looking for low end recs w/ 1.75+ neck, $200 or less

[jim1960]

I'm a high school teacher (until June, then I'll be a retired high school teacher) and I recently started giving guitar lessons to a student who has a history of bad attendance. She plays on the varsity basketball team and that has kept her absences under control for the time being but her m.o. is that as soon as the season ends, her absences shoot up, and she tanks her classes.

A colleague found out that one of her ambitions for a long time has been to learn to play guitar. That teacher came to me and asked if I'd take this on and I agreed. She's a nice girl, absences aside, and I know her home life is less than ideal. I'm friendly with the music director for my district and through him I've procured a cheap classical guitar that the school had laying around for her to take home and leave home. I cleaned it up as best I could, put new strings on it, and bought her a tuner. It's good enough to learn on but it's hardly inspiring. If she keeps up her interest and her attendance, I'd like to upgrade the guitar for her before I finish out in June.

I'm looking for a decent low-end acoustic with a minimum 1.75" nut. The nut size is non-negotiable. She's a big girl (at least 6'2") and has very big hands. Even on the wide classical neck her fingers struggle to find room so I think anything more narrow would be an impediment. I'm okay with new or used. I'd like to keep the damage to $200 or less.

[woodbox]

Hey Jim,
it might be helpful to know what State you are in.
I might have something that might work.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by woodbox

Hey Jim,
it might be helpful to know what State you are in.
I might have something that might work.

I'm in New York. You and I couldn't be much farther apart.

[woodbox]

Yeah, good point.
And that's kinda my reason for asking Jim.

With shipping fees rising (UPS 4.9% increase a few days ago), it would be especially nice if you could connect with a forum member close to home and maybe avoid that expense.
Thus getting more guitar for your $200.

[ManyMartinMan]

To me this is where the big-box stores shine. Guitar center has this one: Fender FSR CC-60S All-Mahogany Acoustic Guitar Natural For under $200 w/ solid top. They also have Epi’s like this for under $150: Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar. Good luck.

[jim1960]

Originally Posted by ManyMartinMan

To me this is where the big-box stores shine. Guitar center has this one: Fender FSR CC-60S All-Mahogany Acoustic Guitar Natural For under $200 w/ solid top. They also have Epi’s like this for under $150: Epiphone DR-100 Acoustic Guitar. Good luck.

Neither of those has a 1.75 nut.

[Mortimor]

Looks like you can get the Alvarez Artist Series AD30 for just under $200 at Guitar Center/Musician's Friend right now.

I don't have any personal experience with this guitar, but I have heard people speak highly of it.

[fazool]

does it have to be new? I picked up an Ibanez AC240 for $180 and its a great guitar

[hammer40]

In addition to the Alvarez AD30, which is $197 after the 15%...there are a couple of other Alvarez you might want to check out...

Both Alvarez are on sale (Guitar Center as well) from $400 down to $229 w/free shipping. Solid tops and electronics with the requested 1.75 nut.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...41407000001000

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...ge.rr1|ClickCP


Or this from Reverb...Ibanez AC240 Artwood. Used/refurbish at $211 after the discount or it has an "make an offer" option...free shipping as well.

https://reverb.com/item/7887346-iban...any-back-sides


Eastman PCH1 on Reverb as well...both 0M or the Dreadnaught $239.

https://reverb.com/item/6078055-east...coustic-guitar

https://reverb.com/item/7539168-east...with-pro-setup


Elderly has the same two Eastmans for $239, just not in stock but on order.

https://www.elderly.com/acoustics/ac...ar.htm#details

https://www.elderly.com/eastman-pch1...tic-guitar.htm


Hope this helps out. All the above do have the 1.75" nut...according to the specs listed.

[jim1960]

Thanks Mortimor, Fazool, and Hammer, those are helpful recommendations.

[Rosewood99]

If you are willing to go used, an Ibanez AC240. Also the Recording King RP-06 can be had used for that price.

[Earl49]

A used Seagull S6 would fit your criteria, and are often found on CL for $250 with a hard case. Note that most S6's are 1.8" wide at the nut but a few years ago they also starting making a "slim" version with a 1.72" nut.

I was going to suggest the Farida Old Town OT-22 Wide Neck at Elderly, but they start at $405 - less 10% if you sign up for their emails.
https://www.elderly.com/farida-old-t...tic-guitar.htm

[AZLiberty]

In Phoenix I can buy a used Seagull S6 off of Craigslist for $200 without any difficulty. Should be the same in NY.

Most of those actually have a 1.8" nut which might be even better.

[AZLiberty]

Originally Posted by Mortimor

Looks like you can get the Alvarez Artist Series AD30 for just under $200 at Guitar Center/Musician's Friend right now.

I don't have any personal experience with this guitar, but I have heard people speak highly of it.

I have never played one, but every other Artist series Alvarez has played well above its price point. At 2-bills that would be money well spent.

Cutting/pasting the link

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...coustic-guitar

$204 open box, free shipping because MF etc.

[Mortimor]

Originally Posted by AZLiberty

I have never played one, but every other Artist series Alvarez has played well above its price point. At 2-bills that would be money well spent.

Cutting/pasting the link

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...coustic-guitar

$204 open box, free shipping because MF etc.

If you log in and add a new AD30 to your cart, the price will drop to $197. It won't ship until after January 5th though.

MF link to new AD30: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guita...coustic-guitar