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Those who like small jumbo over an OM, why is that? And vice versa?

I'm on a classical now, and i'm already planning for the next one, a steel string, and have to same question...

OM or SJ?... maybe a MJ? Or a Parlour?.. dang, a 000-12?

So difficult to choise. All beautiful guitars, with their own sound, and I like all of them...

It don't help you.. but you're not alone!

Francis

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

If you like the OM/000 shape but want a bigger size why not just go with a Martin style 0000 (M size).

You can check them out at Elderly, Gruhn, or the Martin Website.

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Guitar Building = Continuous Improvement Process

I like the OM size better for two reasons:

1) Old right shoulder injury - the depth on a Dreadnought or Jumbo hurts to play after awhile. The OM depth makes just that much difference.

2) I just really like the curves on an OM - Jumbos tend to have a "pear-shaped" appearance that just isn't as sexy from my way of thinking.

P.S. - oh yeah, sound..... That might be a consideration, too. I like how they both sound, as far as balance goes, but I don't tend to need the bass that a Jumbo provides, so the volume and balance of an OM is fine for my style of play.

Don't forget case availability.......

There are many, many wonderful Guitar shapes and sizes..... Weird, wonderful, vintage, oddball, and Ancient choices for instrument shapes and body depths.....

Unfortunately, there aren't many cases available except for a few "Standard" sizes... unless you want to spend some $$,$$$.$$ on a custom made case..... and buying one-off cases... It sure is sticker shock!

I am not telling you to build one or the other..... I am telling you to look into whether you can get a "Standard" case or if you will have to go custom....

Thanks

John

Why not just make your own!

my vote is OM. but honestly I'd go play some that match those shapes and see which fits your play style best. OMs are typically a bit easier for me then the Jumbos, not sure that i've played/seen one of the small jumbos though.

I like the OM because of ease of playing comfort (smaller lower bout for a vertically-challenged player), but also prefer the looks....FWIW Beth

One is a lot more oxymoronic.

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Howard Klepper
http://www.klepperguitars.com

When all else fails, clean the shop.

Pardon the ignorance, but can someone tell me exactly what a small jumbo is?

I think this is the hardest part of building anything....all the decisions .
You can't go wrong with an OM for three reasons.
1. They sound and look great in any choice of woods (if built well of course)
2. Your friends will be more familiar with the OM shape so they will be more impressed with your work than if you pull out some funky body shape. (unless you hang out with alot of Gibson fanatics)
3. Lots of plans, parts, and kits are available.

That's a good point about having something to compare your work against. I love the Gibson shapes but they varied so much over the years in tone and quality. I wouldn't know what a "good" one sounds like

Haans, a Small Jumbo (SJ) is basically a jumbo-shaped guitar, but a smaller than a regular Jumbo. There are also medium-jumbo. (MJ)
If my memory is good, OM is 15'' at lower bout SJ is 15¾'' , MJ at 16¼ and Jumbos play near 17''.

francis

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

SJ


MJ

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Francis Richer, Montréal
Les Guitares F&M Guitars

One of the OM's advantages for some is that the heel area is flat, so fitting the neck is simpler, especially if doing a dovetail joint.

Also, OM cases seem more readily available (and cheaper) than cases at least for the OLF SJ. Expect to pay more for the Ameritage OLF SJ case. Not to completely veer from the topic, but does TKL offer an OLF-SJ compatible case?

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michael propsom
www.propsomguitars.com

[quote="jsmith"]One of the OM's advantages for some is that the heel area is flat, so fitting the neck is simpler, especially if doing a dovetail joint.

Exactly why I prefer the look of the 000 12 fret. Don't like the flat look of the OM.
Thanks for the education on SJ's folks, I thought they were a "Southern Jumbo". Looks to me like they are sort of a mini J200? Guess I don't care for those much either. Persnickety old codger, but IMO, looks like a circle with a classical upper bout to me.
Guess I need to come up with a Prairie State SJ...

Well, that clears things up considerably! Sounds like SJ doesn't mean much of anything...