Opinions on hollowneck acoustic guitars

[Mike Neer]

Here’s a guitar I wish I could share with you. Flat top, F hole arched back square neck. 15-1/2” lower bout of solid spruce. I have owned Ohau and Regal acoustics and this one has better volume and jazz box tone. It’s not for sale. I would suggest an Ohau Jumbo.

Oh, that is sweet! HowardR has a few archtop square necks. I had a chance to play one of them.

[Terry VunCannon]

Adding this one to my tools. I will report more when I get to know it better.

[Nic Neufeld]

Rope binding...not sure why exactly, but do I ever love it! Such a lovely guitar!

[Mike Neer]

I'm really going to need to get out and play a bunch of different instruments again. I've been in my own bubble for too long.
I miss stores like Mandolin Brothers, etc. They had quality instruments from great luthiers, as well as vintage, for pretty reasonable prices in comparison to some.

I think this is going to be the goal: a) find the right instrument for my specific approach, and b) make sure I am in a position to spend the money it takes to get it. The playability of the instrument is just as important as the sound. The finest builders get that right most of the time, but being a beautiful instrument is secondary for me.

There is a small builder in Canada who built a few square neck parlor guitars. I am really interested in hearing these. The builder is Elk Island on Reverb. Anyone we might know?

[Tim Toberer]

Any updates on your search Mike? I came across a few pictures of these Greenfield guitars which I really like. I found one video this one has a really nice sound. A bit expensive, but not really considering how old and rare they are. There seems to be quite a bit of variation in the construction. Anyway I would love to hear an update! I am curious if any forum members have one of these beauties?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pXhAN9747N8

[BJ Burbach]

Mike, Jim Adams is still building a guitar for a good price. A few of us have his flat tops. he may even have one ready. The build on my 8 str dobro is amazing (and loud) and great string separation.
He is a good guy. I agree that a reso is not always the bee's knees, you can get tired of it for some music, which is why I set up my D-18 for slide. Nothing will ever sound better, but lousy string separation.
BJ

[BJ Burbach]

Elk lake looks like too small a top to get the bass. The Matsumoku I converted (for $50) has it, but lousy string sep, of course.

BJ

[Mike Neer]

Until I’ve had the opportunity to sit and play a few of these instruments, I think purchasing one has been pushed out of my mind. I’m just going to be patient and if the right opportunity comes along be ready to make a move. But as of now, I keep on keeping on with my Clinesmiths and Rickenbacher. It’s not so bad, believe me!

[Tim Toberer]

But as of now, I keep on keeping on with my Clinesmiths and Rickenbacher. It’s not so bad, believe me!

It must be rough!

[Robert Gardner]

I have a Jack Stepnick Weissenborn, which was just a little bit more than a Chinese guitar and his are solid wood and his workmanship is great. I also have 1930 square neck National style 1 tricone, and the two are (obviously) very different guitars, but I like them both. I have never been attracted by the sound of dobros. One consideration is whether or not you are going to play through a pickup and amp or not. I wouldn't play the Weissenborn without amplification, but the tricone is so loud and sounds so great, it will do fine performing in a modest sized room. After all, they didn't have much of an amplifier selection in 1930. Best bet is to buy both...

[Allan Revich]

I am looking for an acoustic instrument to play my ragtime arrangements on and maybe even record.

[…]

Will be tuned to C6, which might complicate things even more. If you’ve heard some of my arrangements, there is not a lot of open string stuff. A pretty high action above the fretboard would be nice.

I know SGF brotherhood loves to talk gear, so have at it.

My feeling about Weissenborns is that they are like ukuleles, in the sense that they are built for a specific tuning, and not really suited for a lot of experimentation. Of course, I’m possibly the “master” of The Best Tuning is The Next Tuning philosophy, so not one to speak!

Strangely, I wouldn’t feel the sam about a hollow neck resonator. Maybe because resos are built like trucks and Weissies are more delicately constructed.