Best guitar under $1000

[cgarza120]

Hi everyone

I'm currently saving money for a new guitar and I'd like some advices on what models and where ti find them. I Live in México so my selection of guitars are very limited. I'm planning on a hunt trip to USA, but since I depend on my family to take me to stores I can't move too far from McAllen, Mission, Harlingen... That kind of thing. So the questions are:

1) Where can I find the best variety of guitars? I only know about GC McAllen. I'd like to see Taylors, Breedloves, Seagulls, Yamahas...

2) Which models should I look at? I have played since I das 12 (I'm 20 now) so I consider myself an intermediate to good player. I've played only nylon stringed guitars, so I want to change that. That being told I'm looking for a guitar with solid top (A MUST), if I can afford it I'd be nice to have an all solid wood. I want an OM type of body, electroacoustic (maybe I can install a pickup to an acoustic). I'm primarily excited to play some Yamaha L series (LS16 or LS16M). What series should I look for from Breedlove, Larrivee, Seagull, Takamine?? Also I want to buy new (no chance and no intention to risk to buy unseen) I play almost 90% fingerstyle and 10% light dtrumming.


At the end I'll be buying the nest sounding guitar that I can afford, but the experience and advices from people here should be very helpful and entertaining! I'll try to post photos and keep on the story as I hunt the one. I'm seriously acquiring GAS... Plenty of time to make my collection

Yamaha CX40
Manuel Rodriguez C1

[AndrewG]

I can only speak from my experience with Yamaha and Taylor among the makes you specified. The new Yamaha 'L' series is sensational and won't disappoint you. I have no experience of the 'entry level' Taylors but I have owned a 314 which was excellent in every respect, and a limited production XX Anniversary D which was not, although it was beautifully appointed. Sadly the tone didn't live up to expectations.

[mds08]

Martin 15 series.

Yamaha FGX800C

[rick413]

There are better guitars but for the money, Seagull is the best value on the market.

[Kerbie]

With $1000, I like the Martin 15 Series. Great guitar for the money.

[Neil K Walk]

Once upon a time you could get a Larrivee in rosewood and satin finish for under $1000 but not anymore. That being said, the base sapele models are nothing to sneeze at either. Try an OM-02 or OM-03. If you like rosewood though I would suggest looking at the OM-03R or the newer OM-04 (which is the same guitar but with a gloss finish on the top.)

FWIW I'm biased as I've been the satisfied owner of an OM-03R for about 8 years now.

[nuggy]

If you're looking for new, I'd say go for an Eastman and have enough leftover for a pickup and installation, saves you from buying one with a barndoor pup.

[icy_wind500]

No one mentioned the GS mini and a very nice pickup !?

[lt20dbl]

You'll get lots of different opinions here as it's always easy to spend other peoples' money. Best to visit a few guitar stores and play some guitars.

[RyanM1]

Larrivee 03 series will get you solid spruce top, solid sapele back and sides, one piece mahogany neck, ebony bridge/fretboard for around $1000.

[Azaro Ariño]

I'll second the new Yamaha L ARE series.

Made me seriously consider getting rid of my older LL16.


Otherwise, I have played Taylor's 100 and 200 series and I can say they are close to par with my 300 series Taylor.

[Oldguy64]

A couple of things:
If you are buying in the US and taking back to Mexico. Save some money for any tariff that might be imposed at the border.

That said, go in to the GC and look at features, not what's on the headstock.
Let your hands and ears decide.

[Goodallboy]

I'd try to find a PRS SE Acoustic to try before making a decision.

[packy]

Originally Posted by Goodallboy

I'd try to find a PRS SE Acoustic to try before making a decision.

+1 Best bang for the buck around!