First 'lifetime' acoustic

[funes]

I'm predominantly an electric guitar player and I've never owned anything but cheap acoustics. I'm looking to step up to a 'lifetime' instrument, and am looking for opinions about what I should be evaluating.

 

I don't anticipate buying many acoustic guitars in my life, so I need a balanced instrument that can cover as many styles as possible. I'm a rock/blues player by nature but do like to dabble in other genres.

 

I'd like some onboard electronics, but I'm not too picky about that. Playability is a prime concern, and I definitely think I'd prefer a cutaway. Budget is under $2000, under $1500 if possible.

 

I've been looking at the Taylor, Martin, and Gibson lines but haven't played much yet. Can anyone help narrow down the field?

 

Thanks.

[viguitar]

I play a Taylor T5, It's a rather amazing instrument. However, mine is a Koa, but they sell spruce etc for under 2,000 dollars. I don't think you can really go wrong either way.

[nylon rock]

I am a Martin man, I think. But I played a cedar topped, rosewood B/S, with electronics Breedlove concert model from GC on Sunday and really liked it. Performance Series, I believe.

 

It is $2699, definitely worth the extra $400 if you could get it for 40% off on line. $3999 x .6 = $2400.

 

Killer guitar with a cut away because that's the Breedlove look.

 

But you might want a Martin since you have to own at least one in a lifetime, IMHO.

[sdelsolray]

 

Originally posted by funes I'm predominantly an electric guitar player and I've never owned anything but cheap acoustics. I'm looking to step up to a 'lifetime' instrument, and am looking for opinions about what I should be evaluating. I don't anticipate buying many acoustic guitars in my life, so I need a balanced instrument that can cover as many styles as possible. I'm a rock/blues player by nature but do like to dabble in other genres. I'd like some onboard electronics, but I'm not too picky about that. Playability is a prime concern, and I definitely think I'd prefer a cutaway. Budget is under $2000, under $1500 if possible. I've been looking at the Taylor, Martin, and Gibson lines but haven't played much yet. Can anyone help narrow down the field? Thanks.

 

 

There are numerous excellent guitars in your budget range. For sure check out the major manufacturers - Martin, Taylor, Larrivee, Gibson. You may wish to invesitgate some fo the smaller builders, many of whom make great instruments. David Webber, Trevor Kronbauer, John How, to name but a few.

 

Since you are already an experienced player, your best bang for the buck will be with a used instrument. Used gutiars by Huss & Dalton, Froggy Bottom, Santa Cruz, among many others, might be within reach.

[rhat]

Taylor or martin .... the less on board electonics the better. You want to be able to plug it in ,Under the saddle and a end pin jack ., but have all the do dads external to the guitar ,, keep it simple. Remember its a lifetime instrument. I have a jubal dred with an under the saddle pickup . I use a baggs gig pro. rat

[t60 fan]

I played a Santa Cruz at GC a year ago or so that I absolutely loved. Used, about $1700. Would have taken it home if I had the money.

[Freeman Keller]

Funes, welcome to the group. The good part of your delima is that we truely are in a Golden Era of acoustic guitars and you have a lot of wonderful choices in that price range. Like NR, I'm a Martin sort of guy, but I also own a Taylor, and you are going to hear from folks on this forum who love their Larrivees or Gibbies or Epies (or even their Estabans ).

 

Wanting a cutaway will take a lot of guitars out of consideration (Martin has relatively few cuts, but some nice ones), but it does increase you chances of getting good factory electronics. Since cuts appeal to electric players like yourself, many times you will get both. However, don't let the lack of electronics stop you - it is very easy to add a quality pickup (much harder to add the cut).

 

When selecting a "lifetime" guitar I think it is important to really think about your music and where it is going. I bought a beautiful Martin years ago, but it is the wrong guitar for the way I play. I've kept it for 30 years, a lifetime in some books, but I play mainly my newer gits more because they suit my style.

 

So the important point is not that Keller likes a certain guitar - but that YOU like it. Take your time (put your $1500 in a cd and watch it earn interest) and get out and play everything you can. Different sizes, shapes, tonewoods, and manufacturers. Come back here and ask questions, but take your time and the right guitar will find you.

[funes]

I appreciate all the fast responses.

 

I guess I'm a bit hesitant to trust my ear and buy a guitar that's right for the kind of music I play because I don't want it to be self-limiting. The truth is that I don't really have an acoustic 'style' and I want a tool that can help me develop one.

 

I'm also a bit hesitant to buy a used acoustic guitar because of all the potential pitfalls of poor storage and care by the previous owner. I've bought almost exclusively used electrics, but I'm not sure I want to go that direction with an acoustic.

 

Keller - how do you like your 314? (when the wonderful wife isn't looking, that is!) Seems to be a good value.

[Hudman]

Ask Whalebot. He buys a new "lifetime acoustic" every 6 weeks.

 

[bjorn-fjord]

IMO, the Martin OM or OOO are the most versatile guitars on the planet. They are equally suited to fingerstyle, strumming, and flat-picking.

