What Does a 13 Fret Acoustic Guitar Sound Like? Drew Lowry Braid

[@picksalot1]

I think it is primarily the bridge location in the lower bout. That guitar does sound like it is in the "sweet spot". The guitar sounds like it's "relaxed," with no excessive pressure or forces concentrated in any particular of the guitar restricting how it resonates. I like acoustic guitars with cutaways for upper fret access, and the musical and technical freedom that affords. Thanks

[@SillyMoustache]

Hi Michael, Yes I have! One of the most delightful Gibsons I ever owned - for a short time -before HMC&E confiscated it! It was a C. 1915. Gibson L-3. n near perfect condition with original bridge, tailpiece and pick-guard. I bought it unknowingly from an American guitar smuggler. I got it back a long time later after paying Excise and other taxes. I'd love to get it back! Good to see and hear you! P.S.. "Pokey bad tempered little 12 fretters!!!" How very dare you!

[@Bernd_Boeckmann]

Always great to see your reviews, Michael. I own myself two 13 fret guitars by Finnish luthier Olav Loef. Both small guitars, 00 and a parlor, both with short scale length. I love the sound and playability of both. And as I don’t play much above the 14th fret I don’t miss anything. If it’s the sweet spot or something else what makes this guitars special I don’t know. I think it depends a lot on the abilities of the player to get the best out of an instrument. When I see your videos I think you could make any guitar sound beautiful.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you so much Bernd!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

There was a guitar maker in Monterey/Carmel Calif back around 1982 making Classical Guitars with 13 fret. Very fine, outstanding tone.

[@MichaelWatts]

Very cool!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@MichaelWatts I remember the name Mc Mahan Ta Da !!!

[@CameraLaw]

Funny thing. A couple days ago a stunning classical 13 fretter arrived at my doorstep from lauded Canadian luthier Sergei de Jonge. I had purchased it based on photos on Reverb, never thinking to count the frets. It was a cutaway with an delicious set of ziricote for its back and sides. I also didn’t realize that it was a short scale or that it had saddle that was also a pickup. Nor did any of the pictures reveal that it had a radiused fretboard or inlaid side markers. So much for my shopping skills. I now know, having done a little Googling, that this is a rare Crossover model, a double top (cedar/nomex/spruce) with lattice bracing, perfect for jazz as well as classical. We are just becoming acquainted. I’m very impressed by her lush yet focused sound and the ease with which she plays. And the fret markers, unusual for a classical, really help me locate the 12th fret, which I generally find where the neck meets the body. Adventures in geekery.

[@MichaelWatts]

That is a deeply awesome thing to happen! Ima big fan of Sergei and his work! Congratulations

[@CameraLaw]

@@MichaelWatts For four years, I have had a favorite list on Reverb for “de Jonge”. All have been gorgeous and out of my range. I would have been overjoyed with one of his or one of his children’s acoustics or classicals. All of a sudden, this one showed up for a shockingly reasonable price on consignment at a shop that specializes in Fenders. So I reflexively jumped off the cliff. Now, after three days of constant playing, I need to write an email to Sergei of gratitude and to let him know one of his babies is in good and appreciative hands.

[@KenIn_NH]

Generally, a 12 fret should have less string tension and be a little easier on the fretting hand. So the 13 should be less "tight" than an equivalent 14 fret. Michael, how did it feel under hand? It's certainly lovely sounding instrumental.

[@AlanGogoll]

My new @@astrandguitars will be a 13th fret guitar! You’ve got me confident in my choice!

[@MichaelWatts]

I’m very happy to hear that mate! Looking forward to setting up some mics in front of you soon!

[@ggates2500]

I love this fella's videos.

[@uvp5000]

After listening to you play this instrument a couple of times, I find the guitar articulate, warm-sounding, and balanced in tone. It works well for your playing style, Michael. Thank you for posting this video.

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you for listening!

[@johngraydon506]

Absolutely lovely Michael thank you 🎉

[@leelossi1257]

Lucky 13! Sounds beautiful.,....warm and resonant. Wonderful playing

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you Lee!

[@jamesturtle]

13 fretters should have a bigger role in the guitar world imo. Seems like a great compromise to me. Bob Dylan played a beautiful sounding old Gibson Nick Lucas sig model I believe for "another side of Bob Dylan" and "bringing it all back home" . If I were to ever get a vintage acoustic one of those would be my grail. Good stuff Michael!

