Need help please

[wildbill1962]

I am looking for a nylon string acoustic electric for my dad. I know nothing about them, so looking for your advice and wisdom.

I dont have alot to spend, very limited budget so will prob be looking on ebay and forums for a good used one.

Are there brands to stay away from ? Prob need 1 7/8 nut if possible. Needs electronics. Full size.

Thanks in advance for your help.

Bill

[wildbill1962]

Was it something I said......

[LessPaul]

Could you tell us more about your pops?
Why is he plugging it in? How often? How many people is he playing in front of?
Also, what kind of budget range are we talking?

[wildbill1962]

Thanks for the post and questions Lesspaul. Pops is 76 and he and I still play at local VFW and American Legions. Small venues, play thru 2 Fishman acoustic amps. A couple of disabled Vets playing for Vets, life is good !

Play mostly classic country, 1950 to 1980 stuff. I am the rhythm and he picks. His hands are getting in fairly bad shape, we wants a wider neck and nylon to help him keep playing.

I am going to try and find something to surprise him with, but with my limited income, will need to be very budget priced. I know its going to be almost impossible given my situation, but got to try.

Let me check and see what my top money will be, but thinking 300 or might possibly be able to do some trading.

Thanks again
Bill

[gjd100]

Bill. No guitar advice to offer, but Cudos for you, your Dad and all vets.

[wildbill1962]

Originally Posted by gjd100

Bill. No guitar advice to offer, but Cudos for you, your Dad and all vets.

Thank you so very much for the kind words

[naccoachbob]

Wildbill. I have a 1981 Yamaha G-255Cii that was 300 new, and I paid 300 for it a year and half ago. They are on Ebay, I know.
That model guitar was a home run for Yamaha. Also, I hear that most, if not all, of their guitars are good for the price.
Best of luck.

[CCFingerstyle]

A used Breedlove nylon/electric (like the Pursuit) might be one good choice. I think they represent very good value for that low price point and you may be able to pick up a used one for around $300. You might also look at the Ovation nylons with 1-7/8" nuts (some have 2" nuts). Good playability and decent electronics. Sellers will probably be asking for more, but with patience you might find one in the $300 range.
Good luck!

[wildbill1962]

Thanks for the GREAT advice !!!

[pf400]

I had a Cort nylon string acoustic-electric about 3 years ago that was great for the price (250 used). Sorry, I don't recall the model number.

[wildbill1962]

Originally Posted by pf400

I had a Cort nylon string acoustic-electric about 3 years ago that was great for the price (250 used). Sorry, I don't recall the model number.

Thanks ! I will take a look at Cort

[rodmbds]

I'd also go for the Yamaha or Cort.

I guess the best you could look for you dad is a kind of guitar called "crossover" or "hybrid". As the name suggests, it sits between the nylon and steel acoustics. The neck isn't as wide as a classical but not as narrow as a typical steel. Also, strings are nylon and can be plugged.

Quick search on eBay got me this:

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Cordoba-Fusi...4AAOSwzaJX5Gu-

Of course there are dozens of other options for you to choose.

I think it's ideal for your dad especially because you mentioned the neck thing. The wider classical neck won't necessarialy be more comfortable for him.

[mr. beaumont]

LaPatrie makes a nice, inexpensive "crossover."

I'd also be confident in offerings from Yamaha or Cordoba.

Yamaha's flamenco model could be a good choice, not sure if it's offered with electronics, though. Flamenco guitars are a shallower body depth and tend to have lower action than "classicals."

Taylor has a new series coming out, the Academy. They'll have a nylon string that has an arm bevel, kinda cool. Looks like it'll be around 5-600 bucks...

Ovation isn't a bad choice either. I'm quite impressed with the new Ovations.

[jim777]

Epiphone used to make a Chet Atkins model electric classical, a very thin bodied instrument but it sounded very nice plugged in. Cheaper than the Gibson by a bit as well. I don't have volume on this computer, but here's a short clip of one:
https://youtu.be/U_2bzPrfjMI

[wildbill1962]

Great big "THANK YOU" to everyone for the great advice. I think I found him a very nice older Ovation. Going to look and play it today. Will let you know how it goes

Bill