Best acoustic guitar for $600?

[llew]

Originally Posted by rwmct

$600 is an interesting price point. You have more than you need for a lot of the better truly inexpensive models, but not enough for the better all solid imports.

Eastman E1 and E2 are all solid and fine guitars to boot!

[JERZEY]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

Eastman E1 or E2 series (E1OM, E1D, E2OM,etc.) depending on preference. I picked up an E1OM recently and, despite a couple of minor critiques, it's a heck of a nice guitar for the price... and you'd have some left over to buy strings and stuff.

And the AC122 in spruce or cedar!

[Gatorwampus]

Originally Posted by llew

Eastman E1 and E2 are all solid and fine guitars to boot!

I bought an Eastman E1D two months ago, sight unseen, from an internet music store for $413 US. This is the best 400 bucks I've ever spent. I love this guitar. Never mind that "good guitar for the money" thing. This is a very good guitar, period. I have some "better" guitars, but I can't put the Eastman down.

[llew]

Originally Posted by Gatorwampus

I bought an Eastman E1D two months ago, sight unseen, from an internet music store for $413 US. This is the best 400 bucks I've ever spent. I love this guitar. Never mind that "good guitar for the money" thing. This is a very good guitar, period. I have some "better" guitars, but I can't put the Eastman down.

I know how you feel...I found an Eastman E2D Cedar and while it's the least expensive guitar I own I sure do love it! Mine is getting a lot of "lap time" too!

[JackB1]

If you can go a wee bit higher or look for a slightly used one, my vote would go towards an Epiphone DR500MCE

[swampyankee]

Why does no one ever mention the Canadian-built guitars - brands like Norman, Simon & Patrick, Art & Luthierie, and Godin. I believe they're all built in the Godin plant in La Patrie, Quebec.
I don't have personal experience, but they offer a wide range of models, and they're built from Canada-sourced woods.
They seem like a great value to me. I'm looking for a good Dreadnaught and they are on my shortlist.

[jseth]

Originally Posted by swampyankee

Why does no one ever mention the Canadian-built guitars - brands like Norman, Simon & Patrick, Art & Luthierie, and Godin. I believe they're all built in the Godin plant in La Patrie, Quebec.
I don't have personal experience, but they offer a wide range of models, and they're built from Canada-sourced woods.
They seem like a great value to me. I'm looking for a good Dreadnaught and they are on my shortlist.

Probably because, at the intended price point, there are guitars that many of us feel are "better" for the money...

I have yet to play one of the brands you mentioned that has been more than "okay" in my opinion... meaning no disrespect to Canada!

[Tony Burns]

a used well loved Guild D-25
best from the late 1970's -
with Brazilian rosewood bridge

Their is not a better guitar for the money !

[jcpharm]

Originally Posted by swampyankee

Why does no one ever mention the Canadian-built guitars - brands like Norman, Simon & Patrick, Art & Luthierie, and Godin. I believe they're all built in the Godin plant in La Patrie, Quebec.
I don't have personal experience, but they offer a wide range of models, and they're built from Canada-sourced woods.
They seem like a great value to me. I'm looking for a good Dreadnaught and they are on my shortlist.

i would definitely put the Godin-made Seagull S6 in the conversation of one of the best guitars under $600. but there is no one right answer IMHO. just have to get what inspires you to play which makes it the right guitar for you.

[DenverSteve]

Wow. Decent question, 6 pages of great responses over the past 2 months - with nary a follow up or thanks for the ideas.