yes this is a serious question

[Studio deluxe]

I'm looking for advice on less expensive guitars (though i would love a Martin or Gibson thats just not realistic) I'm looking for tone i dont realy care what it looks like the tone is what I'm after. I Play classic rock like ELP, acoustic Zepplin, Jackson Brown. I'M looking at a top end around $450.

Please help

2011 Gibson Les Paul Studio Deluxe
1983 Ibanez Roadstar 125
Mid 80s Cort A/E

[Black Beauty]

Yamaha. Don't even bother with any other brand around that price range.

[jlwoodall]

I'd look into an Eastman. A new or used one can come in under your budget and the tone will be there. You just can't beat the sound of an Eastman vs the price.

Also might want to take a look a Blueridge as well.

[brencat]

Originally Posted by jlwoodall

I'd look into an Eastman. A new or used one can come in under your budget and the tone will be there. You just can't beat the sound of an Eastman vs the price.

Also might want to take a look a Blueridge as well.

+1

Used Eastman AC322
Seagull S6
Blueridge BR-40, 42, or 43

Be sure to check out one of our sponsors, Maury's Music, if you go the Blueridge route.

[ChunkyB]

Check out seagull too. They're kind of known for getting a lot of bang for your buck

[jgmaute]

Welcome to AGF. As you've already read in other posts, there are some pretty good choices in your price range and since you are in Pittsburgh you probably will have the chance to go out and play some, both new and used, and find out one that speaks to you. Have fun finding, getting, and playing your next acoustic.

[Wasper]

Originally Posted by Studio deluxe

I'm looking for advice on less expensive guitars (though i would love a Martin or Gibson thats just not realistic) I'm looking for tone i dont realy care what it looks like the tone is what I'm after. I Play classic rock like ELP, acoustic Zepplin, Jackson Brown. I'M looking at a top end around $450.

Please help

2011 Gibson Les Paul Studio Deluxe
1983 Ibanez Roadstar 125
Mid 80s Cort A/E

There are a lot of guitars, from various companies, in that price range that are very nice.

Maybe you can help by narrowing the field down some? Is there a particular size guitar you would like (dread, grand auditorium, folk.. and so on)? Do you want to mainly strum or are you looking to finger pick? Do you have a preference for how wide the nut is? Do you like chunky necks or a slimmer profile neck? Are you looking for something to be acoustic only, or do you want on-board electronics to be able to plug in?

Some brands in your price range, new, to look for are:
Yamaha (good guitars, but not the only ones to look at)
Seagull (or any Godin brand.. like Art & Luthier, Simon & Patrick and Norman)
Epiphone Masterbilt (the Masterbilt series are nice, all solid guitars)
Alvarez
Takamine
Washburn (I actually like Washburn over Yamaha)
Walden (love them Waldens... super bang for buck guitars)

and many more....

Try to respond with some particulars and this community can zero in on more specific models.

[Tanque Verde]

You might consider Voyage Air. You could also probably find a used Guild GAD in that price range or a Taylor GS Mini.

[Irondale]

Alvarez Artist series. Seriously... these guitars are set up in the US before they are shipped. Frets are sanded, leveled and polished. Bone nut and saddle.

[GuitarDogs62]

Around that price range I would think about the following:

1) Yamaha
2) Seagull
3) Takamine
4) Used Taylor 210

[catdaddy]

If its about 'tone' then here are a some suggestions in your price range:

1. The Epiphone Masterbilt AJ models that I have played including the one that I used to own, have an undeniable Gibson-esque sound.

2. Blueridge makes several models which are Martin clones and have a sound that is similar to what one would expect from a Martin.

3. Martin's laminated DX1 model is a lower priced Martin and the ones I've played have been nice guitars, especially for the money.


As has already been mentioned, Eastman and Yamaha get a lot of love on this forum. Seagull guitars do as well. I have no experience with the former two brands but I own a Seagull S6 Cedar and it is a nice guitar in your price range with a tone all its own.

When looking at lower priced guitars it is not uncommon to have some variation in quality and tone from one example to the next. I suggest that you audition as many guitars as possible in your price range and let your ears and hands help you make your decision.

Good luck in your quest!

[jeepnstein]

If you're playing in a band with a loud stage you'll want to make sure it's got an under-saddle pickup. I have a buddy who has an Epiphone something-or-another that he uses with his band and it's OK for the job.

Tone? That's going to be a reach at that price point. If you can find a Yamaha or a used Takamine you should be in business. I'd go with Takamine, but that's just me.

[Tanque Verde]

Originally Posted by Irondale

Alvarez Artist series. Seriously... these guitars are set up in the US before they are shipped. Frets are sanded, leveled and polished. Bone nut and saddle.

I don't know much about Alvarez, but at our recent local folk festival, I noticed numerous Alvarez headstocks.

[chomper76]

My friend's Alvarez AD-60 is a good looking guitar that sounds great. My new Yamaha FG730s came in flawless condition and sounds great as well.

[sublro]

you said martin, you said tone trumps everything and you said cheap. In addition to other brands listed so far, I would take a very serious look at Recording King. I just bought my first from them, and oh my goodnes, the tone is amazing and not just "for the money".