OT Need any input on a new acoustic guitar

[Digging dog]

I'm in the process of looking for a new acoustic guitar. I've been picking on my old Yamaha FG 400 since the late 80's. I've been numerous times to Morrison bros. and guitar center of Jackson and played different makes but they all sound better than what I have. Anybody have any suggestions? I don't want to spend a small fortune. Just looking for a couple of steps up from what I have.

 

[dgsmith15]

I used to play guitar a lot more than I do now, but I always enjoyed playing on an Ovation. They have several models that are very affordable (at least they did the last time I looked).

 

[57stratdawg]

What does 'small fortune' mean?

If less than $1,000 I'd buy a Martin. Everyone says you're either a Martin or Taylor guy - I'm a Martin guy. I think they have great sound, love the pickups, and I think they play better than Taylors.

If you're wanting to spend more, I'm actively looking for a Collings. They're a small shop out of Austin, Tx that makes unbelivable acoustic guitars in the $3-5K range. Probably more than you want to spend? There is a poster on here that buys and sells vintage acoustic guitars on eBay. Don't recall his name, but he might be worth talking to if you're looking for something a little nicer.

 

[CochiseCowbell]

Willie says Trigger, holes and all, still sounds good to him. He also may have "smoked himself retarded."

 

[missouridawg]

I got an acoustic/electric Taylor for about $800 last summer. Sounds great acoustically and when connected to the amp. Model 114ce.

 

[DawgsOnTheWing]

I've been playing a Takamine for the last 3 years that I enjoy. It is a cedar top in the natural series. It is a bit more mellow tone than the Taylor. A Martin is always a solid choice. I have also played the Taylor that MODawg mentioned, very nice, a lot of punch and sharper attack than my Takamine.

 

[esplanade91]

What does 'small fortune' mean?

If less than $1,000 I'd buy a Martin. Everyone says you're either a Martin or Taylor guy - I'm a Martin guy. I think they have great sound, love the pickups, and I think they play better than Taylors.

This sums it up. Martin or Taylor. If you need any confirmation that these are the only two acoustic guitars you should ever invest in, google your favorite artists and check out the guitar they use. Unless you listen to ****** music or music of the country variety it will more than likely be a Martin or Taylor. On the high end I prefer Taylors but Martin makes a fantastic guitar in your price range.

With those two you get the trickle down effect. They both make $15,000+ guitars, so when you buy some of their cheaper guitars you get a better product versus products of the same price because they have invested R&D in products that matter to recording artists. You're just getting a product with much, much cheaper materials... among other things.

 

[PBRME]

Agreed. That Taylor acoustic electric is the best sounding guitar I've played in that price range. I don't know what it is about Martin, but their sound doesn't seem as full to me.

 

[Dawgybag]

I have a Taylor 815ce, Martin HD28, and a Gibson J-45. They are all great guitars in their own way, but 9 times out of 10, I pick up the Gibson. It's just a workhorse guitar with a big neck that's easy for me to play. The Taylor neck seems a little thin for an acoustic to me, but there's no denying the sound from it. The Martin is my second favorite player behind the Gibson, and it probably has a little better sound than the Gibson too. But, in terms of all around comfort, playability, and sound I prefer the Gibson J-45. It was also the "cheapest" of the 3 acoustics I own, but of course it was not exactly "cheap". I would suggest getting out and playing as many guitars as you can and making a decision that best suits you. I will say that in most cases, you get what you pay for. If you buy a $500 guitar, you may tire of it in time because you'll begin to notice its flaws the more you play it. Then, you're right back where you started.

 

[LTR131]

If you live in Jackson your options are limited. Your Yamaha is, I think, an all laminate guitar so the next step up would be either an all solid or a solid topped guitar. you will be looking at 400-1200 bucks. Another Yamaha w/s0lid top is good at the bottom of that scale and they make all solid for more bucks. Then you have offerings from Recording King, Blueridge, Guild, Seagull, Eastman and Larrivee. The Eastmans are currently a very hot ticket and much bang for the buck. It it hard to find any of these to demo in Jackson. Above the 1500 mark you start finding the really nice American made stuff, Taylor, Martin and Gibson.

Personally I would stay away from Taylor or Martin's entry level stuff, it doesn't compete in the 1k price range.

If you want a built in pickup and plugged in sound is priority consider the Takamine.

Good hunting.

Also start looking at the Acoustic Guitar Forum

 

[desotodawg]

I don't play but my son does. We bought him a Breedlove Acoustic/Electric about 6 years ago. They run in the 800-900 range.

 

[birdawg]

Yep. I've had a Taylor for about 12 years and now want a Martin.

