recommendations for new guitar

[selftaughtslug]

Hi all. I'm a self-taught amateur who's half-way decent for an amateur but hasn't grown in skill in the past 25 years or so. I've decided to take some lessons and teach an old chick some new tricks. I've had an Ovation Balladeer for 27 years. Personally I like the sound, but most officianados don't seem to agree with me. At the time I received her, I thought Ovation was the best guitar ever. But I was young and not very experienced. Now I'm just old and inexperienced.

 

I recently broke a tuning peg on my beloved old Ovation, and I'm using that as an excuse to buy a new guitar. With that history in mind... knowing that I'm not a professional and that I'm also not wealthy (actually, the cancer doctors get most of my money ), but that I appreciate a great sounding guitar and I do play it in public from time to time... what would you recommend in the $500-$600 range?

 

So far I've decided I like the sound of a dreadnaught better than most. At this moment, I'm considering a Takamine EG530SSC acoustic/electric. I'm interested in hearing a Luna, but can't seem to get my hands on one, and the Guitar Center folks have never heard of it (have any of you heard of that brand?? The guitars are beautiful -- www.lunaguitars.com-- but I have no idea what the quality is).

[MBWendel]

I've never heard of the brand, selftaught.

 

However, if I were looking for a new instrument I would go to the shop you like and try every single guitar in your price range. The one you like best, should be the one to go home with you.

 

Good luck, selftaught!

[KATMAN]

Check out the new Guild GAD's.They're in your price and very good sounding.Also,Epiphone Masterbuilts are getting a decent name here,might want to check them out as well.

[knockwood]

Welcome to the forum, STS!

 

I'm not too familiar with Ovations. Whatever you're playing, though, if YOU like the sound, that's the whole story. Replacing your blown tuning machine should be a pretty easy and inexpensive DIY fix. Any idea what kind of tuning machines you have on the ovation? Pics?

 

As for new dreadnaughts in the 5 - 6 hunnert range, there's some good stuff out there. I would suggest a look at the Epiphone Masterbilt DR-500M (in mahogany), DR-500R (rosewood), AJ-500M and R, Guild GAD-40C and GAD-50, and anything in the Godin line (Seagull, Simon & Patrick, Norman). Since you have a Guitar Center near you, they should carry many of these guitars (not sure about Godin).

 

If you've played the Takamine you're considering, and you like it, OK. Otherwise, I'd skip it. Unless you are planning to play live, I would also skip the electronics. You will get much more guitar for your money in that price range without the electronics; also, they can always be added down the road pretty easily, and you'll be choosing them instead of the manufacturer choosing for you... and you won't have to put a gaping hole in the side of your guitar.

 

Hope I'm not just blah'ing stuff you already know - sorry if I am - but the vast majority of the dreadnaughts you'll encounter will have either mahogany or rosewood back and sides. You should try out as many of each as you can to get a sense of where your preference is. There's an endless debate about how much back/side wood species impacts tone; the one certainty is that there is an impact. Some of us think it is very significant. I won't get into what I think each sounds like - I'd fail hideously. Rosewood will tend to be a little more expensive, but don't let this give the impression that it is somehow "better." Rose and mahogany are totally different animals.

 

Luna Guitars: Don't do it. One of the more important features of a good acoustic is that it should have a solid top. "Select Spruce" in the top descriptions of the Luna guitars I've just taken a look at is generally code for "Laminated." There are some great-sounding laminated-top guitars out there; however, unless you have the opportunity to play it before you buy it, I do not suggest buying a laminated top - Luna appears to be a direct-order company, so I don't think you're likely to run into them at GC. Also, frankly they look like cutesy Gimmick instruments designed more to market to a target demographic than to sound and play well - any manufacturer focus on prettification will detract from focus on critical elements of sound construction and playability.

 

Try out as many guitars as you can, ask questions, spend some time in this forum. And have fun looking!

[blimpo]

Don't overlook the new Morgan Monroes.

 

I bought a M 20 (solid rosewood-spruce top) for well under a $1000 and it has some of the nicest tones I've heard from an acoustic.

[T.B.]

Welcome. Checkout Parkwood Models, at your local Guitar Center..... fine, fine, guitars. IMO.

