$1000 for a fingerpicker

[Tycobb73]

Since my other thread had a lot of other options comments, if you had $1000 to spend on fingerstyle guitar what would you get? I can get used to anything but what I like:

Non gloss necks.
Non gloss on the body doesn't bother me either.
Nut spacing doesn't bother me but wider at the bridge would be nice.
I like the look of binding but without isn't a deal breaker.
I have a ton of natural finish guitars and would like something different, but not a deal breaker.
I play pop and rock songs, not much blues. In fact I started studying finger blues and found I'm not enjoying it.

I'll try in person if I can but being legally blind and not driving means the wife is coming with and I'd like to narrow the choices to a few to not waste her time. Hoping there is a consensus that stands out above the rest like the yamaha 800 series or the Seagull S6 does amoung guitars in the sub $500 range.

I am aware of the forum sponsors for Martin so that is an option. In fact my d18 is probably the acoustic I go for most, but my preference changes daily. I am also not afraid of used.

[Wrighty]

I am not sure how freely available where you are, but I purchased a used Furch OM22CM for under $1000 and it is a fine guitar for fingerstyle.

[egordon99]

I would think any of your current acoustics would be great for fingerstyle.

[Steve DeRosa]

Save up a few more bucks and go for a used Martin 000-15SM - checks all your boxes - or a (discontinued) 000-16SRGT if you can find one...

[DCCougar]

Originally Posted by Tycobb73

...I have a ton of natural finish guitars and would like something different....

EF-500RAVS Epiphone Masterbilt. Good luck finding one.

[Tycobb73]

Originally Posted by Steve DeRosa

Save up a few more bucks and go for a used Martin 000-15SM - checks all your boxes - or a (discontinued) 000-16SRGT if you can find one...

What's the difference between sm and m?

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Tycobb73

What's the difference between sm and m?

The sm is the 12 fret model. I believe the string spacing is a little wider at the nut and bridge which is great for finger style. If you're patient you should be able to get a used one close to your price.

[zombywoof]

For me it comes down to matching up a guitar I like the sound of with the specs I am most comfortable which for me means a relatively flat board, a nut of at least 1 3/4" and a wide string spacing at the bridge with the ideal for me being 2 5/16". It is a whole lot easier though to find those specs on guitars built in the 1930s. Fortunately I am flexible enough that I can make peace with guitars which meet of couple but not all of those specs. But that is just me.

[Neil K Walk]

Larrivee OM-02 or OM-03.

[jklotz]

With your budget, I'd look at Eastman.

Do you have a preference for wood combos? That'd help to narrow down the suggestions quite a bit.

[Tycobb73]

Originally Posted by jklotz

With your budget, I'd look at Eastman.

Do you have a preference for wood combos? That'd help to narrow down the suggestions quite a bit.

no, don't know really know what I want, was hoping to get a few choices and try them all instead of making my wife wait while I try every guitar in every guitar shop.

[Tycobb73]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

The sm is the 12 fret model. I believe the string spacing is a little wider at the nut and bridge which is great for finger style. If you're patient you should be able to get a used one close to your price.

How does the eastman 02 compare to the 00015? Obviously big price difference but would still like to hear your thoughts.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Tycobb73

How does the eastman 02 compare to the 00015? Obviously big price difference but would still like to hear your thoughts.

They are two different animals sound-wise. The Eastman is brighter and is short-scale while the Martin is warm and regular-scale.

They are both 1 3/4" at the nut but the Martin is wider at the bridge.

I love my Martin. It is my morning guitar. Partners great with a good cup of coffee.

For under $500 though, the Eastman is a great guitar.

There are applications where I prefer one over the other. I'm glad I have both.

[Nyghthawk]

Originally Posted by DCCougar

EF-500RAVS Epiphone Masterbilt. Good luck finding one.

Been looking for a while! It's hard to even find one without the bling.

[Earl49]

$1000?? I thought finger pickers were a dime a dozen. [rimshot]

I'll leave the specific recommendations to others. IIRC you are in Michigan, so a trip to the Holy Land (aka Elderly Instruments in Lansing) seems in order, when they can let you in.