Time for a new acoustic - suggestions?

[dawolfe02]

Hello,

 

I have a Washburn D10 acoustic/electric cutaway currently, but am thinking of upgrading to something a little more expensive. I play a variety of styles, but mainly modern worship music and fingerpicking. I would prefer an acoustic electric, but might settle for no electronics if I found the right deal.

 

I am thinking of trying to find something USED in the $400-600 range. I've been to the music store to see what I like. Only problem is, I liked pretty much everything I picked up!

 

I'm currently thinking maybe a sagull or alvarez, but am not really sure what else is out there. I played my friend's Taylor 110 and was not particularly impressed for the $. My girlfriend's Seagull SM6 on the other hand was very nice. Well, any suggestions would be great. Also, suggestions on where to find deals on used guitars?

 

Thanks,

Dave

 

PS: I know there are probably a ton of threads just like this already, but I couldn't find a search function on here?

[Dan Hall]

 

Hello, I have a Washburn D10 acoustic/electric cutaway currently, but am thinking of upgrading to something a little more expensive. I play a variety of styles, but mainly modern worship music and fingerpicking. I would prefer an acoustic electric, but might settle for no electronics if I found the right deal. I am thinking of trying to find something USED in the $400-600 range. I've been to the music store to see what I like. Only problem is, I liked pretty much everything I picked up! I'm currently thinking maybe a sagull or alvarez, but am not really sure what else is out there. I played my friend's Taylor 110 and was not particularly impressed for the $. My girlfriend's Seagull SM6 on the other hand was very nice. Well, any suggestions would be great. Also, suggestions on where to find deals on used guitars? Thanks, Dave PS: I know there are probably a ton of threads just like this already, but I couldn't find a search function on here?

 

I don't think most guitar shops fool much with used guitars in that class. At least not the shops I've been to. I wouldn't have the least bit of worry about using Ebay. Having said that I think that it's real important to check all the details and especially to pay attention the sellers feedback. What to buy? If you look through the last few weeks of threads you'll find a lot of discussion about Larrivee, Norman, Seagull, Art & Lutherie and Epiphone Masterbuilt. I recently selected a nylon string Alverez for my niece and it seemed like a pretty nice guitar. Other than that I just haven't played enough of them to say much. In the Larrivee you would be looking at the L-03 and D-03 in that price range used. These are very nice guitars. There is a beautiful Morgan Spruce and Mahogany OMM listed on Ebay right now at $700 with no reserve IIRC. That's a high end guitar listing new at about $2400

 

As is so often said here. Go out to all the guitar shops in your area and play stuff. As many brands and sizes as you can. You can get a used Martin D-15 or 000-15 in that price range. Those are mahogany top guitars, very under rated IMO. There are also folks on here that speak in reverent tones about early Yamaha's too. Play, be patient and buy when you are confident about what you are looking at. I'm more or less in the same boat you are except I'm in a bit higher bracket.

[emuhunter]

I can say I own two nice (at least in my opinion) acoustic guitars, as well as a few other junkers: my Gibson J30, and my Art and Lutherie Wild Cherry. Art and Lutheries are great!!

[sumpm1]

 

PS: I know there are probably a ton of threads just like this already, but I couldn't find a search function on here?

 

 

Yeah, it's a shame that the search is down. Just look through the topics, there's got to be a thread a couple of days old that lists basically ALL of the contenders. The "best guitar under $500" threads are some of the most popular in this forum.

[Freeman Keller]

Dave, one brand that is most associated with "praise and worship" playing is Taylors. I agree with you about the 1xx series, but if you could ratchet up to about a grand you could get a new 214E (from MF and others) or a nice used 314CE. You frequently see plain 314's (no cut or electronics) for $700 or a little more - mine is a really nice fingerpicker and strummer.

 

This used to be the "Taylor forum" and their buy and sell is always good

 

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/index.php

 

Other brands that get a lot of good reviews here are Seagulls, Epi Masterbuilts and Larrivees. Many of us think that a good used Yamaha (emphasis on "good") can be a great guitar - shop carefully on evil-bay.

