I'm musing on the idea of getting a new guitar. The last new guitar I bought is still my only guitar and is now turning 30 years old. I'm itching for something new. Something special. I ran across a video of Dave Matthews playing a Rockbridge, and I got to thinking, why not?

Anybody had one?, or have another really great or special guitar they'd recommend? I'd very much prefer something made by hand in the states. I imagine the new stuff from Asia is quite good. But it just seems wrong. I've gotta draw the line somewhere.

Incidentally, my last guitar had an Equis II pickup. I'm probably preferring straight acoustic this time. My dreams of 30 years ago of becoming a singer songwriter and playing small local venues are long over. I now play for me. I suppose, just like always...

I don't have any experience with Rockbridge.

I don't have any experience with them, either, but I've been thinking about ordering a Pre-War. They are made by hand in the US. They are supposed to be top-tier custom instrument quality reproductions of various... pre-war acoustic guitars.

https://www.pre-warguitars.com/

Another super-premium acoustic guitar is Lowden. There was a period they were made in Asia, but they are back to being made in Ireland as they used to be. I've never played a Lowden acoustic, but I have one of the electrics they just started making a couple of years ago and it is spectacular.

This message has been edited. Last edited by: maladat,

I am not familiar with Rockbridge guitars, but do have a Larivee. I bought it after hearing how nice it sounded as a talented musician plucked away at it. Over the years it has opened up and the sound has just gotten better. It’s one of two guitars that I have that I have been asked if I would sell it multiple times over the years by professional musicians.

Larivee

DK

I just bought a new Martin 00-28. Sounds great in the right hands, not my hands. There are a lot of nice acoustic guitars out there. I looked for about 6 months. Good luck.

Not familiar with Rockbridge, but a quick look gives me an impression that they're probably quality commensurate with the price.

In that kind of price ballpark, what I'm familiar with and wouldn't hesitate to recommend is a Taylor Limited or a BTO (Build to Order). You'll probably get a lot of recommendations to look at Taylor and Martin, and one really couldn't go wrong with either, despite the Ford vs. Chevy type rivalry that's sprung up between fans of the brands.

My best advice is actually to go and play all the guitars you think you might be interested in until you find one that blows your mind. I promise that isn't meant to sound as flip as it may read. Firstly, you should enjoy the experience of shopping for a nice guitar and playing many of them is part of that. Second, it will help you narrow down what you're looking for. And last, if you happen to find one in person that gives you goosebumps when you first strike a chord or pluck some notes, you've eliminated the X factor of ordering a guitar that may not end up speaking to you personally. If you go into it with no expectations and simply feel and listen to the guitars, you might find yourself pleasantly surprised with what you end up liking. For example, maybe when you started playing, you liked dreadnaughts and now, a modern parlor guitar or 000 has a sound and feel to it that grabs you completely by surprise. So much has changed in guitar manufacturing in the last 30 years that I think it would shock you if you haven't been keeping up the whole time.

If you're talking about serious quality and rarity, I'd look into Olson guitars...my namesake. Wish I could afford one and being a lefty, they're even more rare.

https://olsonguitars.com

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You might want to look into Jim Olson's guitars and the artists who use his instruments.

https://olsonguitars.com/

This message has been edited. Last edited by: aileron,

Collings guitars have a good reputation. The ones I’ve played briefly at the store sounded great.

You might also look for a used Martin. You might find an old one whose sound will blow you away.

I heard a Goodall several years ago and it immediately went to the top of my wish list. Handmade in the USA.