Cull 3 guitars to 1

[fred4321]

Hi All,
I read this thread http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...=469076&page=2, and I need some advice as to the direction I need to go.

My apologies in advance if I hijacked it
We are renovating to accommodate the kids and lifestyle changes etc.

With that I need to cull my instruments and amps. That is I have to strip it down to just a few. Mostly due to space and storage. The guitars are getting sorta nearly kicked around a bit.
So far, I have replaced a few of my SS amps, Epiphone Casino and upgraded my American Std Tele and bought a Fender Princeton Amp.

I'm wanting to replace my Martin 00015M, Takamine F360,, Epiphone and Ovation S771 with a single high end electric acoustic guitar.
I'm keeping my 12 string.

Each of them do a specific job well, but I'm wanting a bit of an all rounder that can be amped, preferably cutaway with onboard pickups.
I like the bass response of the Martin, and the neck play-ability of the Ovation. Not that fussed with Takamine, as the neck doesn't suit my hands so its a no brainer.

I have looked at the various models of Taylors, and played a few lately. I liked the mids of the Taylor and the brightness. But the model and wood types are a bit confusing. That is, here where I live here in Australia the local shops don't have a great variety to try out.
I heard one or two great sounding Gibsons, but not sure about the overall quality and havent had a chance to play it (wasnt looking at the time).

I tried a few Cole Clarks and gravitated to their Angel series, but I'm not overly fond of the overall feel of their satin and wood finishes. Sound good, love the bass and trebles. But I have read some reviews lately of their durability which doesn't seem positive. I used to have a CC 2003 fat lady 2 cutaway that was great, but I don't own it anymore. It had a gloss finish.
For me personally the latest models of Matons and Cole Clarks don't really do it for me.

I play modern music, some blues and like rhythm. Finger pick at times with a bit of lead, but I do like to dig into the guitar.
I don't gig (as yet) but jam with a few friends occasionally and on my own for relaxation. I love quality, balanced sound, with some brightness. Especially when strumming and arpeggios.

This is a big ask, but can the members give me some suggestions what to have a look at?
Sadly there is some limitations of brand availability here in Wollongong and even though I can get stuff online I prefer to play them first.

Budget no more than $2200 US ($3000 AU approx)
cheers

[Brucebubs]

South Coast Music in Nowra have a Breedlove Premier Auditorium Rosewood that looks interesting.
Cutaway, electronics and full gloss body.
http://www.ebay.com.au/itm/BREEDLOVE...cAAOSwnHZYjc8o

Haven't played one but it's something different from the sea of Matons and Cole Clarks in that price range here in Australia.

You couldn't find anything at Haworths? They did some excellent work for me a few years back.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by fred4321

I love quality, balanced sound, with some brightness. Especially when strumming and arpeggios.

Larrivee or Breedlove. Presumably not very common down under.

Possibly a Rainsong? One of the models with the unidirectional top.

[fred4321]

Haworths is OK.
Bought my original CC there (and my Tele).

I've read great reviews about Laravee and I know a guy who swears by his Breedlove.
But I have yet to stumble on one of these to give it a try.

[ManyMartinMan]

My advice is to stay away from unknowns to you. Play everything you can so that you are familiar with the instrument and buy the one you like the best. Purchasing from others' suggestions can be a crap-shoot at best. Hunting and trying them out is half of the fun.

[BOOSE]

Find yourself a good J45 and ignore the preconceptions about quality, for what you need a J45 is the one.

They do everything and have that unmistakable Gibson tone.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by BOOSE

Find yourself a good J45 and ignore the preconceptions about quality, for what you need a J45 is the one.

They do everything and have that unmistakable Gibson tone.

Not so easy to find a J45 in Australia, let alone a good one.

[AndrewG]

Originally Posted by fred4321

Hi All,
I read this thread http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...=469076&page=2, and I need some advice as to the direction I need to go.

My apologies in advance if I hijacked it
We are renovating to accommodate the kids and lifestyle changes etc.

With that I need to cull my instruments and amps. That is I have to strip it down to just a few. Mostly due to space and storage. The guitars are getting sorta nearly kicked around a bit.
So far, I have replaced a few of my SS amps, Epiphone Casino and upgraded my American Std Tele and bought a Fender Princeton Amp.

I'm wanting to replace my Martin 00015M, Takamine F360,, Epiphone and Ovation S771 with a single high end electric acoustic guitar.
I'm keeping my 12 string.

Each of them do a specific job well, but I'm wanting a bit of an all rounder that can be amped, preferably cutaway with onboard pickups.
I like the bass response of the Martin, and the neck play-ability of the Ovation. Not that fussed with Takamine, as the neck doesn't suit my hands so its a no brainer.

I have looked at the various models of Taylors, and played a few lately. I liked the mids of the Taylor and the brightness. But the model and wood types are a bit confusing. That is, here where I live here in Australia the local shops don't have a great variety to try out.
I heard one or two great sounding Gibsons, but not sure about the overall quality and havent had a chance to play it (wasnt looking at the time).

I tried a few Cole Clarks and gravitated to their Angel series, but I'm not overly fond of the overall feel of their satin and wood finishes. Sound good, love the bass and trebles. But I have read some reviews lately of their durability which doesn't seem positive. I used to have a CC 2003 fat lady 2 cutaway that was great, but I don't own it anymore. It had a gloss finish.
For me personally the latest models of Matons and Cole Clarks don't really do it for me.

