Buying first acoustic - need help

[audi20v]

Hello, I've played an electric my whole life (Ibanez RG570). I now want to buy both a steel string acoustic and nylon classical guitar. My price range for each is around $400-500.

 

What guitar would you recommend for each? I really want to get a cutaway guitar since I play a lot of lead stuff, but it seems that all the cutaways cost significantly more than the non-cutaways. For example, I have been looking at Seagulls, and all the CWs are $1000+ whereas you can get a non-CW for $400. The exception is the Seagull Artist-Series-Mosaic-CW which is on sale at MF for $500. Would anybody recommend this guitar?

 

I have also been looking at Deans, and Ovations. Are these good guitars? Do I need to buy a guitar with a solid back (Oviatons have plastic backs), many others have plywood backs and sides. Should I really bother with a cutaway and just get a regular acoustic and save my electric for lead stuff?

 

And about the classical, I know nothing about them. Can someone recommend a good one. I have heard that Yamahas are good, but there are a lot of models at different prices, and I don't know how to tell the difference. For example, what's a flamenco guitar and should I get one? Also, should I get a cutaway classical (seems like I should since classical guitar playing involves so much melody, but there aren't very many CWs)?

 

Basically, what I am looking for is a recommendation for each guitar type in my price range so I can do further research. What would you buy for the money?

 

I'm at a disadvantage because I don't live anywhere near a guitar store, so I am forced to order something without having had played it.

 

Thanks.

[garthman]

If you are in the USA, your price range will get you a good guitar. Made in USA Ovations will be more expensive but you could go for their Celebrity or Applause range (made in Asia) which are good electro-acoustics (not so good for unamplified playing) and, as an electric guiatrist you would find the slim-bowled models easy to play. But there are lots of choices out there.

For a classical, Yamaha make some very good, reasonably priced models, also Crafter do two classical elecvtro-acoustic cutaways, the CE15 and CE24, which are superb guitars. (www.crafterusa.com).

I'm sure you will also get lots of other recommendation from other forumites.

[Freeman Keller]

First, a very big welcome to HCAG. You are going to get a lot of good opinions and advice, but I'll chime in first (or second, right behind Garth).

Frist, I can't comment on that particular 'gull, but in general Seagulls are very highly thought of in this group. One of the things that you will see is that most guitars with cutaways also come with factory electronics - people that play plugged (like yourself) need those upper frets far more than those of us who never plug in. So while the cut is a little more expensive, you are saving maybe a hundred bucks in not adding the p/u.

If you play mostly plugged the tonewoods are not as important - many good A/E guitars will have laminated back and sides. A friend has a very nice Carvin that would really appeal to an electric player - slim fast neck, cutaway and electronics, and very nice looking. My feeling was that it was a little lackluster unplugged, but really came alive thru a little acoustic amp.

As far as the classical, we have some people who play and will chime in here. However most classicals do not have cutaways (Segovia didn't seem to need one LOL) or electronics. Besides the Yamaha I see a lot of folks recommending Godin - cross over players like the great Buster B. Jones plays one (and he does have a p/u in his). A flamenco is kind of a special critter that is designed for that percussive technique - they are often made of cyprus and have the protective plates on the top for the tapping done with your fingertips. Unless that is a technique you want to play you probably should stay with a pretty standard nylon string guitar.

There are also some "hybrid" nylon stringers - both the Martin and Taylors come to mind. They have slightly narrower and radiused fretboards compared to a true classical (which will be 2" wide and dead flat) and the bracing is different (X instead of fan). They might appeal to someone who has more of a steel string technique - Willie Nelson's old Trigger is an example.

You will shortly start getting lots of advice - just thought I give a little background. Have fun and report back.

[guitarist21]

 

Do I need to buy a guitar with a solid back (Oviatons have plastic backs), many others have plywood backs and sides. Should I really bother with a cutaway and just get a regular acoustic and save my electric for lead stuff?

 

 

In your price range, you should get a solid wood guitar. Laminate wood (plywood) can sound good, but a solid wood guitar is generally thought of as better and more likely to age well. It is also more fragile and sensitive to humidity changes, but IMO well worth it when you're spending $4-500. Seagulls are great guitars in your price range and, like Freeman says, are highly regarded around here. Other worthy makers in your price range are Epiphone Masterbilt, Blueridge, and Guild GAD.

 

I'm a little confused though because nylon stringed guitars and steel stringed guitars produce very different sounds and are used for different styles. There is quite a bit of crossover (Willie Nelson for example), as with anything, but for the most part they have different styles.

 

Basically, I wouldn't limit yourself nylon stringers and cutaways soley on the basis that you play lead. My Epiphone Masterbilt EF-500R doesn't have a cutaway and I play lead as much or more than the next guy and it has never been a gigantic issue. You can get three or four frets by reaching over the body.

 

Also, although you say that you live far from any store, it might be worth it to take a trip to the nearest one, just so that you can play a few acoustics and get an idea of what the difference is between solid and laminate wood, what advantages a cutaway has, the sound differences between nylon and steel, and if nothing else seeing what's in your price range.

 

Ellen

[whit townsend]

At least get a solid top. As for a cutaway, its not a must.
"There ain't no money aboe the 5th fret" is a old saying. It basically just means nobody wants to hear an acoustic guitar noodiling around wheely deely up high for very long. Not a lot of good tone up there, thats not where an acoustic shines.
If your the plugged in type, a good pup system is essential. But good aftermarkets are available, so go with comfort/feel and good acoustic tone above all. Theres a lot of other stuff I'd try first before settling for an Ovation, esp a low end one.

As for nylon stringers, can't help you much there. Sounds like you'd be better off w/some kind of elec/nylon hybrid like a Godin or something.

[JerseyGuy]

Deans are a real hit or miss, their electronics are supposedly not all that good. Not great construction quality, either. I've had a couple and sold them; sounded nice in the store, not when I got home. Nothing tremendously bad, just not a good value IMHO. As for Ovations, they are an acquired taste that I have not acquired, even after years of trying to like a 12 I paid a lot of $$ for. Gave up. You should really like the tone mic'edup before you go there.

[Glenn F]

Hi, and welcome!

 

The Seagull Artist Mosaic that you mention sells for over

[OldGuitarPlayer]

Hi, and welcome! The Seagull Artist Mosaic that you mention sells for over