Cool guitars under $1000 - vintage and/or relatively new.

[Toby Walker]

Cool guitars under $1000 - vintage and/or relatively new.

I thought this would make for a great topic seeing as how many folks here are looking for instruments that are "good for the money."

So show us your recommendations, along with your descriptions. Here's a couple to start it all off with.

Vintage:'64 Harmony 165 Several years ago I purchased this for $250. Considering that it already had major repairs done to it, I thought this all mahogany, ladder-braced guitar was a pretty good deal.
More information, pics and video here:
http://www.littletobywalker.com/harmony-h165.html

Relatively New: Eastman E10 OO: With its Adirondack spruce top, mahogany back and sides, and the bridge placement - due to the 12 fret fingerboard, - it's the perfect instrument to play blues, ragtime, or some old-timey music on.
More information, video, and pics here:
http://www.littletobywalker.com/eastman-e10-oo.html

'64 Harmony 165


Eastman E10 OO

[rokdog49]

At the risk of being accused of bias, both my Eastmans (see Signature ) are excellent for the money.

[Goat Mick]

My Martin DM definitely falls into this category. Everyone that has played it has been floored by it. And while I've never owned one, everything I've read says the Farida Old Towne line is a LOT of bang for the buck. I would also include the guitars that Ibanez is putting out right now, my AVC6 floors me every time I play it. Just amazing.

[fazool]

Even cheaper than that, the Ibanez Artwood AC-240 (<$400 new) is ismply a fantastic little guitar. I would recommend this to every person who ever asks me for a first or porch or backup guitar.

[L20A]

Once again, I have to boast about my Washburn.
$400.00 and keeps up with many $1,000.00 plus guitars.

[SecondCity]

Originally Posted by fazool

Even cheaper than that, the Ibanez Artwood AC-240 (<$400 new) is ismply a fantastic little guitar. I would recommend this to every person who ever asks me for a first or porch or backup guitar.

I've read several recommendations for that guitar. If you know, what's the saddle spacing? Is it a short or "standard" scale, again if you happen to know (or can tell by feel when you play it).

[leehop71]

Looking forward to my Guild OM-120 in route.

[BoneDigger]

I purchased my Martin D15M used for way under $1,000 and it is a great guitar!20180208_184519.jpg

[Oldguy64]

With one exception all my guitars are under $1000.

Takamine GJ72C-12.
My current 12 string. Great action. A true jumbo, with a huge voice and a great, versatile Electronics package.

Taylor 110e.
Entry level price, Professional sound and playability. Also, easily replaced if it “dies” or is stolen.

Alvarez Masterworks (MD70CE) all solid wood, has that EIR warmth. It is great to play, also with a great electronics package in the SYS650.

Alvarez Yairi GY1 Jerry Garcia signature model.
I believe mine is a “b-stock” guitar. The former owner played the brakes off it and even with the laminate back and sides, it holds its own nicely with the MD70CE. The SYS500a is probably my favorite because the bypass switch allows it to be turned off to save battery, while it’s plugged in.

Godin Multiac,
If you buy a used one, check the neck scrupulously, and then have a luthier you trust check it. Mine, a 1996 model now wears an Epiphone neck, and after some extensive work by a great luthier it plays better than it ever has, and it’s unplugged tone is very sweet. The new neck is because the truss rod in the old one broke.
It has Fishman electronics and except for being heavier than it like it sounds great. The semi-solid body allows it to handle high volume with ease.
I also have less than $500 in it.

In all fairness, the Yairi is a fluke, but most available now that aren’t Masterworks or Bob Weir signature models can be had for under a grand.

Godin Multiacs that are newer and in better repair than where mine started with me, will be much closer to that $1000 cut off.

But “bang for the buck”? Buy an Alvarez Artist series.
An AD60 with electronics can be found used under $300 and they are way better than simply “adequate”.

[Toby Walker]

Originally Posted by L20A

Once again, I have to boast about my Washburn.
$400.00 and keeps up with many $1,000.00 plus guitars.

What model?

[Quebec Picker]

Originally Posted by leehop71

Looking forward to my Guild OM-120 in route.

I was going to give a shout out to my excellent Guild OM-120. Sounds terrific and maybe the most comfortable neck I've put my hands on.

[reeve21]

Originally Posted by SecondCity

I've read several recommendations for that guitar. If you know, what's the saddle spacing? Is it a short or "standard" scale, again if you happen to know (or can tell by feel when you play it).

By memory the Ibanez AC 240 is a short scale, perhaps 24.9? I'm not sure about the spacing at the saddle, but definitely wider than my Martin MMV dread which has a 1 and 11/16 nut and I believe 2 and 1/8th at the saddle, but I could be wrong about that number. I am blessed with long thin fingers and narrow fingertips so I really don't pay as much attention as a lot of folks

I like mine very much, too, and it was only $250 on line with a coupon. I also like the Alvarez guitars in the ultra cheap category. I've got one of their solid cedar top Grateful Dead OM's that cost me all of $150 in an after holiday blow out last year. Didn't even need to be set up!

[backdoc]

I have to say my Eastman E20OOss is amazing and was out the door under a grand. My Gretsch G9521 is also an amazing value at $349. The gretsch has spacing at the saddle that is 2 5/16 which should make fingerstyle players happy and it is very light and resonant for a laminate back and side guitar.

[ataylor]

The coolest guitars I’ve played under $1000 recently have been the Yamaha FG800 and the Gretsch G9511. The fact that you could pick up both of them and pocket five bills is pretty crazy considering the tone, feel, and looks of those guitars.

I also really like the Martin 15 series for right around that $1K price point.

[Wasper]

I'll add one to the list and think people should really try one out if they come across it in the wild....

It has a cool late 30's vibe and feels great in the hand. I did not try it out plugged in, only acoustically. Had a nice sound to it (my opinion, of course). Very nice looking in person and comes with a case for $850. I wouldn't mind owning one at all!

Washburn RSG100SWEVSK

MODEL: RSG100SWEVSK
SHAPE: Grand Auditorium
TOP: Torrefied Solid Sitka Spruce
BACK: Solid Mahogany
SIDES: Solid Mahogany
BRACING: Torrefied Quarter sawn scalloped bracing
ROSETTE: 2 Ring
NECK
MATERIAL: Mahogany
FRETBOARD: Ebony
INLAYS: 1939 style micro-dots
NUT: Bone
NUT WIDTH: 1-3/4
SCALE: 25.1/2
ELECTRONICS
PREAMP SYSTEM: Fishman GT-2
HARDWARE
BRIDGE: Ebony
TUNERS: GraphTech Ratio-tuned open back
OTHER
STRINGS: D'Addario EXP-16 light set phospher bronze
CASE: GCGA- INCLUDED

http://www.washburn.com/products/aco...100SWEVSK.html

https://www.sweetwater.com/store/det...ntage-sunburst



They also have two more models in the line up. Basically the same guitar but with solid rosewood back & sides. One model has the pick up, the other does not (the mahogany model above only comes with a pickup). Both rosewood models are under $1000 as well

http://www.washburn.com/products/aco...200SWEVSK.html

http://www.washburn.com/products/aco...G200SWVSK.html

Niice guitars.