Our square-shoulder sweetheart goes by the name of Merrill C-28, and brings a deadly set of Brazilian Rosewood and Adirondack Spruce to the party. Played in and opened up since 2013, this dreadnought has good treble overtones, a crisp attack, and an extra dose of clarity in the mids that a lot of dreads seem to lack. Nickel Waverly tuners keep the weight down (to a scant 4lb 7oz), and the defined V neck is comfy to the touch with a bit of shelf space for your thumb to hang on to.
This Jim Merrill dread is a natural choice for the flatpicking Bluegrass player, but it’s got that extra clarity and punch to also work well for acoustic endeavors a little further afield. Really, this guitar nails it on all the points. With it wrapped up in the included Ameritage hardshell case, you won’t have to worry about harm coming its way—but you may have to watch your friends to make sure they don’t snatch this Merrill for themselves.
Other keywords: C28, C 28, 28-style, traditional guitar, martin guitar, gutiar, dreadnaught, brazilain, adrionodack, waverlies