What should I buywith about $1600?

[Jathank]

I was thinking about taylor 314ce, can anyone give me some suggestions???

 

I play strumming and rythem guitar.

[kwakatak]

Martin D-16RGT

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=z&g=h&m=D-16RGT

 

the Martin DC-16RGTE AURA also sounds nice.

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=z&g=h&m=DC-16RGTE%20AURA

 

Figure that MAP is 70% of the MSRP and the street price slightly less than that. They should fall within you budget.

[Jathank]

I tried martin, but I don't really like the martin's tone, it just not my cup of tea.....Is that any choices beside of martins?

[emuhunter]

I'm a huge fan of both Martin and Gibson acoustic guitars. I'd think you could find some used (maybe even a couple new) Gibson acoustics in that price range. Have you played the "big three" (at least that's how I look at Gibson, Taylor, and Martin) to see which you prefer for feel, tone, and playability? For me, that's what I did. Not saying those are the only guitar makers out there, to me those are three easy to find and distinctive brand identities that you can compare everything else to.

When I was in this quest, I had about $1000 to spend. I found I loved the Martin HD 28 and Gibson Hummingbird but they were both too rich for my blood. So looking at D-16s I found they didn't quite do it for me like this Gibson J50 I found that was in my price range.

Maybe that story helps. Maybe it'll just put you to sleep. Who knows??

[Harmonycat]

Larrivee!

[Freeman Keller]

The 314 is a great little guitar. I have one and like it. If you like the T-tone a Larrivee would be another good choice.

[markwayne]

Well, first my disclaimer, I'm partial to Martin dreads for rhythm guitar work. I have one that is my go-to recordig guitar. However, if Taylor has the sound you want, you should be able to find a new 314ce for well under 1,600. In fact, you should be able to find a new 414ce for that. (I've got one and like it just fine for lead work.)

 

Second, if you are strumming and playing rhythm, you can save even more by eliminating the cutaway. By doing that you will also gain a little volume and resonance.

 

I also would second the Larrivee. They make great guitars at very fair prices.

 

Wayne

[bertbassplayer]

If you like the Taylor tone, you can find a really good 500 (and if your lucky possibly a 600) series used for that price. I've seen at least 3-4 of them around here.

[kwakatak]

 

Originally posted by Jathank I tried martin, but I don't really like the martin's tone, it just not my cup of tea.....Is that any choices beside of martins?

 

 

OK, fair enough. I'll put my recommendation for Larriv

[WGH]

http://www.compositeacoustics.com/premier.html

 

Easy to maintain, worry-free, and great sound. This is the company that cured my acoustic guitar GAS.

 

They have links to dealers on their site. They do have a history of being back-ordered but now that they've re-tooled there might be more product available.

[Whalebot]

Buy my guitar.

[aeschylus]

Gibson J-45. If you don't like Martins, Gibsons might be the perfect antidote. Pure midrange heaven.

[emuhunter]

Yey for the J-45!!

[polynices]

A J-45 would be a good choice.

 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Gibson-J45-Historic-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=517541X

 

given MF's return policy, this is low risk.

[Hudman]

I played the Taylor 414CE at Guitar Center last month. I liked it a lot. Best Taylor I ever played (I normally don't like Taylor guitars).

 

You can get one in in excellent condition used for less than $1600.

 

If you want a new one, come with a few hundred more.

 

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Taylor-414CE-Grand-Auditorium-Cutaway-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=514983

 

The Gibson J-45 is another guitar that impressed me on the day I tried the 414CE. I liked the Gibson more, I'm more of a Gibson guy, so I'm biased.

 

Larrivee is another great guitar company worth a serious look.

[17.817]

 

Originally posted by aeschylus Gibson J-45

 

 

Do it.

[kwakatak]

Oops! Forgot to mention that the new Taylor GS come in at around $1600. They're much better than the "old" -14s!

[arcartist]

Originally posted by Harmonycat Larrivee!

Straight up. I have one and it's the best.

[Jathank]

Ok, thx for all the advice, I will get to GC and try some of those.

[guitarcapo]

Personally I'd buy a Masterbuilt Epiphone and spend the rest on something like a nice amp/

[zb0430]

Originally posted by kwakatak Oops! Forgot to mention that the new Taylor GS come in at around $1600. They're much better than the "old" -14s!

 

I don't know, maybe it's been a combination of duds and bad strings, but every GS I've played was thoroughly unimpressive to me as far as providing what I thought it would. Sounds no different thatn a slightly less balanced, muddier x14 to my ear, in a couple wood combos.

 

As for the 514ce, it's not going to be a good medium-hard strummer, being a cedar topped hog guitar. The maple of the 614ce would be a bit brighter than any other Taylor, so you'd just have to do your testing to see what suited you personally. My guess is that the 414 with electronics would give you everything you were looking for, but definitely try out some more Gibsons and others...

[pjc]

The J-45s are great, but my vote would be to get a used Gibby J-200.

[Muddslide]

I tend to agree. If I had that much to plunk down I'd probably shoot for a vintage something.

 

I won't spend more than about $500 on any instrument these days.

 

That's just me though. I have too many other obligations and I prefer to have things on the cheaper end. I don't feel comfortable gigging with investment-quality stuff.