Guitar purchase advice

[DJ in FL]

Looking for help in next guitar purchase...can anyone suggest good web site, BLOGS, or Consumer Report type articles that will help evaluate certain brands?

Am looking for acoustic guitar in $1500 range. Have looked at some Alvarez, Larrivee, Epiphone and even some less expensive Gibson products.

 

Everyone says what sounds good to you, what you will play is what you should buy. I would like some articles on info that might tell me about quality of Alvarez vs Larrivee...is it better to spend more $$ for a Gibson...found a couple of listings on E-Bay for new, unplayed Gibson Hummingbird Historic model for $1699??? Obviously you can buy about anything on E-Bay, but will likely go with NEW instrument from local dealer. I want to be able to see it, play it a little before I decide.

 

Have just finished first 6 weeks of beginner lessons...have an Epiphone dread, (which I bought and have not played since 86). Now being retired, plan to buy a better guitar...take some more lessons and learn how it's done now that I have time.

 

THANKS for your advice.

[knockwood]

There's a good database of user reviews right here on HC:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/#man

I realize the "What sounds good to you" advice is a cliche, but it's a cliche for a reason. It's good advice. I find reviews helpful in pointing to what brands might be good to try out, but in terms of buying you are taking a huge gamble if you base a purchase heavily on reviews from other people. The greatest drawback is you won't know what other alternatives you may be missing that you might have liked better... Take advantage of reviews, but don't be so quick to shrug off the advice to play before you buy. I've made that mistake myself. Read a ton of glowing reviews of the Taylor 310 and allowed myself to be influenced by them. Bought one. Hated it. Ended up selling it for a significant loss. Lesson learned.

[Freeman Keller]

DJ, you are in the enviable position of having an almost unlimited number of really great guitars available to you - and most guitars in that price range are going to be very good quality. I think that more important than buying one brand or another for its "quality" you should be learning about what types of guitars will best suit your long term playing desires - then look at similar styles of guitars from different manufacturers.

Knockwood has already given you one example, here is another. When I was ready to buy my first "good" guitar back in the early 70's the Martin D-18/28's were the grail. I bought a big old Dread and it is a great guitar - however it mostly sat in a closet because I'm primarily a finger style player - when my wife gave me the T314 (similar to the 310 that Knock didn't like) it became my "go to" git - it played the way I wanted a guitar to play. The same with my 12 string - I have a lovely and fairly expensive Martin, but it really doesn't suit my 12 string playing style, so it is in the process of being replaced.

My humble advice, then, is to first identify where you see your playing going. Why are you learning guitar and how do you want to play it? Chord along with your singing? Jam with the local bluegrassers? Play some solo fingerstyle? Play classical music in the style of Segovia? Jazz? Each of those styles has a type of guitar that is better - obviously the lines blur and some people play blues on a classical or flat pick a parlor - but if you can identify the musical style you can certainly narrow the list.

The second piece of adviced is to find a guitar playing friend or your instructor and involve her in your quest. Ideally your friend plays the style you aspire to - let her help your ears (and fingers) decide what "sounds good to you". I have tried to help several friends new to playing learn about the guitars they are interested in - and I have shuddered when others have bought something off evil-bay for all the wrong reasons.

Last piece of advice (and remember what they say about opinions) is to shop as much as you can in local stores. Don't be in a hurry, don't be afraid to play guitars (and have your friend play them), don't be afraid to ask - there is no dumb question. Filter what they say (just as you filter what I say and others on this forum) - they want to sell you a guitar - but I believe that the little added price over a box or online store is worth it in the long run. Don't, please don't, milk the store for their knowledge, then go online and buy it for a few bucks less - the only way you will ever learn "what sounds good" to you is to play these and if the little stores are out of business we all have lost that.

One more thing worth considering - a used guitar is apt to have "issues" - with a new one you get the warranty. A new one at a good shop will usually include support and setup - which can be priceless.

Everyone on this forum has strong likes and dislikes - so please be careful when someone says "the Acme B-69 is the greatest guitar you can buy". Might not be for you. Good luck, welcome to the HC group and please let us know how your search is going.

[babablowfish]

Listen to Freeman Keller - the man knows whereof he speaks!

[catdaddy]

I assume from your moniker that you're a Florida resident. If I was doing the search that you are about to undertake I would check out 2 Florida stores that have great inventories and usually a cooperative staff that will let you try any number of models in a quiet environment.

