help newbie pick a guitar

[sfhikr]

Hi, thanks in advance for the help/advice.. have spent days online researching and reading etc.

 

I have two little kids, don't know how to play but for my b-day/christmas my wife gave me a guitar... figure it will be good therapy.

 

now I have to pick a guitar, originally planned on spending $300-$400, now not sure if that is enough.

 

Models I've looked at:

 

Seagull S6 Spruce at $325

 

S&P Pro - Maple - used for $425

in great condition from a local shop that seems really cool and trustworthy but wondering if maple is not a wood I want based on a few things I've read.

 

Martin D-15 special edition on musiciansfriend.com (spruce top) for $679 which is way more than I wanted to spend but is fun to think about. thinking this is too much guitar and $ for a guy that has yet to play a note, something to be earned? or does it make a wise invesment and will be noticeably easier to learn on and enjoy?

 

any other ideas?

 

thanks much.

[Stophe88]

art & lutherie... amazing for how cheap they are

i have a seagull s6+spruce, and i love it

(both are made by godin by the way)

 

http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/index.htm

go here and you'll see why they are a good choice

[bigby]

I think the main thing would be to start off with a smaller investment to make sure it's something you stick to. I have a Martin myself, love it, but worked my way through cheaper guitars until I felt I "earned" the martin.

On the other hand, if you have the money, why not start off right? You could always upgrade to one of the higher end Martin's when you reach another level.

Good luck!

[Steely18V]

I second the Art & Lutherie recommendation.

 

My wife and I "test drove" a cedar-topped model earlier this week. For about $200 it was a very nice guitar. We'd have bought it if it were smaller-bodied. The dreadnaught size was just a bit too big for my wife.

 

So, I have my antennae out to find an A&L "folk" cedar top.

 

 

George

[sfhikr]

thanks, thinking the Martin is ruled out... will work my way up there. my concern now is over used vs. new and also the fact the used one is maple, any ideas on maple? seems that most don't like it?

[KATMAN]

Maple is a brighter kind of wood for some people,I have played a Takamine that was maple and it souned alright to me.The choice is up to you,both of the guitars are both good.I'd play them both,or better yet,have someone who plays and then hear which one sounds better to you.