Best acoustic guitar for $600?

[ctvolfan]

Yamaha FG800 for half of $600. But I like the idea of the Taylor GS mini if you spend the whole amount.

[Ralph124C41]

Originally Posted by ctvolfan

Yamaha FG800 for half of $600. But I like the idea of the Taylor GS mini if you spend the whole amount.

Actually to boost your point, a Yamaha FG800 for a third of $600 ($199.99 before any deals or promotions). I'd recommend the FG830 which would be one third of that $600.

[chrismitchell]

Originally Posted by Arch Stanton

I totally agree! Seagull, handcrafted in Canada. Not China!!

They’re not flashy, but really solid guitars. I have a seagull walnut 12. Really plays nice. I would also look at a used Larrivee, I paid $600 for mine.

[biotechmgr]

Yamaha FG-TA

[PTL]

I would try to chase a used one. Something like the LS-TA that is all solid rosewood and Torrefied solid Sitka. Adding that Transacoustic is a bonus.

[Nyghthawk]

I recently bought a used Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500 for $450. You would be hard pressed to beat it for the money.

The L series Yamahas, The Woodland Pro Simon and Patrick series, the Alvarez Masterworks series would all fill the bill nicely.

[menhir]

Another vote for a Seagull S6.

[jseth]

Another recommendation for the Alvarez Masterworks guitars (dreadnought, especially!)!

All solid, spruce top with mahogany back and sides, very nice fit and finish, herringbone purfling, open-gear Waverly tuners and a really nice hard shell case...

$599!!!

They sound wonderful, especially the several dreadnoughts I've played (and I'm not a dreadnought guy)... the dreads are VERY loud, but the tone is full and rich, not excessively bright or boomy.

No electronics, so that may be a concern if you want them... but I haven't played ANYTHING that can touch those guitars, not for the money...

[AdamHinson]

I would definitely look at the Epiphone Masterbuilt series. I decided I wanted to upgrade from my Ibanez. Went to look at a few options in my price range and ended up buying a used DR500 MCE. It literally fit me perfect and being used, I had to buy it immediately.

[Lockback]

Originally Posted by Ralph124C41

Actually to boost your point, a Yamaha FG800 for a third of $600 ($199.99 before any deals or promotions). I'd recommend the FG830 which would be one third of that $600.

I highly recommend the FG830 as well. The FS models are terrific too - smaller concert size - and the FS-TA TransAcoustic comes in right at the OP's price point.

[Joe Beamish]

A Martin DM can be a great guitar for around $600 used.

[NewJoy]

My first post on this great forum, but this thread is where I've been at for last couple of years.

Price point is not enough for a good advice. Some preferences are needed or guitar purchased might prove a complete disappointment.

Size and shape will play into feel and overall satisfaction. A dreadnought is quite large and not comfortable for many human frames.

Sound/shape will also affect sound in general and while any genre can be played on any body shape, some types are just crying for being more on target.

It's hard, if not impossible, to deliver say a delta blues sound on anything but 12-fret (and not any 12-fret) for example.

Used guitars can be beyond great, but is this Christmas about getting a used item?

I will also caution against the so well amplified on this forum " so long as it is not made in China" half-truth. Alvarez has been mentioned here already to prove my point.

But also check out Cort's Gold series. The O6 will take you below $600 an it is a fantastically made guitar. Comes in a really good hard gig bag too.

Fender's Paramount series, the PM3 or PM2 (parlor) are both great and well appointed. Hard shell case included.

There are several offerings form Ibanez well below $600, that are great sounding and super looking too. The Artwood series and more specifically the AVC11 (with great finish choices for US market), although this is crying for SKB 000 hard case as the perfect companion.

All above, Cort Gold, Ibanez, and the Fenders are not only well made and great sounding guitars, they also look like a gift.

There are more great choices and Yamaha's LS6 surely is to be mentioned as well. But main point is to figure out what body size/shape it ought to be before deciding.

A dreadnought could be a wrong choice as many, myself included, find its shape plain awkward to hold for extended periods. A shame as there are so many great sounding dreads out there. At the same time all smaller bodies are IMHO more inviting to be played more and far easier to take everywhere.

[Mbroady]

A new student of mine came in with an Orangewood guitar. It was a sub $300 model. It felt and played really good. Based on this one guitar I was impressed

Here is a link to one of their all solid wood models that retails for $600 and change.
Might be worth checking out.

https://www.theguitarjournal.com/gui...orium-cutaway/

[Puerto Player]

My buddy bought a PRS acoustic for 4 or 5 hundred new. That guitar sounds REALLY good! Both unplugged and plugged in. Has a nice neck shape and beautiful sound. I'd at least play one if I were looking that range.

[Ed66]

Originally Posted by Mbroady

A new student of mine came in with an Orangewood guitar. It was a sub $300 model. It felt and played really good. Based on this one guitar I was impressed

I'm not in the market for any new guitars but I'm definitely interested in trying out some of the product from Orangewood. Mary Spender did a quick review in the past few days on YouTube of a $300 all mahogany dread that sounded really nice.