[Freeman Keller]

 

Originally posted by funes Keller - how do you like your 314? (when the wonderful wife isn't looking, that is!) Seems to be a good value.

 

 

It is a great little guitar, and I would say that the x14 Taylors are "do it all" boxes. I mostly finger pick it, but it strums fine and can even stand up to a flatpick. The 314CE should be on your list to at least look at.

 

Taylors do have a slightly wider fingerboard than many guitars (which I like for fingerstyle), and they do have a lower profile "fast" neck that a lot of electric players like. New they come set up very easy to play, again, something people new to acoustics like.

 

I play it for the wonderful woman that gave it to me and will keep it forever - but, honestly, and I say this because she doesn't read this forum, had I been choosing it, it would have been an OM-21.

[Cldplytkmn]

alright... unique situation since you're trying to establish an acoustic 'style'... you've got tons of options... I would probably suggest getting something like an Epi Masterbuilt to start with... not necessarily a masterbuilt, but something thats high quality and a great value... play the hell out of it and figure out what you want an acoustic guitar to be for you... when you've established your preferences you can then buy your 'be all, end all' acoustic... hell it may be the guitar you already bought and you just saved $1300...

 

just my thoughts... rambling... whatever...

[t60 fan]

 

Originally posted by Cldplytkmn alright... unique situation since you're trying to establish an acoustic 'style'... you've got tons of options... I would probably suggest getting something like an Epi Masterbuilt to start with... not necessarily a masterbuilt, but something thats high quality and a great value... play the hell out of it and figure out what you want an acoustic guitar to be for you... when you've established your preferences you can then buy your 'be all, end all' acoustic... hell it may be the guitar you already bought and you just saved $1300... just my thoughts... rambling... whatever...

 

 

 

Good...rambling...advice.

 

Lot of people start with Seaguls.

[rhat]

I would go play some guitars .... play some high zoot stuff. Then play some mid price guitars. You will know whats for you. rat

[AK47]

Hey funes welcome to the forum. Start taking regular pilgrimages to your local GC, Sam ash or whatever music stores that are available to you. Sit in the acoustic room and just play guitars all day. After a few visits you'll find that some guitars just tend to inspire you. When we know what types of guitars inspire you we may have ideas on other things to try. When everything is done only you will know what guitar is calling your name. A lifetime guitar is like a marriage. would you marry someone because someone else told you to?

[d28andm1911a1]

If you buy a guitar with built in elec it's not a lifetime guitar.

Would you want to be using the pickup technology from 1960?

[nylon rock]

I play only acoustics nowadays...but I have a decidedly definite electric style. So playing electric on acoustic is a great style. To be able to make an acoustic sound like all the great songs you've grown up hearing, that were done with electric guitars, is definitely an enjoyable approach to acoustic playing.

 

Still recommend the Breedlove.

 

To get the buying experience working for you, go to the music stores on off hours and off days. Wear soft clothing that obviously shows that you will not scuff up the instruments. Sweaters or sweatshirts that cover a belt buckel are best. Do no damage, a very good policy with acoustics because they damage from just coins in your pocket slapping the lower bout as you let the guitar swing by your leg when holding it from the nut area as you walk around to bring them down or put them back. Shift that sort of pocket stuff to your left pocket and always carry the guitars with your right arm.

 

Buying is really a fun experience, by the way. I absolutely love checking out beautiful new instruments that are in pristine shape, the way the manufacturer intended them.

 

Get one of those Planet Waves S.O.S. tuners and keep it in your pocket with a guitar pick you're used to playing with. Tune up the guitars you are really interested in, and play them when no one is around. If someone starts playing near you, move away, preferably to a private room. If you show real interest, as though a buyer, the sales help will leave you be. If you come into the store as though you are trying to pick up an impromptu jam with others, they'll get pissed. So stay on your own away from the madding crowd.

 

Play the songs you usually play on electric and see if you get the same aspirations.

 

After a few weekends of doing this, you will be a much better educated shopper. Buy a book on buying guitars. They're out there. Books are great to satisfy your GAS since they are cheap and well worth the expense when you consider that guitars cost one hundred times as much.

 

Be in no rush. Once you buy a guitar, there will always be nagging doubts that you bought the wrong instrument from maybe three choices you had been seriously considering. So take the time to narrow the major contenders down to the one. Then you can live with yourself.

[whit townsend]

Lifetime acoustic? So may choices, depends on the plan for your life I guess.

Mine is a Martin D28 Standard model, purchased new in 1986.

Its a great bluegrass rhythm jamming guitar. Built like a tank, and powerful. Not as delicate tonewise as an HD Model, but it cuts thru well for flatpicked leads considering its rosewood and not an 18.

I'd love to have me a nice J45 for country and rock.

I've played some amazing Santa Cruz, Collins, Guilds, Laravies, Taylors, and who knows what else.

The big buzz nowadays amoung the bluegrass flatpickers are dreads by a guy name Dana Bouguias.

