Help me buy an acoustic guitar

**Eric Perry** · #1 12-25-2011, 06:12 PM

Hey all,

I have been itching to buy an acoustic guitar. I've never owned one, and never really researched them. I dont play bass anywhere near as much as I used to, and sitting around on the couch playing unplugged electric really isn't satisfying! Haha

I'm looking for a decent, yet cheap, acoustic. I have played Ovations and Applauses before, and I love the curved backs. Are the Applause ones any good? I was looking at one (AE128, me thinks). It's a cheapie, at just a few hundred bucks. Any good?

Any other suggestions would be appreciated! Help me out and I'll see what I can do to get you on the Nice List next year!

Thanks, and Merry Christmas!!!

Turock · #2 12-25-2011, 06:20 PM

Seagull S6 or Simon & Patrick S6. Same guitar, different headstocks. Solid tops; rave reviews everywhere.

redcloud · #3 12-25-2011, 06:27 PM

Well what is your price range?

**Eric Perry** · #4 12-25-2011, 06:37 PM

I'd like to stay around $200-$300. I definitely don't consider myself a guitar player so spending more would be a waste! Haha

**Eric Perry** · #5 12-25-2011, 06:37 PM

Thanks Turock! I'll check those out.

Mr. Pickles · #6 12-25-2011, 06:56 PM

Stay away from Fender and Ibanez acoustics.

Search your local craigslists. In your price range, you could find a nice Takamine or Yamaha (both put out fantastic value). I like Seagulls as well.

waleross · #7 12-25-2011, 07:00 PM

I bought a Washburn acoustic(with built-in pick-up) about 2 years ago for $199, good solid instument for learning and playing. Its a good brand to check out..............

**Eric Perry** · #8 12-25-2011, 07:04 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by waleross

I bought a Washburn acoustic(with built-in pick-up) about 2 years ago for $199, good solid instument for learning and playing. Its a good brand to check out..............

A friend has a Washburn that I really like. I need to find out the model.

LiamPodmore · #9 12-25-2011, 07:18 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Stay away from Fender and Ibanez acoustics.

I wholely disagree with this. I happen to know 4 people with Ibanez acoustics, ranging from low-mid range, all of which are the best acoustics we could find in that price range, with ease. Ibanez make quality guitars, and for extremely good prices if you ask me. I would reccomend checking out the EW series, even the EW20 are incredibly good.

Liam

**Eric Perry** · #10 12-26-2011, 08:22 AM

I've never liked most Ibanez lines of basses (except the BTB line, which I've always liked). The Ibanez guitars I've played seemed nice, however.

Phalex · #11 12-26-2011, 09:20 AM

I like the wide neck on a Classical guitar the best. Regular guitar necks are just way too skinny for me these days. (I haven't sat down and "played guitar" in years).

I have known 2 people who's seagull guitars developed cracks in the top after a year or so. I don't know if that's a thing with them or not, but I'd do a quick google search for reviews.

bassgod0dmw · #12 12-26-2011, 09:49 AM

I'd definitely scour the used market. I bought my deep bowl Ovation Custom Legend for $300 used. You can find some really nice Guild, Epiphone, and Alvarez Yairi's in that range as well.

For sitting around the house, I'd rather have a "traditional" shaped acoustic. The bowl shape of the Ovations can be a PITA with it slipping around on you. They also don't tend to sound that great unamplified, but really shine when plugged in. The deep bowls tend to be a little bit louder, and depending on the bracing & wood type of the top, tend to have a little more low end. I do really like mine, and mainly play it sitting around but given a choice, I prefer the tone of Taylor, Martin, or Gibson...and my Ovation is/was in the same league as them. The Custom Legend is the top of their line.

As always, head to the store and try out everything in your price range. Acoustics are tough. Different shapes, woods, bracing, etc. sound vastly different.

I tend to like spruce or cedar tops, and all wood sides & back. Way more than your price range, but I was very impressed by the Taylor 200 series. My guitarist owns a 714 and I had a 914 ($2500+ acoustics, VERY nice) and the 214ce is next on my list, unless I can find a good used Martin in the same price range.

redcloud · #13 12-26-2011, 04:57 PM

I am sorry, but you don't get much in that price range. Look at the used instruments in your local guitar shops. I could recommend Yamaha (FG series), or a Guild (GAD) Series. At least try for a solid top/soundboard. Get a good setup no matter what you buy.

One thing is for sure, you will never be a guitar player if you settle for a poorly set up POS.

mellowgerman · #14 12-26-2011, 05:08 PM

I say check out Xaviere acoustics on guitarfetish.com. They are a fantasic value in terms of build quality, tonewoods, and price

**Eric Perry** · #15 12-26-2011, 05:10 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redcloud

I am sorry, but you don't get much in that price range. Look at the used instruments in your local guitar shops. I could recommend Yamaha (FG series), or a Guild (GAD) Series. At least try for a solid top/soundboard. Get a good setup no matter what you buy.

One thing is for sure, you will never be a guitar player if you settle for a poorly set up POS.

I'm not trying to be a guitar player.

lowfreq33 · #16 12-26-2011, 05:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mr. Pickles

Stay away from Fender and Ibanez acoustics.

Search your local craigslists. In your price range, you could find a nice Takamine or Yamaha (both put out fantastic value). I like Seagulls as well.

I also disagree with this. $300 will get you a Fender T Bucket acoustic, which is actually on my list for the next time I have $300 that's not spoken for. If you just want it for your own enjoyment you should be quite happy with it.

Turock · #17 12-26-2011, 05:57 PM

Don't waste your money on a laminated top. You want a solid top. It will open up and sound better and better as it ages.
Once again, do yourself a favor and research the Seagull and S&P, you'll find tons of reviews and will be hard pressed to find a bad review; can't remember ever seeing one.

5StringFool · #18 12-26-2011, 06:09 PM

I've had a Seagull S6 for about 5 years now, and it just keeps getting better with age. I highly recommend them.

redcloud · #19 12-26-2011, 07:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Eric Perry

I'm not trying to be a guitar player.

What is the point in blowing any amount on a guitar if you don't want to learn to play it? What is wrong with also being a guitar player?

Playing more than one instrument generally crosses over and makes you better on all of them.

**Eric Perry** · #20 12-26-2011, 08:12 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by redcloud

What is the point in blowing any amount on a guitar if you don't want to learn to play it? What is wrong with also being a guitar player?

Playing more than one instrument generally crosses over and makes you better on all of them.

I'm a bass player. I've played for around 20 years and consider myself very good. I've also played drums and *can* play drums. I certainly don't consider myself a drummer, however. I can play guitar a little, but do not consider myself a guitarist.

I've spent thousands and thousands on my basses alone. Hell, I've spent that much on just ONE of my Conklins I've owned. Spending a few hundred on a hobby doesn't sound so crazy to me, as it clearly does to you.