In the market for a new acoustic...

[drmcleod]

Well, I started looking at the Carvin acoustics, because I use a Carvin amp. So far, I've heard nothing but mixed reviews, and I'm sure I'll hear more of the same.

 

However, I recently found this new Washburn, the EA19K - solid Koa throughout. Apparently only available through MF.

 

The price seems a little low for such a guitar, but I wonder if it's worth the risk of buying it sight unseen.

 

What do guys think about the Carvins and this here Washburn?

 

Any other recommendations for acoustic / electrics under $1000 would be much appreciated as well. As far as music, I do mostly classic rock stuff (Black Crowes-ish you might say).

 

Thanks guys.

[35fingerpicker]

Just play as many as you can acoustically You can always put a pickup in any acoustic that speaks to you. In that price range, I would say look beyond Carvin and Washburn. The big high end companies have several offerings that might trip your trigger and if you buy it right, you won't get hurt the next time you upgrade.

[Cldplytkmn]

if i'm not wrong i believe the martin -15 series a/e's should come in under a grand or so... also larrivee -03 series... as well as takamine naturals

[bullpencoach]

I have enjoyed a similar Washburn EA-20 for years. However, you definitely do need to consider the fact that this a fairly shallow instrument. The koa may make it a bit more lively than mine, but it won't match a deeper solid-top guitar.

[Singin' Dave]

I for one am a Carvin convert..... I read for months on this very forum glowing reviews from Boggs and others about Carvins build quality, tone, fell and fit & finish, I was as skeptical as most being that I own two Martins and a Taylor already. But, as my band began playing out a lot more, I began to look for something that could stand up to a little more abuse, play easily, sound and look great etc and I finally found a top of the line Carvin Cobalt (c980) used on HC classifieds for $500w/ohsc (you almost never see these for sale used).

 

I love the guitar....perfect stage axe for me. Sounds great unplugged or plugged, feels awesome and sounds better plugged in that any of my other guitars. So I'm now a fan.

 

BUT..... if I wasn't planning to plug in as much or if I was more concerned about resale, solid woods throughout and whole bunch of other stuff, I probably would have gone with a Larrivee LV-03 in the under $1,000 range (used probably). Just an awesome guitar.

 

In this day and age, you have TONS of options in this price range. It's a great time to be an acoustic player! The advice above to play as many as you can may be tough for you if you are deciding between Carvin (mail-order) and MF (online), but I would second this advice and go out try different body styles, woods, even different guitars of the same model. I tried about 20 Martins (d18's, d16s, etc.) in my local store before I picked up my DR1 many years ago--it just sounded so much more alive to me than the others. It has aged beautifully, and still sings to me.

 

Good Luck!

[Fade2Grey]

I'd recommend giving takamine's a try.

 

Mine is a Supernatural series from them; 2nd from the top of the line, and I love it. It would have a street price of less than 1k. If you can find a deal for their Nashville series ones, even better!

 

Want some real nice prices for some Tak's? try this place www.guitarloft.net

 

Hope this helps.

[drmcleod]

Thanks guys -

 

I actually tried a Takamine at my local guitar superstore, and I friggin loved it. Had a solid cedar top with solid mahogany back, and mahogany sides. I beleive it was a natural series, the EAN20 or something - I have to go back and test drive some of the other Takamines.

 

That, and maybe talk the salesguy down

 

I'm pretty sure it's going to be a Takamine for me...

 

But man, I've been looking at that Carvin C-980 (rosewood). I've heard that the guitar has a laminated rosewood back - I'm not sure how big of a deal that is. But the thing seems to get get rave reviews from everyone who owns one.

 

So at this point, it's basically narrowed down to a Takamine Natural, or the Carvin C980.

 

Once again, thanks.

[bullpencoach]

 

Originally posted by Tioga_Man bullpen, does your EA-20 have a tone and vol knob or the newer electronics? Take a look at my Washburn. The lower part of the web page shows a profile of it too. http://home.stny.rr.com/zag/Guitars/guitar1.html I agree about the shallow body. I loved my washburn but always wanted a fuller sound. That's why you see the Gibsons now on that link. FWIW, I had an L series small body mahogany Gibson for awhile. Although built completely different, that same shoebox sound was there. The two sounded very similar. Some people like the sound for playing country blues. I'd be looking at a 15 series Martin or a Larrivee plus the cost of a pickup if I needd to stay under $1000.

 

 

Mine has the Equis II pickup, which crapped out years ago. Level and contour knowbs plus some EQ faders. I very rarely plugged it in, though. Your is a nice looking Festival! Mine has the woodstone finish, not my favorite, but it pretty much looks black most of the time. I think the Festivals were up there with Takamines for a time as solid A/E models, but it appears that time has passed them by to a certain degree.

[drmcleod]

thanks for hijacking

[chopz]

Washburn