Why You Need A 00 | TNAG Feature with Lindsay Straw

We're scaling things down for our next "Why You Need a..." video and spotlighting the 00! Small enough to be a comfortable writing companion, but commanding enough for the stage with the right set-up, the 00 comes in a wide array of configurations to suit many playing styles and genres.
Scripted and performed by ‪@LindsayStraw‬. Filmed and edited by Thien Phan.
00s featured in this video:
Fredholm 00 Brazilian Rosewood:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
1929 Martin 00-18: TBA
Collings 002H 14-Fret: thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
1931 Martin 00-18:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
Jewitt 00-14:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
G.R. Bear Grand 00 Walnut:
thenorthamericanguitar.com/pr...
#00guitar #acousticguitar

[@alanfloyd3205]

Lindsay Straw is a great player!

[@margiesplace259]

Linsey so nice to see you playing guitar again on YT, thanks for the introduction of the 00 too! Surprised at the loud sound, love the sounds. ❤

[@thomaspurcell4359]

Just when I thought I had everything, Lindsay presents this beautiful video and demo. I have a Martin Custom Shop 000-28 E and a Martin 000-15-S, both wonderful. Lindsay could sell ice cubes to eskimos and surpass all sales records!

[@LindsayStraw]

Aw, I don't know about that! Glad you enjoyed the video, though!

[@1Adventures2]

Thanks… I recently purchased a Martin Custom 00 !2 fret with Birdseye Maple back and sides…. Sweet Instrument to my ears … I enjoy greatly the quality of your videos is a pleasure to view!!!

[@homeworshipwithmartyandamy7754]

Thank you so much for taking the time and the effort to make these educational videos. Also like to say that you are a exceptional player in your own right. thank you again

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

You are so kind! We're happy you're enjoying these videos!

[@msinger5340]

Just a great video Lindsay(as usual!) Totally agree with you on this. A 00 is my favorite size for sure. I have a few but the one I love most is a Collings 001G western shade that I had been searching for and finally found. It is beautiful looking,playing and sounding as well. Thank you for your videos 🙂

[@ronleccese8678]

Beautiful tone beautiful playing.

[@ThePandaProcrastinates]

Love it. I didn't appreciate OO's until I got to play one. They are very fun to play. Very responsive feeling.

[@Jay-vt2so]

I've been waiting for this one! 😎🔥🥳

[@sharp_guitars2417]

Darn… another model to add to my list of wants 😂. Great video!

[@RohitSguitar]

Terrific presentation as always! I purchased a Martin 00-18V about 6 months ago and I'm totally in love with it. For me it's the perfect balance of focus and depth of tone for my fingerstyle play at home. I've never had the pleasure of playing a 00 12-fret, after this video I'm eager to try one out!

[@Kim-yl7yg]

Got mine 12' . My fav out of 15 ax collection.

[@texhaines9957]

Thanks Lindsay. My favorite 00 is a Martin Custom Shop 00-28 12 fret, 1.75 nut. Nicely voicing of the guitars you played.

[@sundrenched6248]

That's very informative, thanks.

[@ryangunwitch-black]

I just got a John Bliven 00 and I am madly in love. The sink cedar top sings so brightly and takes almost zero effort to activate. My Martin Dreadnaught just got too big for my shoulder and old hands. Finger picked country blues is so beautifully easy on this guitar. ❤

[@jimthomas1360]

Great video and summary of OO's. I have Froggy Bottom Model C (EIR/German Spruce) which is their version of a 00. A WONDERFUL instrument.

[@paulhennessey51]

Nice video and nice playing. It's great to hear good classical playing on a sweet ringing 00 guitar. (I own a 2008 Martin 00-28VS, a custom "vintage series" 12 fret model based on a 1920 design. It's wonderful.)

[@adamlegion13]

0012-28 Martin changed my life.

[@MrTom-Songwriter-Composer]

Great video. As a songwriter-composer and a self-administered publisher (BMI,Inc / The MLC) it all depends on the musical works I'm writing and recording. For finger picking arpeggios and playing melody or lead lines the double "00" fits in well. Most double "00"'s have high tonality and some mid-range frequencies without much low end compared to say a concert (000/OM) or a dreadnought. Sometimes what I like do, is play a chord progression using a dreadnought then play and record the double "00" on another track playing and recording arpeggios or even chords higher on the neck, there is a nice and contrasting tonality between the two guitars at times. And playing and recording both size guitars, gives the track a wider feel as well. I really enjoy this series that you folks have done here, Happy New Year - Mr.Tom SongWriter-Composer/Self-Administered Publisher (PRO: BMI Inc. / Pub: The MLC) CAE/IPI #: 833986399 / Publisher Number: P135OQ

[@2628064379]

I play a Waterloo WL-12. Beautiful performance of the Carcassi Study in A Ms. Straw.

