#16
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I have nothing to add to the comments already posted but I do want to welcome you to the forum! This is a great place to find the information you want/need as well as opinions, which you may or may not need 🤪! You’re off to a good start!
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Martin 000-28 Ambertone (2020) and four ukuleles. I don't have a tuba. |
#17
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I say ( IMO ) your best bang for the buck is to buy American used in GC.
I dont like low end guitars like the 100 and 200 series Taylors -they just yell cheap to me ( sorry Taylor fans ) If you cannot afford the real thing , Eastman , Bluridge or Chinese Guilds ( But the higher end chinese Guilds not the plywood wonders ) And dont forget solid top Yamahas ( again solid wood Yamahas are worth the price difference ) Up till about two weeks ago I was skeptical about Chinese made Guilds - I'm a big fan of American made Guild's - own three and had 2 others in the past as well ( 2- D40's ) I had plans to buy a F512 , but when this pandemic hit it hurt my income and I put off that purchase . Ive heard from reliable sources that the Guild F 1512 ( the upper end Chinese guild 12 string ) was a decent bright and constructed 12 string -took about 5 months ( yes they took along time - becasue of you know what ) It is well made -great sounding 12 string at less than a 1/4 of the price - I also ordered a hardshell case -( I dont like the carry bags - not a smart move IMO ) The Guild replaces a 50 year old Yamaha -seriously the Yamaha is still a great guitar ( Yes i said 50 years old ) just wanted something a tad brighter and louder ! .
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--------------------------------- Wood things with Strings ! |
#18
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I think the sound and build quality of Asian made acoustic guitars has increased in this century. I'm very pleased with the overall experience I've had with three Seagull guitars. I own what is considered by many a lower end US factory Martin.
Nothing you've told us (or for the most part, can tell us) will let us say which of the options you present is the best guitar for you. You're doing what I sometimes do and many others here probably do: shopping based on spec sheets because in-person shopping where you play the guitars is more difficult. I've just confessed to doing that, so let me expand to saying that it's not a very reliable way to shop. If you are an experienced player the best spec sheets may tell you is some guitars to eliminate and others to try first -- and I say that willing to accept that just as some guitars that seem like "just what I'd like" won't turn out to be all that likeable when you play them, and knowing that it could mean that other guitars you won't even try could have turned out to be contenders if you had. Practical issues mean you can try everything or wait until you've tried everything. Nothing you're looking at sounds like a bad deal or must to avoid to me. And the one example of the Yamaha line recommended above that I've played briefly would be a fine addition to candidates. I wouldn't say all solid woods tells you which will be best. Brand names help a bit at resale time, and maybe there are some intangibles, but they too shouldn't rule your choice. For good or ill, I've never bought a guitar based on expecting to re-sell it. I'd advise you to play your candidates, or at least some of them where you find them, and then selecting one that seems to please you more based on that short experience. Nothing we can say here regarding our experience or guesses at what you'll find with your examples with your needs and likes will reliably be all that helpful. Just my opinion: ignore my opinion.
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----------------------------------- Creator of The Parlando Project Guitars: 20th Century Seagull S6-12, S6 Folk, Seagull M6; '00 Guild JF30-12, '01 Martin 00-15, '16 Martin 000-17, '07 Parkwood PW510, Epiphone Biscuit resonator, Merlin Dulcimer, and various electric guitars, basses.... Last edited by FrankHudson; 08-29-2021 at 08:56 AM. |
#19
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2018 Guild F-512 Sunburst -- 2007 Guild F412 Ice Tea burst 2002 Guild JF30-12 Whiskeyburst -- 2011 Guild F-50R Sunburst 2011 Guild GAD D125-12 NT -- 1972 Epiphone FT-160 12-string 2012 Epiphone Dot CH -- 2010 Epiphone Les Paul Standard trans amber 2013 Yamaha Motif XS7 Cougar's Soundcloud page |
#20
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You will have plenty of response, but only you are able to try out guitars and see which one plays and sounds best for you.
