(Sort of) New to the acoustic world

[Chrismo]

In all honesty I have never bought a decent acoustic guitar - I bought an Epiphone acoustic pack last year to just knock around with.

This new band I'm trying to form is going to be more low key, so I figured having a nice acoustic-electric would pair well with it.

I went acoustic shopping last week and felt that out of all the guitars I had tried there (Martin, Ibanez, Taylor, Yamaha), the Taylor felt and sounded best to me. However, the one that I REALLY liked is rather out of my price range (a 712ce) so I'm pretty sure that one is out of the race. A 214ce felt okay, but didn't have the warmth that the 712ce did.

So here's my question - I really dig the playability (it played much more "loose" than 99% of the acoustics I've ever played) and warmth of the higher end Taylors, but their lower end doesn't quite capture it for me. Are there any acoustic manufacturers that capture what I'm looking for at a lower price? I figure not much more than a $1000 since I'm not a huge acoustic player but wanted to have it to jam around with in this band.

[Chrismo]

I should add - I never saw an Ibanez Montage in person, but they look interesting - just not sure how they play or sound.

[Kornelius]

I have a Guild, Gad 40 ce, it's an electro acoustic wiz a cutaway. It has a solid spruce top and solid mahogany back and side, an invisible fishman electronics that sound good. I'm using it since 2 years now and i'm quite happy wiz this guitar, the neck is easy and fast but not as easy as the neck of a Taylor. But the sound is great and powerful unplugged. To sum up, i've tryed Martin and taylor, and i bought this guild! I don't know the price in the US but if i compare wiz the price in Europe, i beleive you can get it for less than 1000 bucks.

[rangercaster]

at $1000 you are close to Martin territory or a really nice Takamine or Yamaha ... keep in mind laminate tops are not a minus in A/E guitars, as they are less prone to feedback and humidity

[Fogboundturtle]

You've got to at least give yourself a chance to try a Larrivee 03 or 05 series guitar.

[DocG]

If you're talking about a plugged-in acoustic, the feel of the neck and the sound of the pickup are the key qualities to consider. Try a Takamine in your price range. They're well built, very playable, and while I don't think they sound spectacular acoustically, they're more than adequate for a plug-in gig. Their pickups are excellent (for piezos).

[DNestler]

Originally Posted by Chrismo

So here's my question - I really dig the playability (it played much more "loose" than 99% of the acoustics I've ever played) and warmth of the higher end Taylors, but their lower end doesn't quite capture it for me. Are there any acoustic manufacturers that capture what I'm looking for at a lower price? I figure not much more than a $1000 since I'm not a huge acoustic player but wanted to have it to jam around with in this band.

Chrismo,
I'm with DocG. If you are going to be playing your new guitar primarily through the pickup to a PA or an acoustic amp, you can shape the tone electronically. So don't worry too much about the acoustic tone, if you love the way the instrument plays.

So if you're really happy with the Taylor, then get it. But you could also think about non-wood guitars too. Ovation and its lower end brand names come to mind. Rainsong did a sub-1k line last year, and you might be able to find one floating around the internet somewhere. A used CA Cargo can be found for less than !k as well.

Hope this helps,
Daniel

[imwjl]

My advice is make sure you know that any guitar may need a setup to be playing the way you like. My other advice is try Larrivees as suggested. If you can swing a used Martin OM you'll be set for life.

If you'll be spending much time without the PA then the value of superb acoustic tone will be worth paying more.

[Chrismo]

I'd like a balance between acoustic tone and electric tone - I'll probably use both sides equally.

[zombywoof]

For what it is worth, I would foget about the electronics and put your hard earned scratch into the lumber itself. You can always add a pickup later on.

I agree with not shying away from buying a used guitar. You can still pick up stuff like a 1970s Guild D-25 well within your price range.

[Chrismo]

Originally Posted by zombywoof

For what it is worth, I would foget about the electronics and put your hard earned scratch into the lumber itself. You can always add a pickup later on.

I agree with not shying away from buying a used guitar. You can still pick up stuff like a 1970s Guild D-25 well within your price range.

This is definitely true and something I've considered. Just haven't had the opportunity to try more than the four brands I've played so far - but I really dug what I played and heard with the Taylors.

[charlie cash]

There's a Martin OM-21 in the TDPRI classifieds (no affiliation) for $1250. Those are excellent guitars and that is a very reasonable price for it. Don't know if that is out of your price range.

[Chrismo]

Originally Posted by charlie cash

There's a Martin OM-21 in the TDPRI classifieds (no affiliation) for $1250. Those are excellent guitars and that is a very reasonable price for it. Don't know if that is out of your price range.

I'll check that out - thanks! :)

[Celticophilia]

Originally Posted by Chrismo

I figure not much more than a $1000 since I'm not a huge acoustic player but wanted to have it to jam around with in this band.

All great advice...

Judging from the quote above, it sounds as though you're leaning towards an "A/E"? If so, then I concur with "DocG" on the Takamine!


www.edharrismusic.com

[curtbob]

Have you considered a Seagull?

[BoB/335]

PM sent

[Chrismo]

Originally Posted by BoB/335

PM sent

Read and replied!

Curtbob - Seagulls are great for the price but don't play the way I'd like them to.

[fenderix]

In the December issue of "Acoustic Guitar" there's a review of the Yamaha LLX16. Solid Engelmann spruce top/solid rosewood b&s and trad. dovetail neckjoint + "Art system 60", a three-way pickup system, described by the reviewer as "one of the most advanced available".

The Yamaha gets a very positive over all impression by the reviewer, Andrew DuBrock.

$1,799.99 list/$1,049.99 street.

I I were you - I'd check this one out

[Darrell]

Lot's of nice Takamines in that price range...you could buy a Takamine and a Martin OM-18 and have two nice guitars.

[Tim Bowen]

For what it's worth, I gig acoustic-electric quite often. Nothing works like the balanced A/E response and playability of Larrivee for me, nothing. Not Taylor, not Gibson, not Martin, not Guild. I do have an A/E Takamine jumbo that's pretty cool, but I'm really only comfortable with my Larrivees in the live setting. They're like a well-worn pair of jeans to me at this point.

[getbent]

1K... I'd buy a used larrivee D60...

you can find them for that...