but its sound and feel stuck with me. Now, I grew up 60 miles or so from the Martin Guitars factory, so that was the local standard, but that Mossman sounded better to me. I ended up gravitating to Guild, but I played a Mossman before I even found Guild.

Phil

[213Cobra]

I started on flattops in 1968 and played them exclusively until a FCS Telecaster and Gibson ES-335 in 1990. Then I started in on archtops in 1991. So some flattops have come and gone over the past 58 years, but this is what I have today:

First, a 1974 Guild D-44 Maple I bought new and have owned now for 52 years and counting. It's on the Left in the pic. Next to it is a 1983 Martin D-28S, 150th Anniversary.





Next, a 1980 K.Yairi F50 (Guild) Tribute on the Left, and a 2012 Falbo Jumbo.





Next, two Dupont GJGs. On the Left is an MD-50R. On the Right is an MD-020 Maple. Both from 2014. The MD50R was made to specs by Rocky Gresset, which included a heat-bent pliage, ebony binding and 1-11/16" nut, all at variance with a standard MD-50.





Next, a couple of 12-strings. On the Left, a Guild F-512 Maple. On the Right, a Franklin Leadbelly 12. This is a luthier-grade reproduction of Leadbelly's Stella 12 string. It's a compact monster, completely different voice from the chimey Guild.





I think that's it. Many years ago I had more flattops than archtops, but archtops overtook the flats around 2001.

Phil

[2bornot2bop]

Nothing like a nice Breedlove Mahogany…truth is, I’ve got two that rarely get touched.

[Bob_Ross]

Nothing like a nice Breedlove Mahogany

Slight Digression: I've never played a Breedlove 6-string, but I bought a Breedlove acoustic bass guitar ~4 years ago, and I am astonished at the quality-to-price ratio. It's a very fine playing instrument, sounds good, feels lovely in the hands, stays in tune, the pickup/electric sound is surprisingly usable, and all this in a package that cost less than a weekend getaway to the Cape.
If their guitars are anything like that they should be on anyone's short list for an affordable flattop.

[j.l]

Wow, some of these guitars are just stunning...

This has been my only acoustic for the last dozen years: a D-18 (the "centennial edition," but I don't think that means anything beyond the neck block being stamped for the anniversary inside the soundhole). I bought it new, and across a few shops was lucky enough to play about fifteen of them on the day I bought it. This was the standout: richer and more overtones than all the other ones, but with the clarity of a mahogany guitar still intact. It has suffered a bit from the binding shrinkage issue, detaching slightly at the waist, but I was able to catch it early and the repair (covered under warranty) isn't at all noticeable.

For the better part of the last year, it's been living in DADGAD full-time as I make some forays into Irish traditional music. That suits the guitar noticeably better than standard tuning does—just thunderous!

[GuyBoden]

I spotted this Japanese beauty, it seems to have a flattish top.

But, can it be considered to be a "Flat Top"?

[mr. beaumont]

Wow, some of these guitars are just stunning...

This has been my only acoustic for the last dozen years: a D-18 (the "centennial edition," but I don't think that means anything beyond the neck block being stamped for the anniversary inside the soundhole). I bought it new, and across a few shops was lucky enough to play about fifteen of them on the day I bought it. This was the standout: richer and more overtones than all the other ones, but with the clarity of a mahogany guitar still intact. It has suffered a bit from the binding shrinkage issue, detaching slightly at the waist, but I was able to catch it early and the repair (covered under warranty) isn't at all noticeable.

For the better part of the last year, it's been living in DADGAD full-time as I make some forays into Irish traditional music. That suits the guitar noticeably better than standard tuning does—just thunderous!

If I ever need a dread, it'll be a D-18. It's the gold standard, in my opinion.

[Tal_175]

I down-tune my OM-28 and use 13's. It's a long scale guitar, I find that down-tuning extenuates all its tone magic. Not sure if people down-tune short scale guitars. I also down-tune one of my Teles.

[John A.]

I'm basically satisfied with my herd and am not looking to increase it (though I suppose GAS is never cured and can only be in remission ...). So I don't feel particularly envious of of the bigger and more beautiful collections on display here, but man do I wish I had some of those guitar-photo skills.

[Spook410]

I was in my 50's before getting my first archtop. Listened quite a bit to Michael Hedges, Ralph Towner, Tony Rice. I still have all my flat tops though I don't play them much. Kinscherff and Goodall are favorites. Still like Martins with their warmth. In comparison Taylors always seemed a little sterile. Though they are a great build.

Thing about archtops is there are several flavors. From very electric to very acoustic. So, of course, everyone needs several.

Also, something that seems small but in practice matters more than you would think: When playing an acoustic leaning archtop, a port makes a huge difference. Gives much more of the depth you get with a flat top in your lap when you're sitting on the couch.

[Hammertone]

I'm the original owner of a lovely 1970 Martin O-18. Small-bodied mahogany flattops are great for jazz and for recording, IMO.

[darkwaters]

Funny coincidence that this thread has appeared. I’ve been playing my 35 year old Takamine EF341C lately and I just can’t seem to put it down. My electrics are getting jealous.