 

Trina

[selftaughtslug]

Thanks for the detailed reply, Knock. Can you tell me what it is about the Taks that makes you not recommend them?

 

I admit I've waffled over the electronics. But I'm always wishing I had a built-in pick-up (and the tuner is cool!) whenever I do play live (I do occasionally, and hope to do more of it). And I don't like adding one to a guitar. I had a rinkydink set-up on my Ovation. Thank heavens those guitars are durable!

 

I played an Epiphone that I really liked, but I didn't note the model. It was actually pretty inexpensive, so that made me think maybe it was an inferior guitar. But it sounded nice to me!

 

Thanks to everyone for their recommendations. Keep em comin please! I'm going to a guitar show this weekend, so I'd like to have lots of info in my back pocket.

[knockwood]

 

Thanks for the detailed reply, Knock. Can you tell me what it is about the Taks that makes you not recommend them? I admit I've waffled over the electronics. But I'm always wishing I had a built-in pick-up (and the tuner is cool!) whenever I do play live (I do occasionally, and hope to do more of it). And I don't like adding one to a guitar. I had a rinkydink set-up on my Ovation. Thank heavens those guitars are durable! I played an Epiphone that I really liked, but I didn't note the model. It was actually pretty inexpensive, so that made me think maybe it was an inferior guitar. But it sounded nice to me! Thanks to everyone for their recommendations. Keep em comin please! I'm going to a guitar show this weekend, so I'd like to have lots of info in my back pocket.

 

 

I have nothing at all against Taks, honestly. I think they make some good guitars. The particular model you mentioned above just seems not to offer specs as good as you can get in your price range - although I'll admit that if you're going to put electronics in a guitar's side, that side is perhaps better off being laminated (as it is on the EG530SSC). As with electronics, unless you really play above the 14th fret often enough so that you need a cutaway, I'd say ditch the cutaway. It is an expensive construction element, so again you're losing bang for buck by adding a cutaway if it isn't needed. Mostly what I meant was not that I'd reject the Tak out of hand, but considering the price vs. the specs, I wouldn't buy that particular git without the opportunity to try it in person first.

 

Great that you're going to a guitar show! I wish we had those things more often in NY.

[guitarist21]

I played an Epiphone that I really liked, but I didn't note the model. It was actually pretty inexpensive, so that made me think maybe it was an inferior guitar. But it sounded nice to me!

 

Epi Masterbilts are awesome. Right in your price range, too. I highly recommend them. They are pretty inexpensive but they are not inferior to anything, IMO.

 

As for your electronics thing, if you're mostly playing solo, I recommend you get an Epi Masterbilt and put an after-market pickup in. Most of the Epi Masterbilt models have a variation that comes with built-in electronics and, while functional, are not my cup of tea. I recommend you get a DR or AJ model and then explore some pickup options like a K&K Pure Western Mini. That's what I generally use for my solo shows (in my Masterbilt!) and it sounds fabulous.

 

Other than that, Knock's posts pretty much said everything.

 

Ellen

[Hudman]

Welcome to the forum Selftaught.

 

Knockwood gave you some excellent suggestions. I think Epiphone Masterbilt, Bluerdige, Guild GAD Series and Parkwood make some great solid wood guitars in your price range.

 

I got a Guild GAD 30R a few days ago and I am loving it. It's an OM sized guitar.

 

You may want to check out the Guild GAD 50. It's a dread featuring all solid wood construction and is available in a variety of finishes. It has an ebony fretboard, ebony bridge pins, wood bindings, a bone nut and a bone saddle. It comes with a nice hardshell tweed case.

 

You can order one from Instrument Pro for $665.99. You can take 5% off that price by using code - AFF01 at checkout. That will knock the price down to apprx. $635.00.

 

Check it out here: http://www.instrumentpro.com/P-GUI3810500.html

 

Here's some more info:

 

Guild GAD-50 Features:

Body Style: Dreadnaught.

 

Top: Solid Spruce.

Bracing: Scalloped.

Back:Solid Indian Rosewood.

Sides:Solid Indian Rosewood.

Neck: 1-Piece Mahogany.

Width at Nut: 1-11/16".

Fretboard: Indian Rosewood (12" Radius).

Scale Length: 25 1/2".

No. of Frets: 20.

Machine Heads: Grover Rotomatic Die-cast Tuners.

