Want To Buy: Smaller acoustic for travel and "beater"

robgarrison · #1 06-03-2015, 10:20 AM

Before I pull the trigger on a new Yamaha I want to see if anyone has something like this:
- small body but regular scale (or close), not interested in a GS Mini or similar, anything between a OM and a parlor would be fine
- not interested in a true travel guitar like a Voyage Air
- laminates are ok
- electronics ok but not required
- doesn't have to be mint, but not beat either
- $300ish price range

For reference the two Yamaha's I'm considering are a CPX500II and a FS700s.

PM or reply to the thread. I have several good references over at TGP.

Thanks,

WHguitarNYC · #2 06-03-2015, 10:32 AM

I am also looking for something similar - I was eyeing a Yamaha FG730S for around $300 new but if folks can provide other suggestions, please reply! Thanks.

Bluside · #3 06-03-2015, 10:47 AM

I have a Voyage Air in the classifieds right now. It's better than any cheap Yamaha, but just has the ability to fold in half. That's a function you don't have to use, but know that you can, if needed.

dhcod · #4 06-03-2015, 01:03 PM

Interested at all in a luther made '70s Martin 00-18 copy? It's a nice sounding beater/travel guitar with a zero fret. Good low action. $300 plus $50 for shipping. Fits nicely in the overhead.

https://dl.dropboxusercontent.com/u/...0/IMG_1610.jpg

Guitars44me · #5 06-03-2015, 07:06 PM

This might fit your bill

Recording King RP10. 0 size old Martin copy. Needs nothing!
Excellent, as new condition except for two small dings on the back. Have been nicely filled and buffed, but visible.
All solid wood. Very light weight.
Sitka and pretty African mahogany. 1.75 inch nut.
Bone nut, saddle, and upgraded bridge pins.
Medium C neck. RK calls it slim, but a bit deeper than my slim carve Taylors or Bourgeois.
Funky chipboard case.
Paddle headstock, not slotted. Easy turning smooth no-name tuners.
Set up quite nicely. Low action and very playable. Sounds remarkably sweet!
Very balanced tone.
I bought it for my sister, but she preferred my 000.
Asking $365 plus shipping and PP.

Good luck on your quest and enjoy the buffet!

Paul

email4eric · #6 06-03-2015, 08:55 PM

I bought the Ibanez AC240 for a travel guitar/beater new within your price range.

It was a good choice!

pops · #7 06-04-2015, 07:13 AM

I have a Washburn parlor that is new with the hard case i would let go for $300 + ship. It's a nice little guitar quite fancy and not really been played.

Marty1 · #8 06-04-2015, 07:29 AM

Cpx500 is medium jumbo.. aka size of a dread but different shape. I think you mean apx500.. though in my experience those are decent plugged in but awful acoustically.

robgarrison · #9 06-04-2015, 10:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marty1

Cpx500 is medium jumbo.. aka size of a dread but different shape. I think you mean apx500.. though in my experience those are decent plugged in but awful acoustically.

I'm pretty sure it was the CPX, maybe the body felt smaller due to the narrow waist.

Thanks for all the offers and suggestions, still considering options.

SimonL · #10 06-04-2015, 11:47 AM

How about the Córdoba Mini? It's nylon string but might work for you.... Although the body shape is a lot smaller than you are looking at.

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Bluside · #11 06-04-2015, 12:02 PM

For $199, the Yamaha FG700s is hard to beat. You can maybe get 15% off of that price with a MF sale.

reid762 · #12 06-05-2015, 01:26 PM

I've had my RP-06 for over 2 yrs...a great traveler
Solid Sitka Spruce top and lam mahogany back and sides
Open-slot headstock adds a nice vintage vibe to it
Retails around $300

Cheers,
Reid

Marty1 · #13 06-06-2015, 07:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by robgarrison

I'm pretty sure it was the CPX, maybe the body felt smaller due to the narrow waist.

Thanks for all the offers and suggestions, still considering options.

Maybe, its got a REALLY deep body also. Its my least comfortable guitar. I love it, but its huge... Maybe the shape fits your body better than mine I dunno. No chance IMO that someone would mistake it for a small body guitar... In any case, you might want to check out the LS6 also. A BIT more pricey but ABSOLUTELY worth the few extra dollars IMO. It retails for bout 499 CAD so I'm guessing bout 400USD?

Hurricane Bob · #14 06-06-2015, 09:52 AM

Recording King RPH-05 for $199 is a deal and they sound great. Ive seen used ones for $140. Small 0 size, easy to play, stays in tune with tons of bluesy mojo.

Acousticnerd · #15 06-06-2015, 12:24 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by reid762

I've had my RP-06 for over 2 yrs...a great traveler
Solid Sitka Spruce top and lam mahogany back and sides
Open-slot headstock adds a nice vintage vibe to it
Retails around $300

Just got a RP-06 as well, great O sized parlor guitar and Im gonna mainly use it as a travel/beater guitar. Haven't found a gig bag for it tho, any idea what could be a good fit?