I've fingerpicked ever since i started playing guitar many moons ago, flatpicking, arpeggio etc and since the March lockdown i've been trying to master the dead thumb delta blues type of thing. I've got a couple of dreadnoughts and a jumbo acoustic but quite like the idea of a parlour size 12 fret. Faith seem to get a good press and a Mercury could just be the thing. Is there much difference in sound between the naked and gloss ones and is the scoop version really practical, allowing much more access passed the 12th fret? Any advice appreciated.
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I can't comment on the difference between the naked and gloss version of the Mercury but I have had both versions of the Faith Venus. My own preference was very much for the gloss version as the sound seemed more focused (to my ears anyway).
For a step up in the price range, I would strongly recommend the Terry Pack parlour - handmade, all solid woods and incredible sound and playabilty - along with a 45mm nut width.
There is one for sale at the moment from a London-based music retailer in Denmark Street at £799 in mint condition - https://reverb.com/uk/item/29842376-terry-pack-plrs-natural
I had the lefty version and have recently sold it as I mainly play nylon strung instruments nowadays. I'm already having regrets. The person who bought it from me was as wowed by it as I was
I own a couple of 12 fretters and love them... and to be honest delta blues thumb stuff rarely goes past the 12th fret so i think you'd be fine with the none scoop.
Not sure your budget but a Waterloo by Collings could be right up your street so worth checking them out too
I bet she’d love that....you can play the blues on any guitar.
12 fret parlour (Auden Emily Rose):