How does one decide which guitar to get?

I am finally in the right financial position to purchase a solid wood high-end guitar. I've always had my sights set on a Taylor.

Now my dilemma is having few "store" resources around here. I have a guitar center and one dealer within a 50 mile distance.

The GC has supply in stock of basic models then skips the middle models and jumps up to the $3000-5000 models.

The independent shop dealer has limited number on hand (less than 10) but also tends to slant toward basic to over my budget extremes.

I have about $2000 to spend.
I want a Concert size but will go with an OM/GA size if price and look is right.
I want something blingy and pretty, a show piece.
I want it to play as easy as most of the taylors I've played. (easy and low action all the way up the neck. I like to play around 10th fret in key of D)
I want it to sound like most of the tailors that I've played. (even tone, piano sustain/chime)
I love sunbursts but subtle edge bursts are best.
It can have electronics but not necessary.

I Can't decide if I want spruce/rosewood or cedar/mahogany.
I play mostly finger style but also do some picking.

I have the opportunity to get a NEW 2007 GC5 from independent taylor dealer, regular natural top with ES for $1999 cash.
I have played and loved the 2010 812CE tobacco burst at GC but it's $2799
I've played many other models from 3 series to 8 series.

HOW DO I DECIDE?? Will the bling wear off and I'm better looking at the more plain one for the long haul for less $$?

Will I be happy with Cedar or should I stick with Spruce?? I wish I had more models to play and choose from but... this is my dilemma!

THanks for any and all advice, this is my big purchase and unlikely I'll be making this kind of expense for quite a while, I want to get it right!

I think you might like the Seagull line of guitars..... There is a Seagull Club on this forum under Guitar Clubs. I would try a few of those... Go on-line to Seagull Guitars....Seagulls are a Godin Company product. They are hand made in Canada and are all of good quality, especially for the money... I have the lowly S-6, Spruce, from yr.2000, and I like it. Way under priced, imo. Their choices are many now.... they have been successful.

Try some Breedloves in that range but it sounds like you want a Taylor so you should get one. I really like the Breedlove revival series in that size and price range.

You've just got to play a bunch of them - one will speak to you. If you're going to spend 2000 on a guitar then it might be worth spending a little travelling to somewhere with a bigger selection to try. Good luck.

I second what PinewoodRo says, take a little of your budget and travel somewhere you can play a bunch- and keep used guitars in the running. I had a good budget, but because I found a used (like new) guitar- I walked away with something I never thought I could ever afford. Bargain deals DO EXIST!

As said others, if you can manage a trip - and this should be fun - you can try so many. When I was on my quest, I had a few good stores to try Taylors and Martins and assorted used guitars in my hometown. Later, I tacked a detour to Elderly's in E. Lansing MI onto a work-related trip where I was able to try everything - Bourgeous (sp), Collings, Santa Cruz, every possible Martin and Taylor, Guild, etc. Ironically, I went back home to Tucson and bought one of the first guitars I tried and it was used (like new) and a great deal.

What I like about Taylors is that you can get a wider neck at the nut compared to most manufacturers. 20 years later, I still have my Lowden and don't covet my friend's Taylor 710 even though it has the bright Taylor sound that was originally a reason I thought I wanted one years ago.

Ultimately, a used instrument is the best way to go but that is no easier for you in your geographical situation.

Greg

As said others, if you can manage a trip - and this should be fun - you can try so many.

I was just going to suggest the same thing....perhaps a weekend trip to Nashville.

Jim

Thanks a bunch guys! Really! I re-read my post when I got home and thought "man I sound like a whiny little ****!" But I know why this is a big deal to me, its a lot of money. And I care about my family and want to make responsible choices with my money.

Thanks for the suggestions, in the past I've always looked at Seagull and Breedlove's in that low mid price range that I usually would be spending on guitars ($450) and was never happy with what I saw. Now that I'm willing to spend a little more, I will take a look.

I've always been a Takamine fan and noticed their really nice TF77-PT and TF87-PT models. Nicely made and getting a few good reviews but without being able to try one...

Which brings me to Pinewood's suggestions of spending a little money and time traveling to a larger market (memphis for me) and see if I can find more.

I'd love to invest my money in my local market but if they don't have the goods, well...

Greg, it's the necks on Taylor guitars that I love the most, and partly due to that wider nut, but mostly due to such great and easy action up the neck. My hand always feels so comfortable on each one I play, unfatigued and like I barely have to press to fret a note.

I've played several wonderful guitars over the years of others', martins, breedloves, larrivees, and many have "Sung" to me, but not the necks, the sound YES, but not the playability of the necks. I keep hoping I'll come across a guitar that just feels so good and costs $1000 less!!

