Ranking The World's BEST Guitar Builders - #1 Will SHOCK You!

[@tomehCanada]

Brave, very brave. 🙂

[@mvp019]

I think Collings should be much higher than number 10. But great list!

[@rogerd9150]

I was absolutely thinking the same thing! Well said.

[@James-oh1wp]

Totally agree

[@Bluegrassboy49]

Collings would be in the top 5 if it were up to me, but it's not.

[@denmar355]

Given that Martins with scalloped bracing will all likely need a neck set in 5 years, I definitely vote for Collings. If you make friends with an old authorized Martin Repair Technician you can learn a lot.

[@mvp019]

@@denmar355 Wow - interesting

[@CamMacMastermusic]

Boucher will always be #1 in my book. But this is a fantastic video! Thank you all.

[@JerryHoward88]

I had hoped to see Goodall on the list. I've tried many boutique acoustics and my Goodall Koa is still right at the top.

[@tomopie4296]

Should read...Top ten boutique BLUEGRASS style guitars. My #1 has got to be Lowden for overall handbuilts. If you have an opportunity to play one do it! They are pricey however as most handbuilts are. Love to see a top ten affordable boutique guitar brands video. Not sure if ten affordable brands even exist.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Lowden is absolutely incredible, this was just John's personal list!

[@michaelnannestad7399]

Owned a Froggy Bottom H14 Brazilian rosewood for many years & every year it's sound just seems to get better. I have read they try to replicate the sound of prewar Martins.Whatever,it's simply wonderful❤.Like my Martin.

[@79blueingreen]

I was expecting to see Froggy somewhere on the list.

[@steveh3550]

Nice video, couple of those luthiers I'd never heard of. I "discovered" Santa Cruz two years ago and have since had them make me two guitars, an OM and Tony Rice dread. Incredible instruments.

[@jordangunit3078]

I’ve played and love all of these brands. I have owned several bourgeois and my band mate has a monster Thompson, but my new Pre War Guitar Co is several steps above and the only thing I have found that even comes close to the real thing. Maybe I got lucky, but everyone seems to report strongly on them.

[@johnmcrae3221]

Excellent video. I agree that Collings should be higher on the ranking. But I especially wanted to strongly endorse what you said about Caleb Smith. I have met with him and agree he is a terrific person who makes amazing guitars. And finally, take a look at Wayne Henderson. Phenomenal is the word for his guitars and him. Thanks again.

[@BulldoggerJK]

I just got an D37 Atkin at TAS. I had just played 13 fantastic Collings at another store. One of them was a Jake Workman trade in. I played most the other brands they mention here that day as well. The Atkin is the best guitar I’ve ever played. My wife said the same thing when she played it. For 30 years I’ve been looking for a guitar better than what I had. I finally found it with the Atkin and it’s WAY better. It is the ultimate bluegrass guitar. It is my forever guitar.

[@Richard_Lush]

I think Boucher was one of the first with torrification. To me that’s a key to the vintage sound. It’s great we have an excellent, affordable boutique builder here in Canada. Besides Pre War brand guitars its one of my favourites along with Santa Cruz. Never been disappointed buy these builders. Great list

[@thomasfazzio4099]

It's great to listen to a guitar evolve from the beginning. It amazed me how much the sound changes and improves.

[@alan4sure]

My Boucher Bluegrass Goose sounds very good, but D28 Authentic 1937 has more volume and low end. Took a year or so, tho.

[@JTSunriseMusic]

Perfection in guitars is in the ear of the beholder. My ‘34 Kalamazoo possessed by Robert Johnson’s ghost was once a flattop and became morphed into a custom arch top with time 😂

[@devinblake7186]

I think that is a solid list and everyone has their own preferences on what guitars builders fit their style the best. I would like to have seen Huss and Dalton on the list, I have played a few of them and they all have blown me away. Maybe they will make the next video! You guys are awesome keep up the great content!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@mikelord9860]

Yes, I was thinking that H&D would be in the top two or three; never had a chance to play one but I heard Dana Robinson play his at a couple of his concerts with wife Susan. And gee, is James Goodall still making his? An old acquaintance had one of his and it sounded great!

[@seanquinlan6887]

​@@mikelord9860 Goodall should be there without a doubt

[@mrdogmoon]

Henderson Guitars are really top of the line. Like a ten year wait to get one made. I have never played one but have heard them played live and they have a great sound and are really cool looking. But I think you guys really had a great list. Thanks Acoustic Shoppe you guys are the best.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much!

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

I played Wayne’s personal guitar and his guitars are absolutely off the charts.

