any recommendations on smaller-body acoustic electric?

[ismael]

Looking to do some more gigging out and I have such an easier time of it with an OM-sized crappy yamaha that was given to me FOREVER ago than with a dred-sized guitar. Only problem is the neck on the yamaha is THICK as all hell, and if fingers could cry mine would be sobbing : )

 

Anyway, i checked out a few guitars and some of the ones i dig are:

 

breedlove ac25: played it - amazing tone, OM size, but a little thicker body and HEAVY. pinless bridge is cool.

 

takamine ef-261: havent played it, but heard good things

 

Takamine EG544SC: same as other tak, hopefully going to guitar center and playin em both soon

 

budget is anywhere from $500-1000 and would like some electronics and on board tuner if possible (but neither are dealbreakers).

 

let me know - thanks!!

 

jm

[bbrunskill]

Try a Cole Clark angel, that might be in your price range. Or a blueridge?

[AndThinkOfTexas]

Of those you mentioned, I would go with either Tak. I'm a fan, as I use a TAN45C - it's small bodied with curves, which means comfort and style. To me, dreads look a bit boxy and I absolutely can't stand the feel... however, they sound great.

I might also suggest you check out Martin's lower end acoustic-electrics. They have a pretty nice sounding 000 guitar, which I'm sure you'll find hanging in any Guitar Center: http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/Martin-000CX1E-Custom-Solid-Top-Acoustic-Guitar?full_sku=103037842 I use to own one, but sold it for cosmetic reasons - i.e. it wasn't "flashy" enough, but it sounded fantastic for the price. So, maybe check it out? Hope that helps!

[threecar]

I have a EG544SC that I will never sell or trade.

[whit townsend]

Played a little Alvarez the other day that was suprisingly good, I think they wanted around $400 for it. Didnt plug it in. Suprisly rich full sound for small bodied $400 guitar. Only thing I didn't like was the skinny neck. Liked the sound better than comparably priced small bodied Walden, Ibanez, and Art & Luthier guitars in the store that day.

[Freeman Keller]

A singer songwriter friend recently bought a Carvin C980 that sounds pretty good plugged in and has slim neck. A used Taylor 314CE would be in your price range and again has a pretty slim neck.

[T.B.]

Looking to do some more gigging out and I have such an easier time of it with an OM-sized crappy yamaha that was given to me FOREVER ago than with a dred-sized guitar. Only problem is the neck on the yamaha is THICK as all hell, and if fingers could cry mine would be sobbing : ) budget is anywhere from $500-1000 and would like some electronics and on board tuner if possible (but neither are dealbreakers). let me know - thanks!! jm

Jm I would revisit the brand you're playing now, Yamaha. Those thick Yamaha necks are a thing of the past. Here some info:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/document/yamaha/apx_acoustics?doc_id=101216

Trina

[coldfingaz]

For just a couple bucks over your budget, check out a Larrivee L-03E and OM-03E:

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/OM03E.htm


The "L" body size is slightly smaller than a dread and a bit larger than the OM.




For a little more, you could get a Martin 000-15 (all mahogany... retail around $950) with the pick up of your choice installed.

[roadscholar]

Takamine EF261. Great little guitar. Very comfortable to play, decent acoustic sound, great plugged-in. It's the lowest-priced of the made in Japan Taks. I've bought 5 of them used on Ebay over the past several years and never paid more than $400 bucks. (lowest was $217)