If you were going to buy an acoustic electric what would you choose?

jh45gun · June 20th, 2009, 10:24 PM

Nephew wants to buy a new guitar. Do not suggest Ovation he has had one for years does not care for the round belly of the guitar. He finally decided to upgrade though his ovation was an expensive on at the time. Mostly plays rythem and plays Classic Country. He wants to spend up to a cap of 800 bucks but of course if he could find a nice guitar for 500 better yet. So what would you guys suggest in that price range and why and what would you say to stay away from as not so great guitars. I told him if there was good advice I would get it here.

buddywayne · June 20th, 2009, 10:43 PM

I recently bought an Epiphone Masterbilt AJ500RENS. Absolutely a fine guitar. About as good as anything I ever played.

rangercaster · June 20th, 2009, 10:56 PM

Yamaha CPX or APX Series or Seagull are good values ... also Washburn has some nice ones, too ... ideally, he should play as many guitars as possible and one will be turn out to be the right one ... check Craigslist and local classifieds ... there are great used deals to find with a little work ... Good Luck !!!

curtbob · June 20th, 2009, 11:24 PM

I'm personally looking at one of these. New, it's near the upper end of his range, but it is within it. I found a used one not too far from me I've fallen in love with. It's in excellent shape too. It's got a cutaway & its electronics has a tuner.

studio1087 · June 21st, 2009, 02:02 AM

Taylor 110-E Link

Taylor 114-E Link

The prices will be less if you call Elderly. 114-E's sell for about $650 with a case. I have a 214....I love the Taylor OOO style bodies. It's a very comfy guitar.

A solid guitar for less might be a Taylor Big Baby with the Fishman Classic 4.....

Used Big Baby with Electronics

John

BB · June 21st, 2009, 03:22 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by rangercaster

ideally, he should play as many guitars as possible and one will be turn out to be the right one ... check Craigslist and local classifieds ... there are great used deals to find with a little work ... Good Luck !!!

True word here rangecaster. These days, there are so many excellent deals to be had by going used. While I can certainly understand the desire to buy something new, for me used is the way to go. I've found some absolutely splendid guitars at stoopid cheap prices. craigslist has been berry, berry good to me!

dconeill · June 21st, 2009, 06:04 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jh45gun

Nephew wants to buy a new guitar. ...not ... Ovation ... He wants to spend up to a cap of 800 bucks ...

In that price range, Takamine, lots of body styles in acoustic/electric guitars.

Although I haven't played one, the Carvins look appealing, and they use the Fishman pickup system, which is pretty good.

getbent · June 21st, 2009, 02:29 PM

takamine santa fe

used preferably although you can still find bstocks.

cotecj · June 21st, 2009, 03:38 PM

Seagull

TxTeleMan · June 21st, 2009, 08:15 PM

Martin OMCX1KE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric or similar model. Solid spruce top and koa back and sides.

Martin 000CXE Black Acoustic Electric Guitar - This is the black HPL model. A nice axe but the real wood sounds better as an acoustic guitar.

Martin OMCXK2E Koa Orchestra Acoustic Electric Guitar

jh45gun · June 22nd, 2009, 01:26 AM

Getting lots of good what to buy suggestions any WHAT NOT TO BUY suggestions that kinda stand out?

jh45gun · June 23rd, 2009, 03:05 AM

No one has any what not to buy suggestions?

SatelliteOrders · June 23rd, 2009, 09:01 AM

My Fender A/E Dreadnought was at or about $500, and it's a perfectly good guitar. But that was nearly a decade ago. Don't know today's price points.

If said nephew is mostly going to play plugged in, that might bee a bit overkill. There are times when I'm playing it that I wish I had a thinner, less boomy, more-built-for-jangle A/E guitar than my dread. I like the sound when unplugged, but it doesn't help much when plugged.

I'm not liking the sizzle of the under-saddle piezo, but part of that is twiddling with the preamp and such, but if it's at all possible to get a dual-input setup, where you pan between a piezo and a magnetic soundhole pickup or something, that's something that would be useful. But that might not be available at your price point.

My "not to buy" suggestion is a Dreadnought body shape. It's great for the low notes, but if you're playing acoustic rhythm in an otherwise electric band, your job it to be jangly, almost a tuned snare drum, and you'll be adjusting your playing style and the EQ to get a sound that the Dreadnought is not built for.

telechaser · June 23rd, 2009, 09:17 AM

I don't play much acoustic but I've got a Breedlove that I really like. My friend's got an Epiphone J-200 I think which sounds really nice for the money.

My friend's got an Ibanez acoustic and the neck is warping a bit.

jh45gun · June 23rd, 2009, 07:02 PM

Quote:

My friend's got an Ibanez acoustic and the neck is warping a bit.

When I had a Ibanez Accoustic I had nothing but problems with the neck it either got high on the strings or fretted out the darn neck was all over the place one guitar I will suggest he does not buy.

studio1087 · June 24th, 2009, 01:30 AM

Don't buy anything with a laminated top.