[@williamnichols6253]

I like that you are honest about your "pre war Martin bias" and you did the video in a way that I can sort through when you were saying "these guitars are great because the pre war thing" and "these guitars are great because other reasons"

[@RByrne]

No Lowden? Pfft. 😁 Ive played a few Collings acoustics and didnt see what all the hype was about. Maybe it's just me though. I do love their electrics though. One brand that did surprise me was the high end Yamaha line. Tried the LL56 and it was unbelievable.

[@aaronlturner]

Wayne Henderson Guitars

[@AcousticShoppe]

He's making a great guitar!

[@banjo1434]

As an Englishman, I'm happy Alistair Atkin made the list. Thanks.

[@herschelrector8218]

Great video. Previous post indicated a maybe better name for it is "Top ten boutique BLUEGRASS style guitars" and I would add at boutique guitar prices. I like that you didn't say one was better than the others, just all great for their own reasons. We are in golden age of acoustic guitar builders. For this list you could have included Gallagher. On another list Furch, Yamaha custom shop, and my current favorite Alvarez-Yairi hand made. There are several others too, maybe Larrivee.

[@terrymattingly6843]

It’s a very narrow list.

[@d35s2]

@@terrymattingly6843 that´s what you get with a top 10 :-)

[@galenbrown3312]

The best guitar I have ever played was a Thompson owned by a man who attends the Winfield Walnut Valley Festival. And I've had many, many pre-war Martins in my hands. Thompson builds fantastic instruments.

[@ursafan40]

My favorite is my Burchette Sloped D. Made by luthier extraordinaire Gray Burchette in Elkin North Carolina. Incredible tone and unparalleled playability. I've played Collings. Like them a lot. Martin are great of course. The standard by which all others are measured. Nothing I've ever heard beats my Burchette.

[@ronraport]

I had a great conversation last month with Gareth Jenkins who voices those Preston Thompsons. Fascinating and his love of the craft is clear.

[@richardalanprow283]

It takes big ol brass balls to put forth a list like this! Good job overall. I would have mentioned "Pre War" guitars out of NC. Keep up the good work!!

[@chuckrrose]

Evidently never encountered a McAlister. Only about 400-500 built. Superb.

[@MelvinHughesatp]

That is a very solid list! I have to say that one of the finest guitars I have ever played/owned was a Bourgeois OMS. If it had been a short scale, it would still be with me! Another boutique maker I am invested in is Huss & Dalton. I own three of their guitars currently.

[@LizaPeninon]

Huss & Dalton makes wonderful guitars !

[@OpenDGuitar]

The list, and the plentiful omissions, are a testament to the strength of the small shop industry. In the 60s and into the 70s you only had Gallagher, Mossman, and some one man shoppes on the west coast (Whitebook, David Russell Young, and a few others). Then it bloomed, and several hung in through hard times. Now…wow! My only complaint though is that the cost of the guitars is so necessarily high that the market for them is going to be older players who have established themselves financially. Many of these brands are simply out of reach for a lot of players.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

Yep. I'm being given a gift partly because I spent much of my life in 3rd world countries doing missionary work...and don't have much material wealth. The Olson being built for me is around $38k!

[@d35s2]

I also did not understand why these type of "boutique" guitar are sooo expensive compared to some others, although machined built Martins are often even more expensive - weird! But now I get it. Even though I´m 72, I enrolled in a school for building musical instruments. It takes 4 years, 5 to become a "Master". In order to build a really great sounding and excellent looking guitar, you need so much experience, love, craftmanship, luthier tools, very special quality selected tonewoods and time...... Especially experience, knowledge, craftmanship and time..... No I understand why you can´t get a Boucher for the price of a Cort or whatever factory guitar - perhaps if you a very lucky from China still. My very affordable Sigma SDR45-VS is an unbelievable guitar and I don´t think in any less slloking or sounding as a limited edition Martin D45S I once played years ago in a guitar shop & Martin dealer - its price was about 30 time that of the all solid, Adirondack topped Sigma of the same model. I am very lucky to have an Martin D35, a Yamaha LL36, 2 Collings guitars, that Sigma and a Boucher BG152GM, which I surely prefer above all...

[@cvcgrad90]

The comment that this could be re-titled as the "best bluegrass style" guitars is spot on. All are great choices in that category. Taylor guitars will not appeal as much to traditional acoustic players, but their popularity among younger musicians in other genres is unparalleled. The craftsmanship in the Builders Editions is amazing, and some would argue that Taylor makes the most "beautiful" acoustic guitars. The tone and style isn't suited for traditional genres like bluegrass, but they know what appeals to their audience. I own traditional acoustics like Martin, but I also own a couple of Taylors and appreciate them for what they are.

