I went shopping yesterday!

[Time Pieces]

However didn't pick anything up yet.

Looking at the Godin family of guitars, like Bytor just bought. Seagull, Norman, A&L, Simon & Patrick, LaPatrie.
But because I just popped in I didnt want to rush my final choice. All were very nice, found two A&L "Ami's" just like Jason's new puppy....very nice and very good price however I really would like something bigger and easier to play the upper frets. Don't think it will be a cutaway though.
What I'm planing to do today is research each brand, find the guitar I'm after from each one and A/B all five. So far I'm leaning towards A&L or S&P...I like the style of headstock, even though it has sqwat to do with the overall sound I guess. They are really good value.....for something handbuilt here in Canada I'm looking at under $400! I can handle that!

I'll keep you guys posted as the choices wind down to the 'one'.

[Bytor1975]

I was sort of the opposite Darrin. The smaller the better, and honestly, the more I play this AMI guitar with the 12th fret at the body the more I am wishing my other guitars were like it (acoustics at least.) Usually when I am playing acoustic I don't play about the 12th fret anyhow, so it hasn't been much of an issue with me.

Did you try the A&L Folk model? Just a little larger than the parlor sized AMI, and it joins at the 14th fret.

http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/folkalmond.jpg

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I'm eyein' that model Jason......I like the lack of pickgaurd. Also digin' the cedar & spruce models.

If I'm not mistaken the folk model, along with the Ami's have solid tops, no? I gotta go that route for sure. I think its a toss up between A&L, S&P and Seagull now. My workmate has two Seagulls, one of which is the nicest acoustic I've ever played. Action to die for on any axe. However the models I've tinkered with so far at my local dealer has had some fine setup work done on them aswell. I keep leaning toward the A&L, the headstock design with the logo and the "Canada" decal are sweet. The necks fit me really well, and the sound was bang on. It could very well be either the Folk as you mentioned or the Cedar/Spruce solid top.


:thumbsup:

Merry Christmas to me!

[Bytor1975]

My Ami has solid Cedar top, and at least the new ones do. I hear that some of the older models had a cherry laminate (like the sides), but as of at least 2005 they are solid.

[Time Pieces]

Nice.
I'm thinking its gonna be an A&L.....when I do take the plunge I'll arrange some pics to post for you! Maybe this week after Xmas, when the deals are about.

[Bytor1975]

And what finish do you like?