Jump to content

Buying a new guitar


adampalo

Recommended Posts

  • Members

Hey Harmony Central! Since I have such big confidence in you, I am gonna give you a huge responsibility ;) The matter is, I am going to buy a new guitar! I want it to have a warm and soft sound, yet clear and nice design (I like darker guitars more than wooden). I want it to be good quality and last for years, I have had my old guitar for 10 years now approximately. My budget is 150-400€. Thanks in beforehand!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

My first thought based on your requirements is an all mahogany guitar, like a Martin 15 series, but a less expensive brand to match your budget. Cort and several others offer that.

Definitely play a couple to hear if that's what you're after. They don't have the bright cutting sound of spruce tops usually.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

I usually check out thomann.de when recommending something to someone in Europe. Framus is a name that came up but I have no idea of the quality of their current offerings. An all mahogany guitar is a possibility, as is one with a cedar top. Takamine makes a number of cedar topped models. Tanglewood guitars are available in the UK so you might be able to find one in Europe. Crafter is another brand to look for.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

I would look for a 2nd hand Walden Supranatural. I got one last year, all solid, great playing and sounding guitar, for €330. I would not hesitate to buy this:

 

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/walden-g-3030-ce-supranatura-gitarre-vollmassiv-gepflegt/683486159-74-17508

 

New, Harley Benton (Thomann's housebrand) has impressed me, though it probably would need a setup after purchase:

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_custom_line_cld_15m.htm

 

Sigma, I can also recommend:

 

https://www.musicstore.de/de_DE/EUR/Sigma-Guitars-DM-15-Natural-Satin/art-GIT0022859-000

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members
I would look for a 2nd hand Walden Supranatural. I got one last year, all solid, great playing and sounding guitar, for €330. I would not hesitate to buy this:

 

https://www.ebay-kleinanzeigen.de/s-anzeige/walden-g-3030-ce-supranatura-gitarre-vollmassiv-gepflegt/683486159-74-17508

 

New, Harley Benton (Thomann's housebrand) has impressed me, though it probably would need a setup after purchase:

 

https://www.thomann.de/gb/harley_benton_custom_line_cld_15m.htm

 

Sigma, I can also recommend:

 

https://www.musicstore.de/de_DE/EUR/Sigma-Guitars-DM-15-Natural-Satin/art-GIT0022859-000

 

 

Thanks for the advice everyone! I am currently really interested in that Sigma modell you posted.. I think I might take Freeman Kellers advice and play the guitars I can find in music stores nearby though before I make my decision. Thanks everyone!

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

After you've played it, tell us what you think. I've never been all that impressed with Fender acoustics but you might like it. Do you need the cutaway and electronics (you are paying for them)? Is a dread the size that you want (both ergonomics and sound)? Is a mahogany top right for you (it certainly is darker, many people think it sounds "woody")?

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

I think you need to play some guitars. I don't dislike Fender acoustics but they wouldn't be my first choice. A mahogany top will have a darker sound and a dreadnought will have a stronger low end, which some folks might call ''darker.'' As Freeman said, don't get electronics or a cutaway unless you're sure you need them. Here's something similarbut without a cutaway or electronics for about the same money: https://www.thomann.de/se/framus_fd_14m_ns_legacy_series.htm. I have no experience with it but it appears to be similar to guitars sold in the US as ''Alvarez.'' Here's something similar with a cedar top: https://www.thomann.de/se/takamine_gd20_na.htm. If you want a smaller guitar, Cort makes very good guitars; here's one with a mahogany top: https://www.thomann.de/se/cort_luce_l450c.htm. The important thing is to know what you want beforehand; and if you find it nearby, you might as well support a local business.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members

Yup! But the same is sort of true for buying a new guitar. Is the neck straight? Is the action good? Will the tuners hold? Will the top buckle? I've picked up some terrible-out-of-the-box instruments.

 

When I knew nothing about guitars, I wouldn't have been able to evaluate an old OR new guitar. And over the years, I've had pretty much the same batting average with new and old instrument. Some turn out well, some don't.

 

You know a lot more about guitars than I do, of course, but I think we'll agree that while our own experience is the most powerful teacher, learning from others' is the least painful. So if someone doesn't know guitars (or cars, sofas, or hang gliders), the best way to shop for one is to go with someone who does.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

  • Members
. . . As Freeman said' date=' don't get electronics or a cutaway unless you're sure you need them. . . .[/quote']

 

Yeah, the world has more cutaways and onboard electronics than it needs or wants. If you're really leaning that way, just cut to the chase and get an electric.

 

I've played acoustics since '68 and electrics since '70, and never the twain shall meet. At least, not in any way that will ever be useful to me. Electrics rock. Folk guitars rock. Pick either or both and party, party, party.

Link to comment
Share on other sites

Archived

This topic is now archived and is closed to further replies.

×
×
  • Create New...