[@lefthandpath1587]

The problem I see with Taylors is exactly that - lots of cake decorating, but end of day, its basically a factory built guitar with some hands on wood intervention at key points, supplemented by rigorous QA. Nothing wrong with that, so long as you understand you're significantly overpaying for new, and the resale value is going to drop like a rock when 'intrinsic value' versus 'new' comes into play.

[@Keyboredplayer55]

Really appreciate the list and your insights on the instruments and builders. What about Gallagher? Keep doing what you're doing.

[@AcousticShoppe]

They would probably make our top 15!

[@davidmorrow9254]

Would be hard not to include Lowden guitars from Northern Ireland in any top end guitars list. George builds some incredible instruments.

[@RByrne]

Definitely! I had planned on buying an OM 35 Martin that a shop had last month. I drove out there, and they just got a nice 2017 Lowden S32c. It was perfect, so i ended up with that. Going to order one directly next time im over in Ireland

[@adamstewart247]

I see you Ed Sheeran 😂 I mean "David Morrow"

[@johnsee7269]

Now this is shocking! I too like the ones that have their own sound... Really, there are a lot of good boutique type guitars out there. Just wish I could play one after 50 years. 😥 I ain't giving up till they pry my Telecaster from my cold, dead hands. 🤘 I really like how the bridges aren't backwards like Gibsons ...

[@mikecraig8442]

I decided to repost because I like you guys so much. I said previously that the ranking seemed a bit "skewed," but then realized I'd gotten a little sensitive when comparing your list to MY guitars. :) Then I realized that - of course - (in a good way) you were comparing these instruments mainly for their attributes as bluegrass tools, and that made great sense. Also, the list reminded me of how guitar players/lovers like me tend to be really territorial about our gear because we want to feel like we made good choices. Finally, it is really courageous to put your honest 2¢ in about the relative ranking of today's offerings. Thanks for doing this!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much! Really the best guitar is the one that you already have & opinions are like noses, we all have one. If you're happy with your instrument, then you picked the best one!

[@mikecraig8442]

​@@AcousticShoppe absolutely!

[@chrisgarver7904]

Enjoyed your video very much. There were a couple of the makers that I was not familiar with, but have no argument with your picks. There is a maker that you left out that I feel should make the list. Petros is a much smaller operation, father and son that recently announced their 500th guitar. So they make only so many a year, but the quality of the workmanship and the woods they select are top notch. My Petros is the best guitar I've played so far. I recently bought a Befell Bahia and it is also very nice. Thanks again for the video

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for the recommendation, we'll have to check Petros out!

[@jimdoner3443]

There are no wrong answers, a really small builder with AWESOME tone out of his guitars is Gene Hansen at Traverse City Guitar Company he calls them Ainesis , hand built one at a time here in Michigan.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for watching, we'll have to check those guitars out!

[@timcoughlin4107]

My buddy and I both have a McPherson. We describe them as the Steinway of guitars too.

[@lefthandpath1587]

Apparently you guys don't follow JP Cormier, or you'd have found a way to get Alvarez Yairi Masterworks on this list. Of course, their guitars don't carry the margins of a Martin or Boucher, so maybe that's more a business decision than actually looking at their amazing 80 year legacy of handbuilt excellence.

[@AcousticShoppe]

We’re thankful actually that we got to see Alvarez at NAMM a couple months ago and got to try the Yairi series. We agree that they are great, at the time of filming this video (a little over a year ago) we had not tried them. We have recently become Alvarez dealers and our expecting our first guitars to arrive in the near future, we’ll be making tons of content with them go fully voice our opinions! Lastly, we do have a few videos we’ve filmed with our friend, JP, and we do know he loves Alvarez, we may need to collaborate on some reviews.

[@texhaines9957]

I guessed #1 correctly. Your #2 threw me. For me, Bourgeois would be #1 because I don't have a Thompson #2 would be Iris Guitars followed by #3 Martin Custom Shop, not necessarily just the Authentic line. #4 would be Collings followed by #5 Huss & Dalton and then #6 McPherson. However, if the question was "my Favorite manufacturers" I would have to add Kopp Guitars (Bozeman), Taylor LTD, Eastman but that's a different list

[@martind-1876]

So you would rank Huss & Dalton, Gallagher out of top ten? Great video. I have a Boucher JP Cormier. Love it. Trying to decide next boutique. Want dreadnought. Have always loved the looks of the Bourgeois Banjo Killer. Also considering Pre-War Guitar Co, Huss and Dalton, Gallagher, Yamaha LL36 or 56

[@cfmartin568]

Exactly. Where is Gallagher? Huss and Dalton?