[@MichaelWatts]

@@jamesturtle thank you for tuning in James - good to hear from you!

[@juneabbey9538]

Interesting thoughts and lovely playing, as always Michael. I have a 12 1/2 fret guitar. It came about as a variation on an existing model (a short-scale 12-fretter), leaving the bridge in the central (12-fret) position but employing a full-length 650mm scale neck. The idea was to combine the benefit of a central bridge location with the extra tautness and vitality of a long scale. As a bonus, the extra half-fret is just enough to let me comfortably reach notes I'd struggle a bit for on a 12-fretter. As a matter of interest, Lakewood offer all of their standard models in 12, 13, and 14-fret styles at no extra charge.

[@MichaelWatts]

12.5 frets are even rarer! Thats fascinating!

[@stevenheath741]

You are Great Michael but there is always something Monty Pythonesque regarding your videos…Keep up the good work

[@ellenrik]

I'd never seen or heard of a 13 fret guitar and now I'm intrigued, the search begins. Lovely playing as usual. Best wishes.

[@MichaelWatts]

They’re relatively rare but can be a lot of fun!

[@paulboden7850]

You're right. There are just too many variables. Interesting nonetheless, but what really caught my ear were the new MDW composition samples. Very nice.

[@MichaelWatts]

@@paulboden7850 thank you very much Paul! Glad you approve

[@phillipbancroft7945]

I wonder if ‘Triskaidekaphobia’ is a thing? Ive heard it said it’s because there were 13 present at the last supper. Sounds beautiful. I have a number of 12 frets and I love the extra resonance and volume but there are certain things I can’t play on them because of the limited access to the ‘dusty end’ of the fretboard. Maybe a 13 fret is the answer. Btw Michael, you sold me a Goodall at TAMCO 15 years ago. I no longer have it but we shared good times together for quite a while!

[@MichaelWatts]

How wonderful! I think I remember that - Was it a trad OM? Fear of 13s is a recent thing apparently. And the word triskaidekaphobia is a car crash of modern Greek!

[@phillipbancroft7945]

@@MichaelWatts it was a koa OM & I bought it to celebrate my 50th (that’s how I know it was 15yrs). These days I have a bunch of Fyldes which I love. Your playing is sublime Michael.

[@davidpotsdam]

Sounds Cool Big and Clear

[@MichaelWatts]

Glad you enjoyed it David!

[@victorbeebe8372]

Aloha Micheal! Sound great guitar and music. I don't play acoustic, because I don't have one. Not for a long time. Maybe soon. Mahalo Nui Loa.

[@MichaelWatts]

Aloha Victor! You need a new acoustic! Get a flight to Maui and see my friend Steve Ohno Grimes - he makes glorious guitars! Stay pono my friend

[@don911donny9]

Great playing Michael

[@MichaelWatts]

Thank you!

[@shg2272]

I love my Sexauer 13 fret guitar. Just feels right!

[@MichaelWatts]

Bruce does make a lovely guitar

[@jonryanmcgregor8877]

Great playing!

[@MichaelWatts]

@@jonryanmcgregor8877 Thank you very much!

[@juhan9117]

The intro song in this video sounds like the song Yet Not I but Through Christ In Me - Cityalight.

[@aaronelcock3619]

I knew it reminded me of something, but couldn't quite place it. Great song.

[@kalleblom5564]

you'd make a watering can sound heavenly if you'd put strings on it

[@MichaelWatts]

That’s very kind

[@ruskyhrahsel7723]

How?

[@kalleblom5564]

@@ruskyhrahsel7723 skill, taste and capability

[@alastair6356]

Great expressive playing. 🤩👍

[@MichaelWatts]

Thanks Alastair!

[@1paparico]

My H13 was named the`Mistress`by its previous owners wife...well.. there is a reason. They are hard to resist.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

Santa Cruz by P H. RIP

[@newffee]

Is that a 24.75 inch scale length with 19 frets? I'm making a jumbo with those specs. Sapele back and sides with Adirondack top. I'll post when it's finished. Sounds unique. Sounds good.

[@steveb9325]

Sounds great! Santa Cruz makes a killer 13 fret guitar as well!!!

[@stevie6423]

A Santa Cruz H13 was one guitar I have seller’s remorse over

[@steveb9325]

@stevie6423 sorry to hear that. What's up w her?

[@crissmith2911]

I've always been interested in the Santa Cruz H13, but I've never come across one in the wild.

[@andrewlyon8924]

A 13 fretter? That's odd.