[@HarryRemer]

Linsday, your playing is clear and sweet, rich with emotion; esp. your finger style. Love hearing it. I own a mahogany Taylor grand concert -- which is 00 size- from 1996. It's just gotten sweeter and louder over the years; louder even than my brand-new Breedlove Redwood/Rosewood Concert. It's not just the tone woods; bracing and design are part of it, too. That guitar rings and rings. I'm nearly 5'10" with larger hands, but the Taylor feels like home to me every time. I can play almost everything better on it. (But I LOVE the tone and esthetics of my edgeburst BL. ☺)

[@kerrfoot]

Thank you for the review. I bought a Martin 00 18 SH when it came out in 1999. Engleman spruce top, and after all these years it’s so wide open and just chimes and rings. If you want to hear A 1953 00 18, which the SH is designed after, just take a listen to the intro and first few minutes of roundabout by yes, and then Clap, of the yes album. Cheers and thanks!

[@john15333]

I used to play 00 guitars exclusively for the comfort. I recently bumped up to a 000 in my stable. I am 100% convinced that you need both.

[@kalyansapsd1]

I have developed a shoulder injury recently and that’s putting me off from playing on my only dreadnaught. I am looking for a smaller body guitar. I was only observing her right shoulder…looks like it’s a good start to check for this OO body style

[@nhm1069]

Great video. I recently purchased a Martin 00-17 Authentic 1931 in memory of my mom who recently passed away (she was born in 1931). The sound is incredible and the playability is excellent. I agree with your insights.

[@breakandrun70]

Great playing Lindsay, I love the sound of a "OO" guitar. I have a "OO" Custom made, 1785 old mahogany, W/ Adir top, Brazilian rosewood inlays on headstock & button. Old girl was looking for someone to dispose of an old cabinet. She said it had been in the family for many generations, had the hardware dated, and that was the date. Had enough wood to make two guitars.Thanks again for the great video's.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Lovely, that sounds amazing!

[@fiddlegroove]

Love these vids

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Thank you kindly!

[@user-ro8qx5fy1t]

Hey Lindsay, I loved your review. Although I also own a parlor and 000 my two go-to guitars are 00. I am in my sixties, been playing my whole life, gave up the dreads a few years ago as they were no longer comfortable with my shoulder. I find the 00 most comfortable and I was presently surprised by both the intimacy and the big sound I still get from the 00. Honestly, though, there are 00's and 00's. My favorite is a 1964 Martin 00-21 NY,hide glue construction with Brazilian rosewood back and sides. But I think with all of the modern advancements on guitars today you can find a beautiful one out there for a fraction of that cost.

[@jgod7966]

Superbe présentation. Jean

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Merci beaucoup!

[@LK-oi6bq]

While I was in the Navy, I ran across a 1962 Martin OO-21NY. Asking price was $275.00. One of the more regretful things I've done in my life was to trade it off for a new 1971 D-41 because I thought I needed more bling. I've been kicking my but for a long time. In recent years I did purchase a CEO-7 Custom with rosewood body and adirondak top. That helps a lot to ease the pain.

[@kimhalley8950]

Nice segment Lindsay. Thank goodness I already have a couple of 12 fretters so I won’t have to add this to my want list.

[@aquaboneus]

*definitely my favorite guitar size!

[@kevingreene6893]

Hi Lindsey, enjoyed the review - would love to have heard all played for comparison… I have a few of 12 fret guitars, a particular favorite is my custom built Avalon Guitar, 12 fret Red Cedar over a fabulous set of Madagascar Rosewood with a Celtic rosette and a hand designed inlay in abalone and it sounds incredible! It’s my go to for vehicle for finding that meditative platform and transcending to that timeless zone where every note has its own story to tell. Surreal🎶😊

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

That sounds like an absolutely amazing guitar! Thank you for sharing!

[@christianlacheze3323]

I’m in love with my ‘27 00-21

[@andrewpaul1207]

trying to find the right guitar for me. thanks for helping my research. :)

[@stephenjohndoohan]

Beautiful video and beautiful guitar! What is that tune at the end called!? Going to learn it now :)

[@davidbible1469]

Will play all these why you need ______ in my wife’s ear while she’s asleep.