Bridge: Indian Rosewood Pin Bridge.

Hardware: Chrome.

Color: (821) Natural.

Finish: High Gloss (Polyester).

Dovetail Neck Joint.

Pearl Dot Position Inlays.

Pearl Headstock Logo.

Ebony Bridge Pins.

Bone Nut and Saddle.

Wood Bindings.

Clear Pickguard.

Includes Deluxe Hardshell Case.

[brahmz118]

I'm intrigued by Luna Guitars. The website does seem a bit too New Age-y, and the included Acoustic Guitar magazine review is good but not great. But they do have a long list of fairly recognizable endorsers. And some of their models do have solid tops.

 

Nothing wrong with their intentions -- guitars that are lighter and more comfortable for women to play. If you're undergoing chemotherapy, I could understand keeping comfort at or near the top of your list. I tend to find Ovations a bit underpowered, but maybe yours was a good fit. One of my guitar-playing female colleagues says that a short-scale Applause (Ovation) guitar is the most comfortable guitar she's ever encountered.

 

For now I think I agree with knockwood, that it's not worth taking a gamble on Luna. The fact that their founder is an artist, not a builder / tech, makes me wonder if she really was able to call the shots in the Chinese factory where the guitars are built.

 

But I'm always on the lookout for guitars that are easier for children and / or women to play -- I have female students and work with kids quite often. If I hear anything more about these Luna guitars I'll report back.

 

Best of luck in your cancer fight. This is one of the things I believe music was meant for.

[babablowfish]

Welcome to the forum!. You've already gotten some solid advice, so I'll spare you my 2 cents.

 

Also it's nice to have some more women on the forum. So far as I can tell Ellen, Trina and Rada have been holding down the fort for some time now.

[selftaughtslug]

Wow, you guys really seem to be steering me away from acoustic/electric. Hmmmmmmm. I've been having an inner battle about it myself. (Doncha just HATE those things? Who wins??) And I know you're right about the cutaway. I don't need it... but it seems like all the models I've tried so far happen to be cutaways. I will definitely try to find a Guild (and Morgan, and Parkwood) to try, and I'll double check that Epiphone that I played and find out what it was.

 

I'm learning a lot! Thank you! I can't wait to get my new baby, whatever it might be, so that I can start lessons and expand my skills. Woo hoo! (Why did I wait so long?!) There's not much on earth that I enjoy more than playing and singing.

[selftaughtslug]

Does anyone know anything about the Guild Madeira (1970's)??

[T.B.]

 

Does anyone know anything about the Guild Madeira (1970's)??

 

 

 

70's era Japanese import with design licensed by Guild. The Madeira models had laminated spruce top, laminated mahogany or rosewood back and sides. Guild style pick-guard. There OK. Some folks collect them. But if you have $500 - $600 you can pick up a nice Guild GAD Series Guitar.

Trina

[Hamhand]

I have a rosewood Guild and think it's an awesome guitar. But I also have a 1981 maple body Ibanez that I love. Everything depends on how it feels and sounds to you. No more, no less. Play every guitar you can, then pick. I love this place. No matter how many times this gets asked, I always find another angle to consider, that pops up in the replies.

[ESL94]

 

Check out the new Guild GAD's.They're in your price and very good sounding.Also,Epiphone Masterbuilts are getting a decent name here,might want to check them out as well.

 

 

Guild GAD's & Masterbuilts are a good way to for the $.

 

http://www.guildguitars.com/instruments/search.php?section=acoustics&cat=gadseries

 

GAD's will have solid top, back and sides; bone nut and saddle, wood bindings, rosewood fingerboard and bridge, pearl logo and pearl dot inlay.

 

I like the GAD 30, myself for less than $700. & it comes with a hard case.

[selftaughtslug]

Okay today I played an Epi Masterbuilt and then a Parkwood. They sounded similar and felt similar, but I could tell the Parkwood needed some adjustment and new strings. The sales guy adjusted the neck and put new strings on it, and WOW! It sounded a lot better than the Epi. I was tempted to have him put new strings on the Epi too, but decided to have pity on them since they were short-handed due to the upcoming guitar show. The Parkwood was actually marked down to $399. I'm tempted to just buy it... but I hate to do it before going to the guitar show and trying more guitars out.