Thanks again everybody. I'm going this weekend to play the GC-5 at the independent dealer, I always prefer giving my money to Mom and Pops, and we'll see how the concert size and cedar/hog combo suit me. After that, it's either save up more $$ or take that trip!

As there is absolutely nothing I like about Taylors I can't help you out there Hoss. Then again, I am not the one who will have to play it so who cares.

I do agree with the don't rule out a used philosphy. You get more guitar for your bucks and will not take near the bath you would with a new one should you decide it ain't the guitar for you and want to sell it. There are some great deals out there - stuff like Westerly-built Guilds which might just be the most undervalued guitars on the planet.

Also, make sure you have somebody else play the guitar while you sit in front of it and listen. Best way to know what a guitar really sounds like.

Strange though in some 50 years I have never gone out shopping for any specific guitar. In fact, I never went out shopping for any of the guitars I own. I either just stumbled across them or they showed up at my doorstep.

Thanks, I'm definitely not ruling out used guitars. I'm hoping to come across something as my search continues. I'll see and play the GC5 this saturday and then I'll know if that is the one for me. He has a few more and said had a lead on a customer that was interested in selling theirs to move up. We'll see how it goes!

Thanks all again!

From central Ark. it ain't that far to Memphis and Nashville. I'd make a run through both cities or at least Memphis. You should get to sample several different guitars that way. I am not particularly a Taylor fan myself but they are good guitars. A friend bought a pretty nice model for around $1100. He found that the electronics did not work and took it back to GC. He wound up with a $1400 model that they threw a case in with. Personally, I prefered the cheaper model. The only difference was the wood but the original just played and sounded better. It is worth your time to pick and choose. I also recommend a used guitar as well if you can find the right one. Good luck and let us know how this turns out for you.

make sure it feels good (plays easy and fits your hands)
sounds good (you have to love the tone)
and looks good (the looks and style have to speak to you)
If you're going to spend that much money make sure
all 3 factors are there. Don't settle. good luck

[OP's requirements list, in part:]

I have about $2000 to spend.
I want a Concert size but will go with an OM/GA size if price and look is right.
I want something blingy and pretty, a show piece.
I want it to play as easy as most of the taylors I've played. (easy and low action all the way up the neck. I like to play around 10th fret in key of D)
I want it to sound like most of the tailors that I've played. (even tone, piano sustain/chime)
I love sunbursts but subtle edge bursts are best.
It can have electronics but not necessary.

I Can't decide if I want spruce/rosewood or cedar/mahogany.
I play mostly finger style but also do some picking.

HOW DO I DECIDE?? Will the bling wear off and I'm better looking at the more plain one for the long haul for less $$?

Will I be happy with Cedar or should I stick with Spruce?? I wish I had more models to play and choose from but... this is my dilemma!



Skip the bling. At your price point you'd be sacrificing quality of materials and workmanship for decoration.

Here's one way to put it: better to buy the low end model from the high end manufacturer than the high end model from the low end manufacturer.

Another way to put it: would you rather have a Kia with spoilers and airscoops and fancy paint, or a BMW plainly decorated? Your choice.

Cedar compared to spruce will be warmer; spruce will be brighter initially and will warm up over time, but will never be as warm as cedar. Cedar is softer than spruce and is more easily damaged.

Mahogany sides/back aren't as pretty as rosewood, but IMO they produce a clearer, more articulate sound. Play some of each to decide what you like.

Try Sapele sides and back also - similar in sound character to mahogany.

Think hard about the electronics. If you will someday play out with it, you'll miss having the electronics if you don't get them when you buy it. On the other hand, if you will always play acoustically it won't help you to have them. But it's more expensive to have them added later than it is to get the guitar with them.

The Taylor GA3 and GC3 seem to be in your price range.

Since you like the sound and feeling of Taylor, stick with that brand.

Played the GC5 today. It had old strings on it. Gorgeous and in perfect mint condition. Neck feels great and it played great. Just a bit on the dull side due to strings...well that and the more mellow cedar sound I'm sure.

The guy made me an offer on it that was almost too hard to walk away from, $1900 tax included and will let me put it on a card without charging more for the transactions fees. Comes with case and he's throwing in a taylor clip on tuner.

He said he'd extend the offer to saturday if I'll come back and play it with new strings and a set up.

SO my overall lingering decision is if I like that cedar sound or not. I was noticing many wonderful nuances coming out in my playing when I quit banging on it like I've always played spruce/laminated dreadnoughts. After 30 minutes with it, I loved the feel of the guitar in my hands, and the sound started to grow on me...

But I picked up a 214CE he had there just for comparison to something spruce and laminated but still a nice playing taylor...I loved the bright sound it made! but it was almost too harsh after I had gotten used to that cedar top.