Don't buy an Ovation.

scooteraz · June 24th, 2009, 01:49 AM

The one that sounded the best the day I went out to play and purchase it. At this price point, there is enough variability that there are better and worse examples of any of the guitars mentioned. All of the brands can be good, but all of them have clinkers at this price point. Go out with the nephew and play a bunch, the get the best one.

SatelliteOrders · June 24th, 2009, 08:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by scooteraz

The one that sounded the best the day I went out to play and purchase it. At this price point, there is enough variability that there are better and worse examples of any of the guitars mentioned. All of the brands can be good, but all of them have clinkers at this price point. Go out with the nephew and play a bunch, the get the best one.

+!. But remember to not just play acoustically. Go to an acoustic amp and try it out there.

imwjl · June 24th, 2009, 08:34 AM

I would look for used Larrivees. I've had them new and used and they have build quality and setup beyond more expensive guitars and they're made by a family owned and run business in CA or the US depending upon the model.

HOBBSTER01 · June 24th, 2009, 09:10 AM

Takamine EAN-10C

jh45gun · June 24th, 2009, 01:59 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by studio1087

Don't buy anything with a laminated top.

Don't buy an Ovation.

He will not buy an ovation he is not that impressed with the one he has like I said in the beginning of the thread. He is leaning towards a Tacoma since his old lead player buddy said he thought they were good. I started a new thread asking about them.

sneakyjapan · June 25th, 2009, 04:57 AM

Warren Pederson · June 25th, 2009, 06:07 AM

Epiphone Masterbilt definately. I have 2.

Parma_TeleMon · June 25th, 2009, 10:04 AM

I'd score another Taylor 814CE. Can't say enough nice stuff about mine, and it makes my ears happy every time I play it.

zombywoof · June 29th, 2009, 11:41 AM

What I do is buy the acoustic I want and then slap on an old DeArmond 210pickup across the soundhole. But admittedly these are not everbody's cup of tea so ya might look at soundhole pickups made by Sunrise, Baggs, or Highlander

If I were to buy a guitar with a pickup already installed I would go with a Gibson J 160E.

June 20th, 2009, 10:24 PM	#1 (permalink)
jh45gun Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,968	If you were going to buy an acoustic electric what would you choose? Nephew wants to buy a new guitar. Do not suggest Ovation he has had one for years does not care for the round belly of the guitar. He finally decided to upgrade though his ovation was an expensive on at the time. Mostly plays rythem and plays Classic Country. He wants to spend up to a cap of 800 bucks but of course if he could find a nice guitar for 500 better yet. So what would you guys suggest in that price range and why and what would you say to stay away from as not so great guitars. I told him if there was good advice I would get it here.

June 20th, 2009, 10:56 PM	#3 (permalink)
rangercaster Tele-Afflicted Join Date: May 2008 Location: portland, or Age: 52 Posts: 1,528	Yamaha CPX or APX Series or Seagull are good values ... also Washburn has some nice ones, too ... ideally, he should play as many guitars as possible and one will be turn out to be the right one ... check Craigslist and local classifieds ... there are great used deals to find with a little work ... Good Luck !!! __________________ "Work is the curse of the drinking classes." Oscar Wilde

June 20th, 2009, 11:24 PM	#4 (permalink)
curtbob TDPRI Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Denton, Texas Posts: 42	I'm personally looking at one of these. New, it's near the upper end of his range, but it is within it. I found a used one not too far from me I've fallen in love with. It's in excellent shape too. It's got a cutaway & its electronics has a tuner. __________________ I love guitars. They're my friends!~~ Patrick Simmons, Doobie Brother vocalist & guitarist Lyrics--wasted time between solos.~~ Attributed to AC/DC guitarist Angus Young Last edited by curtbob; June 20th, 2009 at 11:29 PM. Reason: i don tipe ttoo gud

June 21st, 2009, 02:02 AM	#5 (permalink)
studio1087 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 45 Posts: 6,333 34 Photos	Taylor 110-E Link Taylor 114-E Link The prices will be less if you call Elderly. 114-E's sell for about $650 with a case. I have a 214....I love the Taylor OOO style bodies. It's a very comfy guitar. A solid guitar for less might be a Taylor Big Baby with the Fishman Classic 4..... Used Big Baby with Electronics John __________________ John

June 21st, 2009, 02:29 PM	#8 (permalink)
getbent Moderator Doctor of Teleocity Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: San Benito County, California Posts: 13,589 37 Photos	takamine santa fe used preferably although you can still find bstocks. __________________ Let me preface this by saying I don't know anything about anything.-- Allen St. John

June 20th, 2009, 10:43 PM	#2 (permalink)
buddywayne Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: missouri Age: 63 Posts: 1,111 10 Photos	I recently bought an Epiphone Masterbilt AJ500RENS. Absolutely a fine guitar. About as good as anything I ever played.

