2nd Guitar

[Tawny]

I have been using my old Japanese made Terada 12 fret classical for the past couple of years, and while the tone is good (all wood I think) there is little sustain and it's too quiet, particularly with a capo. I'm in the market for a good (not expensive) steel string. I fingerpick / strum Cat Stevens, Pink Floyd type stuff (would like to play Dave Matthews / Jack Johnson...but!!) Only play for my own amusement.

The used market in Australia is nothing like that in the US - limited options here and pretty pricey (have a look on ebay.com.au some time). I think my best bet is to buy new. Usual suspects in the shops around where I live are Washburn, Ibanez, Yamaha, Takamine, Taylor, Martin and of course Maton. Was considering a cheap solid top Washburn - the D-8 (I think) and the slightly more expensive JM300S. Both sounded very good for the money, as did the Ibanez Artwood. However, while these are good, the Martins and Taylors I have tried just seem to have that better separation of tones and cleaner bass. I tried a 214 and 314CE (too expensive) Taylor, DCX1E and D-15 Martins. All really impressed, particularly the DCX1E, which surprised me given that it is HPL. Had decided that I was probably going to fork out the extra for a low end Martin or Taylor (don't think I need electronics or cutaway - but then again???) - then I picked up a G-30 Garrison. Sounded as good as the Taylors/Martins and was in my preferred price range (up to AUS$1,200 - seems to equate to about 500 real dollars). Also seemed as easy to play as the Taylors (which is a bonus for a struggling player). Given that these guitars are not common here, and I haven't read a lot about them in the short time I have been cruising these forums, thought I would get your views before I proceeded to buy. Would I be better off paying a bit more and getting a name brand, such as the D-15 (would feel more comfortable with a solid wood), or would the G-30, or perhaps even the Cedar G-25 be the go. Thanks. (No Tacomas here and Larrivees are too expensive unfortunately - AUS$2,400 for an L-03. Can get Seagulls, but I've read mixed reviews).

[WilsonMak]

Tawny have you ever considered BlueRidge? the blueridge 160 is even cheaper than the harrisons and some people swear they sound better than martins. (I think they sound close but not better). by the way how come you don't like maton?

[catdaddy]

A few months ago I was looking for a second guitar for travel and bang around kind of stuff. I auditioned a bunch of less expensive solid top guitars including Garrisons and Blue Ridges. I was not impressed by any of the Garrisons I played. Thought the Blue Ridges were a good value but I wasn't smitten by any of the models I tried (didn't get to play a 160 though). I ended up buying a new Seagull S6 cedar top for $295 US which I really like.
While you'll find somewhat mixed reviews on Seagulls (some people just can't tolerate the wider neck that they have) most would agree that the quality of the wood and workmanship are very good for the price. Since you have access to them I think you should try as many as you can. The S6 that I bought was one of about half a dozen Seagulls that I tried and it just grabbed me the instant I started to play it. None of the other 'gulls were close. Maybe there's one sittin' out there with your name on it!

[Tawny]

Haven't seen any Blueridges, but I will check out the Seagulls. Solid Matons are quite pricey, even down here. Figured if I'm going to pay that much, I should look at a name like Taylor 214 or Martin D15. I should at least try them though. Thanks.

[seven7]

since you have takamine dealers around i highly recommend you find a takamine gs330s to try out. (i find myself recommending this guitar more and more, but hey i'm impressed with it)..
great sound with good seperation of notes, plays well. great price too for what you get.