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Date: Wed, 15 Jan 2003 23:19:28 -0500
Subject: Guitar question

Hello,

Greetings Randy,

Thanks for your kind words regarding our website...

I'm glad to assist if i can:

I would like to begin with your terrific website. It is the best I have seen! I just love your instrument MP3s. My question is between two guitars that you carry. I would like your opinion on the Breedlove RD-20 and the Gallagher Doc Watson model.

Both the Breedlove and the Gallagher are superb guitars...You'll find the Breedlove RD-20 to be tremendously responsive with lots of presence. The Breedlove is a more contemporary built guitar...with innovations such as the bridge doctor. The Gallagher is more traditionally built...with classic features you'd expect from a flatpicking powerhouse.

I like to flatpick and both seem like very nice guitars. I heard your MP3 on each, and to me the Breedlove RD-20 sounded better, but I'm not sure if it was the smaller room that enhanced the sound. Your opinions on these guitars would be appreciated.

I'd have to say that it would depend on your personal preference as an artist. Both are tremendous sounding guitars...both are built to exacting specs...both reflect quality craftsmanship through and through. If you're looking for a traditional flatpicking monster, the Doc Watson will exceed your expectations...if you want a guitar that offers contemporary features, and is non-traditional in construction, you might consider the Breedlove. I, personally, would love to have both of these guitars in my arsenal for different reasons.

Hope this helps, Mickey


Thanks,
Randy

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Date: Sat, 16 Nov 2002 12:11:31 -0500

Thank you so much for your quick reply. If I may bother you for an additional quote: G50 model Gallagher. And for an expert opinion: would you choose a Gallagher or a Breedlove for flatpicking bluegrass? Thank you, Joseph Allen

Greetings Joseph,

Wow! What a question!!!??? And a valid one at that...this one be a most difficult decision: to choose between a Breedlove or a Gallagher for a monster flatpicking guitar...

Both have tremendous promise within a bluegrass setting...of course, we'll want to be specific on the models available...I can choose one of each of which I believe would be the best choice within the line...along with what I believe their attributes may be that are contributory to flatpicking:

The Gallagher Choice:
Doc Watson Standard: A solidly built bluegrass dreadnought that will perform well as a flatpicking cannon...well known as the guitar of choice when playing flatpicking fiddle tunes...the Mahogany back and sides has set the standard in the flatpicking realm...with greats such as Norman Blake himself choosing the D-18 Mahogany to represent his flatpicking classics...mahogany seems to contribute to a warmer tone...with tremendous resonance and response...


The Breedlove Choice:
The RD-20: The challenge in building a dreadnought guitar is to craft an instrument that produces a powerful, resonant bass without sacrificing the clarity and precision of the mid-range and treble. The RD-20, with rosewood back and sides, would have a booming bass and a large voice...the Bridge Doctor, preinstalled on all Breedloves, seems to contribute to its phenomenal projection...

I personally would be completely thrilled to own either one as my main flatpicking guitar...

Mickey