[@jeffhill5843]

@@cfmartin568 Yes H & D, no Gallagher and definitely NOT Bedel

[@sc12100]

You guys realize this is a long ad for the guitars these guys sell - right? If they don’t carry it, it won’t be mentioned. Don’t forget, this is their business and they make money off clicks.

[@AcousticShoppe]

That's not completely true, we actually don't carry some of these brands (Collings, Smith Santa Cruz), & this is just John's personal list, based on what he has experience playing. Pre-War would most likely make this list, we just haven't had a ton of experience playing with them to properly put them in the list. As for the other brands, it is so so hard to narrow it down to just ten!

[@johnzias284]

I'm sure it's not easy to make a list like this without a lot of omissions. I have a 2018 Yairi DYM60 that matches my 2020 Boucher BG-52GM easily in terms of sound and build quality. It's amazing how little respect those masters in Japan get here in the USA.

[@dietersdawgs]

Yep, this is a silly exercise. I have a Boucher as well I don't own a Yairi but I've played some gems that are every bit as good.

[@HBSuccess]

It’s because of the confusion of Yairi… luthier built… and Alvarez-Y… mass produced.

[@kents2908]

Totally agree. Visited the Yairi factory a few days ago. Their guitars are the equal of any of my Santa Cruz, Lowden, Martin etc. Met the luthier who will build my custom shop (from start to finish built by one man).

[@larryrhindress2972]

I have a Boucher and it's the best guitar that I have ever played. The sound is big and clean!

[@d35s2]

Fully agree! Beats my Martin and 2 Collings BG152GM, amazing!!!

[@larryrhindress2972]

@@d35s2 Yup!!! An amazing guitar!! Thank you Robin Boucher!!!!

[@danielhurley7247]

"What's a good click-baitey headline for this list?" ---- thanks for the rundown. I have 5 Taylors but My Country Boy OM opened my eyes to what a boutique, bench-made guitar means both in sound and craft.

[@mvp019]

I have several Taylorrs - I consider them the Honda of acoustic guitars. Solid, very nice, but they aren't a Porsche or a Ferrari...that's where boutique guitars come in.

[@rtortortorto]

Gentlemen I love what you are doing …and love this post. I’m not sure if your aware of this amazing builder… Dowina ( Dob e na )from Bratislava …. I happen to own one, and the price to quality is outstanding. Richard’s Guitars from the UK bleeds Dowina. Check them out.

[@dylanthomas7443]

What about Huss&Dalton and Froggy bottom. What do you both think?

[@BrianTruesby]

Kudos for the Caleb Smith nod!

[@briandesjardins728]

You nailed it I think, their will be alot of Collings fans upset but, I have to agree 100%. I recently heard a Smith guitar and yaa wow.. you guys need to look up JIMI PARK.. he will blow your minds! Very much a modern, fingerstyle super crazy high end builds. He does two different tonewoods like cocobolo back with maple sides with a red burst to tie in, just wow... I would buy nothing but Park guitars if I could! But as I said 100% modern style builder.

[@AcousticShoppe]

We could check them out!

[@briandesjardins728]

@@AcousticShoppe Absolutely do! His builds are some of the best I've ever seen. His miter snd purfling work is the best I've ever seen! And he applys alot of science to his voicing and intonation!

[@richardroyster6631]

I own two Bedell Guitars but I favor Martin, Guild, and Masterwork Alvarez as my go to instruments.

[@williamfowler8439]

I totally agree with you. My Alvarez acoustic is my favorite

[@Joe-m6p6b]

John McQuarry Northwood Guitars , Oscar Graf, Blazer and Henkes, Rozawood, Stevens Guitars.

[@roior]

I believe you should own one of each :-) , at the end ,the list can be really problematic as its all about what is the guitar you'll most play and come back to from this list assuming you have it all. Thx for the video!

[@ahill209]

Good, solid list as far as dreds go. I like that you included several brands that don't require being on a 2 year waiting list to get one. They don't fit in the bluegrass / dred category, but as far as guitars go, Lowden is high on my list. Individually voiced, and a good mix of tonewoods that you may not expect. Mostly best for fingerstyle.

[@d35s2]

I agree! I play most of the time my Boucher BG152GM - incredible guitar! - I have a CJ IRW and > D42A Collings - which I loved until I got my Boucher (for some reason so much easier to play and a little warmer and less agressive tone, an amazing hand made Yamaha LL36 and of course my old ´70 D35, but I have played a few Lowden and they are absolutely great sounding guitars, beautifully made etc. Certainly worth a try.

[@brucebailey1371]

What guitar brand are you holding in this video?