These guys are correct; its either a Taylor or Martin. I love my Taylor so as much as I hate to say it, I've come to prefer the Martin tone. Clear deep low end that is a little less bright than a Taylor.

 

[Digging dog]

If you live in Jackson your options are limited. Your Yamaha is, I think, an all laminate guitar so the next step up would be either an all solid or a solid topped guitar. you will be looking at 400-1200 bucks. Another Yamaha w/s0lid top is good at the bottom of that scale and they make all solid for more bucks. Then you have offerings from Recording King, Blueridge, Guild, Seagull, Eastman and Larrivee. The Eastmans are currently a very hot ticket and much bang for the buck. It it hard to find any of these to demo in Jackson. Above the 1500 mark you start finding the really nice American made stuff, Taylor, Martin and Gibson.

Personally I would stay away from Taylor or Martin's entry level stuff, it doesn't compete in the 1k price range.

If you want a built in pickup and plugged in sound is priority consider the Takamine.

Good hunting.

Also start looking at the Acoustic Guitar Forum

Good points. Thanks

 

[Wizard.sixpack]

Look up Zager guitars...hand made, high quality, comparable to high end brands without high price and money back guaranty

 

[Digging dog]

I have a Taylor 815ce, Martin HD28, and a Gibson J-45. They are all great guitars in their own way, but 9 times out of 10, I pick up the Gibson. It's just a workhorse guitar with a big neck that's easy for me to play. The Taylor neck seems a little thin for an acoustic to me, but there's no denying the sound from it. The Martin is my second favorite player behind the Gibson, and it probably has a little better sound than the Gibson too. But, in terms of all around comfort, playability, and sound I prefer the Gibson J-45. It was also the "cheapest" of the 3 acoustics I own, but of course it was not exactly "cheap". I would suggest getting out and playing as many guitars as you can and making a decision that best suits you. I will say that in most cases, you get what you pay for. If you buy a $500 guitar, you may tire of it in time because you'll begin to notice its flaws the more you play it. Then, you're right back where you started.

Good info on the Gibson. I always thought Gibson was money I would never spend on an acoustic. But will definately try one out. Thanks

 

[Wicked Pissah]

Go to a bunch of guitar stores. Pick up and play about 100 different ones. Dont look at price tag. Pick the one that you think plays and sounds the best.

I have a $3500 martin and I hate it.

 

[gtowndawg]

+1 for the Takamine

When I go play guitars at guitar center, I do like everyone else and pick up the Martins and Taylors and they are great. But for some reason I just enjoy playing the Takamine more and to me it sounds better. I haven't played long enough to really give a reason why it sounds better to me, it just does.

 

[Bulldog Bruce]

I also like the Cedar top guitars. I like that more mellow sound it gives compared to spruce. I have a Takamine A/E right now also and it does well plugged in or not. I have played expensive guitars that don't fit and played cheap guitars that feel and sound right. You need to play them to decide. The Neck size is an issue that you will only discover from playing it. I have fatter fingers and playing a slimmer neck does not allow for clean tones all the time. Other things are adjustable. Your playing style might also make you lean one way or the other.

 

[LTR131]

There was a Gibson J-35 in the Jackson GC last week.

Good info on the Gibson. I always thought Gibson was money I would never spend on an acoustic. But will definately try one out. Thanks

It is a new model which is priced around 1600 bucks and is an awesome guitar, highly rated by most that play them. Mahogany sides and spruce top. Looks like a J-45 without the sunburst, big dreadnaught sumbitch. Being at GC they may aloow you to beat them down pretty easy.

 

[Dawgybag]

It is a new model which is priced around 1600 bucks and is an awesome guitar, highly rated by most that play them. Mahogany sides and spruce top. Looks like a J-45 without the sunburst, big dreadnaught sumbitch. Being at GC they may aloow you to beat them down pretty easy.

This is probably a nice deal. I would bet there are some differences in the bracing on the top and back, but if it is built to be like the vintage J-35's, it should be a great box. I think the Bozeman, MT factory puts out some quality instruments, and this one should be no different. I just looked at the price of the J-45, and it has literally doubled since I bought mine 10 or so years ago.

 

[punterjoe]

Get you an Epiphone Hummingbird Pro for $300. Put some elixir strings on it and it sounds as good as my $3500 Gibson Hummingbird. I have a Gibson and an Epi version. Love both of them, and they look GREAT!!

