need help chosing an acoustic

[quadperson]

Mf has a Washburn D100 for $120, I read all the reviews and they were all great, but I'm a little leary of something so cheap, any ideas? I mainly just want something to strum around on, my only acoustic is REALLY BAD.

[Bengal65]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

I don't know what your budget is, so I would suggest playing a few guitars in a music store to get an idea. There are so many out there it's insane. There is only one acoustic for me, and that is a Martin. Yea, I have other brands, but if I only needed one acoustic it would be a HD-35. A great one is a HD-28 or D-28. If you don't like it after a while (don't know anybody who did), you can sell it for what you have into it. If you get a new one, you have a lifetime warranty. I bought my first new Martin 34 years ago and still have it and it as good as new. (D12-35) It's been to Martin 3 times in it's life for warranty repair, no cost to me. Acoustics are a little more maintenance intensive than electrics obviously.

[Twisteramps]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

low budget - look for a new or used seagull. I prefer em over even the lower end (under 1 grand) martins. Or a used Guild - I picked up a D4 USA Guild for $500 used, it's a great guitar.

Pete

[Deneb]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

I have an Ovation CK057 (I think MF has them for 500 ish) I bought for 455 awhile back, for the finish. Set up, it plays really well.

I'm sure in those 120$ buyers, you can find something that will be plenty fun to play. If you hate it, you're only out 120$. While I'm not trying to say that's not a lot of money, I'm just saying, it's better to be out 120$ than 1500$

[ApeDosMil]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

the deans looks pretty sweet.

[quadperson]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

I really like the look of the Applause line also, anyone have any experience with these? I'm wanting to spend around $200 if possible.

[Leo Chang]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

My personal favorite brand is Larrivee.

Having said that... there really is no substitute for going out there and playing everything you can get your hands on. From reading HC and other forums, I thought I would like Martin and Taylor acoustics for sure.... but Larrivee guitars just seem to "fit" me much more than any other brands.

[Chrisb]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

Larivee and Breedlove are the best but you need to be raking in some good money to afford those. On a medium budget look at the Dean acoustics. Also it sounds strange but do some checking about woods and decide what kind of tone you want. With acoustics. Flame Maple back and sides may look cool but let me tell you that shit is BRIGHT. Rosewood/Koa/Mahogany all have very full resonant lows and mids. Dean has a real nice one called the RSE or something like that. That is a fantastic acoustic. I've got a Key Largo, its a real looker and it sounds nice enough but its very bright because the back and sides are quilted maple. I really despise those plastic back guitars they sound like shit, thats why I reccomend Dean. Also Dean's imports have fantastic quality across the board.

[Crusher]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

Check out Alvarez as well. I have a Solid top AD60S that looks and sounds great, excellent fit & finish. Came with a really nice HSC for around $260

[donf]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

[ QUOTE ]
I really like the look of the Applause line also, anyone have any experience with these? I'm wanting to spend around $200 if possible

[/ QUOTE ]

Personally, I wouldn't go for Applause. I owned one, sounded like ass, felt crappy. I also don't recommend Fender acoustics, for the same reason.

[thurston]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

I'd stay away from Fender, and low end taylors. Seagull is a great brand even if they cost more then they do. I want a small body slot head Martin right now, but those don't come very cheap.

In fact stay away from All Taylor guitars and Ovations unless you really like the fact that they sound nothing like other acoustic guitars.

[HeWhoIs]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

In the $200 range, check out Alvarez. I think they are the biggest bang for the buck acoustics out there.

[skorb]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

I'd also recommend, rather than a given brand, is go to Guitar Center and play a bunch for yourself. you really need to spend $300 or so to start to get a decently made guitar, unless it's on sale I guess. you get what you pay for, even if you cannot see it readily, it's all in the build and details of the guitar.

play a bunch at a couple stores and you'll find the right one.

oh, and ALWAYS haggle on price at these guitar superstores. you can usually get some discount off sticker.

[quiksilver]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

I'd look at Alvarez, Samick and the Taylor Big Baby. I agree that you should plan to spend at least $300.

[thurston]

Re: need help chosing an acoustic

I hate my Taylor big baby.
The action is really high, and I haven't been able to lower it to any reasonable height.
Also, I was changing all of the strings and decided to clean the fretboard. I took all 6 strings off and the neck was loose and and flopped around in the pocket. I'm sure there are nice ones out there, but if the action is high at the store, leave it there. I expected better from such a highly respected company.