need help...

willco82 · Unread post by **willco82** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:13 am

hey all...

i'm a new guitar player, and was wondering about sizes of guitars. i've tried a couple different ones, and they all seem really big. i'm only about 5'8", pretty small hands, and i have a hell of a time fretting certain chords, especially certain dave chords....very frustrating. so as far as acoustic guitars go, what do i need to be playing?

willco

isaac · Unread post by **isaac** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:24 am

sounds like you have my problem. i'd recommend a grand auditorium, personally. the only reason why i don't like dreadnaughts is that they're just too damn big. lol.

willco82 · Unread post by **willco82** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:28 am

cool. thanks a lot. what about brands? is one brand sized a little differently than another?

isaac · Unread post by **isaac** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 1:32 am

yeah, all brands have their variances. i saved for 2 years for a taylor because their grand auditorium (x14 models) are what they're best known for, specifically the 914ce. i'd recommend playing as many guitars as you can, though. for high-end guitars i think mass street music here in lawrence has the best selection, and there are several small guitar stores scattered around the area that you can check out.

dmb_tatertot · Unread post by **dmb_tatertot** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 2:27 pm

im a kinda small guy and i just bought a 514ce. It is absolutely amazing and fits perfectly to my size. Highly recommended.

DMBFan63 · Unread post by **DMBFan63** » Fri Apr 09, 2004 3:12 pm

sorry to take your thread over, but AMAZING icon isaac!

Ranting Thespian · Unread post by **Ranting Thespian** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 12:30 am

I have to say, I dislike playing small flat guitars. I can't play a strat or tele comfortably. I like the Les Paul becaus the arch top of it makes it just thick enough for comfort. I also only then play really a dread or a jumbo. I like big guitars.

willco82 · Unread post by **willco82** » Sat Apr 10, 2004 3:48 am

Thespian-

Are those size guitars hard for you to play, hard to fret? I like the large bodies of those sized guitars, but the fretting is just such a long damn stretch for my fingers.

Ranting Thespian · Unread post by **Ranting Thespian** » Sun Apr 11, 2004 12:53 am

the size of the body has nothing to do with fretting. The thickness of the neck has a big deal. Like, Strats and PRS's have skinny necks, so, it's easier to get your hand around, and Les Pauls are thicker, and takes up more of your hand.

You need to search around for the size of necks. You also (but it costs money) get one customly made. But again, the size of the body is for comfort and sound, the neck specifics is what you need to look at. Go to the guitar store and search around will also help.

Ry_ · Unread post by **Ry_** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 10:12 pm

I'm only 5'6 and I've got a dreadnaught!! But yeah, the neck of the guitar is the most important thing in your case. My guitar has an even bigger neck than most guitars, and I'm managing pretty well although I do regret not getting a smalleer neck. In the end though, it's really all about practicing and getting used to the guitar you're using! Also, for comfort, you may want to consider getting a lighter guage sting when you do get a guitar.

Beauford33 · Unread post by **Beauford33** » Tue Apr 20, 2004 10:23 pm

I recopmend a Chet Atkins. Either Epi or Gibson. You can play them so easily because of their bodies. damn e=sexy things.

ElGuitarrista · Unread post by **ElGuitarrista** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 12:23 am

If fretting is difficult, then the size of the guitar body won't be much of a factor. Neck size is more relevant.

You'll want to check out the size of the neck and get one that is narrower and has less depth. It will likely be easier to play if you have smaller hands.

With this in mind, I wouldn't recommend Taylors, unless you get a Big Baby, 110, or 214. Those three guitars have 1 11/16" necks, which is smaller that the 1 3/4" that is the standard for all other Taylor models (unless you get a custom order). In owned a Big Baby and I highly recommend the guitar. It plays very easily, a few female friends were able to handle the size quite well... the only downside is that the guitar is a little weak on bass. But you can get one on eBay for about $275.

Martin makes many guitars standard with 1 11/16" necks. For example, the D-15 has a 1 11/16" neck and is priced around $600. The DX1 is a very impressive guitar for around $400... also 1 11/16".

Good luck... drop me a personal message if you have any specific questions.

ericwormann · Unread post by **ericwormann** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 12:23 am

As crappy as the guitars are, I love Ovation necks. Every one that I've played has felt so nice.

Beauford33 · Unread post by **Beauford33** » Wed Apr 21, 2004 7:12 pm

I think ovation is a poor man cop off of chet. thats just me though

HendrixWS · Unread post by **HendrixWS** » Thu Apr 22, 2004 3:46 pm

What about Grand Concert size. Try a Taylor x12. It's scaled down. Personally I'm 6'1 and have big hands so I'm set for pretty much any neck or body size it just takes a little adjustment at first and then I'm set.

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