However I can say this and it is only a personal opinion, I have owned a Taylor 114ce, it is a well made guitar that plays well and has an incredible volume, but the sound left me on my hungry it was too thin, too sterile, it definitely lacked warmth, some people like that kind of sound and if it's yours go for it you won't be disappointed, but if you like warmer sounds go for something else. For $800 to $900 you can have solid wood in new or used. Last edited by fartamis; 08-29-2021 at 11:25 AM. |
#21
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I have a Guild D-120C that I picked up used. I think new they are going for about $800. All solid wood, 1.75" nut. A good player for me. I don't use the pickup so YMMV. The Guild's "fit and finish" is better than my playing (see video of "An Daingean" in my signature)
Welcome to the forum too!
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Barry Youtube! My SoundCloud page Avalon L-320C, Guild D-120, Martin D-16GT, McIlroy A20, Pellerin SJ CW Cordobas - C5, Fusion 12 Orchestra, C12, Stage Traditional Alvarez AP66SB, Seagull Folk Aria {Johann Logy}: |
#22
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Follow my Poll that I posted last night....
That will give you some insight on many makes and models in just a little above your price target. Most of those guitars are average, $1,300 USD.
If you keep up on Guitar Center Sales, I bought a GPC-15ME Streetmaster (all solid mahogany) for $1,199 USD during the holidays last year. It may go down again. Good luck on your search. Without playing, sites on youtube like Alamo Music, Maury's Guitars, etc. provide very comprehensive reviews and do so many side by side comparisons with playing demos. They do a great job. I bought my Martin without playing and was very pleased. I plan to do the same for my next.
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Kevin Bishop, Retired Navy Senior Chief, Amateur Guitarist 2020 Martin GPC-15ME Streetmaster 2021 Eastman AC622CE SOLD - 1995 Larrivee Jumbo (J-19) with lots of custom blingwork, Sitka over EIR 2024 Larrivee OM-3, Moon over Bhilwara 2018 Taylor 712e, 12 Fret Slot Head, Western Burst 2022 Furch Red DSR Stunning!! |
#23
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Obviously, we all have our own take. I've played a lot of lower-end Martins, Taylors as well as Eastman and Alvarez. I'd pick an Eastman or Alvarez over a lower series Martin or Taylor every single time. Eastman's fit and finish is incredible and an Alvarez MD60BG I own is a fantastic instrument. Better than anything Martin can make until we get to the D18.
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#24
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Breedlove Masterclass Dread - Sitka/Koa Breedlove Masterclass Concert - Sitka/BRW Seagull Artist Deluxe CE Seagull Artist Element Furch G22CR-C Several other exceptional guitars, but these make me smile and keep me inspired! |
#25
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.....nevermind
Last edited by agwoodard; 08-29-2021 at 06:55 PM. |
#26
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Eastman, blue ridge, Yamaha all make good solid wood guitars at around the $1000 mark, less for used I would also check out an older Yari made Alverez, though the are getting expensive now.
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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 |
#27
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Thank you for your advice. I'm including Eastman in my list of guitars to try out!
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#28
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#29
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We've got some guitars. |
#30
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Thank you for your advice, which sounds indeed wise and useful to me. It's true that for years I was buying gear based on specs or, even worse, my lack of knowledge. Lately I have stopped that and, in this case, I'm doing a list of shops where I can try most of what I feel interested in, but that will require a visit to Madrid, since the place where I have been living this last year doesn't offer me this possibility. I'm in no hurry, I have spent these last months away from my two electrics and found out I can really learn and grow and enjoy playing a little Framus parlor and a classical with nylon strings I never payed attention to. So if I have to visit those shops more than once I will try to enjoy the experience. The fact is that I ignored everything about acoustic guitars and I have acquired some knowledge but, given the fact that most information is about the biggest brands, I wasn't sure if these other brands like Guild (which really attracts me), Seagull, Eastman... even Yamaha, deserved some attention regarding their quality, durability, craftmanship... I conclude they do, and will try to decide on my experience, as you say, rather than on the image I may have had of them until now or the looks. Resale will not play a big role. It's my first acoustic and I want one that will join my little family of guitars to stay. Sorry to tell you I won't ignore your opinion! Thnx again. |
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Tags |
eastman, guild om 150 ce, martin road series, taylor 114ce |
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