[knockwood]

 

Okay today I played an Epi Masterbuilt and then a Parkwood. They sounded similar and felt similar, but I could tell the Parkwood needed some adjustment and new strings. The sales guy adjusted the neck and put new strings on it, and WOW! It sounded a lot better than the Epi. I was tempted to have him put new strings on the Epi too, but decided to have pity on them since they were short-handed due to the upcoming guitar show. The Parkwood was actually marked down to $399. I'm tempted to just buy it... but I hate to do it before going to the guitar show and trying more guitars out.

 

 

Probably wise to wait. Parkwoods will still be around after the guitar show - I've never played one but have never heard a single negative comment about them. Nothing but raves. Do you remember which model you tried out?

[rangerrick]

Hi all. I'm a self-taught amateur who's half-way decent for an amateur but hasn't grown in skill in the past 25 years or so. I've decided to take some lessons and teach an old chick some new tricks. I've had an Ovation Balladeer for 27 years. Personally I like the sound, but most officianados don't seem to agree with me. At the time I received her, I thought Ovation was the best guitar ever. But I was young and not very experienced. Now I'm just old and inexperienced. I recently broke a tuning peg on my beloved old Ovation, and I'm using that as an excuse to buy a new guitar. With that history in mind... knowing that I'm not a professional and that I'm also not wealthy (actually, the cancer doctors get most of my money ), but that I appreciate a great sounding guitar and I do play it in public from time to time... what would you recommend in the $500-$600 range? So far I've decided I like the sound of a dreadnaught better than most. At this moment, I'm considering a Takamine EG530SSC acoustic/electric. I'm interested in hearing a Luna, but can't seem to get my hands on one, and the Guitar Center folks have never heard of it (have any of you heard of that brand?? The guitars are beautiful -- www.lunaguitars.com-- but I have no idea what the quality is).

 

Wow, sounds like me a few years ago. I think you could be very happy with a Seagull, or a Simon-Patrick. I have a Simon Patrick with a cedar top and it has a great sound, although after looking all over and trying everything I did eventually buy a Martin D-35 (love that big bass boom) still the other day I was practicing on the old S&P and my wife commented on how nice it sounded.

[larry50]

Used Larrivee OM-03 or OM-03R

[blimpo]

 

Welcome to the forum!. You've already gotten some solid advice, so I'll spare you my 2 cents. Also it's nice to have some more women on the forum. So far as I can tell Ellen, Trina and Rada have been holding down the fort for some time now.

 

 

 

 

Gabby Hayes was awesome.

 

These old character actors raised those movies and shows to a new level...

[athomas]

hey

 

When I started playing the guitar I had an Ibanez which was ok cause I was learning and didn't know any better. But then I got a Takamine EG*&$% and a Ovation 12-String Balladeer (bad choice!).

For me it is all about the sound getting better with age and the Ovation I thought got worse and the Takamine stayed about the same. I sold both and I got a Martin DC-1E a lower end Martin for about 899$ and oh boy!! it is awomse and the sound just keeps getting better.

 

Even if it is little over budget I would reccommend getting a Lower end martin with or without the pickup. If you are looking for a Dreadnought, the Martin's are the best. Buy a used one if money is an issue, but go with a Martin.

 

It is all in the construction!!

Good Luck!!

[jeffcoop]

I had a Takamine EG530SC (the predecessor of the current SSC) a few years ago--got it for $350 at the Guitar Center Memorial Day sale in 2004. At the time, I was looking for something to supplement my beloved but sadly damaged Guild D25. The Tak's electronics were decent, but ultimately I found the acoustic sound lacking. I'm not going to get the terminology right, but while individual notes sounded okay, the guitar's overall sound just didn't integrate. I wound up selling the guitar in less than a year (although I now kind of wish I had it back--I need something I can play when my rambunctious small children are around, and it would be good enough for that purpose). In any event, for the $599 that the Tak now usually sells for, you can do a lot better.

 

I play the Epiphone Masterbilts every time I'm in Guitar Center, and I really like them. Last time, I played a Parkwood for the first time and thought it was pretty good. The Guild GAD series is also good. There are some excellent guitars coming out of China in the $400-500 range these days.

[jeffcoop]

Bump for an update. See anything at the Dallas show?