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#1
06-10-2020, 07:05 AM
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$3500 budget
Hello Folks, I have a budget of $3500 and I’ve found a Taylor 814 that is calling me. Before I pull the trigger I thought I’d look into other options in that price range. Are there any custom guitars available at that price point that would be comparable to the 814? I’m a finger picker/moderate strummer. Amplification isn’t a priority for me. Any suggestions?
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Taylor 314ce Gibson Les Paul 50’s Standard 
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#2
06-10-2020, 07:19 AM
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Well, there are just a lot of used guitars in that price range if you have the ability to travel some and try them, especially if you can widen your body shape considerations to include OMs.
If you are looking at a new, non-CE 814 (i.e., no cutaway or electronics), and the size is comfortable, I'll suggest trying a Martin M-36.
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"I know in the morning that it's gonna be good, when I stick out my elbows and they don't bump wood." - Bill Kirchen
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#4
06-10-2020, 08:15 AM
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With a little bit of bargaining (Make an offer for few hundred less) You can save some cash and get a great guitar.
Orange GC-SR https://reverb.com/item/33338822-fur...OLhFKlrnR6j0sE
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David Webber Round-Body Furch D32-LM MJ Franks Lagacy OM Rainsong H-WS1000N2T Stonebridge OM33-SR DB Stonebridge D22-SRA Tacoma Papoose Voyage Air VAD-2 1980 Fender Strat A few Partscaster Strats MIC 60s Classic Vib Strat
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#5
06-10-2020, 08:28 AM
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If you constrain your search to a Sitka/Engelmann/Lutz spruce or cedar top paired with either EIR or mahogany B&S, you should find excellent to nearly mint used offerings from Collings (1 & 2 series), Santa Cruz (PW series), Bourgeois, Huss and Dalton, and others in that budget range.
Check here and on Reverb to get an idea, it’s a buyer’s market right now so good time to looking for a great buy.
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Doerr Trinity 12 Fret 00 (Lutz/Maple) Edwinson Zephyr 13 Fret 00 (Adi/Coco) Froggy Bottom H-12 (Adi/EIR) Kostal 12 Fret OMC (German Spruce/Koa) Rainsong APSE 12 Fret (Carbon Fiber) Taylor 812ce-N 12 fret (Sitka/EIR Nylon)
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#6
06-10-2020, 08:53 AM
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I would highly recommend you check out used Goodalls. You can find them in the $3500 range. There is really no comparison between a production line Taylor and a Goodall.
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1972 Yamaha FG200 My 1st guitar 2003 Yamaha LL500 2007 Larrivee JCL 40th Anniversary Edition 1998 Larrivee OM05-MT All Mahogany 1998 Larrivee D09 Brazilian “Flying Eagle” 1998 Larrivee D10 Brazilian "Flying Eagle" 1990 Goodall Rosewood Standard https://soundcloud.com/247hoopsfan
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#7
06-10-2020, 09:16 AM
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I agree with 247 on a used Goodall and would add Santa Cruz as well.
2007 Santa Cruz OM/PW $3K https://reverb.com/item/33282842-san...ic-guitar-2007
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Goodall, Martin, Wingert
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#8
06-10-2020, 09:23 AM
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I was able to purchase a mint condition 2015 Martin '39 D-18A Authentic w/VTS for $3500 out-the-door at Gryphon in January. Couldn't be happier!
Check out a good used Authentic or a used Collings guitar. You'll be glad you did!
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#9
06-10-2020, 09:25 AM
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Quote:
Used Goodall, Used Collings, Used Lowden, Used Avalon. The fit and finish details on these options I think are a notch above Taylor. in fact- this popped up today and I probably wouldn’t hesitate... https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=583682
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For Sale: Collings C10 MRA ; Haxton “Special” 00 DB https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=684761 Last edited by cliff_the_stiff; 06-10-2020 at 09:27 AM. Reason: Adding a ling to forum ad
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#11
06-10-2020, 09:53 AM
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Forget about the builder or brand. If what you are looking for is a Sitka over rosewood 14 fret guitar, in 000 or small jumbo size, just start playing them until you find one that rings your bell. I would second the OM suggestion if you don't mind the long scale. I think the OM is the most versatile guitar out there. I also think that for non-Taylor owners, Taylor's are probably at the bottom of the desirability scale (at least they are for me) but it is a big wide wonderful world of guitars out there and the individual character of any guitar is more important than the name on the headstock.
