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OT: Acoustic Recommendation


typedeaF

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Posted

I know OT is forbidden here..but I trust most you guys more than the other forums.

 

Since a few months ago discovering DiMeola, McLaughlin, Lucia, and the other various Jazz guitarists that play acoustics semi flamenco flavor, I am now addicted.

 

I bought 3 of the releases with those 3 guys from various years and the McLaughlin with Shakiti.

 

Anyway, the point is that I never had an interest in playing or buying an acoustic before. Now I do. I am leaning towards Taylor and Ovation/Adamas based on what I have played, and based on what guitars I have seen being played by those jazz acoustic jam sessions.

 

 

I am thinking either a Taylor 40Xce, Ovation Custom Legend LX, or Adamas W597. I dont want to spend over $2000 on an acoustic...or any guitar, period.

 

Some of you guys are long time fans of these players and probably already have bought acoustic guitars built for speed. Make me some recommendations,. Give me some input on the 3 I am considering.

 

BTW, I am talking flatpicking, so I am not looking for a classical.

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Posted

I've had my Ovation for over 25 years. It's held up pretty good.

Although, Ovations in general have some chronic problems, not all but a lot do.

1. string tension pulling on the bridge will pull the bridge forward forming a dip just behind the bridge.

2. where the fretboard meets the body and continues over the body. The fretboard can bow into the guitar body...like the fretboard buries/sinks itself into the body.

After 25 some years my is JUST slightly showing some of these signs.

I've seen some that where only 5 years old showing these signs big time.

It's hit and miss...but...

all acoustics have their issues. Acoustics are such delicate instruments, even though they take a beating, that over time physics take their toll on them.

I like the Ovations a lot, but have played really nice Taylors, Martins, Gibsons, Epiphones, Yamaha, homemade guitars, etc...too that I liked.

Just make sure you take care of something at first signs. Just about every manufacture will stand by their instrument. If it start showing signs they'll fix it, possibly to the point of replacing it too.

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Posted

Oh hey, it's great you're getting into those players, Shakti too!

If you want some direction on their styles, not saying you need it but, let me know. I've been playing that stuff for a LONG time.

Not saying I'm anywhere need the virtuosos those guys are but I've copped A LOT of their stuff over the decades.

John is by far my favorite play, with Al being amongst my other fav's.

Try some of their electric stuff too...especailly Mahavishnu Orchestra. I like Al's electric work but by far enjoy his technique more on acoustic, man I love it.

Also, search out Rite of Strings...Dimeola, Calrke, Ponty. They have a great DVD out too.

Just throwing this stuff out there...welcome aboard :)

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Posted

Originally posted by typedeaF


Since a few months ago discovering DiMeola, McLaughlin, Lucia, and the other various Jazz guitarists that play acoustics semi flamenco flavor, I am now addicted.


 

 

Congrats on your new find, those CDs had a big impact on me as well. I was, and still am, amazed every time I listen to them.

 

I spent a lot of time looking for a quality acoustic guitar a few years back. I played everything I could get my hands on in all the large chain music stores, and even the small mom and pop ones.

 

I found that Martin had the best sound quality, and playability, for my needs. They make a wide range of guitars for all different applications. I also found that most of the more expensive guitars did not play or sound a whole lot better than the less expensive models. Sure, they have all the fancy inlay work, but that was not important to me.

 

I wound up purchasing one of the D model Martins, I don't even remember the number. D1 or D18 maybe. It was somewhat inexpensive, under $700, and it included a nice hard shell case.

 

I would recommend spend some time playing a few different manufacturer's products, sample them all, even the less expensive models. You can go into the GC humidity controlled room and be an acoustic snob, it's fun.

and a Martin, the main reason I chose the Martin was price.

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Posted

I think you would be suprised at how well Yamaha acoustics sound and play. By far they play better than many high dollar brands.

Check out these models..... APX

You'll be suprised how good it plays and it cost about 1/2 of a Taylor.

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Posted

Martin HD-28 - great guitar

Also check out David Grier. He is simply amazing. He's got one record of him playing solo and it's quite impressive. He's a bluegrass player though or some people call it FLAT picking, certainly has chops. Atleast check him out....

This is the album I was refering to:

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B0000002LN/sr=8-4/qid=1140886386/ref=pd_bbs_4/104-2182769-4671968?%5Fencoding=UTF8

And if you want a good trio to listen to, chech out:

David Grier, Matt Flinner and Todd Philips

http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/B00000JWCO/sr=8-6/qid=1140886534/ref=pd_bbs_6/104-2182769-4671968?%5Fencoding=UTF8

And of cource check out The Tony Rice Unit and everything he did with The David Grisman Quintet and music known as DAWG music.

woof!

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Posted

Thank ye Thanks ye.
I am headed off to spend a few hours in GC.
I am going to just play the guitar and ignore the brand and price if possible.

I did this a few weeks ago and unfortunately i wasnt looking for an acoustic at the time and didnt pay attention to the guitar I likes best. A guy there just wanted to hear me play fast stuff on an acoustic, so I was having fun playing different ones.

Cheers

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Posted

Failry unproductive 3 hrs in GC. Didnt narrow my choices down any.

Give me some input on this please.
Dread vs Concert vs Auditorium.

The Auditorium looks the most comfortable. I found a really good price on a Taylor 612ce with maple neck, back and sides. I am thinking Maple/Spruce/Ebony would work really well for solo stuff since it would be so bright. Would the Auditorium be too small?

Any general opinion about the 3 body styles being used for DiMeola/McLaughlin/Lucia style playing?

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Posted

Well the deals sealed now. I just bought a 1994 Talyor 812CE for $1500 on ebay (7391931585). Thats cheaper than I could have gotten a 314CE for new. It looks to be near mint. I guess if it doesnt work out, I will be selling it, but I couldnt pass up such a sweet deal.

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Posted

Originally posted by gennation

I've had my Ovation for over 25 years. It's held up pretty good.


Although, Ovations in general have some chronic problems, not all but a lot do.


1. string tension pulling on the bridge will pull the bridge forward forming a dip just behind the bridge.


2. where the fretboard meets the body and continues over the body. The fretboard can bow into the guitar body...like the fretboard buries/sinks itself into the body.

 

 

I thought that was all acoustics... not just an ovation problem?

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Posted

In the price range you are looking at, Martin and Larrivee are the best in my book. For the style you are looking for, the Larrivee "L" body is a winner. Find a dealer and give it a try...you'll see what I mean........:cool:

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