Buying advice -- First Weissenborn

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Weissenborn Players

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This group is dedicated to the Weissenborn players around the world.

179 Members, Created 2/15/2011 -

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From James Apple on 5/16/2017 6:15:50 AM

I'm trying to decide on which tone woods and builder for my first Weissenborn

I have Tinnitus and Elbow issues. So I'm looking for a Weissenborn that has a softer voice with very good playability. (the least amount of pressure with left arm to get a good clean tone) The guitar will only be played at home for relaxation, so it doesn't need to be loud. I play mostly slow Gospel songs. I have been thinking Spruce and Walnut for woods. And for builders, Bear Creek, Celtic Cross and Lazy River. But I would like to get the groups opinions based on the concerns I mentioned above and your experience.

Thanks for all your help

2 Comments
	Bob Blair says: 5/16/2017 7:13:37 AM Hi. In my experience (and I have several weissenborn-style instruments and have played many more) playability will not vary much. I have a spruce and walnut short-scale made for me by Neil at Celtic Cross and I like it a lot for what I use it for, but I like Koa, Blackwood and Mahogany a lot. If you are going to be ordering one you need to satisfy yourself that it will be ready on schedule. My experience with Celtic Cross was excellent - it was done exactly when Neil said it would be done, but it was a few months. You will get fine instruments with all three of those builders. I think though that you might do best finding something that is already built or close to it. Feel free to message me with any questions.
	CaseyHunter says: 5/17/2017 1:45:44 PM Bob gave good advice. Is there a particular player whose weissenborn tone you are trying to emulate? Most of the weissenborn videos you see on Youtube are processed with pedals and software. If you are going to use a pickup/amp, then I don't really think the wood or the brand matters all that much when it comes to tone or volume. The builders you have listed are known for their quality, and will more than likely meet your playability needs. They are also known for their quality of materials and construction. If you are going pure acoustic, then the wood choices will have subtle differences in volume, tone, and sustain. I think that it is too difficult to try to generalize, by words, how each wood material changes the character of an instrument, especially as the same wood type can have variations. In addition there are multiple construction differences between builders. So I would recommend calling them up/emailing them and pick their brain. They may be able to help steer you towards the sound you are after.
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