Good value for money acoustic guitar?

[MissKD]

Thank you so much for your suggestions! And for being so kind.

My budget is around 300$ for a used one.

I checked for used Seagulls, but it seems that in Sweden it is impossible to find these guitars used. I found them new, but the cheapest one is 585 dollars...

(link removed)

In my area I found the following (used):

Yamaha FS720S
http://www.blocket.se/hoor/Gitarr_och_forstarkare_47232303.htm?ca=23_15&w=1

Yamaha FG-412 VS
http://www.blocket.se/helsingborg/Akustisk_gitarr_Yamaha_FG_412_VS_47117719.htm?ca=23_15&w=1

Would you go for one of these? Otherwise I can try to find something from the UK (they have used Seagulls on eBay for example) but as you said, maybe buying without trying is not exactly the best idea...

 

[krisls]

Must admit I have no idea of availability in Sweden. I would have suggested Yamaha myself. I play a Takamine G series ( EG460sc ) but I use it on stage, you may not need pickups and such. I also prefer a smaller body guitar like an OM or 000 size rather than a Dreadnought ala that second Yam pic. The first the Yam FS720s is a smaller body w' solid top. That's good and Yamaha make pretty good guitars. Plus you get a little amp too. All things being equal I'd lean that way. Personally I prefer natural but that's me.

Try a few body types and see what shape and feel of the neck appeals. Don't worry about the strings so much, that's for later, just reach and general feel.

Happy shopping

Kristina

 

[stinkey]

I am an happy owner of a Seagull and i understand why there not for sale as used, i don't want to loose mine. But i have also bought a Sigma 00 and i think they have good value for the money, too. I saw in the international thread that you live near Malmö. I would recommend a visit to Jocke link removed)
Ligger på Baltzargatan vid Caroli. He has got a lot of acustic guitars to try out in different budgets. Open to day and to morrow.

 

[MissKD]

Ah, now I am jealous of you because of the Seagull. I found them on eBay uk, but nothing used here in Sweden. And new... it is a little too expensive for me right now.

I will visit the store you suggested here in Malmö (I work close to Triangeln), and hopefully I will find something that works for me...

 

[colchar]

Add Larrivee to the list (another Canadian) and used Martin Standard Series.

Larrivees are great but are much more expensive.

 

[Daddydex]

If I had 300 hundred to spend on an acoustic today I would buy the Epiphone Hummingbird Pro. You will be set for years to come.

Dan

 

[bumblefingers]

I've seen some epiphone masterbuilts that were used by touring musicians. I have a silver creek which is a monster guitar for the money.

One thing about cheaper guitars, might as well plan on a pro setup right out of the gate. Fret level and dress, new nut and saddle. Over here that would run 75-150 usd depending on what is needed. But an $80 guitar with $100 in work will generally smoke an off the shelf $400 guitar.

 

[P Thought]

Many used Takamines are great guitars for the money. The older ones, if they're in good shape, sound great acoustically, and fine plugged in, when you stick a K & K pickup in them.

 

[AirBagTester]

The Yamaha FG720S is the one of the best budget guitars that I've come across. Should be available in Europe - here in the US they can be had for around $280. Here's a demo...

Wow! I've been lazily keeping my eyes out for a decent acoustic and that looks like it could be it. I'll have to see if I can find a place to try one.

 

[afteryou]

I'm gonna' have to add one more vote for Seagull. Sweet guitars and well built at a great price. The wide neck is a bit of a handful but if you have thick fingers like me it's a blessing. My SWS Seagull will never be for sale.

 

[Joe M]

As mentioned a couple of times, you didn't say what your budget was, but I would suggest a used Taylor 100 series. The 100 series is a full-sized guitar that is much bigger sounding than the mini for not a whole lot more money. If your budget is bigger than that, the new Gibson J35 is one of the most fantastic guitars available for the price. They're so new I doubt you could find a used one.

