First Guitar Decisions

[Buben]

Hey all. I know this gets asked here every week or so but I was looking for advice on a first guitar. I've got a $350 budget (give or take about $60), and all I know is what I like the sound of (I can't play a single note yet). Music wise: jazz, blues and The Greatfull Dead. Guitar wise: my friends have played their Carvins for me, and at the guitar shop Washburns, Martins, and some other things. Some of the Yamahas and Corts I heard were OK, but a few of them sounded so high &brittle (I believe they would be called very bright in guitar speak) that they reminded me of a Ukulele. I didn't like that.

 

Sadly I can't afford the all mahogany Martin, but sound of it made me want to apply for another credit card.

 

Off of recommendations, some listens and a whole lot of internet searching I came up with this list: anyone have pros and cons about these guitars? Are they good for beginners? Will they work for all around playing, and how will the sound change with time? I know (barely) enough to know that a solid toped guitar won't sound the same when I buy it as in 5 years.

 

Washburn WD18SW, WD32SW

Seagull S6 (cedar)

Breedlove AD200SM

Ibanez AC110, AW120

 

Did I miss any good instruments in that price range? I know this won't be the only guitar I ever buy, but frankly, at $350 it will probably be one I never get rid of. Besides, if solid topped guitars really do improve that much with age, why would I want to start over? Especially if I get a decent one now.

 

Thanks

[SlowFingers]

I highly recommend the Seagull from your list. Great guitar for the money. You may save a little money without giving up much by trying out a Norman B20. Made by the same bunch, good quality, etc. I would still take the Gull over the Norman, but the Norman is worthy of consideration.Of course, everyone has different tastes. Washburns get good reviews from different folks, but I have yet to play one that felt and sounded good to me. So, try some and decided for yourself. Best of luck to ya.

[catdaddy]

I'll second the notion concerning the Seagull. Since you've expressed your dislike for a bright or brittle sounding guitar I think the S6 Cedar would be a great choice. It is a quality instrument that has a rich warm tone. Although I own some other more expensive guitars my S6 is still one of my faves.

[UGB]

The WD18SW is a nice guitar for the money; the least expensive all solid wood dread out there, and I've certainly sold my share of them. That said, I still don't suggest a dread for a first guitar as it's just not the most comfortable guitar to hold on to and reach over to learn to play.

 

I have a Seguall Folk model that's very comfortable to hold and play.

 

It most certainly sounds like a cedar topped guitar would be a good choice for you. New players are my specialty and I'm very impressed with your knowledge and understanding of guitars before even owning one. If you've put this much effort into selecting the instrument, you'll do well at learning it. I wish all new players were like you.

 

Another guitar I'll toss onto the pile is the Walden G570 which is a solid cedar topped Grand Auditorium model. Around $250 with a gig bag, very nice guitar.

[fatback]

I have a cedar topped norman 18 - nice tone - deep mellow base. Generally a nice guitar but delicate - shows all the knocks etc. Not a problem for me 'cause I like lived in guitars. However there is an anoying little vibration I can't quite identify the cause of. As I mentioned in another thread I have just bought an AXL 000 sized guitar - very cheap

[knockwood]

In this price range, I've also heard very good things about the Carvin Cobalt C250. Carvin is a factory-direct seller & thus somewhat unusual to come by in a store front, so I've never had the opportunity to play one. Good rep, though, and you can listen to a few sound samples if you visit their website. If the recordings on their site are accurate representations - I have no reason to think they're not - this model is impressive for its price.

[edman316]

I owned a Seagull S6 Spruce for 8 years. Never played the cedar, but the spruce had a nice sound.

 

I can also recommend the Washburn WD18SW. The WD18SW get's great reviews. I bought a Washburn WD56SW from Music123 a few weeks ago ($499.00) and I love it. I am very impressed with Washburn.

 

Therefore, I can recommend both brands. My choice would be the WD18SW - solid wood guitar for $300.00? You can't beat that for value.

 

Another popular brand is Blueridge, although I never played one before. They seem to be very popular.

 

I don't know if it's true, but I was told that Samick builds both Carvin and Cort acoustic guitars.

 

I have a Carvin SX300C amp that I love and I have owned 2 Carvin electric guitars. Their acoustics get great reviews. Carvin is a great company.

[leftync]

I'm also an owner of a Seagull M6 Gloss and doubt I'd ever get anything else except in the unlikely event that I began earning money as a musician. but while both cedar and spruce sound nice, i'd recommend spruce for durability.

 

i'd also recommend reading the user reviews at harmony central before you buy anything.

[UGB]

Don't forget you can tame a bright guitar with string choice too like Silk & Steels or, just don't change them that often.

[edman316]

Originally posted by UGB Don't forget you can tame a bright guitar with string choice too like Silk & Steels or, just don't change them that often.

 

I read somewhere that Eddie VanHalen used guitars with old strings in the studio on some of his tracks. He liked the sound better for recording.

[UGB]

dirty, old strings. THAT'S where the tone is!!

[edman316]

Originally posted by UGB dirty, old strings. THAT'S where the tone is!!

 

Think of all the cash you could save on new strings!

 

I wish I liked dirty old strings....

[edman316]

Hey UGB,

 

You have a nice looking Ebay store.

 

Why didn't you recommend that Blueridge guitar on your Ebay store? Sounds like a great deal. I never played a Blueridge before.