Members tmckenney Posted June 29, 2006 Members Posted June 29, 2006 Looking for some advice. I'm looking for an acoustic/electric with the same bass-heavy tone as a Martin, but without the price tag of a Martin. My price range is $500 and below. Below is key. I've tried playing quite a few guitars and so far I have not come across anything that sounded as good as a D-15. I also prefer the matte finish guitars, but that's not a decision-making preference. Any ideas of what brands I should look into? Thanks all, T. Also, any input on Breedlove acoustic/electrics...
Members tmckenney Posted June 29, 2006 Author Members Posted June 29, 2006 I should add, the guitar would primarily be used for strumming.
Members DonK Posted June 29, 2006 Members Posted June 29, 2006 My first instinct is to paraphrase the old Risky Business movie line: "Martin...there is no substitute." Your best bet might be a Blueridge. I'm hard-pressed to think of anything else under $500 that does as good a job.
Members Freeman Keller Posted June 29, 2006 Members Posted June 29, 2006 Maybe one of the old lawsuit copies - a Tak dread or something like that. Lots of players seem to like them plugged in. But I agree with DonK - no substitute for the real thing. IMHO the "budget" Martins still have the M sound, but have been able to bring the cost down by using acceptable substitutes - satin finish, MT neck joint, Spanish cedar, micarta fingerboards, and wings. Adding factory electronics always runs the price up and may not be the best choice, you might want to shop for an acoustic and add the p/u yourself. I know nothing about them but some folks think highly of the Carvin Cobalts. You can't try one in a store but you can order one for a 30 day trial. I just got a catalog and I think some are on sale. Check out their dreads. One last thought tho, the D-15 has a 'hog top. If you like that sound (maybe a little woodier and bluesier than spruce) you are further limiting your choices.
Members working dog Posted June 29, 2006 Members Posted June 29, 2006 Also, any input on Breedlove acoustic/electrics... Well...I own one and I love it. Everyone who picks it up loves it. Koreans can build a guitar just as well, if not better than any hosers.
Members 1esotericguy Posted June 29, 2006 Members Posted June 29, 2006 Damn - double post? Parkwood is secretly awsome in that price range and should be a satin finish.I can't vouch for a Martin comparison because I don't know the Martin sound well enough, but the Parkwoods I played all had that 'real guitar' vibe. Good looking too. Worth a tryout for sure.
Members Hudman Posted June 29, 2006 Members Posted June 29, 2006 Johnson Carolina JD-26 Solid wood construction with "pre war" bracing. Spruce top, mahogany sides / backs, bone sadle and a bone nut. You can pick one up for $449.00 (w/ hardshell case).
Members valleyguy Posted June 29, 2006 Members Posted June 29, 2006 Originally posted by Freeman Keller I know nothing about them but some folks think highly of the Carvin Cobalts. You can't try one in a store but you can order one for a 30 day trial. I just got a catalog and I think some are on sale. Check out their dreads. I played Carvins while I was out looking for that cheaper aternative to a Martin. While excellent guitars with a fine sound, they sound closer to Taylors and Larivees than a Martin. Sorry, I waited to buy a guitar till I could afford a Martin (bought a D16R). However, Martin's fake wood guitars are pretty nice sounding at around $500. Try 'em out.
Members bobmeredith Posted June 30, 2006 Members Posted June 30, 2006 I bought an Aria AD-50 that is a nice D-28 copy. Solid Top and back US$550
Members allthumz Posted June 30, 2006 Members Posted June 30, 2006 Originally posted by Hudman Johnson Carolina JD-26Solid wood construction with "pre war" bracing. Spruce top, mahogany sides / backs, bone sadle and a bone nut.You can pick one up for $449.00 (w/ hardshell case). linky Here is a write-up on the Johnson. - Robert
Members MyM.O. Posted June 30, 2006 Members Posted June 30, 2006 I also think the Johnson Carolina JD26 might be a good possibility for you. Something "Martinish", under 500 with electronics is a tough one.
Members kwakatak Posted June 30, 2006 Members Posted June 30, 2006 I also posted this in your duplicate thread, but here it is again: If you want a Martin tone you gotta get a Martin. The X series should be in your price range. They're HPL (high pressure laminate) but at least you won't have to worry about humidity. Martin DXME Note: list price according to Martin is $839 but 40% off is generally the street price which would make it just over $500 after all the haggling's said and done.
Members theGOOCH Posted June 30, 2006 Members Posted June 30, 2006 The Martin DX1 has a solid spruce top with hpl sides and can be found for $499 http://www.samedaymusic.com/product--MRTDX1 The saddle is made of you-know-what
Members JasmineTea Posted June 30, 2006 Members Posted June 30, 2006 I think the DX1 is an interesting guitar because it projects the sound directly out in front. If you compare it to a Martin with solid wood back and sides it's quite noticeable. The solids project forward too, but there's also plenty of sound coming from the back. With the solids you can use the effect like vibrato by moving the guitar back and forth.
Members Misha Posted July 1, 2006 Members Posted July 1, 2006 If you want the Martin Sound,find a broken guy who will sell his Martin for a low price!!! You know what they say:"buy used, play for free!!!"
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