[@AcousticShoppe]

That is John's Bourgeois Large Soundhole Madagascar Dread!

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks John and Jeremy. Get me a Thompson and Bedell do I can figure out where they fit, or even a Santa Cruz.

[@japwis]

Very nice job gentlemen, all fine instruments. Out of curiosity, where would Froggy Bottom and Petros rank in your opinion?

[@AcousticShoppe]

We really haven't had enough experience with those brands to properly put them in this list, but maybe one day we can review some, especially Froggy Bottom, we've heard nothing but great things!

[@japwis]

@@AcousticShoppe Thanks for your reply. Petros and McPherson are both Wisconsin builders about 160 miles apart. Froggy Bottom is based in Vermont and makes only about 75 guitars a year. Petros might make even less than that. Both are rather small builders and both Bruce Petros and Michael Millard got their start in the early 1970’s like Richard Hoover and Dana Bourgeois. All very fine builders in their own right. If you ever get a chance to try or review a Froggy Bottom I think you’ll be impressed. The few I’ve seen have been incredible instruments.

[@jacobwillis4937]

Bob thompson all the way. No comparison

[@migalito1955]

Gee, there are so many really excellent small shop builders of guitars. You can emerse yourself in videos related to each and spend a couple days watching non-stop. If you step outside of restricted to Uncle Sam's States in America. Great Britian has some fabulous builders and Michael Watts based in Surrey UK who is both a reknowed player and filmaker has an entire long running series on luthier's he has encountered embeded in his KZbin productions. Some he highlights are American & some from the UK. Frankly, of all the luthier based videos I have seen to date the luthier that really sticks out was highlighted in a video related to Mark Knopflier's six most memorable guitars. The guitar builder has a shop at his home outside of NYC, built an Arch-Top for Mark, places a Radio City inlay/engraving on the headstock and has a good Italian name thats spelled something like Monteleone. Then of course we still have Rick Turner, Steve Klein who also impressed me a bit above the rest, Fred Carson and on &.....

[@AcousticShoppe]

So so true, we are truly in an amazing age of guitar builders all around the world!

[@ramonaviles1582]

Lowden and Mcilroy from Ireland. Maestro Guitars from Singapore. Headway Guitars from Japan. GT Guitars from Vietnam. An amazing builder from North Carolina... Richie Crowder of Crowder Guitars.

[@Wobbz9413]

Yairi from Japan. Maton in Australia, all though not so "boutique" these days.... you could go on for ever, if not for the amerkin bias!

[@ramonaviles1582]

@@Wobbz9413 I love Yairi guitars from the 70s and early 80s. Have not played a Maton unfortunately.

[@Wobbz9413]

@@ramonaviles1582 Ive played a few Matons, being an Aussie. I think the older ones are a bit better, but they have priced themselves out of my market. I like Yamaha for quality and price. I have a couple of LL16s

[@slpc30]

I think those first act guitars that Walmart used to sell with no truss rod LoL 😂 seriously great list thank you!

[@d35s2]

Interesting list, nicely done! Tastes differ and 10 is a limited number :-) Seek out James Martin guitars from Kilkenny, Ireland and Christian Jablonski of Bad Goisern, Austria, who build amazing, creative and super clean guitars which sounds fantastic and RoZawood guitar fro Master luthier Roman Zajicek of Kolin, Czech Republic! The Czechs have some Master quality builders of Bluegrass Instruments, not only guitars, but for instance Janish banjos and Eda Kristufeks mandolins. Most of these great luthiers also play and live Bluegrass... Always enjoy your videos!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Very very true, thanks so much for the recommendations!

[@AndyMurdzek]

I enjoyed your discussion but agree with the other comments that you’re talking Dreadnaughts inspired by prewar Martins and from a bluegrass perspective. A big part of that is not just good tone but high volume. Important but not nearly the whole story of acoustic guitars. It’s a great list but I have trouble imagining that present day Martin belongs there. I’ve only played one of the high end Custom Shop models, a herringbone D-28, but the sound was pitiful for the $15,000 price tag. In the end, I think numerical ranking of something as subtle and variable as a hand made guitar doesn’t really provide any useful information. It’s very valuable to name the 10 builders that you believe are doing the best work but whether a Collings or Santa Cruz is better is down to the individual guitars. And personal taste. I’m grateful for the names on your list that I didn’t know and will check them out when I can. The familiar names make your good judgment obvious. Do you know about Pre-War Guitar Co? They used Norman Blake’s 1930s 12-fret Martins as a model and apparently really impressed him. How about Butch Boswell Guitars? Another builder in Bend, Oregon and currently Mark Knopfler’s favorite acoustics. Bill Tippin in Massachusetts. I agree about Goodall and Lowden. And Wayne Henderson. Great sounding guitars, great playing (hot bluegrass/fiddle tunes but played with finger picks), and a great on stage tutorial on guitar building. “You just get you some wood, some spruce, rosewood, mahogany boards and some sharp tools and cut off all the parts that don’t look like a guitar.” For great hand made guitars without boutique prices, a big shout out to Eastman.

