Ibanez AC240, Alvarez AP66 or Sigma 000M-15S?

[finnster]

Hi,

Been looking at these 3 guitars as I'd like to add a smaller-size, solid hog top/hog b&s (laminate ok),
1.75" nut, affordable (< $500), good finger picking guitar to my small stable.

Just wondering what experiences and recommendations you all have had with these 3 - they all appear to me to be good contenders for what I am looking for. Have not played any of them yet but will try to do so, if possible.

BTW I am really intrigued by the new Sigma guitars but it is not clear to me when/if these will actually be available here in the states - maybe something came out at NAMM about this?

Thanks,

Doug

[Rmz76]

Originally Posted by finnster

Hi,

Been looking at these 3 guitars as I'd like to add a smaller-size, hog top,
1.75" nut, affordable (< $500), good finger picking guitar to my small stable.

Just wondering what experiences and recommendations you all have had with these 3 - they all appear to me to be good contenders for what I am looking for. Have not played any of them yet but will try to do so, if possible.

BTW I am really intrigued by the new Sigma guitars but it is not clear to me when/if these will actually be available here in the states - maybe something came out at NAMM about this?

Thanks,

Doug

Recently played one the Sigma OM models. Great guitar for the money. It was a spruce top, but assuming the all mog version has the same neck radius and nut width. I'd suggest the Ibanez if you have larger hands. I'm a big fan of the AC240 and believe it's one of the best values out there. I own three acoustics, none of them are all that special, but gf three the AC240 is the least expensive but the best sounding, most durable. I've treated it like a beater for a few years and now realize it's my favorite guitar (until I get the J-45). I'm also own an artist series Alvarez and I can tell you you without doubt my AC240 is higher build quality than my artist series Alvarez.

[roylor4]

Haven't played any new Sigmas, sorry.

I played both the Alvarez and Ibanez back to back last week.

The Ibanez AC240 is an excellent sounding guitar and the ones I have tried were all good players too.

I REALLY liked the feel of the AP66 but the three bass strings (E,A,D) ALL sounded dead on the one I played - i mean DEAD! It was new to the store too.

The Ibanez is a standout at its price. Perhaps someone else can give you comparisons of the Sigma stuff. I have heard good things about the line.

From what i can ascertain Sigma may be called "Kindred" in the US?? Dunno why - maybe licensing issues with Martin.

[email4eric]

I was interested in the AP66 but couldn't find one -- they're far and few between. But I was able to play the spruce top cousin (AP710) next to the AC240. My impressions can be found in post #39 of this thread:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=323748

Here are some other pertinent threads:

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=324755

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=322332

Should be noted that though we call these mahogany guitars, they're not even closely related to the Hondura/Cuban mahogany that is thought of when using the term. Simply marketing. They are mostly Sapele and Khaya and many find these tonewoods superior to "traditional" mahogany. They do look similar, however!

Let us know where you end-up!

[email4eric]

One of these would be sweet as well....

http://www.laguitarsales.com/pages/5...-15SM_2305.htm

[ewh2]

Originally Posted by finnster

BTW I am really intrigued by the new Sigma guitars but it is not clear to me when/if these will actually be available here in the states - maybe something came out at NAMM about this?

Doug

I can't comment about the Alvarez and the Ibanez but the Sigma Mahogany topped guitars are great. The Sigma 000M-15 however doesn't have a 1 3/4" nut though.

http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=247

The following Sigmas with a mahogany top do have it though
http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=378
http://www.sigma-guitars.com/index.php?id=305

In terms of quality, I am pretty sure they are built by the same factory that make Recording King, Dell Arte, Francisco Domingo etc (there is a shop in London that sell these brands together including Sigma), so if you can come across a Recording King that should give you a guess to quality.

[finnster]

Originally Posted by email4eric

One of these would be sweet as well....

http://www.laguitarsales.com/pages/5...-15SM_2305.htm

Indeed - would love to have one of those or a Taylor 322/324, Larrivee hog top but the budget won't allow it right now. Someday....

[finnster]

Thanks everyone for the great replies so far. The Ibanez sounds like a good choice especially for the very reasonable price.

[email4eric]

Originally Posted by finnster

Thanks everyone for the great replies so far. The Ibanez sounds like a good choice especially for the very reasonable price.

It's a very, very nice guitar.

[roylor4]

Originally Posted by email4eric

It's a very, very nice guitar.

+1. Nice little guitar at a great price too IMO.