D55almost therebut what about Bluegrass?

CajunJ

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Well, I’m almost ready to pull the trigger on a D55. I play a variety of styles, but I’ve been playing a lot of bluegrass lately. I don’t want a bluegrass-only guitar, but I also don’t want a non-bluegrass guitar. I guess what I’m asking is whether the D55 will hold its own at a bluegrass jam? Will it have the bass and volume?

I know there’s the HD28 option, and I’m tempted, but I’d have to get used to the 1 3/4” nut. The 16” radius is also a little flat for me.
 

Heath

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Don’t think that something like a D40 or D50 bluegrass is limited only to bluegrass styles.
 

CajunJ

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To me, the D55 sounds wonderful playing all styles of music. Do not think you will be disappointed in a D55
It sure seems like a great all-rounder. And, if I get deeper into bluegrass, I can add a grass-specific guitar later on.
 

valleyguy

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I would have no problem taking my D55 to a bluegrass jam, and I have a D18, the volume of each is comparable . The issue is a mahogany backed guitar has less harmonic overtones, so individual notes played stand out more clearly. The D55 is like a chorus of angels, the D18, a trumpet.
 

fronobulax

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My limited attempts to play Bluegrass with strangers were thwarted by the fact that I played an acoustic bass guitar and not an upright bass. Consequently I have very little patience with people who obsess about what's on the headstock when they Bluegrass.

You know you want the D55 so go for it.
 

Butch

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Unfortunately, it is impossible to generalize when it comes to the sound of a guitar, although I see people do it all of the time. They all sound different and the only way to determine if it is a “bluegrass guitar“ is to play it and see how it sounds. Dreadnaught size guitars tend to have more of a bass end. The D55 and the HD28 are both dread’s. They are also both rosewood and spruce guitars. I play a lot of bluegrass and my primary guitar has always been an F50R Guild.
 

adorshki

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Get an F47
phcgcgzif6fabgzxecrn.jpg


:devilish:
 

Brad Little

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.... Consequently I have very little patience with people who obsess about what's on the headstock when they Bluegrass.
....
Yeah, the headstock thing. After one of the LMG tours, I got the thought that it would be interesting to have one of the pastel Fender dreads that were hanging in one of the areas we toured, take it to a Bluegrass jam just to see the reaction of all the "if it's not a Martin it's not a BG guitar" people.
 

dreadnut

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My go-to Guild for Bluegrass is my trusty old D25M. It's a real banjo killer, it really rings out at the lower end. My DV52 was nice but not quite as loud as the D25.
 

thunder22

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If you're buying new, be prepared to wait for more than a few months, I've had a new D-55 on order through Sam Ash since February. Hoping for end of September delivery, but more likely November
 

CajunJ

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If you're buying new, be prepared to wait for more than a few months, I've had a new D-55 on order through Sam Ash since February. Hoping for end of September delivery, but more likely November
Oh yeah, I know. Been working on this for a while. Got my price locked in at GC and aware that it’ll probably be end of year before it arrives.
 

adorshki

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That pickguard!
'zackly. It was known as the Bluegrass F47 when introduced, that's a first year '64.
There's also a photo around here somewhere of John and Paul of the Beatles playing a couple ca '70 IIRC, just to point up the "versatility" thing, but couldn't find it to add.

But really, just messin' wit ya. Thought you'd dig it in any case. :D

Whatcha do is show up the the jam and challenge 'em to "Top this, Martin players!" as you unveil the pickguard. :LOL:
 

CajunJ

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Do you play rhythm Bluegrass, lead flatpicking, both?
Both. I’m an intermediate player, but I’m really enjoying bluegrass and see it as something I’ll stick with for sure.
 

CajunJ

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'zackly. It was known as the Bluegrass F47 when introduced, that's a first year '64.
There's also a photo around here somewhere of John and Paul of the Beatles playing a couple ca '70 IIRC, just to point up the "versatility" thing, but couldn't find it to add.

But really, just messin' wit ya. Thought you'd dig it in any case. :D

Whatcha do is show up the the jam and challenge 'em to "Top this, Martin players!" as you unveil the pickguard. :LOL:
That’s so cool. Guess I’ll add it to the list! Haha
 

Br1ck

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The last D 55 I played was more satisfying than all the Martin dreads in the store that day, except an equal but different Martin D 16 Adirondak. It doesn't quite have the Martin low end, but it's relative balance was a huge plus. My Martin D 35 gets picked when in a 70s country rock or bluegrass mood, but the others work just fine. But keep in mind, bluegrass is one of the more conservative scenes around, so you need to not need to blend in. I've caved in to the scroll in regards to bluegrass because I find it aesthetically pleasing, but I can't deny the fitting in factor.
 
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