Cheapest guitar you were most impressed with. - Page 4

StrumNSing · #46 02-07-2021, 05:11 PM

I agree with all of those who have mentioned:

Yamaha FG800 - add a bone saddle, you're all set.
Ibanez AC-240 OPN - already comes with bone, grover tuners, and 1.75 (or 1.77) nut.
Seagull S6 or Mini Jumbo.
A variety of Eastmans.
A variety of Alvarezes.

I'm sure there are many others, but those are the ones I've tried and/or owned and been very impressed with.

All less than $400, many less than $300, and some less than $200.

Enjoy the hunt!

JustEd · #47 02-07-2021, 06:27 PM

A Squier Standard from Indonesia I bought from a merchant at a guitar flea market for $35.00. I had to straighten the neck out though.

dbuck · #48 02-07-2021, 06:39 PM

I picked up a used Recording King ROS-16 a little while ago for $300, very impressive for the price.

Boozehound · #49 02-07-2021, 07:37 PM

Alvarez AD60 I got a while ago on STOTD for (I think) $199. Fit and finish left something to be desired, but the tone really surprised me.

emtsteve · #50 02-07-2021, 07:42 PM

First guitar I bought, Alvarez AF30 for $130 shipped. It was a b-stock but the only thing “wrong” was that it had white binding like the AF60. Great little guitar that was my gateway. Still have it and get it out to play once in a while.

Backpocketnj · #51 02-07-2021, 07:42 PM

I have a Silver Creek T-170. It was one of those solid wood Musician's Friend OMs. It's not a great guitar, but it's good for the $150-200 I paid for it and it's great as I don't have to worry about it all that much so I end up playing it more than other things at times.

tnvolfan5 · #52 02-07-2021, 07:43 PM

I agree with k_russell. My Gretsch Jim Dandy was on sale for $119. I get great comments every time I play it. It reminds me of my first (and only) Stella from the early 60's. It was $19.99 new.

fitness1 · #53 02-07-2021, 07:47 PM

There were two - both totally unexpected Elderly purchases.

One was probably 32 years ago. An authentic 1897 Washburn parlor guitar with a 1 7/8 nut. Light as a feather and sounded incredible. Paid all of 375 for it. Sold it because I was worried about performing with it because it was so fragile, and so resonant it was hard to mic.

About 2 years later, I walked in one day and there was this cute little guitar with a florentine cutaway hanging on the wall. I'd heard of Taylor guitars previously, but never played one. It was another 1 7/8 nut Taylor 512 ('89). That one was with me over 10 years as my one and only and probably played 500 or more gigs with it. That one was really expensive at 725.00

The Cordoba Solista in my signature deserves at least honorable mention too. Paid 300.00 for it because of some cosmetic issues, and the seller thought the neck was cracked at the nut. As it turned out, it was finish only. I've modified the heck out of it and it's by far the best sounding classical I've owned.

PHJim · #54 02-07-2021, 07:58 PM

The early Art & Luthery Amis were great guitars for very little cash. (Under $300)
Both Gurf Morlix and Dan Walsh told me that they paid more for the pickup thy installed than for the guitar.

Dan Walsh

Lee Renaldo (Sonic Youth)

Sam Baker

Tegan Quin

Gurf Morlix

Chris1226 · #55 02-07-2021, 08:02 PM

Recording King RD7S, Dirty Thirties series, 149.00 in a Ocean City NJ guitar shop, played it a couple times while on vacation there, gave it some thought but didn’t pull the trigger, had a bassy sound about it, I look at it online occasionally... I do own a Recording King mandolin that I very much enjoy

Jodythebaker · #56 02-07-2021, 11:49 PM

A 70s era Yamaha FG-160-1 made in Taiwan with some Japanese made parts. Bought it off a guy who was selling his belongings for cash while he was holed up in a type of government assisted housing.

I received it in terrible shape - missing/broken bridge pins, partially melted nut, silver sparkle paint all over the bridge, small crack in the fretboard, and various pen graffiti and knife etchings all over the top. Evidently he had busked with it from Montana all around. I really viewed it as a practice repair piece and it gave me an opportunity at “fixing” everything.

Now after a few months of Amazon parts, lots of meticulous sanding, and several light lacquer coatings, it’s quite a player and well worth the $6 I originally paid.

I hope that dude straightened out his life and wish him the best.

Rogerblair · #57 02-08-2021, 05:43 AM

Cortez J200 knock off. Maple b/s laminated, but the sound was incredible. Paid $175 and played it for 10 years. I finally gave it to a buddy who still plays it. I’d love to have it back, but he loves it too.

And to pile on, after playing for 60 years, and having purchased numerous $2,000+ guitars, I recently discovered the Yamaha FS/FG 8XX guitars. The fun-to-cost ratio with these is absolutely through the roof.

Rb

Wellington · #58 02-08-2021, 06:52 AM

For me it was actually a Cort of my wife's friend she's been learning on. I couldn't believe it, I think it's a $200-$300 USD guitar, I forget the model now, it was a satin finished dreadnought. Felt amazing in the hands and played fantastic and even sounded really good. I'll be honest, I was in a bit of shock. Don't get me wrong, I'm not going to say it could compete with a $2000 guitar or something, but it was an absolutely fine guitar any guitar player would likely be happy with. I preferred it to the entry Yamaha's, wasn't as bright or thin, that's not a dig at Yamaha, they make quality guitars for a good price at this level.

mawmow · #59 02-08-2021, 08:31 AM

Eastman 122ce (600$CAD in 2019).

OddManOut · #60 02-08-2021, 08:39 AM

Mine was a Bristol 000 at Gryphon. I picked it up on a whim while waiting in line several people deep. I was blown away by the tone and playability of that all-laminate box. I got to the counter and said "I'll take this, too!" I've never found one as good sounding since...right side of the bell curve on that puppy...