June 21st, 2009, 03:38 PM	#9 (permalink)
cotecj Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2008 Location: Maine Age: 32 Posts: 577	Seagull

June 21st, 2009, 08:15 PM	#10 (permalink)
TxTeleMan Tele-Meister Join Date: Jul 2008 Location: Austin, Texas Age: 54 Posts: 341 21 Photos	Martin OMCX1KE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric or similar model. Solid spruce top and koa back and sides. Martin 000CXE Black Acoustic Electric Guitar - This is the black HPL model. A nice axe but the real wood sounds better as an acoustic guitar. Martin OMCXK2E Koa Orchestra Acoustic Electric Guitar __________________ "Every musician adds something to a song; some when they play, and some when the don't." -G. R. Storey

June 22nd, 2009, 01:26 AM	#11 (permalink)
jh45gun Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,968	Getting lots of good what to buy suggestions any WHAT NOT TO BUY suggestions that kinda stand out?

June 23rd, 2009, 03:05 AM	#12 (permalink)
jh45gun Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jan 2006 Posts: 1,968	No one has any what not to buy suggestions?

June 23rd, 2009, 09:01 AM	#13 (permalink)
SatelliteOrders Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: Lafayette, IN Age: 39 Posts: 1,066 15 Photos	My Fender A/E Dreadnought was at or about $500, and it's a perfectly good guitar. But that was nearly a decade ago. Don't know today's price points. If said nephew is mostly going to play plugged in, that might bee a bit overkill. There are times when I'm playing it that I wish I had a thinner, less boomy, more-built-for-jangle A/E guitar than my dread. I like the sound when unplugged, but it doesn't help much when plugged. I'm not liking the sizzle of the under-saddle piezo, but part of that is twiddling with the preamp and such, but if it's at all possible to get a dual-input setup, where you pan between a piezo and a magnetic soundhole pickup or something, that's something that would be useful. But that might not be available at your price point. My "not to buy" suggestion is a Dreadnought body shape. It's great for the low notes, but if you're playing acoustic rhythm in an otherwise electric band, your job it to be jangly, almost a tuned snare drum, and you'll be adjusting your playing style and the EQ to get a sound that the Dreadnought is not built for. __________________

June 23rd, 2009, 09:17 AM	#14 (permalink)
telechaser Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Jul 2007 Location: Australia Posts: 1,383 10 Photos	I don't play much acoustic but I've got a Breedlove that I really like. My friend's got an Epiphone J-200 I think which sounds really nice for the money. My friend's got an Ibanez acoustic and the neck is warping a bit. __________________ Slowing down . . . to get faster

June 24th, 2009, 01:30 AM	#16 (permalink)
studio1087 Poster Extraordinaire Join Date: May 2003 Location: Near Milwaukee Age: 45 Posts: 6,333 34 Photos	Don't buy anything with a laminated top. Don't buy an Ovation. __________________ John

June 24th, 2009, 01:49 AM	#17 (permalink)
scooteraz Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Apr 2007 Location: Peoria, AZ Posts: 1,417	The one that sounded the best the day I went out to play and purchase it. At this price point, there is enough variability that there are better and worse examples of any of the guitars mentioned. All of the brands can be good, but all of them have clinkers at this price point. Go out with the nephew and play a bunch, the get the best one.

June 24th, 2009, 08:34 AM	#19 (permalink)
imwjl Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Mar 2007 Location: Wisconsin, USA Posts: 1,756	I would look for used Larrivees. I've had them new and used and they have build quality and setup beyond more expensive guitars and they're made by a family owned and run business in CA or the US depending upon the model.

June 24th, 2009, 09:10 AM	#20 (permalink)
HOBBSTER01 Tele-Afflicted Join Date: Nov 2007 Location: North GA. Age: 47 Posts: 1,573 4 Photos	Takamine EAN-10C __________________ The Hobbster

June 25th, 2009, 04:57 AM	#22 (permalink)
sneakyjapan Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2003 Location: nippon Posts: 2,962 3 Photos	__________________ quasi mojo

June 25th, 2009, 06:07 AM	#23 (permalink)
Warren Pederson Tele-Meister Join Date: Mar 2004 Location: Kelowna B.C. Posts: 194	Epiphone Masterbilt definately. I have 2.

June 25th, 2009, 10:04 AM	#24 (permalink)
Parma_TeleMon Tele-Holic Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: parma, oh Age: 49 Posts: 913	I'd score another Taylor 814CE. Can't say enough nice stuff about mine, and it makes my ears happy every time I play it. __________________ ================================ Packin' a Tele, lookin' fer trouble.... ================================

June 29th, 2009, 11:41 AM	#25 (permalink)
zombywoof Friend of Leo's Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: Back in the Heartland Posts: 3,053 17 Photos	DeArmond or Gibson What I do is buy the acoustic I want and then slap on an old DeArmond 210pickup across the soundhole. But admittedly these are not everbody's cup of tea so ya might look at soundhole pickups made by Sunrise, Baggs, or Highlander If I were to buy a guitar with a pickup already installed I would go with a Gibson J 160E. __________________ "I don't play a lot of fancy guitar. I don't want to play it. The kind of guitar I want to play is mean, mean licks." John Lee Hooker

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