Can anyone recommend a soprano model for low g? I have just an inexpensive Kala that sounds awful with a low g.
I usually play a cedar top or mahogany concert, both of which I like with low g.
I almost exclusively finger pick and wouldn't mind trying a smaller size. Might make those E stretches a little easier. I'm usually playing A key songs up the neck but I like the lower register you get down the neck
I have tried it on a KoAloha (koa) and two Rebels: a spruce/mahogany double and a mango thinline. I would consider trying it on a pineapple, if I come across the right one.
The best sounding one was the spruce/mahogany Rebel. I don't know if it was the spruce, the thickness and dimensions of the body, or what. I just put a low G on it as an experiment and never went back.
The KoAloha sound pretty good with a low G as well, but I did not think it was a significant improvement over the spruce Rebel, and unlike the Rebel, I sometimes felt like I was missing out on the high G. That is, with the Rebel, I felt like the low G conversion was an all around gain. With the KoAloha, it feels like more of a trade-off.
For kicks, I also strung up a thinline, mango Rebel with low G. At first, I thought it was a mistake, because the sound was not as good as the other two. However, I tend to play low G songs most of the time, and the thinline was so much fun that I would reach for it all the time. While I'm not sure I would recommend low G on this instrument for anyone else, I'm having a blast with it.
One thing to consider. I don't think Rebels are great strummers, the KoAloha has them beat in that regard. And when strummed, I think high G usually produces a better sound, especially on sopranos. The low G can get a bit muddy. That said, I don't strum a lot, so it hasn't been as big of an issue. I think if you were going to spend more time strumming, a barky Martin or Martin-like soprano might be better for low G conversion.
Also, if you're not sure you're going to like the results, try low G with a wound string first, since you might be able to avoid having to file the nut. What's more, though I prefer unwound low G, they tend to be a bit more floppy and finicky when it comes to intonation on a soprano.
Edit: I should add: all the Romero sopranos I played sounded great with low G. Probably the best I've heard for low G sopranos. But I did not like the body shapes on the XS models and I don't like their standard headstocks, which make fretting at the first feel a bit cramped for me.
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