Newbie here, needing advice.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by Schlepporello

OK, here's where the uninformed uneducated guitar geek in me is gonna stick it's neck out. What about Epiphone guitars or Alvarez Guitars?
Thanks for your help, by the way guys!

They're fine. They're not my favorite, but you might find one you like.

[perttime]

Originally Posted by Schlepporello

OK friends, what about Ibanez Guitars? Are these even worth mentioning?
Thanks!

Ibanez is a great brand. I'm not familiar with their "economy" offering, though.

[Elroy Bean]

Alvarez AD-60. Best of luck.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by Schlepporello

OK friends, what about Ibanez Guitars? Are these even worth mentioning?
Thanks!

They're all worth mentioning. Like the others mentioned, it's a perfectly good guitar.

Essential fact of guitar life: It's not the guitar, it's the player. Learn to play well and you'll play well on anything.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by Schlepporello

Yes, I did find the fingerboard to be a bit narrow. And as for my finger spreading, I can cover an octave spread on a piano easily enough. Trying to do the same on a guitar is a bit of a stretch so to speak, at the moment.

What about Taylor guitars, guys?

Fortunately, no one expects a guitar player's span to spread twelve frets!

Most players spread five frets. Jazz and classical players often spread seven. That's about the limit. If you can spread five, you're good for every popular style — rock, pop, blues, country, folk, whatever.

[Charlie Bernstein]

Originally Posted by Nama Ensou

None of my guitars which had overpowering cigarette smoke smell ever lasted for too long and just a bit of patience and ventilation will clear it up.

Great point. I've never had a smoky guitar, but I've battled mildew. Direct sun is the best fix for that.

Originally Posted by Nama Ensou

Knowing the guitar has been in your family for so long, coupled with the comments from other players makes me want to double down on suggesting you keep this guitar, even if you do get another while waiting for the Stella to recover from her smoking habit.

Yup. Smart way to go. Seller's regret can last a lifetime.

Originally Posted by Nama Ensou

Regarding Ibanez, I've had many of their instruments and my main electrics are still Ibanez, even over my highly favored Les Paul. If you're set on buying another guitar, definitely check out all the brands of interest, but also check the lesser known brands as well and let your hands and ears choose.

Absolutely. The best guitar to get is the guitar you love. Don't pass on a guitar just because it isn't the most popular one in this thread. Try 'em all.

Nama Ensou just gave you some great advice. Take it!

[RiffRalf]

Yamaha FG830. Worth the step up from the FG800.
Alvarez AD30/60.
No need to overthink it you can do that later when you buy your "step up" guitar, which you actually don't have to, these two will serve you well for a lifetime.

[Schlepporello]

Thanks for your help, guys. I got me a geetar today at our local non-chain music shop. I got a Martin D-X1E.

Yeah, I spent a little more than I originally set out to do. But at least now I'm absolutely committed to the task.

[TheGITM]

Congrats on the new Martin! Excellent choice, and happy playing!

[ScottSD]

Congratulations, I bet it sounds great!

Scott

[kevinbaird]

I was gonna suggest an X series Martin like you got there. I have a DX1AE and for the money the sound is surprisingly good.

[Schlepporello]

Originally Posted by kevinbaird

I was gonna suggest an X series Martin like you got there. I have a DX1AE and for the money the sound is surprisingly good.

Yeah, I messed up on my earlier post This IS a Martin, not a Taylor as I mentioned before. I corrected my earlier post.