[@marcuslajeuness8400]

Martin has been underwhelming every time I’ve played one. I think Huss and Dalton are top notch and would have liked to see them on here as well as prewar guitar co

[@G_Demolished]

Sorry about your ears.

[@winstonian88]

I agree. I absolutely love my custom D28. It sounds great but it doesn’t come close to any of the well known boutique builders I’ve tried. I’ve also seen pretty serious issues with build quality in the three Martins I’ve owned. Great sounding guitars for being mass produced, but their reputation among the enthralled fanboys isn’t warranted IMO. I’m not sure it even sounds better than my Taylor 910. But I’m positive it doesn’t touch the Taylor in build quality.

[@alan4sure]

Molly Tuttle played H&D until Prewar and Thompson got in her hands. Now she never plays it onstage.

[@jeffhayes605]

Henderson, Jimmy Edmonds, are hard to beat

[@vernonknight5827]

I can’t wait to get on this list!

[@cfmartin568]

Jimmy Edmond guitars

[@luvbgrass]

I've been playing for 45 years. Never heard of Edmonds till a couple years ago when a friend at a recording studio told me. I checked him out and now I have a special build on order. He is about 1-1/2 years out on orders right now. Shop is in Galax Virginia. Look up Shawn Brock on youtube. He has demoed, and bought several for himself. Jimmy is a awesome musician himself.

[@jimdoner3443]

I've been following Gabriella Quevedo and her phenominal playing,mostly Taylor for her.

[@garysmith2983]

Best guitar I’ve ever heard was a Sobell guitar in the hands of finger style maestro Martin Simpson.

[@BillBraun-g3f]

...where the heck is LOWDEN...? I have played 4 different models every time, I feel like it is the best guitar I've ever played. So glad to see that Gibson and Taylor did not make your list.

[@cuibonocuibono]

I quite agree. Lowdens play and sound great. However, I would guess that their subtleties, singing tonal qualities and character would not endear them so much to players brought up on bluegrass flatpicking guitar instead of the likes of the music of players such as Pierre Bensusan. Similarly, I would guess other British luthiers such as Brook, John le Voi or Vanden don't garner the same level of respect in North America that is truly their due for this reason.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

I'd love to see the same comparison, but with the focus being on specific models. In other words, the top 10 makers of dreadnaughts. The 10 top makers of OM's, etc. I'm sure Thompson makes a great dread, but are their other models up to the same standards?

[@AcousticShoppe]

That's a great point, and could make a cool video! Gotta say, for small-body guitars, Bedell wins.

[@rosewoodsteel6656]

@@AcousticShoppe After watching many, many KZbin videos, I'm liking Boucher and Collings, better. Just my opinion, of course.

[@allanwells4886]

Here in Australia it's Girard Gillet (if you can afford one), Greg Smallman (yes, I know he is famous for his classical guitars BUT he has made steel string guitars!), Brian deGrucci. There are other great luthiers such as Jim Redgate over here but I don't who they are. Tommy Emmanuel would know of them I'm sure. I heard Billy Strings on KZbin playing a Preston Thompson guitar; very impressive.

[@AcousticShoppe]

Cool, it's interesting to hear about builders all over the world!

[@danieldodenhoff1275]

​@The Acoustic Shoppe mandolins

[@danieldodenhoff1275]

​@The Acoustic Shoppe I

[@danieldodenhoff1275]

😊😊

[@mooseymoose]

I have a guitar built by Stephen Strahm that was pulled out of a different plane of existence. My Galloup is amazing as well.

[@philkinzer6486]

Man, y’all just asking for trouble.😆 I agree with most of your list only I’ve never played a Bedell that would have gotten that high. Maybe they’re making some killer custom shop stuff though

[@AcousticShoppe]

Definitely try some of their latest builds, they are incredible!

[@SirenAcousticGuitars]

You should Check out John Arnold and Joshua Young

[@whimpypatrol5503]

So I guessed right about Preston Thompson as "their" number 1 pick. These fellows obviously know way more than I since they actually get to touch and play these beauties. But they may be a little biased since they come from sales, hold traditional blue grass values, and are talking "new" guitars. Personally, I'm exploring bango finger style guitar picking, blue grass jazz, and some modern tones that a Santa Cruz might not fit. Their bias does tell me something important, however, that some guitars, like maybe an Olson, are not best for blue grass, which may be an important detail.

