Looking for an inexpensive Jumbo

[CASD57]

I have a Yamaha 1982 CJ818 but I'd like a new Jumbo.. So I'm looking something around $500 +/-
I prefer more of a warmer balanced big sound..
In the running
Alvarez AJ80CE can't find locally to try because of it being Maple I'm worried it will be too bright

Epiphone EJ-200SCE Might be able to try locally this weekend

Ibanez AE315....Can't locally try

Gretsch G5022CE Can't locally try

Guild F-250CE Can't try

Yamaha LL16M ARE Will try this weekend

Takamine GJ72CE


Any opinion of these would be helpful... Even if its a Brand opinion..

[guitararmy]

Today's Stupid Deal at MusiciansFriend is an acoustic/electric jumbo...

[mcduffnw]

Originally Posted by CASD57

I have a Yamaha 1982 CJ818 but I'd like a new Jumbo.. So I'm looking something around $500 +/-
I prefer more of a warmer balanced big sound..
In the running
Alvarez AJ80CE can't find locally to try because of it being Maple I'm worried it will be too bright

Epiphone EJ-200SCE Might be able to try locally this weekend

Ibanez AE315....Can't locally try

Gretsch G5022CE Can't locally try

Guild F-250CE Can't try

Yamaha LL16M ARE Will try this weekend

Takamine GJ72CE


Any opinion of these would be helpful... Even if its a Brand opinion..

The Yamaha LL16M ARE is not a jumbo, it is Yamaha's super sweet slightly rounded dreadnaught shape. Their jumbo models are LJ6 or LJ16

Either of those two Yamaha's would be my recommendation. You just can't touch Yamaha's quality and consistency in your price range you want to be in.


duff
Be A Player...Not A Polisher

[skyblue314]

I second guitararmy's suggestion. That's a hell of a deal for an A/E Jumbo. I'd start doing some quick research on the model, and someone hopefully has a clip of what it sounds like on YouTube

[GangstaPat]

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guit...19030000001000

Why not give this a shot? I bought the 12 string version as an inexpensive back up that I can leave out and take anywhere and it far exceeded my expectations.

[fuman]

https://www.musiciansfriend.com/guit...19030000001000

Stupid Deal, indeed. I am itching to buy.

[Arthur Slowhand]

Yamaha LJ6/LJ16 ARE are nice, as is the Seagull Woodland Mini Jumbo... I think that's what it's called.

[rstaight]

I like Takamine's. I have the GJ72CE in the 12 string version. I would have bought it in a 6 string if the dealer would have it in natural but got the GD93 instead.

The electronics on the Takamine are fantastic.

[Oldguy64]

I like both the Alvarez AJ60S/AJ80s.
My old AJ60S was a beast. And the Maple back did not affect the bass that much.
I currently have a Takamine GJ72CE-12N
It’s a 12..but in that shape, it has 12 string shimmer, but it also has that “thump”.
I’m quite fond of mine.

[Birdbrain]

The guitar most often in my lap these days is the best Jumbo Seagull ever made, the SWS Maritime Mini Jumbo. It's solid Spruce, pressure-tested, over solid Mahogany, glossed to a shimmering grain finish. More importantly, it's easy to play (short scale but wide nut) and sounds amazing. There's a $2400 used Lowden in a shop nearby that might sound a little better, but it's close. This was a $500 guitar, and more importantly, it's paid for.

My first impression of it, last summer, was of the wonderful wood-shop smell from the soundhole. That's faded somewhat, while everything else has gotten better. The bass is strong and deep, tactile like a good Martin. The midranges hum together like a Prime Gibson. Treble output is more pick-dependent (and perhaps my strings are getting old), but they don't disappoint. It's capable of great sound played loudly, or softly with fingers and nails. Since my budget and talents don't justify that Lowden, it's looking like a lifetime guitar.

Sadly, Seagull no longer makes the MJ and has shifted too long scales. But there's at least one of these SWS MJ's on Reverb from Slightly Touched Guitars, where I got mine. Once it's gone, they may only be available used.

[Vognell]

I tried the Guild Jumbo at a local shop and was pretty impressed by it.

I own the Epiphone EJ200 SCE and its a great guitar for the money, though I have tried some examples that were rather lackluster. Try before you buy on these.

[Brucebubs]

I have a 2012 Epiphone EJ-200 - last of the full body straight acoustic models.
Swapped the saddle and plastic pins for bone.
Fitted DR Sunbeam Lights and it plays and sounds amazingly good as a strummer.
This video is interesting.

[Dakotabison]

Riff City Guitar Outlet has a Guild F250ce jumbo with electronics for just over your stated price. They have a lot of good deals right now because they are closing up the store.

[AndrewG]

Washburn are a little 'under the radar' but this is interesting if you want a cutaway electro jumbo:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jhFh6eR8pts


The HJ40 is the non-cut, non-electro, model. I think it may be discontinued but I found one here for under £350.

[vindibona1]

Originally Posted by Brucebubs

I have a 2012 Epiphone EJ-200 - last of the full body straight acoustic models.
Swapped the saddle and plastic pins for bone.
Fitted DR Sunbeam Lights and it plays and sounds amazingly good as a strummer.
This video is interesting.

Interesting video Bruce. Thanks for sharing. I wasn't surpised by the EJ200 or the 414, but the Martin (in comparison) kind of shocked me. Who would have expected the bass on the D35 to be less than the 414?

If that particular D35 is indicative of the "reimagined" model, I think perhaps we've witnessed a similar effect with the new forward shifted bracing on this model that we've seen on Taylor's V-bracing, but to a lesser extent. The D35's mids aren't as scooped as older models and there is less bass pronunciation. I'm a D35 lover and didn't like that one at all. I've played some 414's in person and if the recording is fairly true, I liked that particular one a lot.