Man this is hard! It's all on me and my tastes and what I want. ugh.

Pontmercy,

If you walk into any GOOD music shop with 2K cash in your pocket, let'm know, they'll let ya play.

I think you'll be surprised what that will buy on the used market right now. It's a buyer's market for sure. Play all that you can get...

I'm not a Taylor Guy, so can't direct you there. That said, if you see a Martin std series D-18, try it. Not everyone's cup of tea, minimal bling until you play it. Then it shines...

That said, if you see a Martin std series D-18, try it. Not everyone's cup of tea, minimal bling until you play it. Then it shines...

If you see a Martin D-18 in a shop, check it out carefully before you buy. They made a number of significant changes to the D-18 for the 2012 year. Easiest way to tell is that the new ones have ebony fretboard and bridge while the older ones have rosewood fretboard and bridge. The internal bracing is also different for a different tone. There's nothing wrong with either one if you like it, just be aware that there is a difference. Some shops have been reducing the price on the older models, while others are trying to get the regular price for them.

Jim

Check out larrivee acoustics

Angus, the local independent dealer is eager to deal and is offering the GC5 cedar top for a significantly great price at $1900 done. Hard to pass up, I'm afraid and I'll probably do it tomorrow. I only fear what happens if I never end up liking the Cedar sound?

Dave, I love larrivees and have played several. The only dealer I have in my area is on order only status. He has even offered to sell to me for a small percent over his cost due to the amount of business I bring his way. I love the OM10 but it's $2100 with lrbaggs pickup, no case and sight unseen unplayed :( Hard to make that decision as I made a promise to myself I wouldn't buy unless I got to play first.

The GC5 plays great and feels great and looks great, I'm just not sure about how different a cedar topped guitar sounds from what I'm used to. BUT I have embarked on wanting to buy a guitar at this level so I could work harder on finger style playing and everyone keeps telling me that cedar is my best choice for that. I'm not looking for loud or anything to use on stage, just personal play and some recording.

I love the OM10 but it's $2100 with lrbaggs pickup, no case and sight unseen unplayed :


All Larrivees ship with a case, even the 03 series. The 10 series ships with Larrivees deluxe case.

Jim

I totally dig my Tanglewood koa grand auditorium, but I know what its like if you want a special brand, dont know if Taylor got a koa guitar in their line but its definitly worth trying to find out, koa has such a warmth and clarity thats it makes me happy everytime I play it.

HOW DO I DECIDE??

Good question. I've just spent a few days buzzing around the London shops trying out acoustics and although I had the idea that I would try 000 and parlour sizes I ended up trying some mini jumbo's and others.

I left town frustrated confused and slightly annoyed (lol). I seem to like all different types and sizes of guitars for different things I play.

A 'do it all' budget guitar is what I'm after. Some of the Recording Kings were quite nice as were some of the Eastman OM's and Blueridge and Seagull. Nice as they are though they just seem like a compromise.

When you play a decent Martin you feel the life in the guitar straight away but unfortunately they're way out of my budget.

But all was not lost as I now know that I want a 24.9 or 25' scale length and a 1 3/4 nut width so I have some of the spec's I want. Just have to keep looking as none of the guitars offered everything that I after. Maybe the Recording King came closest.

I guess with a bigger budget you have even more choice which could lead to even more frustration.:lol:

Happy hunting and if you're unsure just walk away!

Well, Jack called and said he just restrung it and set it up ready to go, reiterated our offer...and I went and took a long lunch to go buy the 2007 Taylor GC-5e Cedar with Tropical American Mahogany back and sides. The new strings sold me, just glistened like all the Taylors I've played in the past but the Cedar tamed the brashness of it. I think it's going to be perfect for me.

THANK YOU ALL FOR YOUR HELP!!!!!!!!

Sounds like a happy ending to me. Post some pictures!

Here she is…my new 2007 Taylor GC5e
http://www.patrickburnett.com/clients/guitar/taylorgc5e1.jpg
http://www.patrickburnett.com/clients/guitar/taylorgc5e2.jpg
http://www.patrickburnett.com/clients/guitar/taylorgc5e3.jpg

Thanks again for everyone's perspective. I love this one so far but I can see needing to add a Larrivee OM model to my stable next year!

Thanks again for everyone's perspective. I love this one so far but I can see needing to add a Larrivee OM model to my stable next year!

Congrats. That's a great looking guitar. Enjoy it.

As for the Larrivee, don't discount the 03 series.

Jim

My friend has the L-03. it's really what started all this, every time we go to his house my wife and I both leave saying "Man tim's guitar sounds so good!!" :)

Congratulations! That is a stunner!