How to choose an acoustic guitar.

[Rockin John]

My ladyfriend has decided she wants to buy me an acoustic guitar (an ordinary 6 string guitar that is, not a bass).

Thing is, I know nothing about these instruments at all so aren't really in a position to pick the right one for me.

My requirements:

To have a steel-strung, electro-acoustic guitar to accompany myself singing, both as a practice tool and as an instrument capable of reasonable performance on stage at (say) an open mic session at a pub or whatever.

The guitar therefore need to be of reasonable quality but does not need to be a top line pro instrument.

I do not particularly like the 'feel' of the (large body) drednaught style acoustic so would probably go for one of the slimmer body instruments.

I know nothing about the merits of the many makes available. However, I have a healthy respect for Yamaha instruments and Ovation, too.

I had hoped to spend around £200 / £300 of her money street price on a new guitar, or the corresponding second hand price depending on make and model, etc.

Advice welcomed, and guidance on selecting a second had instrument particularly useful.

Thanks guys.

John

[EricF]

I just bought a used Seagull M6 for US$400, and couldn't be happier. Seagull's instruments are typically compared with guitars costing at least twice as much.

The lower-end Ovation guitars are generally considered to be pretty lousy. Yamaha makes guitars that range from mediocre to pretty good. Generally speaking, look for guitars that feature a solid (not laminate) wood top.

I would definitely look at the used market. You'll be able to get a much better guitar for the same money.

[zac2944]

You do it the same way you buy a bass. Go to the store and play a bunch. Then buy the best one that fits your budget. Trust your ears, not TB or reviews.

I just bought a new Yamaha F335 at Guitar Center for $120. It is a laminate top "made in China" guitar. I've owned much nicer acoustics in the past, but for the money this one came close enough for me.

If you're looking for a cheap guitar, Yamaha has a good reputation of low end instruments. +1 on the Seagulls too. They are a great guitar for the money. You'll figure this out when you play them.

Good luck.

[Philbiker]

I don't know how available they are on your side of the pond, but look for a picture of a seagull on the headstock and it's impossible to go wrong. Same goes for all the other Godin brands. They compare with instruments twive their price here.

[Sarbecue Boss]

SEAGULL

top notch construction and electronics, I'd rather buy a seagull than be given a taylor(not really, but you get it)

EDIT:

If you want to stray from acoustics with electronics, go micheal kelly

[Deacon_Blues]

I don't like at least the cheaper Yamaha acoustic guitars. They're relatively good to play on, but personally, I hate their sound. Sounds very thin and plastic... I've never heard or tried a Seagull over here, but based on what people say about them, they seem very good.

Takamine's are also really nice, but I think they're a bit more expensive...? The ones I've heard or played on have been really great sounding.

[iplaybassguitar]

i have an un heard of brand (arbor) that i bought new for US$130 and it really sounds pretty good and plays nice. i would just go to a music store and try a bunch out. eliminate the ones out of your price range, and try out the ones that are still avaliable. whichever one you like best is the one she buys.

[thump326]

Seagulls are excellent entry/mid-level guitars. I'm not familiar with their electronics (there's none in mine), but their acoustic tones are top-notch. Their only drawback (for some people, not me) is that they're kinda plain looking.

I'd steer clear of the Martins in your price range. Although pretty, you could get a better sound making your own with a shoe box and rubber bands than with Martin's cheap imitation-wood sound boards.

And as others have already pointed out, it's best to try out a bunch of guitars. Because of the natural variations in wood, the sound of individual guitars vary even within the same make and model. Trust your ears.

[Rockin John]

Thanks guys.

I've never heard of Seagul so, atm, have no idea whether or not they're available in UK. I'll be on the internet trying to find that out as soon as poss!

Yes, I've naturally got to try a load of guitars. But some informed opinion never goes amiss even if, in the end, I discount it.

I think the acoustic market in my home city must be fairly bouyant. There are plenty of guitar dealers with a good selection of acoustics.

I'm surprised no-one mentioned Fender. Are they not worth the look, perhaps?

Oh, and as to the Ovations, Where in their model range should I begin to search for a good second hand model? Is the suggestion that it should be an American made instrument, or are the high end Korean made guitars worth a look?

Best.

John

[Maude]

I'd give 'Crafter' a look, they make some very nice electro-acoustics for not to much money. I tried lots of makes and models and my Crafter just seemed to fit, like I'd been playing it for years, I'm delighted with it.
Also, they are Midge Ure's choice so that can't be bad.

[henry's crisis]

At the ripe ole age of 54 yrs and after 40 years of playing cheap n second hand guitars, my darling wife said. " You know that Martin guitar you drool over, well we can afford one now." I picked myself up and went to the store. I played all the guitars within my budget ( no new shoes for the kids this winter) and left the store with a Takemine which I have loved ever since. I agree with some of the previous posts.. play lots and buy what suits you. I found a lovely Peavey Bass recently, second hand and it just felt right and was really cheap. So enjoy searching for the guitar that suits.
Hey, it's amps n speakers I can't figure out. I find it impossible to try one in a store that is going to suit me in a gigging situation. Now that is an interesting problem to solve.
Henry, Near Manchester UK

I jam, therefore I am.