 

[rabiddawg]

I have two acoustics, a 6 string Ovation and a Takemine. They are both beautiful guitars and I love each but they are two completely different sounds and characteristics. I paid about $600.00 for each and their craftsmanship is second to none. Taylors and Martins are awesome guitars, if you are willing to pay $1200.00 and up for them. It goes back to the Yeti discussion really. If you are serious about playing guitar then YOU are the main component of making one sound good. Any guitar can play well. Just because you drop $2000 for a Martin doesn't mean you will be a better player.

Now to comment about how everything you play now sounds etter than what you have. Most guitar stores, Guitar Center included, set their guitars up as soon as they get them. They are kept in a humidity-controlled room. They sound asgoodas they ever will at the dealership. The important thing is to keep your guitar either in a case or on a stand at home, keep the air conditioning set to about 80 or below and never leave one in a car for more than an hour in the Mississippi heat.

I love going to flea markets and antique stores to try and find old guitars and give hem a new life. Straightening the neck, new strings, making sure the bridge isn't too high to get your string action where you wnt it and a $100 Harmony thrasher bought at a flea market can sound just like aything you can find in a store.


I'm still trying to find that "old beat up acoustic Gibson" for a $100.00 I know it's out there somewhere.

So the moral to this rant is: never spend so much money on a guitar that you are afraidto play it or tweak it or pull the bridge out and file it down some so only a qurter will barely fit under your low E at the 14th fret. That's right were you ant your string action to be

 

[rabiddawg]

I have an Epi Wildkat ad I love this guitar. I always wanted a hollow body but couldn't part with the 2000+ for for an ES or LP. Wildkat is an awesome electric guitar. I have Elixir Polywebs on mine, .10 size. I want to switch the P 90's pickups out at some point and change them over to Humbuckers because those P-90's are so hot that picking the guitar up by its neck allows you to hear your heartbeat throught the amp.

 

[hatfieldms]

This

It is all about feel IMO

 

[WayboDawg]

I own a Yamaha APX 500 that I paid about $400 for about 4 years ago (upgraded from a $100 Fender Squire). Its a good intermediate guitar that has helped me learn the basics of playing the guitar, but like someone else said...I am beginning to notice the flaws with the guitar. Currently, I am saving to upgrade to a Taylor 414ce that usually runs $1899 at Guitar Center. You should go through and play a variety of different guitars in the price range you have set, and maybe play a few that are just above that range. Everyone has different tastes, but I don't believe you will go wrong by buying a Taylor, Martin, or Gibson guitar. Some others worth considering are Breedlove, Takamine, Larrivee, Seagull, and Crafter. Yamaha has a few nice high end guitars as well.

 

[rabiddawg]

If you are looking for a electric/acoustic that you can really have fun with there is a Fender composite back electric/acoustic at Guitar Center that is similar to my Ovation. Solid top with composite flat Bach and a Full sized Strat neck for about $300. A really nice guitar that you can at as a acoustic or amp it up and it sounds like a Stratocaster.

 

[RocketDawg]

I can't play a thing but my son plays well. He got a Ramirez R4 Classical guitar several years ago (not the same type acoustical asked about, but I thought I'd throw this in). It sounds fantastic. Listed for something over $3K at the time, bought it in Atlanta (don't remember the dealer) for about $1900. Current list on the Ramirez site is about $3800.

 

[dawgoneyall]

Per dollar value Alvarez is a great buy. Something in the 500 dollar range and can go higher. If you wish to spend more then Martin and Taylor are of course a step up.

 

[WayboDawg]

Where do you guys go to learn new songs? I usually go to Youtube and search for a covers and instructional videos of a song I like, and then go to ultimateguitar.com for the tabs/chords. I like this program called Tuxguitar that you can upload tabs into, and watch it play the song for you.

 

[ckDOG]

Manufacturing improvements have brought up the low-end on the acoustic market.

There's a lot of quality stuff out there that is also affordable. I say go to a place that has a wide selection and pick the one that sounds the best and plays well for you. Don't worry about the name.

 

[Bully78]

Go to Backstage Music in Starkville

the guys are 100% Bulldogs!

This was NOT a paid endorsement...

 

[ckDOG]

Has Earl learned manners towards college kids?

I still remember when I was a freshman back in 2000/2001 I had them do a little basic work (just had gotten into guitar, no idea how to tinker) on an electric I had at the time. I went in to pick it up and while I was waiting I went to play a couple of acoustics that interested me. I was in the market so I wanted some ideas.

Earl came over and asked me if I was interested in buying an acoustic and I said "not today, but I am considering buying one soon". Instead of helping me out, he made it clear that he was operating a store, not a library. I'm sure the guy has to deal with bored kids with no intent on buying equipment coming in all the time, so the exchange was funny in hindsight. However, in my case, he didn't bother to check to see if I was already a paying customer or gauge my interest. Basically told me to 17 off and get out.