[@Young-Guitars]

Siren Guitars and Wright's lutherie is well worth a look as well

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for the recommendation!

[@BradTeena]

Overall, I like your list. Smith is a builder who I can’t seem to find any guitars available currently.. Boutique builder in Florida by the name of Chris Alvarado builds guitars under the name Driftwood Guitars. You should check them out! I like your channel very much. Thanks!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks so much, we know a little about Driftwood!

[@philippevonarx8642]

over here on the other side of the pond, the nicest guitars i was able to play were from Lakewood (Germany), Furch (Czech Republic) and Maton (Australia). Any thoughts on these three candidates?

[@AcousticShoppe]

We are big fans of Furch and Maton for sure! Honestly we don't have much experience playing Lakewood, but if we're ever able to see one in the wild, we'll check it out, thanks!

[@philippevonarx8642]

@@AcousticShoppe cool, thanks for the reply! about the lakewood guitars: absolute precision work! not the ease of playing like matons, but huge sound! and pricewise, just awesome! i‘ll have to go to some guitar shops if ever i go to the US to play some of the guitars mentioned in the video!

[@HotRodSixString]

Henderson , Dudenbostel , Cunningham ?

[@CAGED1702]

What? No mention of Olson (James Taylot's favourite) guitars? Btw: Santa Cruz also produces their Parabolic Tension strings, they come in Mid and Low tensions, NOT gauges. According to Richard Hoover these strings "are engineered to do what others cannot, to put the exact tension on each individual string to create the appropriate download pressure. These calculated tensions determine the optimal relative volume between strings, or EQ, for your instrument". Unfortunately, they are quite pricey, up to AU$ 40.00 here in Australia...

[@mijwil]

Not sure how most of us are supposed to be able to even comment. Your #1 sells $10k guitars. Anyone that has played all of these on this list either works at a high end exclusive shop or they have silly money. And if you're spending $10k on a guitar, you are wearing velvet jammies when you play it and putting back in its humidified case like its a newborn. No thanks. I'll take a 000-15 and just have fun. And it will record just as well. But it's fun dreaming. Furch, Lowden, Huss & D. Once you get into the boutique world there is an endless list that I think is almost impossible to rank. Olson as an example (the James Taylor guitar) .... Not sure how anyone could even be in a position to play and rank them. But its fun to debate and listen.... mission accomplished guys. Well done!!!

[@cbalyn]

Roy Noble Americas first handmade guitar. In the early 1960s you choice for acoustic steel string guitars were CF Martin, Gibson/Epiphone, Guild, & Favila. Roy was a classically trained violin luthier, made classical flamenco guitar and in 1961 made his first steel string guitar. Luthiers influenced by Roy: Ren Ferguson, David Russell Young, Mark Whitebook, Stuart Mossman, NBN, Ken Addams, Don Musser, David Mattingly, Bob Taylor, Jose Oribe. Roy developed techniques, tools and fixtures that every luthier uses to build their instruments. Roy passed away a little over 2 ½ years ago. No CNC, Roy made everything* by hand, even herringbone purfling and binding. 553 guitar built during his lifetime. I had rather orivkedge o& studying with Developed the original butt joint neck method, modified it to use machine bolts evolving into on complete removable neck attachment system which Bob Taylor borrowed ( aka stole ). Roy developed and sold the Radius dish to properly put a radius on the kerfing on the top and back of the body, developed and sold the first micro plunge router system , that has been copied by StewMac, and Veritas. When I was working with Roy I built most of the Noble #069 three piece Brazilian/Sitka dreadnought tear became Clarence Whites main Acoustic guitars. Roy also rebuilt Clarence’s D-28 ( bought from McCabes Music Santa Monica,Ca) reset the neck as the neck was off the body’s when they bought the guitars and installed the Gretsch inlay free ebony fretboard with a 25.25” scale ( Martin long scales is 25.4 “. Over the next few year Clarence bought two more Noble guitars.

[@nicktarax1051]

blazer & henkes d42, probably the best sounding guitar i heard in my life, probably...

[@markmiwurdz202]

Did you have a look at any guitars from the Antipodes? Like Maton or Cole Clark. I am sure that these luthiers instruments would fall into the boutique guitar category.

[@Wobbz9413]

Maton not so "boutique" these days. But yes, some nice guitars. Not sure they still stand up these days against boucher, santa cruz etc. And for these guys to include martin in a boutique list is just a joke. Mass produced with poor quality control and relying on their past reputation!

