Members CTrain Posted May 24, 2006 Members Posted May 24, 2006 I'm probably going to buy a new acoustic next week with my sweet-ass graduation money. A new Guitar Center is opening up 15 minutes from me next thursday, any guitars I should definitely check out? I'm looking to spend around $600, give or take, and looking probably for an acoustic/electric, but i wouldnt mind just a regular acoustic. Right now for an acoustic I have an Epiphone PR-350ce (I'm pretty sure its the model), which I got a great deal on and it sounds AMAZING, which is odd because I've never heard much praise about epiphone acoustics... But back to my purchase, the top one I have my sights on is a Takamine EG-523CE, the big jumbo. Any info on this? What else should I look into?
Members guit30 Posted May 24, 2006 Members Posted May 24, 2006 That Takemine big jumbo is a great guitar, somebody at my church just got oneJim
Members Tony Burns Posted May 24, 2006 Members Posted May 24, 2006 Ctrain -why not put it in the bank and add to it a little at a time and buy a professional instrument ( of course used ) that way youll have the benefit of being able to jump on a great deal when it comes your way, and you wont have to move up to a better instrument - believe me, the opportunity will arise-- i see stuff like used larrivees for around 7-8 hundred pop up every now and then or even something like a D-28 etc. just my two cents , but you have a decent instrument now why not save up for the plunge ?
Members knockwood Posted May 24, 2006 Members Posted May 24, 2006 I'd say go to the new GC opening near you and try everything they have in your price range. Then walk out. Save two or three hundred bucks more. Ditch the electric part because you'll get more guitar for your money without electronics and can add electronics down the road whenever you please and the choice will be yours based on what you like instead of the guitar company's based on what is most economical for them. Take someone with you who knows his/her way around acoustics, if possible. Try everything in your new $ range and make sure the Larrivee 03 series is among the new-range guitars you try out (you're not likely to find them at GC). You can find some great deals on used guitars, yes, but they won't carry a warranty or a trial period. I'm not saying you can't find some good guitars for $600 or less; you definitely can. I'm saying if you sit tight for a short while and collect two or three hundred more clams, this stuff also becomes available:-Larrivee 03 series-Martin 15 series-Martin 16 series (some models)-MF Martin 15 custom spruce tops-Entire Guild GAD series-Taylor 200 series-Olson (just kidding) Just my $0.015. Good luck, man.
Members jackwr Posted May 25, 2006 Members Posted May 25, 2006 Originally posted by Tony Burns Ctrain -why not put it in the bank and add to it a little at a time and buy a professional instrument ( of course used ) that way youll have the benefit of being able to jump on a great deal when it comes your way, and you wont have to move up to a better instrument - believe me, the opportunity will arise-- i see stuff like used larrivees for around 7-8 hundred pop up every now and then or even something like a D-28 etc. just my two cents , but you have a decent instrument now why not save up for the plunge ? Big +1 to Tony's post. I'll praise your epi if it helps. I've played a few real good ones. You said yours sounds amazing. I've done the wait and see a looooong time. After buying a new D41 I had enough left in the slush fund to buy my Larri 00. When I played it I had to have it. I don't know what I would have done if I missed that one. It's so good It's about all I play now. Save the money until you trip on the one that's going to make you cry if you spend the money now.
Members kwakatak Posted May 25, 2006 Members Posted May 25, 2006 Originally posted by CTrain I'm probably going to buy a new acoustic next week with my sweet-ass graduation money. A new Guitar Center is opening up 15 minutes from me next thursday, any guitars I should definitely check out? I'm looking to spend around $600, give or take, and looking probably for an acoustic/electric, but i wouldnt mind just a regular acoustic. Right now for an acoustic I have an Epiphone PR-350ce (I'm pretty sure its the model), which I got a great deal on and it sounds AMAZING, which is odd because I've never heard much praise about epiphone acoustics...But back to my purchase, the top one I have my sights on is a Takamine EG-523CE, the big jumbo. Any info on this? What else should I look into? Ah, but you are just in the early stages of GAS. Try out some $700-$800 guitars and you'll forget all about the EG-523SC. I speak from experience on this one.
Members CTrain Posted May 25, 2006 Author Members Posted May 25, 2006 Thanks for all of the replies! The only thing is, I'm going to be starting college in the fall, and there is alot that I need to buy this summer, so I therefore can't really spend much more than the $600 (give or take), because I have to work the rest of the summer just to finance my college/dorm/party needs... So the thought of saving for nicer options is not really a reality. Thanks for the advice though!
Members CTrain Posted May 25, 2006 Author Members Posted May 25, 2006 so with that said, any other suggestions/opinions? How good are Guitar Center grand opening sales usually? I've seen some nice blueridge acoustics online... any info on these?
