Back up guitar

[Ash Telecaster]

After running into an electronics issue on my Taylor 614ce I decided I need a back up instrument.

I have about $700 I could spend now. Not 100% sure that will get me what I need.

I went to my local GC to try out guitars but it was a sad experience. It was like a guitar graveyard. The instruments were not well cared for, dead strings, warped necks, dusty, tons of $200 guitars and the few $700 guitars were hanging near the ceiling.

It was better in the expensive guitar room but all of those exceeded my pocket money.

I prefer the cutout but it isn't essential. I also prefer a gloss finish to protect the instrument. Decent sounding electronics is essential and I play up the neck so light Guage strings and decent action up the neck are important.

I am eyeballing a few guitars and would welcome any thoughts you have on the topic to help me narrow the list.

---list for consideration, I don't own these---
Martin dc-2xe
Martin d-2xe
Yamaha Silent Guitar
Yamaha AC1R
Guild d260ce
Guild f-250ce
Breedlove ECO discovery
Alvarez agfm80cears
Takamini gd93ce
--------------------------------------------------------------------

Thanks!

[rollypolly]

used Taylor 214CE?

[Ash Telecaster]

I like that idea. If I can find one and I can return it if I get it and something is messed up.

[Rudy4]

Pick up a Taylor Academy 12 (in walnut preferably) and fit it with a K&K Pure Mini.

That's what my choice would be in that situation.

[Ash Telecaster]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Pick up a Taylor Academy 12 (in walnut preferably) and fit it with a K&K Pure Mini.

That's what my choice would be in that situation.

Thanks Rudy, sounds like a good option. I'll look into that.

[Ash Telecaster]

Originally Posted by Rudy4

Pick up a Taylor Academy 12 (in walnut preferably) and fit it with a K&K Pure Mini.

That's what my choice would be in that situation.

Looks like a super nice guitar.

I wonder how noticeable the shorter scale length is?

And I wonder if the varnished top will get easily pick damaged?

[Jimi2]

Eastman makes some nice, affordable Grand Auditoriums and OMs if you’re looking at those body sizes.

[Ash Telecaster]

I have an Eastman mandolyn that is absolutely awesome. I will look into those, thanks!

[j38guitar]

Eastman E1om

[rllink]

From your signature it looks like you already have some back up guitars.

[Rogerblair]

How about a decent sound hole pickup that installs in seconds for those rare occasions when the internal system poops out on you? A lot easier to tote than another guitar.

Roger

[L20A]

Having a back up guitar is a very good idea.
So many reasons that you should have one.

May I suggest that you look at the Alvarez line of acoustic/electric guitars.
They offer some great sounding guitars at great prices and I see an Alvarez is on your list.

Order it from Guitar Center.
If you don't like it you get your money back.

[rockabilly69]

I don't have a backup guitar for many gigs, but I always carry a back-up pickup
in the car

[JERZEY]

The Eastman AC122 units come with a p/u ready to go just under 700$. Better then anything Taylor makes sub 2k.

[jseth]

I've not needed a "back-up" guitar in my over 50 years of gigging... and I've always had the best guitar I could find. Playing guitar is such an intrinsic part of my life as a singer/songwriter that I have a really good one, and I take good care of it, and it has never let me down.

Currently I have a Goodall Concert Jumbo with a set of Dazzo pickups in it. Because I haven't been gigging for a few years now (due to Covid and health issues), I check the pickup from time to time, to make sure nothing's come loose in there!

I'm a fan of having really good gear and taking care of it, as opposed to having a couple "less-than" items that I'm not really that happy with... I'd rather cry once when I pay the price rather than to keep crying and paying along the way!