Great fingerstlye acoustic for under $1100

[willsing]

Hi,
I am looking for suggestions on a nice fingerstyle acoustic that sounds like a dream and plays like one too for under $1100 (if not like a dream, then very pleasing to play and records well) I know this can be difficult. I like a wider nut width for ease of fingerpicking. I also like a tone that projects well and sounds good when playing bass, chords and melodies at the same time. I also like to feel the low end vibrating through the guitar. Any suggestions?

Thanks,


Will

[ljguitar]

Originally Posted by willsing

Hi,
I am looking for suggestions on a nice fingerstyle acoustic that sounds like a dream and plays like one too for under $1100 (if not like a dream, then very pleasing to play and records well) I know this can be difficult. I like a wider nut width for ease of fingerpicking. I also like a tone that projects well and sounds good when playing bass, chords and melodies at the same time. I also like to feel the low end vibrating through the guitar. Any suggestions?

Hi Will...
I don't think it's that big a challenge. You know your budget, and probably your parameters indicate that most Taylors, or Seagulls and some Larrivees would fit both nut width and solid top. The Taylor and Larrivee would be all solid.

If it were my assignment to find one with your conditions, I'd make sure I had my money in my pocket (or loaded on my debit card) and I'd be heading out to play guitars. I'd not put a time limit on it, and when I found the one that turned my crank, it would go home with me.

[willsing]

Originally Posted by ljguitar

Hi Will...
I don't think it's that big a challenge. You know your budget, and probably your parameters indicate that most Taylors, or Seagulls and some Larrivees would fit both nut width and solid top. The Taylor and Larrivee would be all solid.

If it were my assignment to find one with your conditions, I'd make sure I had my money in my pocket (or loaded on my debit card) and I'd be heading out to play guitars. I'd not put a time limit on it, and when I found the one that turned my crank, it would go home with me.

Definitly the plan! We have the Guitar Solo that sells Larrivees in San Francisco. I have played nice Taylors, not too many Maritns, but really liked a Larrivee 0M-03 that I played once. I like my Seagul a lot; it sounds good finger picking chords, but not as good when throwing a classical type of melody over the picking. The melody line does not sit as sweetly in the mix.

[TBman]

Originally Posted by willsing

Definitly the plan! We have the Guitar Solo that sells Larrivees in San Francisco. I have played nice Taylors, not too many Maritns, but really liked a Larrivee 0M-03 that I played once. I like my Seagul a lot; it sounds good finger picking chords, but not as good when throwing a classical type of melody over the picking. The melody line does not sit as sweetly in the mix.

Before I even read your post, the Larrivee OM-03 was the first guitar that came to mind. I picked up a used OM-05 right in your budget, btw.

[wthurman]

The Larrivee OM-03 or oddly enough, the D-03. It is bright enough and incredibly well balanced.

[imwjl]

Originally Posted by Wade Thurman

The Larrivee OM-03 or oddly enough, the D-03. It is bright enough and incredibly well balanced.

I couldn't agree more. I have OMV and had D-03. The D-03 was really sweet and balanced if Martin and Taylor dreads are the competition. The OMV is also surprisingly strong for it's size. I only sold the D because owning the OMV and an HD-28 to cover a wide spectrum.

New Larrivee 03 series are shy of $1000 and used ones the same price as China stuff. If you look at the videos of the Larrivee factory and see the employee in space suit you have to wonder if the Chinese worker has equal protection and what happens to the waste there. I love my Larrivees no matter what, but also like the fact that they are from a family run US/Canadian business where I've only heard good about them.

[3rd_harmonic]

consider Martin 000-15 or 15S.

[banpreso]

Originally Posted by 3rd_harmonic

consider Martin 000-15 or 15S.

or 00-15

how about an old taylor 2 series all sold wood? you can probably grab a used 3 series with that budget

larrivee parlor?

lotta room to play around in that budget

[willsing]

Originally Posted by imwjl

I couldn't agree more. I have OMV and had D-03. The D-03 was really sweet and balanced if Martin and Taylor dreads are the competition. The OMV is also surprisingly strong for it's size. I only sold the D because owning the OMV and an HD-28 to cover a wide spectrum.

New Larrivee 03 series are shy of $1000 and used ones the same price as China stuff. If you look at the videos of the Larrivee factory and see the employee in space suit you have to wonder if the Chinese worker has equal protection and what happens to the waste there. I love my Larrivees no matter what, but also like the fact that they are from a family run US/Canadian business where I've only heard good about them.

So the Larrivee 03's are now made in China? Hmmm.....possible bummer or are they still pretty good?

[HHP]

Look for a used Martin 000-16sgt. Can be had in your range and the ones I have tried are universally excellent.

[sayheyjeff]

that Larrivee offers guitars made in China is new information or misinterpretation of something someone read elsewhere. have not heard anything about it or seen any mention on the Larrivee Forum. Would be interested in reading about it.

jeff

[banpreso]

larrivees are not made in china

[HHP]

Originally Posted by willsing

So the Larrivee 03's are now made in China? Hmmm.....possible bummer or are they still pretty good?

I think the post was contrasting Larrivees from the Chinese guitars. They are still made domesticly.

[gerardo1000]

Taylor GA3. Great fingerstyle guitar. Spruce top, sapele back and sides. beautifully made and very easy to play. Very balanced. Great tone and separation. Brand new, it costs less than 1k.

[dthumb]

guild gad 30r....very sweet, clear, resonant and a delight to play..and under 8 clams.