I need your advice..

[GZsound]

Hey folks.. I have a dilema and need some professional advice on how to proceed.

 

Here is what's up..

 

I was given an Ovation Celebrity acousitc electric guitar in exchange for some studio time. I don't play guitar but rather sax and keys.

 

I am selling the guitar and want to buy a decent reasonable cost acoustic electric that sounds more like a "real' guitar. I have never been happy with the sound of the Ovation.

 

I am looking at Epiphone, Ibenez, etc. guitars. I have a budget of probably four hundred dollars, since I'm selling the Ovation for a little over that.

 

Any advice on Epiphone guitars? I heard a guy playing an Epiphone at a wedding last weekend and it sounded wonderful through an older Fender single twelve amp.

 

So.. Models and brand recommendations would be appreciated. I am not restricted to any brand, but I want a nice utility acoustic/electric good for occasional studio work.

 

Most of the guys I record already own Martins and Taylors, so this guitar is for singer songwriters that may not have their own equipment, etc.

 

Thanks.. and fire away.

[Whalebot]

UTSF...use the search function. You probably want a git that will sound good both plugged and unplugged. You don't need an acoustic electric for studio work, I and alot of folks around here would suggest a nice mic to record an acoustic. Or a pickup like the Pure Western K &K. Use the search for a decent $400+ guitar and then stick a K&K pickup in it if need be, if not, use a studio mic to record. I actually play out with a Shure SM57? something like that.

[daklander]

Mark, I'm partial to Yamaha acoustics and for that $400.00 price you'll be able to pick up a new, pretty darned good sounding, playing and recording guitar.
Though I'm not that much of a fan, Seagull is probably worth a look-see too.

If you look at used guitars the sky's the limit.

[kdp86]

I would look for a Seagull, Simon & Patrick, or Alvarez. If you were willing to go a little higher in price, you could get a great guitar... I like the Alvarez PD80sc, and PF90sc a lot. Seagulls are good, if you like a flatter, wider neck, but it bothers me personally. I would say try to find a used Alvarez Professional Series online. The Professional series have solid backs and tops, and all start with P, hence PD80sc, and PF90sc.

[GZsound]

Thanks guys.. I actually stopped in at my local music store today and the guy showed me a pretty nice sounding Yamaha..

And then a bluegrass guitar playing friend said he has an older Guild with a piezo pickup he'd sell me for $300.

And I keep hearing about the Alvarez guitars, I am going to check them out.

I appreciate the help.