 

But take your time too and enjoy the whole shopping experience.

[babablowfish]

There are a couple of Yamaha FG-340s on eBay right now.

 

http://search-desc.ebay.com/search/search.dll?sofocus=bs&sbrftog=1&catref=C6&from=R10&fstype=1&satitle=Yamaha+FG-340&sacat=619%26catref%3DC6&fts=2&floc=1&sargn=-1%26saslc%3D1&sadis=200&fpos=01830&sappl=1&ftrt=1&ftrv=1&saprclo=&saprchi=&fsop=2%26fsoo%3D2&coaction=compare&copagenum=1&coentrypage=search

 

These give you a lot of quality for the money. You can get one and put a pickup in for short money.

[dawolfe02]

Thanks for all the replies! I guess I will have to keep Taylor in my list of possibilities. My girlfriend's mom has a 314CE, which is very nice, but it seems quiet. Is this typical of the model? How will a 214 compare to the 314?

 

I've heard a lot of talk about Larrivee's, but haven't seen any at local stores. Maybe they are not real common up here in Wisconsin? Or maybe I'm just not looking at the right places.

 

And I am glad to hear that good deals can be found on Ebay. Sometimes I am iffy about buying a product I can't feel first, but if other people are doing it and are satisfied, I guess I'll take a look as well!

 

Keep the suggestions coming if you've got more! Thanks!

[T.B.]

Price range of $400 - $600 ............ you could get a Guild GAD new. They have some for sale now on eBay.

 

Trina

[Dan Hall]

I misspoke before. It's not a $700 Morgan, it's a $700 OM-2 Larrivee.

 

http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=013&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWA%3AIT&viewitem=&item=230075595456&rd=1&rd=1

[Freeman Keller]

 

Thanks for all the replies! I guess I will have to keep Taylor in my list of possibilities. My girlfriend's mom has a 314CE, which is very nice, but it seems quiet. Is this typical of the model? How will a 214 compare to the 314?

 

 

 

That is what the E is for LOL. Yeah, I would say my 314 is quieter than my triple ought or my old dread for sure. And frankly I can't comment that much about the 214 - I'm pretty sure it is a slightly different ES system (I think they call it ES Blue) than the rest of the line, and I also think the neck is 1-11/16, where most of the 3xx and up are 1-3/4. Played one a long time ago, thought it was nice, kinda forgot about it....

 

My wife bought my 314 on the 'bay and the experience (and guitar) was totally good. It had been purchased to do a recording, and the warranty was never registered, so for all practical purposes I got a new guitar.

[kenadyan]

First time posting on these forums, but I, like you, have a Washburn D10S (acoustic only).

 

When I wanted to upgrade to an acoustic-electric I went with a Carvin Cobalt acoustic-electric C850T (at the time they didn't include a tuner with the on-board electronics -- now they do) after trying out my pastor's C750T.

 

The only difference between the C750T ($559) and the C850T ($639) besides the price is that the C750T has Mahogany back and sides while the C850T has Rosewood back and sides. Both come with the Fishman Matrix Pre-amp.

 

I love the guitar. Low action, no fret buzz, great sound. I use it mainly is to play in our Praise and Worship band at church.

 

You can check them out a www.carvin.com.

 

Also, as others have stated you can find good deals on Taylors and Takamine's on ebay. Other members in our Praise and Worship band use Taks.

 

However, my advice, if it is at all possible is to try any guitar (or at least the exact same make and model) before you buy. It is the best way to determine whether or not you will like the guitar.

[Freeman Keller]

 

First time posting on these forums, but I, like you, have a Washburn D10S (acoustic only). When I wanted to upgrade to an acoustic-electric I went with a Carvin Cobalt acoustic-electric C850T (at the time they didn't include a tuner with the on-board electronics -- now they do) after trying out my pastor's C750T.