[@tanukibrahma]

I recently purchased a Collings 00-2h 14-fret thinking the 24 7/8 length might help with my left hand trigger finger, which I started to suffer while playing my 25 1/5 scale OM-2h. Though the 00 is a bit easier on the hands, I've still had to go to a lighter string gauge -- PB 10 set on the wound strings as opposed to 11s (Silk & Steel 11s, while reducing tension even further, just didn't sound present enough to me.) My original intension was to keep one or the other guitar, but despite not completely solving my hand issue I've become quite fond of the 00, and am liking how it sounds, particularly on recordings. The 00 is a bit less boomy and, except for a somewhat duller 6th string, has a little more clarity and focus recorded fingerstyle when compared to the OM. Maybe I'll keep the 00 for finger style and the OM for picking/strumming.

[@MelvinHughesatp]

You don't need just one 00!!! I have two 2013 Huss & Dalton 00s. One (from TNAG) is Italian Spruce and Bubinga, 12-fret, short scale, with a flat peg head. The other is Englemann/Cocobolo,12-fret, short scale, with a slotted peg head. Both are really lovely. They are first guitars in hand when I sit down to play.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Indeed, especially with so many wonderful ones to choose from! Glad to hear how much you're enjoying yours :)

[@ravingcyclist624]

My OO-18 is 65 years old. Bought it in Monterey CA. It has a built-in electric pickup and controls. And 20 frets (14 to the body). Because of its size, I play it more often than I play my 35 year-old Dreadnought. Awesome rich base voice!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

My first 00 was a 1939 Martin 00-17 bought in Monterey ( Pacific Grove) from a friend for the princely sum of $4 (yes, four) dollars. I still pay 00s, currently a 2015 0018V.

[@donmartin3356]

I have a Martin 00-28. It is my most comfortable guitar. While small, it is plenty loud and can handle pretty aggressive strumming. It has a sweet voice and is a welcome addition to my acoustic collection.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

That sounds about right! Love those 00-28s.

[@richardjewett8092]

I have a Kronbauer with somewhat unusual dimensions - 15" lower bout, 10" upper; and a somewhat obscure Columbus, at least 100 years old.

[@ZionForman]

00 is all I ever play

[@Kwaician]

I play a Sheeran S01 and I think that might fall under this category of guitar a bit. It’s one of Lowden’s body sizes so not quite the same as the American trad 00s. But that’s the reason I love it, cedar and walnut b&s.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Yes, we love Lowden's take on the small-bodied design, too! And cedar and walnut is such a great wood combo for a guitar that size.

[@zunif]

Videos like these make me wish I born into a rich family. I guess I just gotta save up now for one of these haha.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Don't we all!

[@robertnewell5057]

Well, you don't really, but they are nice to have! I got my Northwood 0075 from TNAG when they and a UK shop and they were incredibly helpful - and it is a great guitar.

[@SteveGilbertson]

Welp I'm sold - please toss one in with the OM you just shipped me 😄

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

You've got a good OM coming your way!

[@ianhamilton9634]

Hi Lindsay, really nice video , thank you. Interestingly I have just taken delivery of a Furch Vintage 2 OOM SR 12 fret. Wow such a big voice from a small guitar and so easy to play.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Those Furch Vintage 00s are fantastic guitars! Glad you're enjoying yours!

[@edmallon2851]

I can't imagine not owning a 00

[@goranyau1122]

can you state the models of the two 12 frets you played in this video?

[@gat569]

Do you have an arrangement I can find of your last piece “ The harp and Shamrock”? That was sooo beautiful!

[@LindsayStraw]

I am going to work on that soon!

[@gat569]

@@LindsayStraw thank you, thank you! :) I just checked out your website. You have a LOT there to explore. Thank you, again!

[@drothberg3]

Is a Gibson L-00 the same category? Or the Martin CEO?

[@tcoudi]

out of curiosity, how many guitars do you actually own and play regulary?

[@NickParees]

Anyone know the name of the first tune? I remember my guitar teacher had me play this one as a performance piece back in college, but I can't remember its name!

[@kamarienedwards1757]

What’s the into piece called? I can’t remember the name but it’s a classical piece😅

[@Uuur10]

I like your repertoire and playing a lot. I find music in those styles to be not so easily accessible from Europe. Any radio, or Web site recommendations for good Americana/traditional guitar styles?

[@LindsayStraw]

Hard to sum up one or two resources, but a good starting point could be the fRoots magazine or No Depression sites for newer releases in this style - check out any podcasts or playlists they link to! I also draw a lot on the British and American folk revival greats, so just doing KZbin dives on guitarists like John Renbourn, Davy Graham, Doc Watson, etc. should help you find some stuff you like. I also adapt a lot of pretty basic classical guitar repertoire, like that first piece, to steel-string (Carcassi, Brouwer, Tarrega, etc.)