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2003 Martin OM-42, K&K's 1932 National Style O, K&K's 1930 National Style 1 tricone Square-neck 1951 Rickenbacker Panda lap steel 2014 Gibson Roy Smeck Stage Deluxe Ltd, Custom Shop, K&K's 1957 Kay K-27 X-braced jumbo, K&K's 1967 Gretsch 6120 Chet Atkins Nashville 2014 Gold Tone WL-250, Whyte Lade banjo 2024 Mahogany Weissenborn, Jack Stepick Ear Trumpet Labs Edwina Tonedexter
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#12
06-10-2020, 10:09 AM
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Quote:
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#13
06-10-2020, 10:57 AM
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Quote:
What he said!!
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#14
06-10-2020, 12:21 PM
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Totally agree with the Goodall comments. I have a beautiful 2003 cedar over maple Goodall that I’m going to be selling in that price range in the next month or so... and I have toured the Taylor factory in San Diego and played their instruments, which are impressive but in this price range, with what you can find in mint condition, a Goodall is the way to go!
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Jeff Mark Hatcher Pina Parlor Torrified Maple/Cedar Stephen Kinnaird 00 B&W Ebony/Engelmann Spruce Simon Fay African Blackwood/Sinker Redwood Wolfgang Jellinghaus Torres Modelo 43S Maple/Spruce K Yairi CYTM Maple/Cedar
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#15
06-10-2020, 03:37 PM
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My 2 cents...
There are a LOT of single bench Luthier built and small shop instruments in the FS listings!
Here is my long list of questions to ask any prospective seller. BTW, I learned to ask these the hard way, for every question! Sheesh. I suggest copy and save to notes, etc. If anyone does not want to answer or talk on the phone about the instrument with it in hand, I suggest just pass... Do you have a really good Luthier to inspect and dial anything in for your playing style? If not it is time to find one. Juggling used guitars is a lot easier than cars, for example! But they almost always need SOMTHING! I hope these help! If we all asked these there would be a lot less headaches! Haha My usual questions. Please disregard any you already answered. Has this been completely inspected by a GOOD Luthier? If not, Please put on inspection goggles. (Not beer goggles). Haha. And PLEASE INSPECT ENTIRE INSTRUMENT CLOSELY. Year built? Please post or send clear closeup pics of any and all dings, cracks, finish issues etc. Is the neck angle correct? Please check with a straight- edge laying on the frets. It should just clear the top of the bridge/bottom of the exposed saddle. What is the action (string height above fret) at the first and 12th fret ? How much Saddle showing? Is the top sunken above the bridge or bellied behind it? Fret dress needed, or needed soon? Is the intonation correct? Open strings in tune should match at 12th fret. Any mods or repairs besides pickup if it has one? Pup Year and manufacturer? And does it work properly? Neck set needed? Is the neck, not the relief, straight and true? Any (other) cracks in the wood, or the finish? Braces, binding, frets and bridge all secure and tightly glued? Please inspect closely! Especially the bindings at the waist. Any cracks, dings or scratches not visible in the photos? Any rattles, buzzes, or unwanted noises when played moderately? Any high frets? Tuners smooth, with no slippage? Original case? in good Condition? All latches work as intended and no funky smells, or other issues? So, is this ready to go to work without a trip to my Luthier? I always ask as I have had these (and more) issues on seemingly nice internet instruments!
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3 John Kinnaird SS 12c CUSTOMS: Big Maple/Cedar Dread Jumbo Spanish Cedar/WRC Jumbo OLD Brazilian RW/WRC R.T 2 12c sinker RW/Claro 96 422ce bought new! 96 LKSM 12 552ce 12x12 J. Stepick Bari Weissy WRC/Walnut More
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