 

 

Hey, Ken, welcome. I played a Cobalt C980 a few weeks ago and was favorably impressed with it. One advantage/disadvange of the Carvins is that you can't go into your local store and try it - they only deal thru mail order. But, as I understand it, they have a pretty liberal return policy - pay the shipping and send it back for full refund (please confirm that). My friend got one but was really dissatisfied with some QC issues. returned it and the second one was very nice. My humble observations based on 20 minutes of playing in a noisy room - nice low action and thin neck, sounded better plugged in than unplugged (but again, the conditions were bad for unplugged), the finish and details were very nice, I don't happen to like barn door electronics in any git, but all in all I would consider it for someone like the original poster, Dave. Cobalts are, I believe, solid tops and laminated b & s if that matters.

[DeepEnd]

I'm in agreement with Freeman about built-in electronics. Spend about $450 on the guitar and plan top spend another $150 on electronics. I checked Musician's Friend to get some ideas and came up with a tentative list of possibilities, ranging from about $380-450:

 

Seagull S6

Washburn D46S (in case you want another Washburn)

Alvarez AJ60S

Alvarez AD80S

Alvarez PD80S

Blueridge BR-40

Blueridge BR-43

Blueridge BR-63

Blueridge BR-70

Blueridge BG-40

Ibanez ArtWood AW500

Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500RC

 

You already know about Seagull and Washburn. Alvarez, Blueridge, and Epiphone Masterbilt all have strong followings. The Ibanez AW500 deserves your attention because they're made by the same folks (Cort) who make Carvin Cobalts, to similar specs. I play an ArtWood myself, also praise, and it's a dynamite guitar for the money. Walden is another brand that has a loyal following. None of these is going to blow a Taylor away but some of them are truly excellent for the money.

[kenadyan]

 

One advantage/disadvange of the Carvins is that you can't go into your local store and try it - they only deal thru mail order. But, as I understand it, they have a pretty liberal return policy - pay the shipping and send it back for full refund (please confirm that) . My friend got one but was really dissatisfied with some QC issues. returned it and the second one was very nice. My humble observations based on 20 minutes of playing in a noisy room - nice low action and thin neck, sounded better plugged in than unplugged (but again, the conditions were bad for unplugged), the finish and details were very nice, I don't happen to like barn door electronics in any git, but all in all I would consider it for someone like the original poster, Dave. Cobalts are, I believe, solid tops and laminated b & s if that matters.

 

 

Yes, Carvin has a 10-day return policy. If you are not satisfied within 10 days of when you receive the guitar, you can send it back for a full refund.

 

I agree that it is a disadvantage that they are only mail order (unless you live in San Diego or Sacramento -- I believe Carvin has a store in each of those cities).

 

As I mentioned I only got mine after trying out my pastor's and then I did a lot of research (including calling Carvin multiple times to ask a boatload of questions regarding the Cobalt's). I also tried out some Taks, Martins, and Taylors (at the local GC) before deciding to go with the Cobalt.

 

On a side note, right before Christmas, I added a Cobalt C980T12 (12-string) to my collection. However, after four weeks, I've already broken the high G-string (while re-tuning) and after reading some of the recommendations on these forums have decided to tune the 12 down a whole tone and capo at the second fret to save the neck.

[Tony Burns]

You might want to check out some of the Chinese Guild gads and Bluridge brand.

[Freeman Keller]

 

On a side note, right before Christmas, I added a Cobalt C980T12 (12-string) to my collection. However, after four weeks, I've already broken the high G-string (while re-tuning) and after reading some of the recommendations on these forums have decided to tune the 12 down a whole tone and capo at the second fret to save the neck.

 

 

You better come over to the Cafe'

12 String Cafe'

[tm1951]

Check out the manufacturer web sites for dealers in Wisconsin.

http://www.larrivee.com/flash/dealers/usa/wi.htm

http://www.seagullguitars.com/dealerswi.htm

If you're around Milwaukee try Cream City (Warpdrive) for Seagulls. At times they're had a large selection to try.

[riknofx]

Just wanted to +1 the epi masterbuilts. I played a couple at my local and they smoked everything else in the room. I also really liked a guild GAD but the epi's have a much louder and rich sound right off the floor.

Good Luck and happy hunting.