[@Uuur10]

@@LindsayStraw Yeah it starts with curiosity and individuality right? A personal choice of influences and the talent to transform them into one's own thing. A lot of that comes through in your style and a lot of subtlety, I would call it "Americana" but it can't be pinned down so easily. Beautiful! I still don't know what Americana is. To me it runs the gamut from Julian Lage to Lucinda Williams. I need to refine my understanding. Thank so much for your very informative reply, I didn't know those two sources and a number of the artists you mention. All the best, Jean (from Switzerland).

[@massnb]

Wonderful. What's the fiddle tune at the end?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

“Harp & Shamrock”!

[@massnb]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar thanks!

[@tbeau6663]

💜💚🧡❤💙💛

[@rikipeters888]

Hello. Please what is the difference between a 00 & a parlor guitar. I thought there almost the same as in size...? Thanks.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

It can be a little muddy, as some makers parlors do approach 00 size, but traditionally parlors are narrower across the lower bout than either 0s or 00s. Check out the Collings lineup to see the cleanest example of this!

[@dimabliznets8783]

what a beautiful tune at the begining! name please

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

It's a classical etude of some sort - can't recall the composer or name offhand, apologies!

[@dromeus21]

Is the 00 same size as the classical (nylon 4/4)?

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Many classicals are roughly the same size as a typical 00, yes!

[@EricSkyeMusic]

00's rule :)

[@smallnuts2]

Name of first song?

[@kenpark7427]

I have Collings 001 short scale, all mahogany, sounds sweet, warm and comfortable size, never hurt your shoulder, play easier. volume? collings made louder sounds. Try it, change your mind.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

They know how to make a dynamic guitar!

[@brianamato1078]

Do you really mean "double OH" since O is a letter or do you mean "double zero" ?

[@Jujusha-YT]

hello there !, can someone specify differences between 00 and parlors? i'm a bit lost :/

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

Probably the easiest way to get a handle on it is to look up a chart of Martin or Collings body sizes so you can understand how they compare. Different luthiers' individual 00s, 0s and parlors might vary slightly, but Martin's or Collings' lineups are a good starting point for comparison.

[@Jujusha-YT]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar thank you very much, I'll take a look a it 🤗

[@thesjkexperience]

Weird, this is the one size that just doesn't do much for me. O sounds great and OMs are also, but short scale OO and OOO just seem like something is missing.

[@yellowboot6629]

🤣❣️

[@robertoclemente449]

SEXY GUITARS !!!!!!!

[@chuckrrose]

Nick Lucas! Nick Lucas! Nick Lucas! Just sayin Jeep Rosenberg saith.

[@thedominion6643]

Nope i have enough guitars. All one needs is a classical guitar. Nothing else. My other five guitars are absolutely spotless but i just don't use them as much

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I have a few guitars including a Martin 00-18V and a classical/Flamenco guitar. If I could only have one, it would be the classical/flamenco.

[@bloxa]

Everyone wants a dread... until they play a really well made 0 or 00.

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

You are not wrong!

[@G_Demolished]

I still bought the D18. 🤷‍♂️

[@msinger5340]

@@G_Demolished Can't blame you for that!

[@jeffhildreth9244]

I outgrew Dreads some time ago. Favorites were the D-18S and D-35 S. Unnecessarily large. I prefer my 00s to include my 00-18V with flamed mahogany backs and sides.

[@jeffhildreth9244]

@@G_Demolished My favorites are th eD-18 but in the D-18S category, 12 fret slot head.

[@staleyexplores]

some guitars for me mimic a piano so closely it isn't funny, maybe partially that is the player? just an observation.

[@staleyexplores]

longer scale length but 12 frets, better for heavy attack? How much headroom does it have, I must know more....

[@TheNorthAmericanGuitar]

@@staleyexplores Some guitars, especially rosewood guitars, are described as "pianistic" for just that reason! Generally speaking, we find that standard scale + 12-fret join = a punchy guitar that handles a heavy attack well. The amount of headroom will vary based on tonewoods, but mahogany and Adirondack will get you a lot of focus and volume!

[@staleyexplores]

@@TheNorthAmericanGuitar I didn't know this was a thing, I will have to try to find a good example around me to play. Will need to start saving immediately either way. This builder is just north of me in BC, I'm in Seattle so maybe I can find one around here. Ty TNAG, you folks are amazing!!

[@grizmt7779]

Sounds like someone has GAS (Guitar Acquisition Syndrome)

[@msinger5340]

Guilty as charged!

[@3mangt]

No，I do not need a 00.

[@bobareeniobobareenio2935]

Sorry, but you have to REMOVE your fingers OFF of the strings for each chord change. The way you’re paying now that awful squeek is distracting . . And P.S> you don’t mention what guitars you’re playing besides that $6000 Collin . Yes, right, a guitar is worth $6000.

[@snakedriver]

What is the first guitar played? All the links just go to your website homepage