Some Rosewood Advice (L32 vs A200)

[cowdoc]

Well I was wondering if anyone could help me out. I have a great Avalon Mahogany guitar...but lately I have been thinking about adding a Rosewood model. Can someone describe the tonal differences between an L32 and an A200? Which would have a deeper, more resonant bass? Where would an A32 fall on this spectrum? I don't suppose many people have had the chance to actually compare these guitars...but any insight or opinions on models that you have played would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks, Mike

[Loki]

Between what has been in the shop when I've been there,( I live just a couple of miles from the workshops wher Avalons are made)and what I, family and friends play of them I reckon I have heard a really good cross section of them - and from what I've heard the type of music and playing style are hugely influential

especially at the bass end - thumb pick,no thumb pick, flesh, fles/nail etc

can you give us a clue? Otherwise, if forced I would have to say L32 is the more flexible, it's power can possibly be played down a notch more easily than an A series being driven on. My brother uses one as a stage instrument for everything from jigs and reels to slow ethereal airs, and family jams it can do all the rest

One thing I can say from my experience though is that the Avalon folk run a very bullshit free zone - ask them, tell them what is your dream and I reckon they'd go out of their way to give you fair and open advice.

fwiw imho

[JB]

The biggest difference between the L32 and A200 is gonna be the strut pattern, they are totally different, deliberately so.

The L32 (the model I play) does just about anything you need it to ... whether you're doin' some light fingerstyle or thrashing some heavy chords out ... it won't break-up or sound confused and muddy ... it just sounds more powerful the more you give it that's why it's my first choice for a working guitar.

The A32 (auditorium) is pretty much the same but without the higher volume output compared to the jumbo L32.

All the Gold range have a AXX style bracing pattern ... or double X if you like. The gives a brighter, snappier response to the sound.

Hopes this helps

[cowdoc]

Thanks guys. I usually play one of two styles...fingerpicking (all flesh, no nails ever) slower type hymns or songs...switching back and forth between melody and arpeggios for backgrounding singing or flute, or moderate strumming with a pick. I used to be the sort who really strummed a guitar like a maniac, but times and the music have changed. What I can't shake though is the feeling that comes from a guitar with bass that seems to come from somewhere deep in the earth. Confession time... I used to play a Martin rosewood dred. Can you tell? My A101 is pretty bright...should I be leaning towards the L32?

[JB]

Sounds to me like the L32 or L25 would more than do the job

[Loki]

There y'are then, Doctor diagnoses L25 or L32, either would certainly be sweet medicine

... I know that at some time I'm going to have to tread the same kind of path to cure an upcoming case of Avalon GAS

[cowdoc]

This is such an incredibly weak excuse, but the sound on my computer hasn't been working...but when do I remedy things, I will surely listen to the soundbites. I do have another question. Is the neck profile on the legacy series the same as the Gold? That is, would my new L32 feel close to what I am playing now?

Thanks, Mike