Yamaha LL16,best guitar under $1000?????

jwmtele · #1 03-09-2013, 12:29 PM

I am getting a little cash back from my taxes,and i want the best solid wood
acoustic for under $100,I just got a Yamaha FG700s and it's a great guitar,i think the Yamaha LL16 would be a awesome guitar,i have not a chance to play one yet.Anyone own the LL16 or have played one?What do you think of them?
If you know of another guitar under a $1000 that is better than the Yamaha LL16 ,please let me know about it.I play a little bit of everything,blues,classic rock,country both fingerpicking and strumming.If any of you guys and gals have any adivse on the Yamaha LL16 or another guitar i should look at please let me know.Cheers,
James

dkwan9 · #2 03-09-2013, 01:02 PM

There really is no "best" guitar in any price range. It all depends on what you like and how you play. That being said, I think the LL16 is a fine guitar and a great deal. I've played one of those, an also an LLX6A and an LLX26. The laminate b/s on the 6A sounded surprisingly similar to the all solid 16, but there was slightly more bass response from the 16. The one I played vibrated so much I could feel it on my stomach, right thigh, and right arm. It was pretty cool.

Also take a look at the Eastman traditional line. The E20D is most similar to the LL16, but if you like mahogany be sure to check out the E10D too. I like adi-topped guitars, but they'e not for everyone. You might have a hard time finding a new E20D for your $1000 budget, but the E10D typically sell for between $950 and $1000. These are new prices, btw. You can always go used to save a few bills.

Good luck with your search!

Brant0086 · #3 03-09-2013, 01:21 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jwmtele

I am getting a little cash back from my taxes,and i want the best solid wood
acoustic for under $1000
James

I suggest, you just go play as many guitars as you can around that price range. There is no "best" but rather a "best for you."

For about 1K, you can get 15 and 16 series Martins, 3 series Taylors, solid wood Seagulls, Yamahas, Samicks, Rocording Kings, Blueridge....... the list goes on and on.

Bryant

edman · #4 03-09-2013, 01:38 PM

I am a big Yamaha L Series fan. I owned many over the years.

I believe the 6 Series is just as good as the 16 Series.

I currently own an LS6 that sounds excellent. I believe it is one of the best guitars I ever owned under $1000. I base that on build quality, tone and play ability.

I have been fortunate to own several well respected brands in that price range: Larrivee, Martin, Eastman, Taylor, etc. My $500 Yamaha stands shoulder to shoulder with all of them.

Dru Edwards · #5 03-09-2013, 02:04 PM

The LL16 may be the best for you but we all have different ears and playing style so there is no single "best" guitar out there. There are great bang for you bucks guitars though.

I really like the Simon & Patrick and Seagull guitars in the sub $1000 range, even the sub $500 range. Have you tried an S6?

ukejon · #6 03-09-2013, 02:08 PM

Quote:

I suggest, you just go play as many guitars as you can around that price range. There is no "best" but rather a "best for you."

You won't get any better advice than this.

clintj · #7 03-09-2013, 02:32 PM

I absolutely love my LL16. Strong bass, rich in overtones, and lots of sustain. I took it around to my local stores as a benchmark to compare others to when looking at concert and OM size guitars and there were only a couple of guitars I liked better. They were all more than $2500 though.

eoj02 · #8 03-09-2013, 03:05 PM

I spent weeks driving to different stores looking for the best deal or the best guitar. I also was willing to spend close to $1000. I actually ended up with an FG730S. I tried every guitar I could get my hands on. The 730 offered exactly what I was after. I didn't end up needing to spend everything I had.

I think you would get a bad guitar in that price range. Just find one that sings to you.

jdinco · #9 03-09-2013, 03:28 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Brant0086

I suggest, you just go play as many guitars as you can around that price range. There is no "best" but rather a "best for you."

That is the way to do it...but if you are making a list, I'd add the Larrivee 3 series to the others suggested here.

Dru Edwards · #10 03-09-2013, 03:37 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by jdinco

That is the way to do it...but if you are making a list, I'd add the Larrivee 3 series to the others suggested here.

Yep, Larrivee makes great guitars.

steveyam · #11 03-10-2013, 03:08 AM

I have the LS16. Not the same size & shape obviously, but the same construction and features. I buy/sell guitars as my fads and interests change, but this will be a keeper. I bought it as NOS for just £450 and in all respects you could put it alongside an American made guitar of three times that price. In fact, would you get an all-solid American MADE folk guitar for £1500?

If it's Yamaha, I would say it's a great start. Try one out, and try other makes and models too. You only have to look on here at the amount of support that Yamaha get - and not just from Yamaha die-hards like me - but many players who have owned and played them. And if/when you outgrow it, don't forget, Yamaha make exceptional high end models too, although sadly they tend to be thin on the ground in the UK and US. I think Yamaha realise that the high end models sell better in Japan. When it comes to high end guitars, a large proportion of players source from their own countries. My 'best' guitar is a McIlroy (I'm UK) and that's why there is so much support for Martin and Taylor on here, a US based forum.

bluesfreek · #12 03-10-2013, 05:51 AM

Check out the Martin D-15M or any of the other Martin 15 or 16 series guitars. All solid wood and made in the USA.

AndrewG · #13 03-10-2013, 06:50 AM

The LL16 is superb but, as another poster mentioned, it isn't much different to the LL6. I have owned L-series up to the LL26 and my favourite, by far, has been the LL6. My current one is my third.
It's such a shame that so many dismiss Yamaha simply as 'entry-level' guitars. I guess the lack of visibility of the higher end models must contribute to the myth.

gracem · #14 03-10-2013, 08:47 AM

Larrivee 3 series

cpeehler7 · #15 03-10-2013, 08:56 AM

What type of tone do you like? Maybe a Used Martin D-15M, Taylor 314 414, Guild JF-30. It all depends, the D-15M to me had a real growl to it, very deep bass. Taylor 300-400 series have a very bright/balanced tone to them. Much brighter than Martin. Guild JF-30 is one that I love, but have only played/owned the 12 string model, so I can't offer too much info about it. I'd say try a bunch of guitars, if you want to spend $1000 and get the best bang for your buck buy used. Usually used guitars are 40% off retail if they're in good shape. So you'll be able to get a higher quality guitar without a lifetime warranty.

Depends on what you like though, I figured I'd through out the names of a few guitars I'd like to play myself. Just to give you an idea of what to keep an eye out for.