Members Tony Burns Posted May 25, 2006 Members Posted May 25, 2006 ctrain - as a whole blueridge guitars are good , but they vary from guitar to guitar - if you really have to have one, play it before you buy it - ordering one blindly from the net may or may not be a mistake - i played a Brazilian rosewood model at Elderlys a few months ago that i though really stunk -- yet i played a lower model at a store in jamestown (NY) that i thought was nice for the 5-6 bills, so try before you buy -- its your money -- alot of members on this forum really like blueridge guitars , thou there not my cup of tea. I dont think their a bad guitar for the money !
Members apostrophe Posted June 1, 2006 Members Posted June 1, 2006 I've had my Tak Jumbo for 2 years now and every night when I go home and play it I fall more and more in love with it! Great sound, and very comfortable feel! Sounds even sweeter now than it did when I bought it. Really amazing, especially for the price. The fit/finish were flawless! I did some string comparisons awhile back and found that the Martin SP Lights really bring out the beauty of this guitar! Go for it!
Members valleyguy Posted June 1, 2006 Members Posted June 1, 2006 I found a good way to shop for acoustics is to start with the higher end, like the$1500 range. Play some Martins, Taylors, Gibsons. Then move down to less expensive guitars, that way you'll start learning what it is you like. Playability vs. sound, tone, bass, etc. Spend enough time playing enough different guitars and you'll hone in on the one you like for the price you can afford. You might even find one that you like for less than you want to spned. Enjoy the search.
Members jackwr Posted June 2, 2006 Members Posted June 2, 2006 I made myself one rule. I now won't buy anything that doesn't sound a whole lot more amazing than what I already have. Regardless of the name on the headstock.
Members bargains4you Posted June 3, 2006 Members Posted June 3, 2006 I'd look at the ARIA AD-80 the look and sound is Martin all over.. I ordered one today from the distributor and it stacks up with a D28.. I'd look there first..
Members pathofspirit Posted June 3, 2006 Members Posted June 3, 2006 Originally posted by Ricky Chao Personally, I wouldn't get another Epi, reason is I like, acoustic guitars that are made by mainly acoustic guitar companies and electrics made by electric guitar companies, they're obviously two totally different sounds. I personally think that the phrase Fender Acoustic or Epiphone Acoustic are oximorons, hehe. Well, Good luck! Another angle on this - I recently went to the local Guitar Center looking for a new acoustic without completely breaking the modest bank (or getting my wife really angry). My choice, without any reservations, was an Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500M. I love it. It plays and sounds great. It didn't come with a pickup which gave me the option of pursuing something non-stock. I chose an LR Baggs M1. Now I'm VERY happy.
Members Dawn Posted July 10, 2006 Members Posted July 10, 2006 Originally posted by Ricky Chao Personally, I wouldn't get another Epi, reason is I like, acoustic guitars that are made by mainly acoustic guitar companies and electrics made by electric guitar companies, they're obviously two totally different sounds. I personally think that the phrase Fender Acoustic or Epiphone Acoustic are oximorons, hehe. Well, Good luck! Can't agree with this posting at all. I went out with all intentions of picking up up a $1000.00 plus Martin, Taylor or Tacoma. My heart was actually set on picking up a Martin. I played every accoustic in the store and they had a WIDE variety. I finally picked up the AJ500M and I have to tell you, no other guitar in the $1500.00 or less range was able to come close to it in terms of buld quality and sound. The wood was flawless, the sound warm and crisp and the neck felt awesome. Can't even tell I'm playing 12 guage strings. The Masterbilt series is a piece of art. If you haven't bought your git yet check one out before you buy anything!
Members CTrain Posted July 10, 2006 Author Members Posted July 10, 2006 I ended up getting the Tak last week, and I absolutely love it
Members Hudman Posted July 10, 2006 Members Posted July 10, 2006 Originally posted by Ricky Chao I don't really have my own acoustic yet, but i've done a whole buttload of research on it, 'cause i'm planning to make one or get one. I think i may even be turning psycho because of it. But anyways, with that budget, my two cents would be looking at Breedlove, Takamine, or any low-end martin or taylors; or even blueridge if you dig their type of sound. Personally, I wouldn't get another Epi, reason is I like, acoustic guitars that are made by mainly acoustic guitar companies and electrics made by electric guitar companies, they're obviously two totally different sounds. I personally think that the phrase Fender Acoustic or Epiphone Acoustic are oximorons, hehe. Well, Good luck! You better keep doing your research, because you are clueless about the Epiphone Masterbilt series guitars. Gibson is known for their electric guitars. Their acoustics are held in high regard too.
Members Dawn Posted July 10, 2006 Members Posted July 10, 2006 Originally posted by CTrain I ended up getting the Tak last week, and I absolutely love it And that's all that matters ENJOY !
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