Best low-end accoustic

[philbin80]

I'm new to the group. A co-worker came to me since they knew I play guitar, and asked me if a yamaha accoustic was a good guitar to start out with. I recommended that he goes with an all-wood guitar for just a few hundred more, perhaps even find something decent used.

 

My question to the group; in your estimation, what is the best accoustic guitar for under $600 (no electronics)? I recently bought a Taylor 110-E for my son for $660 w/ case included and it's great and much better in so many ways compared to a Big Baby Taylor. I've head about Martin DX1's, but I've never played one I liked. Blueridge is all wood, I think their low-end is a BR-40. It's ok, and I've heard you need to check yourself for quality control. I'm also totally open to help this guy buy something for $4-500 used. Wood matures and generally sounds better after aging. I know Guild's are decent, but honestly haven't played a low-end Guild.

 

Appreciate any feedback.

[BrandonBrinley]

ok i picked up a washburn lyon at target....... its beautiful sounds pretty good no plywood...... never had a problem except for the pickguard .....just couldnt stant it ...... i hate a cheap black pickguard on a natural wood face it

just looks like crap

[rjoxyz]

Would definitely look to Epiphone Masterbilt in the sub-$600 category. I paid $450 for an AJ-500M from Sweetwater (no case). The thing is amazing.

[drnihili]

Well, to start off with, I wouldn't consider a $600 guitar low end, more midrange.

 

At the low end (2-300) I'd say Walden, Art&Lutherie, Washburn, Alvarez.

 

In the 600 range I'd say check out Epiphone Masterbilt and Guild GAD series. Also Seagull, the high end of Walden, etc.

[D18RB100]

I don't think you can go wrong with the Seagull/S&P/A&L/Norman group of guitars in the sub-$400 range. Not sure I ever played one of their solid cedar top guitars I didn't like.

 

I also played a Breedlove AD200/SM the other day and was pleasantly surprised. Much better than any import guitar I've played--and this next part is important--INCLUDING the Blueridges. I think the tag at the store said $499.

 

You can find used Tacoma DM9's for the $400 area, and you can probably find a used Martin D1 about $500. The D1's have a solid top and back, and sound a lot like a bassy D-18.

 

 

Nate

[blu3jenius]

I would check out the Seagull S6 or M6, Washburn Timbercrafts, Guild GAD50, the Epiphone Masterbilts and Alvarez MD90. All in your price range and great guitars.

[EvilTwin]

Another vote for Seagull. Great guitars, regardless of their price tags.

 

Guild's GAD series is phenomenal. My GAD-25 was $489 w/case.

 

You can find used Guilds and Tacomas that are absolute steals.

[Broadus]

I agree that low-end is lower than $600. It depends on how much he can spend. For $200, he can buy a Yamaha FG700S--solid top w/lam sides and back. Nice low action and really good sound.

 

For $600, I definitely would look at the Epi Masterbilts as well as the Walden Natura.

 

You mentioned the Blue Ridge BR-40, but it is not all solid wood, if that's an issue. It has a solid top with lam sides and back.

 

The Seagulls under $600, if I remember correctly, have solid tops and lam sides and back, at least the S6 does.

[catdaddy]

Epi Masterbilts and Godin Guitars (ie Seagull, Norman, A&L, S&P) are incredibly good values below $600.

[mike89914]

I've played the Tacoma DM9C and I actually kind of liked it.

http://www.guitartrader.com/itm.icl?pid=59161&orderidentifier=icat_orderID

all solid for under 500

which is pretty good.

I've only bought from the actual store guitar trader though

I heard the online store is still nice though.