So, I went to the counter, paid to get my strat back, left the store and never went back in. I can't remember when I ended up getting the acoustic I wanted, but it was purchased from a dealer online. So much for me supporting local music business in Starkville after that...

 

[HailState88]

If you want the Cadillac of guitars you need to look into a Collings. No better guitar made than what Bill Collings makes in Texas (Merrill probably runs a close second). Everyone has different preferences for tonewoods; however, Adirondack tops are gonna be $1,000 + but they all hold their resale value are well worth it in my opinion. The general use of tonewoods in lower end guitars are Sitka Spruce tops with Mahogany back and sides. With you living in Mississippi you're not gonna have very much access to try out quality guitars. I'd recommend making a trip to Artisan guitars in Franklin, TN if you could. They've got the best selection of anyone around.

You can find a standard used Collings D1 for $2,000 - $2,300. A Collings D1A (Adirondack Top) will run you $2,800 - $3,500 used (worth every penny). You said you don't want to spend a "small fortune" so I won't go any higher (that's the bottom end of what Collings has to offer).

In the same price range I think Huss & Dalton TD-M is a killer wood box. You can find them for about $1,800 - $2,200 used (They have Adirondack Tops)

A Gibson Advanced Jumbo (reissue of a 1936 J-35) is an awesome and affordable guitar that's versatile for many genres of music. You can find them for about $1,400 to $2,000.

A Gibson J-50 is another solid guitar that can be found for $1,100 - $1,500

As far as Taylors go...it's the bottom end of solid wood guitars (unless you're talking about buying a Taylor 800-900 series). The 300 series and above are the solid wood guitars. I've played all the series and nothing really stands out to me. They're affordable tho.

I do not prefer Martins. Pre-war Martins are a different story however.

With mass production these days makers like Martin and Taylor do not pay much attention to detail. They're simply trying to see how many guitars they can produce with the lowest quality tonewoods and charging exorbitant prices. Specialty makers like Collings, Merrill, Bourgeois, Hayes, and Huss & Dalton pay great attention to detail and hand select their tonewoods, only use the best quality products, and use proven "old-timey" techniques with modern flavor. Their craftsmanship is second to none. With them you get what you pay for. Personally, I wouldn't waste my time with lower end guitars. Buy one that you can go to your grave with or that you can resale and still get your money back on if you decide not to keep it. You'll only lose money dealing with Fender, Harmony, Guild, Recording King, Takamine, Martin, Yamaha, Alvarez, Ovation, etc. I wouldn't recommend any of the previously mentioned guitars. They're cheaply made and the majority of the models are made of plywoods (as are Taylor 100-200 series).


If you want more bang for your buck at the $1,000 price range go for the Gibson's I mentioned.

The Taylor 400 series and 500 series are solid guitars.


Check out Ebay, Acoustic Guitar Forum, and Collings Forum. Make sure you always get an invoice when dealing through PayPal to cover your ***. I got burned once for $2,000 when I was younger and had to find out the hard way.

Also, things to ask/mention when trying out guitars is the kind of tuners (I prefer Waverly 16:1 ratio tuners), the type of saddle (material and form), the nut width (I prefer 1 11/16'' - Taylors are all 1 3/4''), string spacing at the saddle, type of bracing pattern used (research them - pre war scalloped bracing is where it's at but you'll pay a hefty price for it), and neck shape (I prefer a modified v-neck ... it's slim like an electric guitar). Someone mentioned earlier that dropping $2,000 on a guitar make you a better player...I call ********. Finding out how you like your guitar setup and what makes you most comfortable and gives you most access to the fretboard can make all the difference in the world.

If you prefer to deal through a guitar store...always carry cash on hand (sellers prefer it and "cash talks"). You can easily work them down to where you want to be (if it's reasonable) if you have cash on hand.


Good luck!


Guitars I've owned from my first guitar til now:

2004 Taylor 410 CE
2000 Taylor 710 E
2011 Gibson "Custom" Advanced Jumbo
2002 Martin HD-28 LSV
2002 Collings CW Mha
2004 Collings CW Mha
2012 Collings CJ 35 Custom
2011 Collings D1A Custom
2012 Collings CJ Mh Custom
2013 Bourgeois Aged Tone Slope D Varnish
2011 Collings D1A Custom
2012 Collings CW Mha Sunburst Custom

 

[IBleedMaroonDawg]

Bet you were playing Stairway to Heaven.**

**

 

[ckDOG]

Nice.