Looking for an acoustic upgrade
My 40 year old nylon acoustic has seen better days. I just recently took it out after joining and it doesn't measure up to what I hear coming from Neil's guitar. I'm now looking for a steel string in the $500 range. There are soooo many out there I am not sure what would be my best choice. I noticed Neil has a very nice sounding guitar but I don't see a manufacture name on it. What can you suggest? Thanks.
Hey 1st post mate, welcome. Perhaps you could check out the "Introduce yourself Here" thread and tell us a bit about your background and musical ambitions.
In terms of your question I think it's such a difficult one for someone else to answer. It's really your preference. For the money you are talking you can probably get a good entry level steel string from a reputable company. I play Taylor as do a few on the site, but my 1st guitar was around that money (bit less actually) and was a Takamine without a pickup but with a beautifully rich tone. A really solid guitar.
Thing is, what you are going to get is everyone's personal preference. I suggest playing a heap of guitars in your price range and the one for you will stand out, it will feel just right. When you find it and the bucks are right, buy it!
Good luck.
In terms of your question I think it's such a difficult one for someone else to answer. It's really your preference. For the money you are talking you can probably get a good entry level steel string from a reputable company. I play Taylor as do a few on the site, but my 1st guitar was around that money (bit less actually) and was a Takamine without a pickup but with a beautifully rich tone. A really solid guitar.
Thing is, what you are going to get is everyone's personal preference. I suggest playing a heap of guitars in your price range and the one for you will stand out, it will feel just right. When you find it and the bucks are right, buy it!
Good luck.
Slumdag- Neil plays an Ed Claxton koa back and sided guitar. Neil sells these at his music store. Expect to pay around $8-10,000 for a Claxton!! Just a little over your $500 limit! LOL!
There are many threads on this forum about beginning and inexpensive guitars. And everyone has an opinion. I'm a huge fan of Taylor and Larrivee but even their entry-level guitars may go over the $500 limit.
For my money, Seagull, a Canadian guitar maker, makes the finest low-cost guitars on the market. $500 will put you right in their price range. Tacoma was another but they are out of business unless you can find a used one.
Also, the Japanese guitar makers like Takamine have lower priced guitars to go with their fancy ones. Often the only difference between a $500 guitar and a $2,000 guitar is wood and ornamentation. You probably won't get Indian Rosewood in a $500 guitar anymore but there there are many tone woods that still sound really good.
And don't shy away from a used guitar. In these tough economic times things like guitars are often the first to go and sites like Craigslist and eBay have some amazing deals. Just do your homeowrk so you understand what certain guitars are going for and then watch and wait for the right one. I picked up a brand new, Taylor 314ce which now retails for $1,600, for $650 with hardshell case on eBay from a reputable dealer wanting to reduce inventory. I was happy to help him out!
Good luck! :cheer:
There are many threads on this forum about beginning and inexpensive guitars. And everyone has an opinion. I'm a huge fan of Taylor and Larrivee but even their entry-level guitars may go over the $500 limit.
For my money, Seagull, a Canadian guitar maker, makes the finest low-cost guitars on the market. $500 will put you right in their price range. Tacoma was another but they are out of business unless you can find a used one.
Also, the Japanese guitar makers like Takamine have lower priced guitars to go with their fancy ones. Often the only difference between a $500 guitar and a $2,000 guitar is wood and ornamentation. You probably won't get Indian Rosewood in a $500 guitar anymore but there there are many tone woods that still sound really good.
And don't shy away from a used guitar. In these tough economic times things like guitars are often the first to go and sites like Craigslist and eBay have some amazing deals. Just do your homeowrk so you understand what certain guitars are going for and then watch and wait for the right one. I picked up a brand new, Taylor 314ce which now retails for $1,600, for $650 with hardshell case on eBay from a reputable dealer wanting to reduce inventory. I was happy to help him out!
Good luck! :cheer:
Slubdog, You might check out Blueridge guitars. Check Muary's online to get an idea of cost and different types. He only sells Martin Blueridge and Takamine. I was looking and saw a BR 60ce which I know is a very nice sounding and playing guitar. It has a cutaway and electronics. You might see if you can find the nearest dealer to try one out. In that price range I was very pleased with the quality and sound. Seagull is also a quality guitar but the Blueridge has quite a few dealers and you can easly buy upgrade parts like Nut and Saddle and Pins plus I just don't think you can beat the sound quality according to my ear. Gary
www.maurysmusic.com/
www.maurysmusic.com/
I have been playing a Martin 00018 for the last 30 years. I paid $320 for it in 1973. It's a great guitar and I love it. However, I was just goofing around in a really nice music store two summers ago and I picked up a Taylor 110, no electronics. I was floored by the deep rich tones and fell instantly in love. I bought it on the spot $599.00. Well, not exactly on the spot, I played it in the store for another hour and a half then bought it.
As, others have suggested. There are many fine entry guitars out there but unless you play them, play a lot of them, you won't be able to find the sound you're looking for. Play an entry Taylor, play a Takemine, play, play, play. The right guitar will find you, just when you least expect it.
Good hunting and good playing,
Steve
P.S. Be careful, playing really nice guitars can lead to wanting an even better guitar. I am now considering getting a Taylor 414. But, only after I have played the one in the local music store for a few months. :laugh:
As, others have suggested. There are many fine entry guitars out there but unless you play them, play a lot of them, you won't be able to find the sound you're looking for. Play an entry Taylor, play a Takemine, play, play, play. The right guitar will find you, just when you least expect it.
Good hunting and good playing,
Steve
P.S. Be careful, playing really nice guitars can lead to wanting an even better guitar. I am now considering getting a Taylor 414. But, only after I have played the one in the local music store for a few months. :laugh:
I concur with the Taylor 110. For the money it is a fantasic guitar. I did upgrade mine last year to a Taylor DN4 for a little different sound but everytime I go "sight Seeing" at a store I will pick up the 110. Actually thinking of getting another one for a travel piece. Very nice for a good price.
Mark
Mark
MarkM wrote:
Bingo! That's the main reason I got mine. My wife and I volunteer twice a year at a major music festive near Yosemite park (The Strawberry Music Festival) and I was terrified about taking my $2000.00( in today's dollars) guitar and subjecting it being played all night, outside, in a camping environment. The Taylor is my traveling companion now and I love it.I concur with the Taylor 110. For the money it is a fantasic guitar. I did upgrade mine last year to a Taylor DN4 for a little different sound but everytime I go "sight Seeing" at a store I will pick up the 110. Actually thinking of getting another one for a travel piece. Very nice for a good price.
Mark