 

Right now I'm jonesing for a Taylor T5, not so much for the acoustic qualities, but a how it feels and plays thru a Fender Twin!

[pkrider]

I've played a Martin HD-28 for 12 years, and it's blown away everything in it's path until my recent purchase of a Santa Cruz "D"! HD-28's with pups show up on ebay going for 1200-1500 all the time and the santa cruz will probably be a little more. Also, the cutaway feature might be unnecessary. Play your electric for those moments you want to shred up the neck, and use the acoustic's rich tones for bottom end support to your vocals.

 

Have fun.... play as many as you can, and shop local if you can.

 

PK

[kwakatak]

My suggestion is the Larriv

[Eracer]

First let me say that I am a fairly new player, and a new member of the forum. I hope to learn much from the rest of you.

 

I looked at this post and wondered why I didn't see Ovation mentioned as a good "lifetime guitar"

 

Not that I'm really looking for validation of anything. I'm very happy with the tone, sustain, and playability of my new Elite LX. It has very quiet and good sounding electronics, and the build quality seems (to my eyes) to be top-notch. It fits right in the budget range of what Funes was looking for. It retails for $2300, and I paid $1300 for it as a Kamen factory-refurb.

 

But I wonder, since I didn't read a single post mentioning Ovation - do guitarists who have been "in the game" for a long time think that the top-level Ovations simply aren't in the same league as mid-range Taylor, Martin's, etc.?

 

Again - I love my Ovation (although the neck profile could be a bit thinner - I guess I'll just have to work hard at building muscle tone in my fretting hand).

 

Thanks for listening.

[Dave W.]

 

Originally posted by Eracer First let me say that I am a fairly new player, and a new member of the forum. I hope to learn much from the rest of you. I looked at this post and wondered why I didn't see Ovation mentioned as a good "lifetime guitar" Not that I'm really looking for validation of anything. I'm very happy with the tone, sustain, and playability of my new Elite LX. It has very quiet and good sounding electronics, and the build quality seems (to my eyes) to be top-notch. It fits right in the budget range of what Funes was looking for. It retails for $2300, and I paid $1300 for it as a Kamen factory-refurb. But I wonder, since I didn't read a single post mentioning Ovation - do guitarists who have been "in the game" for a long time think that the top-level Ovations simply aren't in the same league as mid-range Taylor, Martin's, etc.? Again - I love my Ovation (although the neck profile could be a bit thinner - I guess I'll just have to work hard at building muscle tone in my fretting hand). Thanks for listening.

 

 

 

Welcome to the forum. Really the only important thing is that you like it and play it a lot. Not sure how you came to choose that particular guitar, but if you hang out here long enough you will see that most of us spend time now and then in the acoustic room of local guitar shops. We may not even be in the market for a new git, but it is kind of like wine tasting. To know what guitar you really like best, you have to play a bunch of them. Eventually you will probably find that owning one is not enough, and if you are seriously into acoustics, you will spend the rest of your life auditioning guitars. Buying, selling, trading, maybe even building (check out Freeman's work). It is a wonderful life, enjoy and learn.

[DeepEnd]

The majority of folks hereabouts don't care for the sound of Ovations. Some don't like the way the curved back makes them hard to hold. The members of this forum are kinda "purists" for the most part; they prefer guitars made of wood. For that reason, you won't see many references to Ovation. As Dave W. pointed out, if you like your guitar, great. I've been playing for 30+ years; I happen to have an Ibanez as my "good" guitar and I love it but they don't get mentioned much either (except by me ).

 

Best wishes,

David P.

[Eracer]

Thanks for the feedback. I bought this particular guitar because a friend of mine, who plays in a bar every week, has one, and I liked the way the guitar sounds. He can go from Pink Floyd, to Jimi, to whatever, and sound authentic. I don't think he uses much processing; just runs it through a P.A. It just seems like it's a very versatile guitar. And yes, I know that tone is 90% player, and 10% guitar. Gives me something to shoot for...

 

I understand where the purists are coming from. There is something organic and alive about a really nice wooden instrument. And I'm sure that if I start frequenting the local music stores and playing different guitars, that my eyes (and ears) will be opened up to what's out there. Like I said in my first post, I'm fairly new at this, and only now do I feel confident enough with my playing to do it in a public place (weak excuse, I know...) Some might say that I should have started with a cheaper guitar - well, I've had a cheaper guitar for many years, and it sounds like crap, and it's hard to play, so I never played it. I've been looking forward to getting home every day so I can play my Ovation.

 

As for acquiring a collection? That's what I'm afraid of.

 

Thanks again.

[Dave W.]

Originally posted by Eracer I bought this particular guitar because a friend of mine, who plays in a bar every week, has one, and I liked the way the guitar sounds.

 

They have a reputation for being durable.

 

Originally posted by Eracer As for acquiring a collection? That's what I'm afraid of.

 

Don't worry, you will get over it, the fear, that is.