Carlton Music in Lakeland- Large selection of Larrivees, Martins, and Taylors. They are also a Collings dealer but usually have a very limited number of those on hand. Occaisionally they have some very nice used guitars of different brands.

Legend Guitars in Tampa- Mostly used guitars but very high quality and good prices. Last time I was there they had a number of Martins and Gibsons and Larrivees but I would call them and see whats hanging on their wall before paying a visit if its a long road trip for you.

[Hudman]

Here's the problem: You've been taking lessons for 6 weeks. Your tastes are likely to change as you learn to play. I have trouble recommending a $1500 guitar to someone that is just getting started. I would wait a little while. Let your skill level catch up with your budget.

You may end up buying something you won't like in a year or two. I realize you can always sell it. With that in mind, I would buy a Martin if you insist on spending the money now. They have great resale value.

Ebay is full of guys selling $1000+ guitars that were purchased when the player was starting out. Many of them decide they prefer a different nut width, neck profile or body shape. In other words, things they never considered when they bought the guitar.

[recordingtrack1]

Hi DJ in FL,

You are hearing it from some of the best.

Knockwood (quote):
"Take advantage of reviews, but don't be so quick to shrug off the advice to play before you buy. I've made that mistake myself." +1

Freeman Kellar(quote):
"shop as much as you can in local stores. Don't be in a hurry, don't be afraid to play guitars (and have your friend play them), don't be afraid to ask . . ." +1

Catdaddy (quote):
". . . cooperative staff that will let you try [play] any number of models in a quiet environment." +1

Hudman(quote):
"I have trouble recommending a $1500 guitar to someone that is just getting started. I would wait a little while. Let your skill level catch up with your budget.
You may end up buying something you won't like in a year or two." +3

If my math is right that is about a plus six. Play before you pay and learn what instrument style and build you will need and enjoy the most. You will likely be glad you did.

BTW, welcome to the HC!

RT1

[ESL94]

Howdy DG in FL

Dido to recordingtrack1 (quotes)! These guys are very helpful.

Heres my 2 cents: Have some patients, build your ability & style to make sure that you find the "right" combination for you - sound, tone, & playing style.
Good luck.

[jackwr]

Originally posted by DJ in FL Am looking for acoustic guitar in $1500 range. Have looked at some Alvarez, Larrivee, Epiphone and even some less expensive Gibson products. I wouldn't pay $1500 for an Alvarez or Epi (even though they are good) will likely go with NEW instrument from local dealer. I want to be able to see it, play it a little before I decide. IMO this is the best way to buy. Have just finished first 6 weeks of beginner lessons...have an Epiphone dread, (which I bought and have not played since 86). Now being retired, plan to buy a better guitar...take some more lessons and learn how it's done now that I have time.

 

Personally I would Play the Epi until either I found it was holding me back (not too likely after 6 weeks) or my style changed and a dread no longer suited my style! I've played some real good Epiphones. If you just got to spend the money now go with Hudman's recommendation and buy Martin. They hold their value the best. I went with a new Martin D41 last June (after many years picking). It was the best thing since sliced bread until I met my new mistress. A 1992 00 19 Larrivee. She does it all for me now, even Bluegrass Jams. I force myself to play the Martin to get it to open up, but keep wishing I was holding the petite body with the big voice.

[DJ in FL]

THANKS for all the really great advice. Your experience(s) will serve me well and I think at this point will keep up the search...as several replied--go to local stores and play some different models, but have toned down my sense of urgency.
As many of your know, being in the stores with all those instruments around you...tough to not buy...but you are right...waiting would be a better choice!
Thanks again for the advice and for the forums!

DJ in FL

[Freeman Keller]

Originally posted by DJ in FL As many of your know, being in the stores with all those instruments around you...tough to not buy...

 

 

That is called GAS and it is a wonderful affliction to have. Best of luck with your journey

[Dave W.]

Buying a new guitar is a wonderful experience. Assuming you are looking at a decent model, and are not rich, it is not something you get to do everyday. Stretch out the process and enjoy it as much as you can, but I will be the first to admit that once you make the decision to get a new guitar, it is tough not to pull the trigger quickly. I see a $5000+ Collings in my future someday, and I expect to take a week off and make a vacation out of the process, traveling to every high end shop I can get to. Damn, I can't wait.

[Peter Guzinya]

don't confine yourself to getting a dread. consider a 000 or other sized guitar which might be easier to play.