$3500 budget

[Parlorman]

As soon as they’re open for in-store business you should take a drive to The Music Emporium in Lexington, MA. They will have some wonderful choices in that price range that you can try.

[colins]

Originally Posted by Parlorman

As soon as they’re open for in-store business you should take a drive to The Music Emporium in Lexington, MA. They will have some wonderful choices in that price range that you can try.

100% agree with this, it could be the best one hour drive you make from a guitar perspective. I visited TME in my only trip to that area, many years ago. Very friendly staff, and I was blown away by my first foray into the world outside Martin and Taylor.

A visit to TME will allow you to play the 814 (they have several in stock) and compare it with Goodall, Lowden, Santa Cruz etc. Then you will hear the incredible variety in these guitars, as each small shop or luthier builds to achieve a distinctive sound. You need to know what brands you like before you start to chase them in the used market and TME does have a bunch of these guitars in their used section at prices similar to a new 814. Once you have an idea of your favourite brands you can use TME, the AGF ‘For Sale’ section, Reverb and other sites to find something you like in your price range. It may end up that you buy the Taylor, they make great guitars. But once you’ve checked out a few different brands you will have a lot more certainty about what you like and don’t like. And a lot of fun along the way.

[DougKerr]

Thanks for all the feed back. I’m going to give the Music Emporium a call today. Hopefully they’re opening soon. The shops in NH are open but nobody has of these custom maker.

[srick]

Originally Posted by Parlorman

As soon as they’re open for in-store business you should take a drive to The Music Emporium in Lexington, MA. They will have some wonderful choices in that price range that you can try.

This is my suggestion too. Then, buy used. You'll get a guitar that has already opened up and likely sounds better than new. In fact, that is how I purchased my Bourgeois Country Boy 00 (from TME); it was four years old and had hardly been used. I believe that I paid half of what it would have cost new!

[mercy]

I asked those questions from a well known brand dealor but when the guitar came it needed an actual set up, fret work and as I recall something about the neck set so I returned it and they told me never to buy from them again. If I hadnt of asked those questions I wonder if they would have taken it back? Moral, ask questions.

[Guitars44me]

Originally Posted by mercy

I asked those questions from a well known brand dealor but when the guitar came it needed an actual set up, fret work and as I recall something about the neck set so I returned it and they told me never to buy from them again. If I hadnt of asked those questions I wonder if they would have taken it back? Moral, ask questions.

One persons "perfect setup" is another's trip to the Luthier. Actual measurements and CLEAR, CLOSE UP photos can help you make informed decisions.

Sounds like some fun shopping in your future!

Enjoy the chase

Paul

[collingsnyc]

Agree with the recommendations on the Music Emporium. I've never visited in person, but have bought a few from them. They know their stuff, and I find their product priced more reasonably than most.

[leepish14]

I would concur with those who suggest an OM. I just traded in my 2016 Taylor 914ce for a new reimagined Martin OM-28. I like it much better than the Taylor. I think the Martin OM-28 has all the versatility of the Taylor 814, and, in my opinion, plays and sounds better. It’s all personal taste and preferences.
Good luck with the search.

[Aspiring]

I'd add in there used Breedlove Masterclass level instruments also Kronbauers

[Rinaz]

I left you a private message

[M Sarad]

Brand new Northwood.