I am looking for a good acoustic guitar for playing bluegrass/folk that has a smaller body than a dreadnought. I was thinking about a Martin OM. Any suggestions? Looking for something under $800.
http://www.seagullguitars.com/productcoastfolk.htm
There's many, often within one brand alone. Martin (Orchestral Model size) was a good choice. As you've implied, you usually want a dreadnought for Bluegrass?
However if you want to get closer to the old standard D-18 (mahogany/spruce) in a smaller package, Seagull offers this:
http://www.seagullguitars.com/productmaritimeswsfolkhg.htm
It may not go all the way to the volumes you need, if you have banjo, bass and mandolin amplified in the mix, but would be prime for folk! Traditional build and good looking too?
Here, in Alvarez, http://www.alvarezgtr.com/prod_bystyle.php?StyleID=6 the Fusion and Regent series seem to have it all, and there's a smattering of Spruce/Mahogany's across the board. I was thinking of getting a Maple/Maple sometime, possibly - and I DO LIKE folk size, as in my little cannon, the Tacoma that barks FWIW. If you find a pre-Fender Tacoma EM-9C, that is still like like new with lots of life left in it, I can guarantee that it is strong enough. If new, RM6C, have fun!
http://www.tacomaguitars.com/products/search.php?partno=0381500721
Like a bird on the wire,
like a drunk in a midnight choir
I have tried in my way to be free.
flatpicking and bluegrass go together. for some reason, I find Martin to be a great flatpicking guitar.
string spacing? nut width? I can't say. the D 18 is the traditional instrument.
I think you are on the right track. find a size and then find a make and model in your price range
that has the best feel and works best with fast picking.
