Best guitar under $1000

[YamaYairi]

Blueridge BR163. I have one and it's a wonderful guitar, beautiful full rich tone and very responsive.
Yamaha L and A series.
Breedlove Passport C250SRE. It's a very nice guitar, solid top and only $500.
When I went shopping for an OM / 000 size last year I tried the Breedlove, a Guild F130, Yamaha AC1M, AC3M, Martin 000X1AE and Taylor GS Mini. I could not find a Yamaha L series guitar to try, or a Blueridge, but after playing all the above guitars I bought the Blueridge BR163 on the basis of several video reviews with good sound. I have been extremely pleased with it. You can see and hear the BR163 here:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3BsUxRVKtsY

[Doxy]

I played an Eastman E10-OM at a music store while I was out of town one time and thought it was great. I also love the Martin 15 series, but I think they are a tad over your budget new. Heard good things about the Yamaha L series as well...would love to play one. You have a lot to consider with your budget. There is also the Martin Road series...the 000RSGT can be had for $999.00 plus tax and it's all solid.

[Arthur Blake]

Originally Posted by YamaYairi

Blueridge BR163. I have one and it's a wonderful guitar, beautiful full rich tone and very responsive.

Consider also the Blueridge BR-243A, their top of the line model with one piece neck, ebony fretboard and bridge, no aging toner, adirondack top, premium select woods, 1 3/4" spacing at the nut, 2 1/4" at the bridge. Adirondack over mahogany in an OM style can be the best combination for fingerstyle. I play classical, ragtime blues and folk styles on this guitar with very good results. Be forewarned, the Adirondack top does take some time to open up, but worth the wait. Open back Gotoh tuners. Tasteful headstock adornment. Perfectly quartersawn top with even grain. Does a lot of things well.

[44Runner]

Originally Posted by icy_wind500

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

Nope. Because while I love it, it's not the answer to the question.

This question has to be the most frequently asked one on this forum.

[roylor4]

As a fingerstyle player responsiveness will be very important to you, I suspect.

Eastman E6OM and E8OM - excellent for the money, but relatively hard to find.

I think the Yamaha LS16 a.r.e. in RW or Mahogany may be your best choice, given what your used to (a wide classical neck).

The AC3r and AC3M are both very nice too but with a narrower nut and string spacing.

Good luck.

[cgarza120]

Thank you so much for the responses. The Yamaha L series seem to be very well apreciated. I'll try to take a look to Larrivees and Seagulls in my budget. Has anyone experience with Guild's GAD series?

[Vinceletah]

I tried 2 Yami's in the L series, they were very good, but I found that Eastman was, in the same price range, in another class.
I personnally have a bad experience with my Eastman, like poor craftsmanship, but they sound much better than the Yamis's.
Then, if you can get your hands on a Furch OM, i think you should give it a few minutes of your time, see for yourself!

[Guitar1083]

Taylor GSM

[mdutr0]

Under $1000, a Yamaha A or L series or a Larrivee 03 series are going to be VERY tough to beat.

[Wistah]

The ones I am currently only GASing for are:

Martin 000RS1
Martin 000RSGT
Guild M120e

[Big_Al]

Buy a Larrivee -02 or -03 series. You'll thank me.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by cgarza120

Thank you so much for the responses. The Yamaha L series seem to be very well apreciated. I'll try to take a look to Larrivees and Seagulls in my budget. Has anyone experience with Guild's GAD series?

Yes, the Guild's are very good indeed. The mahogany M120 is definitely an acquired taste and I have days when I really don't like it as it seems exceptionally susceptible to major tone changes with humidity! The F130, however, is rich, sparkly, has great sustain and is very nicely made. All come with TKL cases. Definitely worth a look. Also, and I don't know if America has them yet but the new Sigma line is superb if you like great Martin copies of both newer and pre-war styles.

Edit: Sigma are available in the USA but have 'Kindred' on the headstock instead of 'Sigma'. Don't ask me why.

[Guitar1083]

Originally Posted by cgarza120

Manuel Rodriguez C1

I guess there are about 30 best guitars under $1K

but your choice looks best
MR Bracing was a breakthrough

[aknow]

Yamaha ARE LS 6 $599
Yamaha ARE LS 16 $699

The LS 16 has all solid woods. I haven't seen any guitars that play and sound as well as these two, even without upgrades.
Good Luck!

[cgarza120]

Originally Posted by Guitar1083

I guess there are about 30 best guitars under $1K

but your choice looks best
MR Bracing was a breakthrough

Lol I already have a MR C1, very lively guitar with great response to a lighter touch, also a full and rich bass. I love its solid red cedar top and rosewood laminated back and sides. Smart and huge improvement over my Yamaha CX40. Bought it like 3-4 months ago... So my recently acquired GAS demmanded more variety, I've been working all summer for this.