Recommendations for a steel stringed acoustic under ~$1k ?

simpl · #1 12-26-2012, 12:49 AM

I'm in the market for a used acoustic guitar. I have a Cordoba Fusion 14 RS nylon stringed guitar at the moment for my acoustic needs (which I'll be selling to fund you guys' recommended acoustic), but I'm wanting a (higher quality) steel stringed acoustic for both live play, jamming with friends, and some recording. My budget is about $1,000. Of course, spending less money would be nice. What do you recommend? I play a lot of acoustic blues-y kind of music but I'll be playing all sorts of stuff with it.

I've read that the Martin D28s/D18s were great but they are a bit out of my price range at over $1.5k. The Taylor 314CE looks nice though, but I'm very eager to hear what you guys have to say.

I'd like to add that I like to do a lot of lead stuff as well (I think this gives a good example of what I mean: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=xPL3O7NmgpI) , and I will be doing a lot of both flat picking and fingerpicking. The Larrivee D-03 sounds very balanced to my ears, almost too balanced, so I'm unsure of how that would fare with my style of playing.

Legendary · #2 12-26-2012, 01:02 AM

A taylor 114ce or 214ce you might want to look into it pretty cool guitars. I'm a Taylor man

http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/214ce

andrewbisgnar · #3 12-26-2012, 01:18 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Legendary

A taylor 114ce or 214ce you might want to look into it pretty cool guitars. I'm a Taylor man

http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/214ce

Yeah, I'll second that. I would try to get into a used 314ce, man. That is pretty much the standard, right there.

Catan · #4 12-26-2012, 01:20 AM

Alternatively, you can look into the Martin GPCPA4 line (which has 3 different tonewood b/s, take your pick), ask any of the sponsors here and they should be able to meet the budget you're looking for. Used will definitely fall under 1k. Either way, great guitar for your buck.

On the Taylor side, I would also recommend a used 314ce/310ce.

Legendary · #5 12-26-2012, 01:24 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by andrewbisgnar

Yeah, I'll second that. I would try to get into a used 314ce, man. That is pretty much the standard, right there.

I've heard a lot of good things about the 314ce personally I tried one only one and I didn't like the sound at all it just didn't do it for me the 414ce is awesome though buy a used one. Literally made me cuss we when I played it for the first time, it was that good

wthurman · #6 12-26-2012, 01:40 AM

If you like the neck profile, I'd absolutely go with a Larrivee D-3. Absolutely the most amazing guitar I've played for at or just under 1K. Certainly worth checking out.

Gibsonstrummer · #7 12-26-2012, 01:42 AM

Gibson Wm45 or a J100xtra

Fernlin · #8 12-26-2012, 02:22 AM

Have you looked into the Seagulls or Waldens? Not as well-known as Taylor or Martin, of course, but incredible quality and sound for the money.

ikravchik · #9 12-26-2012, 04:22 AM

Eastman 10D, 20D if you like Rosewood.

L20A · #10 12-26-2012, 08:10 AM

There are some nice used Martin guitars that sell for under $1000.00.
Look for the 15 and 16 series guitars.
There are also some nice all solid wood Martin guitars that are sold through Guitar Center that are at about your price range new. Used, they should be under $800.00.

I also recommend looking at Eastman guitars. Great guitars for the money.

cedarkoa599 · #11 12-26-2012, 08:25 AM

Find a nice used 314ce Taylor guitar! You will love it! It is solid wood!

cedarkoa599 · #12 12-26-2012, 08:30 AM

The Taylor on eBay that is 314ce is 1200.00 if you don't care about the cutaway you can get a 314 on eBay for 999.00 well within your budget so I would think you may be able to find a used one at your local music store,
Good luck !

mattwood · #13 12-26-2012, 08:34 AM

Eastman E 10 SS would be a great guitar for that bluesy sound and fits with your budget.

OddManOut · #14 12-26-2012, 08:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by mattwood

Eastman E 10 SS would be a great guitar for that bluesy sound and fits with your budget.

I just got an Eastman AC 522. Excellent tone with real character and depth, well built, sensitive, tons of headroom. A true do anything guitar. Under $1K

http://www.area22guitars.com/eastman-ac-522.html

simpl · #15 12-26-2012, 10:47 AM

Thank you for all the great suggestions. I think my "dream guitar" is probably a Martin 000-28EC, but I don't think I can shell out over $2200+. However, if paying a few hundred over my budget means I can get a significantly better acoustic, then please suggest it. I don't have an issue with buying online by the way and in fact, I plan to. I'm hoping that this acoustic I will be buying will last me for many, many years to come and as such as I will even be selling my Gibson SG, Cordoba, and probably even trimming my pedalboard a bit to do so.