 

[harold h]

I would have to agree with Washburn.

 

[CHUCKHDTV]

I recently bought a used yamaha fg-7?? For a friend. Payed 80$. It plays very well and have a nice tone balance. I secretly wished to exchange my Fender acoustic for that Yamaha. It required a good setup but it was awesome for the price.

I also like the Walden guitars. I think they're made in Ireland. Deeper tone but very nice, the pick up is correct for the price tag.

 

[Obsessed]

I've been looking for my second acoustic for a long time and the Seagull S6 is it for me.

 

[Gibson]

The Yamaha FG720S is the one of the best budget guitars that I've come across. Should be available in Europe - here in the US they can be had for around $280. Here's a demo...

+1

Don't discount Yamaha. I have an FS720S that I consider a lot of guitar for the money. Well constructed, solid top, decent set up out of the store, and a comfortable electric-like neck.

 

[teleforumnoob]

Wow! I've been lazily keeping my eyes out for a decent acoustic and that looks like it could be it. I'll have to see if I can find a place to try one.

I've had a totally acoustic D28 for yrs but I needed a smaller stage guitar to plug in. So I went looking for the guitar first, and then my own pickup choice.
It came down to an FS720 at GC or a Recording King R07 at an independent shop.
I chose the RK mostly for the wider fingerstyle neck and prewar styling.
Sound on both about the same. Price practically identical. The Yami a little sturdier built, very nicely set up for an inexpensive guitar.

 

[Tele-Caster]

MissKD:

If you liked the Epiphone, why not get another?

My favorite guitar is an Epiphone DR-90 Limited Edition which I don't think is available outside of the U.S.A.

I also have an Epiphone AJ 22O that I will never, ever part with. It is a fantastic rhythm instrument, which is what I bought it for.

I was kind of an early adopter of the Seagull S-6 when they started importing them into the U.S.A. An average sounding Seagull S-6 sounds very nice, but you can find some exceptional ones that don't just sound good for a $400.00 guitar, but sound good compared to anything else out there. But I'm biased. I sold mine when I thought I would never be able to play an acoustic guitar again. . A couple of years ago, I was able to play acoustic again after years of not being able to, and the S-6 is what I went shopping for. I got a little side-tracked by the Epiphones, but I am glad I have them.

I recently (this week) bought a Seagull S-6 Original and an S-6 Entourage and will be performing with them this summer.

In shopping, I've played a bunch of Yamaha FG 700's. I really like their tone, and I would seriously like to own one. The only reason I don't is because I don't get on with the neck profile.

Another I think you might want to try from the Epiphone line is the EL-00. It is smaller bodied than a Dreadnaught-style guitar and I think the scale length is a little shorter, too. They're seriously fun to play, but have a kind of unique tone that people seem to really enjoy or seriously dislike. I've thought most of them I've tried sounded pretty good -unique, but good.

It's a tad out of your budget comfort zone, I fear, but you might want to look in to a Taylor GS Mini, also. This is a "travel guitar" with a grown-up guitar voice. They have a shorter than normal scale length and their compact size (for an acoustic, but actually about the same overall length as a Telecaster) make them serious, serious, big-time, smile-inducing fun to play.

Good luck in your quest to find the right acoustic guitar for you!

Blessings and Happy Picking,

T-C

 

[rjes]

I have two Washburns and love them both. WD-10 series are a great value.

I concur

 

[tbp0701]

Buying a used acoustic can be a little tricky if you're unsure of what to look for and how to evaluate. If you have a good shop locally with a luthier on staff, he or she may be able to help.

You mentioned a Seagull was out of the budget, but they also make a less expensive (link removed), which is another great guitar for the price should you happen to find one. Other than that, I've also been impressed with the Yamahas. To throw in another option, is the Taylor Big Baby reasonably available there?

 

[bun malaey]

Bang for your Buck a Walden acoustic can't be beat.