$500-ish used or new recommendation

[Dloz]

I too am primarily a strummer. I have a Martin 000X1AE and love it. I believe the RS series(DRS1, DRS2, 000RS) are better all solid wood guitars that you can easily find on GC's used inventory for $600iah. I also have a Seagull mini jumbo that is a great guitar @ it's price point. If I had to chose however, I would stick with my Martin.

[harpspitfire]

id say set your price range as you did as just go play them, being impatient wont buy you a keeper, try different places other then GC, forget the brands name, just get whatever sounds and plays right to you, figure in a set up cost, just make sure the intonation is good, i really dont think they can do magic with that on an acoustic

[Greg Ballantyne]

Maybe you should look at new guitars to find what you like, and then look for one of those used.... if you have the right kind of shop available they might have a good selection of used on the wall. I believe you can get a new Eastman, all solid good woods, for about $1000.

[Vol46]

Blueridge 63 (lam. B&S) and 163 (solid wood) are OM/000 bodies with 1 3/4" nut and should be in your price range on sale or lightly used. Despite the 1 3/4 nut though, the neck profile is rather slender. I have big hands, & I like it, but try before you buy.
Martin road series should also fit your budget if you shop carefully or buy lightly used.
Either of these, IMHO, would be a step up from your Yamaha in the tone department.

[rwmct]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Guild Westerly Series D-120 - around $600 w/case...

Or, if the OP wants an all solid wood model new, he can go up another $250 or so for the OM-140. This has the 1 3/4 nut.

I am sure there are all solid wood guitars from the other import brands for that same general price. Epi Masterbuilt, etc.

There are a lot of pristine used guitars out there, since so many people pick up the guitar, try it, and then give up. And others are always moving guitars through the herd. Trouble is, if you don't know everything to look for you can buy a problem guitar. Having an experienced person to go with you helps.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by roylor4

Used Eastman, Larrivee, Blueridge.

Probably couldn't go wrong with any of these three options. All three are great builds for what you would pay.

[Antonio Salieri]

Stokely, you mentioned wanting a wider nut width, and liking the Seagull S6.

You might want to consider the Seagull SWS (solid wood series) models, some have a slim (standard) nut width, others the normal Seagull 1.8" nut. IME finding them used is challenging, with factory seconds being more common*. The good news is their average street price new, sans elecs, is very affordable.

* Caution required. From what I've seen some sellers offer factory seconds with finish flaws. Others offer guitars that required repairs.

[JonHBone]

For used get a vintage Yamaha or Yairi.

For new a Taylor gs mini.

However the nut on the mini isn't 1 3/4...but it is a super comfy guitar that sounds great for the money.

[zeboma]

I'll 2nd/3rd/4th the Larrivee recommendation. I recently got a used D-02 for $500 and I'm blown away by it. Wish I'd learned of them earlier--have moved thru quite a few used guitars looking for the sound I was after. I'd check out any Larrivee you can see...they're great

[Ed-in-Ohio]

Originally Posted by Stokely

Hello,

I'm sure this is a common question. I'm looking for an upgrade to my Yamaha fg200s...not a bad guitar and I'll very likely keep it around.

Anyway, my tentative price range is in the $500-600-ish area.

...snip...I don't mind buying used online...snip...

Don't be afraid to make an offer on a listed guitar. I have NEVER seen such a buyer's market. Never.

[rokdog49]

Originally Posted by Greg Ballantyne

Maybe you should look at new guitars to find what you like, and then look for one of those used.... if you have the right kind of shop available they might have a good selection of used on the wall. I believe you can get a new Eastman, all solid good woods, for about $1000.

Less than that

[earri]

Originally Posted by roylor4

Used Eastman, Larrivee, Blueridge.

I also recommend the Ibanez AC240 - great guitar for the $ but Hog tops aren't for everyone.

I second this.

[TonewoodDan]

I'd give a careful look at a used or new Eastman E8OM (Sitka/Rosewood) or E20OM (Adirondack/Rosewood). These are extraordinary hand made, solid wood instruments.

Yes, they are made in China, but they are hand made.

Read the reviews.

I just bought one and I could not be happier. BTW, my two other guitars are Martins, so that's my standard of comparison.

I don't think there is a guitar that represents a better value.

TonewoodDan

[Neonzapper]

I have a Taylor Big Baby which I purchased new around $500. It has a Sitka Spruce top and the ease of play is enjoyable and the sound is centered very well. https://www.taylorguitars.com/guitar...ig-baby-taylor

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by JakeStone

You can get a nice used Larrivee OM-3 for around $600. Real nice all solid wood guitars and 1 3/4" nut.

Where? That's a GREAT guitar! $600... point me in the direction, please.