Looking for a "beater" guitar

uncleb · #1 09-12-2003, 04:18 PM

Hey all,

I'm looking to get a guitar that is solid wood but doesn't cost too much (relatively speaking!) I have seen the Blueridge BR160(Chinese I think) and the Michael Kelly 180(Korean I think) (both solid spruce top/solid rosewood back,sides), haven't played either and can't find them locally (NJ). Anyone had any experience with these, or others?

Thanks!

Rick

Jefferson · #2 09-12-2003, 04:22 PM

i know it sounds crazy, but I think the Alvarez RD-20 is a fine sounding cheapo guitar

easily obtainable for under 200 toads

Solid spruce top, laminated back and sides -- hmm, maybe this doesnt meet your requirements

check 'em out though -- is solid wood B&S absolutely essential for a beater? Laminates may be more maintenance-free if it's going to be outside often.

just my oh-pen-yun

uncleb · #3 09-12-2003, 04:28 PM

I've played a few Alvarez and not been real happy (may just be a few unlucky experiences, I know some love 'em) I know laminates would make it easier to maintain, but I really like the sound of solid wood. Thanks for the thoughts.

Rick

shane · #4 09-12-2003, 04:48 PM

Quote:

Originally posted by Jefferson
i know it sounds crazy, but I think the Alvarez RD-20 is a fine sounding cheapo guitar

easily obtainable for under 200 toads

i own an RD-20S! (RD-20 would be laminate top if that even exists)

it is an amazing guitar! i love it. it sounds so good, especially for the price i paid. its no taylor, but wow. its a great guitar. buy it.

Gunny · #5 09-12-2003, 05:08 PM

Used Tacoma DM9. All solid, bright Tayloresque sound, Made in the USA. You can find 'em on eBay all the time at a bargain.

TaylorGirl · #6 09-12-2003, 05:28 PM

The newer Alvarez under say $300 are not that great. But if you can find some of the older solid wood guitars they made, you can't do too badly. I actually have one I'm trying to sell.. But I'm sure if you look around you can find a good deal on a used one. ...Or what about a Taylor 100 series?

jh11 · #7 09-12-2003, 07:16 PM

I owned an RD30SC and Loved it - Great Sound

Check it out below

stevemc · #8 09-13-2003, 04:24 AM

I have one of the RD-20S also. I think it's a great inexpensive guitar. I bought mine about 3-4 yrs. ago so I don't know if the new ones are as good or not.

uncleb · #9 09-14-2003, 08:19 AM

El Bumpo

flaggerphil · #10 09-14-2003, 09:38 AM

It depends on what your price point is. Good, relatively inexpensive guitars (in my experience) are a Big Baby, a 110, a 214 (solid), and a lot of the Seagull guitars. I've played a number of Seagulls and they have very good tone and playability. Some are solid.

I, personally, have a 110 as my "beater". It's fair when fingerpicked, but really comes alive when strummed. I am, however, thinking seriously of replacing it with a 214.

allen414 · #11 09-14-2003, 10:00 AM

the larrivee d-03, solid woods, great sounding guitar. found mine used under $500. great Taylor like neck, rivals the taylor playability.

Jefferson · #12 09-14-2003, 04:05 PM

what about one of the new 214's?

uncleb · #13 09-14-2003, 05:35 PM

Wow, Thanks! I didn't know about the 214's. Just went to Taylors site and checked some reviews (harmony central, a good source of extra research, taken with a grain of salt) and I can't wait to go play a few.

Rick