I play modern music, some blues and like rhythm. Finger pick at times with a bit of lead, but I do like to dig into the guitar.
I don't gig (as yet) but jam with a few friends occasionally and on my own for relaxation. I love quality, balanced sound, with some brightness. Especially when strumming and arpeggios.

This is a big ask, but can the members give me some suggestions what to have a look at?
Sadly there is some limitations of brand availability here in Wollongong and even though I can get stuff online I prefer to play them first.

Budget no more than $2200 US ($3000 AU approx)
cheers

Quality, reliability, great tone both acoustic and unplugged, impeccable build? Look no further than Yamaha's 'L' series. Mine is all solid timber. Good enough for Bert Jansch, James Taylor, Paul Simon, John Denver, Jimmy Page, Bruce Springsteen....all Yamaha players. Save yourself some money, stick with the familiar and you'll have enough left over for a decent acoustic amp.
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ev956t_vncU
Or just skint yourself on the LJ36C:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c-t8zYR-DvE

[frankhond]

IMO if it's hard to try guitars, go for tried and true solutions with good resell value. First of all, do you prefer dreadnought or auditorium shape? Second, Martin or Other? Third, rosewood or mahogany?

Baseline for me would be a auditorium rosewood/sitka guitar.

If Martin, the OM28. I have an OM21 which is basically same but rosewood fingerboard. Install an Aura pickup system and you are done. Does everything.

If Other, I would go with a Taylor grand auditorium like the 714. Super playable and versatile. I used to own a 12 string that was killer.

Modify as needed with redard to shape, wood and budget. Both Martin and taylor have cheaper models, these typically have satin finishes and alternative wood. Blackwood and khaya map to mahogany, ovankol and bubinga to rosewood. Maple is a third alternative with a brighter tone, maps to different fruit woods such as cherry or rowan. Taylors 100 and 200 series have laminated backs, but a lot of people really like them, especially amplified. Martin offers a performer model targeted to the electroacoustic player.

Larrivee, Breedlove etc are really good guitars, but have their own sound and idiosyncracies. I would not recommend these unless you can play them in person. Used to own a Larrivee L09 and L03, wonderful guitars but could not get used to the composite radius of the necks.

[ChrisE]

If durability and quality are a concern, Taylors are a great choice. They have the NT neck, which makes net resets simple and can be done in a few minutes at minimal cost. They also have a great warranty for the original purchaser.

If you're confused about their models, sizes, features, etc., check out their guitar buyers guide.

https://www.taylorguitars.com/sites/...er-2016_EN.pdf

[Truckjohn]

With the exchange rate and issues with getting warranty across the pond - I think I would look into Australian builders and manufacturers rather than trading over to another import...

Don't take me wrong - I would be happy for your money to wind up here and all...

The two custom builders I have heard of most are Gerard Gilet and Trevor Gore.... But there are others.

This way - you could thin the herd and then work directly with the builder to have something made specifically for you....

[roylor4]

I suggest looking at a Mahogany topped Taylor. More brightness and better balanced than a 000-15. If you prefer GA sized - the last 324 I played was stellar. Hog over Blackwood, I think.

In a smaller size I would consider the 322ce 12 fret.

Cull down to one?? I would strongly think about this move. Having a good playing practice/backup guitar makes good sense to me.

[fred4321]

Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan

My advice is to stay away from unknowns to you. Play everything you can so that you are familiar with the instrument and buy the one you like the best. Purchasing from others' suggestions can be a crap-shoot at best. Hunting and trying them out is half of the fun.

I'm getting that feel as well. The guitar shop I mentioned gives great after sales service which I wont get if I buy new far from home. Would to keep it local mostly for to support the locals. But the selection is limited e.g. Taylors up to $4-5K au but nothing in the $3k au price piont.

I'm gravitating towards a Taylor. The Gibson J45 was the one I heard in Sydney and it was beautiful and a bit of a dream guitar. Sadly its getting above the budget and I'm still keen on a cutaway though.
I'm trying to keep it cost neutral i.e. fund the new guitar with the proceeds from the selling off equipment. Keeps the peace at home (They just don't understand )

The Yamaha series are good-but I have not been too excited about them as I've only come across the beginner/intermediate ones. I'll keep a look out though. I have an acoustic amp already-cheap but not nasty.

I've played one of the Gerard Gilet guitars at Haworths - Nice. Hard to find though, but its got me thinking...

Originally Posted by roylor4

I
Cull down to one?? I would strongly think about this move. Having a good playing practice/backup guitar makes good sense to me.

I was searching Youtube about Breedlove guitars as Brucebubs suggested these- very nice, and I came across the comparison: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Bt1EiX8dKQ0
Made me realise why I bought the Martin in the first place. I've decided to keep the 000-15m, and sell the 12 string.
Something brighter will complement the 000-15m well.

[vindibona1]

I agree that you should stay away from brands/recommendations that you're unfamiliar with. If you're in Australia perhaps you should check out the Maton line?

[Brucebubs]

Originally Posted by vindibona1

I agree that you should stay away from brands/recommendations that you're unfamiliar with. If you're in Australia perhaps you should check out the Maton line?

Guess you didn't read all the original post.

'For me personally the latest models of Matons and Cole Clarks don't really do it for me.'