[@jj339c]

That was fun. I don’t have the patience to wait on a modern boutique build. I own a D28 style boutique built by Richard Young, upstate SC and a Martin D18. Love both and I don’t do either of those instruments justice. I’d like to see a top 10 mass market builder lineup.

[@AcousticShoppe]

We could maybe do that, spoiler alert, our number 1 is Eastman!

[@Wobbz9413]

​@@AcousticShoppe should be Yamaha!

[@d35s2]

@@Wobbz9413 ever tried the Japanese made LL series.... I don´t think that any Eastman can top that...

[@Wobbz9413]

@@d35s2 I own anLL16D and an LL16/12. Just beautiful guitars.

[@bobmiller4383]

H&D , Larrivee, and not sure if Froggy B is still building

[@jarrodmcnorvell8661]

How about McIlroy, Lowden and now closed Melbourne Guitars? All three exquisite builders.

[@RichardMossFoolishNoise]

I don't think you did anything wrong ! There are a lot of excellent builders - and you don't even get to all the arch top builders . I'll add Wayne Henderson to the list though for boutique flat tops. Thanks .

[@gregalderson128]

What do John and Jeremy's take on Pre-War guitar company guitars and how do they compare to Preston Thompson guitars?

[@AcousticShoppe]

John says they are very comparable, but Thompson has the edge on having a cleaner build. John says they are one of the cleanest guitar companies he's every seen.

[@Faded0811]

LOL at Bedell being on the list.

[@ElMcMeen1a]

Michael Greenfield, John Monteleone, Nick Kukich (Franklin Guitar Co.), Stephen Strahm - different planet from the others.

[@Epiphone100]

British maker ...... Fylde Guitars !!

[@briandesjardins728]

One company i would have mentioned even though they arent so much boutique but i own 3 of them is FURCH. They put out the best guitars in mass ive ever heard and seen, and im a luthier at Bourgeois!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Yeah they're kinda a level below boutique but we do absolutely love Furch's - honorable mention for sure!

[@garyjamesfarias]

Ryan and Olson should be on the list!

[@panayotiscanellopoulos8696]

Boucher is my favourite custom builder..... from parlor to super jumbos.....

[@hillbillyinthephilippines303]

Jerry Rosa makes some really nice increments

[@lynnfrancesanderson1829]

John - looks like this video focuses on dreadnaught guitars. Are you considering doing a video on other models as well? Thompson has a lot of the luthiers who used to work at Breedlove. Bedell is one of the Breedlove brands (or Two Old Hippies brands).

[@utahprepper8925]

Ahhh Martin. If only they could figure out how to build a 4500 dollar guitar and have the binding NOT fall off. Lynn Dudenbostel builds one of the finest acoustic instruments available. You can't get one, but they are the finest made today.

[@blessedwithchallenges9917]

So weird, I've owned over 50 Martins, and currently own 14. None have binding falling off. Hmmmm.

[@roberthale2268]

So John Arnold, Wayne Henderson, or Lynn Dudenbostel aren't on the list? Hmm

[@AcousticShoppe]

It's a tough list to make, we know those guys make great guitars though!

[@CarolDailey]

If money were no object and my playing could ever justify it... Ben Wilborn. Oh, to have a Brazilian Rosewood Nautilus!!!

[@rynolindz]

Huss and Dalton not in the top 10? H&D is one my favs. I would also put Larrivee in there beside Bedell.. Collings would be much higher on my list. Rest pretty good. Good job guys!

[@AcousticShoppe]

Thanks for sharing, it's definitely hard to nail it down just to 10!

[@shawnsnow6413]

I agree. I expected H&D in the top 5.

[@bloxa]

Great list! missing pre-war, I'm on the list atm for a oo-28. 24 months left. :-(

[@AcousticShoppe]

We really haven't gotten our hands on too many Pre-War's to properly put them in this list, but we know they're incredible! That wait is gonna be so worth it!

[@johnmcgurran2084]

Agree with Thompson but Ted Thompson (RIP) especially his T2

[@jerrykeane1970]

I would add Mossmsn guitars, my favorite

[@davidrice3337]

As a right handed person who plays guitar left handed - I tried to be a righty - I am thrilled these guitar companies have been exposed - Growing up in the 70s and 80s I had a terrible time finding a guitar I could keep tuned - I have over 20 guitars and most of them are cheap and I love em - Maybe when Im discovered I Will buy one of these

[@larrywillard844]

IMO there is no need to pay $2000+ for a guitar that sounds good and is fun to play. I buy gently used guitars (and cars).

[@matthewsmith566]

Have you tried Maton Guitars from Australia?