Avalon Noob: Dreadnought or Jumbo

[ECWeagles]

Hi all,

I've been playing electric guitar for a number of years but have never had a "decent" acoustic.

Im getting married soon and afterwards hope to indulge myself in finally getting a quality acoustic guitar.

A few weeks ago a spent Saturday in Denmark Street in London playing all sorts of high end acoustics.

The general conclusion appeared to be that I preferred dreadnoughts, specifically slope shouldered dreadnoughts.

However, as most of my use will be church based, I noticed that many of the artists whose sound I like, such as Townend and Hughes all use Jumbos (though I know Tim Hughes now has a D300A)

Although im pretty certain that a Drednought is the right thing, im still not totally sure that im right to discount the Jumbos.

So my question is this, what is the different between dreadnought and jumbo sounds (generally, ignoring different woods)

Thanks!

[singlereed]

I have had a S32, a A32 and settled on a D300B (it's black). The D300 really suits me, it has a bit extra low end wallop to the sound - a bit like striking a piano, and it speaks quickly and with clarity. I fingerpick mine and it sounds good strummed too. I would say as a worship leader's tool it would be outstanding. The S32 is great if you really concentrate on electro work as it completely lacks boom. They are all great and any Avalon will make anything from Denmark Street pale into insignificance! If you can, maybe fly over on a cheap flight and try em?

[morgs]

I concur with singlereed.

It kind of depends what you need it for, and what feels right for you. I've never been able to get along with dreads, and jumbos feel a bit.... jumbo!

I got a small bodied avalon, and it feels great. Whilst it wouldn't compare to a dread and jumbo for boom, I hope to make a trip over to the factory before long so that they can make it bionic. (I then get the amazing playability of the small body with potential to shake the walls a bit)

I honestly don't think you'll be able to find a better feeling guitar. The Avalon necks are a pleasure!! (I too have sat in Denmark street shops being told what I should like, and what is amazing.!)

Good luck, and have fun trying!