New Acoustic Guitars with Electronics under $1500 CAD all-in (*pls see criteria)

[microscope]

Please read before posting:

- I added used guitars to the criteria (but I insist on testing in-person with my expert buddy and there isn't much in Montreal these days ) :
- $1500 CAD max all-in (and closer to the max then down below $1000 unless it really deserves to be there)
- specific models only please
- with good to great electronics
- no mini, travel, parlour, 00, or jumbo
- 12 or 14 fret ok
- not too bright or too bassy
- cutaway or not
- any wood mix
- no black or sunburst or other colours
- no hybrid, crossover, novelty guitars
- mainly for finger picking/strumming in folk, country, soul format

* Yes, I have tested out several guitars in several local stores and still looking for suggestions
* No I'm not looking for boutique guitars (but nothing against)
* And if you feel to, please share why it stands out for you in the pack
* Some like the challenge and specificity of detailed requests, others don't (can't please em' all : )

Thanks in advance

[cyberdog]

I would encourage you to try a Norman ST 40
http://www.normanguitars.com/st40.html

I have an older one that I like very much. Mine was built with laminated back and sides, but the current models are all solid: cedar over mahogany.

[microscope]

Originally Posted by cyberdog

I would encourage you to try a Norman ST 40
http://www.normanguitars.com/st40.html

I have an older one that I like very much. Mine was built with laminated back and sides, but the current models are all solid: cedar over mahogany.

With the electronics option it's right there in the zone. Would you say Norman is up there with Martin, Taylor and others? thx

[j3ffr0]

Electronics are very subjective. I don’t much like pickups. Too bright or too bassy is also subjective. Could be looking at a used Taylor 314 or a used Gibson j15. Js are often pretty balanced. My 314 is pretty balanced, but I consider it a bit scooped.

[Steadfastly]

There are some Martins that can be had for that price. I would also check the Eastman's (the 12th fret in Toronto) and the Alvarez Masterworks.

[YamahaGuy]

Yamaha A3 anything (A3R, AC3R, A3M, AC3M). Great electronics, great sound, torrefied top, new scalloped bracing sounds great. Oh yeah, and all solid woods with a very comfy neck profile.

[microscope]

Originally Posted by Steadfastly

There are some Martins that can be had for that price. I would also check the Eastman's (the 12th fret in Toronto) and the Alvarez Masterworks.

What Martin models in particular? Alvarez Masterworks looks interesting. thx

[microscope]

Originally Posted by j3ffr0

Electronics are very subjective. I don’t much like pickups. Too bright or too bassy is also subjective. Could be looking at a used Taylor 314 or a used Gibson j15. Js are often pretty balanced. My 314 is pretty balanced, but I consider it a bit scooped.

It's true it is subjective. Any new model suggestions to add to the list? thx

[Quebec Picker]

Originally Posted by microscope

With the electronics option it's right there in the zone. Would you say Norman is up there with Martin, Taylor and others? thx

No.

Normans are great guitars. Really great bang for buck. But, their guitars are not on par with Martins or Taylors. Different category of guitar.

I can echo a previous poster who suggested a Norman ST-40. I used to own one and it was an excellent instrument.

[microscope]

Ok I've added used guitars to the criteria.
Problem is I will only buy used locally in the Montreal area, with the help of an expert buddy, where we can see it and examine it and play it.
And there is very little of the good stuff in my price range - whatever does show up gets bought immediately and I know a lot of good stuff just gets sold through friends (not unlike the real estate market : )

[Steadfastly]

Originally Posted by Quebec Picker

No.

Normans are great guitars. Really great bang for buck. But, their guitars are not on par with Martins or Taylors. Different category of guitar.

I can echo a previous poster who suggested a Norman ST-40. I used to own one and it was an excellent instrument.

Originally Posted by microscope

I'm confused. If you don't think Norman is up there with Martin and Taylor and others, and you see that my budget is up at $1500 CAD, why double down on the Norman suggestion?

I would say Normans are good or decent guitars. A dealer explained the difference to me between a Norman and the comparable model in a Simon & Patrick (both made by Godin). They are marketed for different price points. They are a little lower on the scale than the better Godin offers.

For $1500.00 you can do way better than a Norman.

For $300-500.00 a Norman can be an excellent choice.

[Quebec Picker]

Originally Posted by microscope

I'm confused. If you don't think Norman is up there with Martin and Taylor and others, and you see that my budget is up at $1500 CAD, why double down on the Norman suggestion?

I was just answering your question of whether Normans are up there with Martins or Taylors. Was also just giving my 2 cents about the ST-40.

I didn't read the whole thread and didn't see that your budget is 1500 bucks. If that's your budget, yeah, get a better guitar. Lots of great options in that budget. I got a Gibson J-15 for 1500 CAD and I love it.

[mjudd]

Martin has several models that fit this criteria, including the GPCRSG for $1299 at Sweetwater and other retailers, and the OMCPA4 at $1499. Both are great guitars for the price with decent electronics .

[microscope]

Originally Posted by mjudd

Martin has several models that fit this criteria, including the GPCRSG for $1299 at Sweetwater and other retailers, and the OMCPA4 at $1499. Both are great guitars for the price with decent electronics .

Beauties. But they are both out of my range in Canadian dollars including tax ) :