Looking at buying my first CF. Good used options?

[Edge_of_the_Wal]

Hi all,
I still love my Strats, but like many middle-aged wannabe rockers, I find myself unplugging more often. I’ve had several decent acoustics over the years, but would finally like to get a nice one. Living on the Gulf Coast means that it’s usually hot and humid outside, and cold and dry inside. I’ve decided a CF guitar is the best bet for my climate, playing needs, and lifestyle. I’m hoping y’all can help me narrow down my choices!

I prefer to buy used, and my budget is ~$1,500; obviously I’d rather have the under than the over. If there’s not a used model that fits me, I’m able to go up a bit and get a new guitar, but that’s not my first choice.

I mostly strum with a pick, and I don’t fingerpick at all. I tend to play acoustic a lot like electric, with power chords, palm muting, etc.

I do a fair amount of acoustic jamming with friends, so I need something loud enough to hang. Average volume should be sufficient; something along the lines of a Taylor Grand Auditorium (e.g., 314) is loud enough.

I don’t need amazing amplified tone, but I would like something better than the piezo in my ‘90s Yamaha. I don’t play with much stage volume, so maybe a inboard mic would work?

I’d like a tuner, but that’s by no means a deal breaker.

I have smallish hands, so I prefer smaller necks.

Due to my physiology and playing style, my right forearm takes a lot of abuse from the edge of the guitar. I’d like an arm contour. I could conceivably just get a thinner guitar, but I worry about the effect on volume.

I need access to the 21st fret, so any standard cutaway should be fine.

Any thoughts, opinions, suggestions, or insight would be hugely appreciated!

[RP]

First of all, welcome to AGF. I hope that you find it a good place to gather and contribute information. If the arm rest is real important, you're probably going to want an Emerald X20 or X30 but getting a used one for $1500 may be problematic. I don't think there's a more comfortable guitar, either wooden or carbon fiber, than an Emerald. Here's one https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=562857 from our Classified section which is above your price range, but it's sort of local to you so who knows what a hand-to-hand cash purchase what may be worth to the seller. Another option is to get a Rainsong WS and purchase an aftermarket armrest. I usually suggest a Rainsong dread H-DR but they don't have a cutaway. The WS is a fairly deep guitar at 5" but it has a great tone. There are other CF guitar makers with whom I'm not familiar as you can see from my signature. Good luck with your search and again welcome to AGF....

[jdinco]

I couldn't help think X20 while reading your desires....I think if you are patient the $1500. may be real close to doable. And welcome to the forum....

[guitararmy]

Both of my CF guitars were preowned, both purchased here on the AGF.

I assume you saw this one:
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=562814

[Captain Jim]

An X20 was my first thought, too. Good volume, great playability, and so comfortable to play. That one on the AGF classifieds is a bit over your budget, but might be worth bumping up what you're willing to invest. Good luck with the search.

[Song]

https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=551205

and since this one's from music123 you can easily return it
https://reverb.com/item/27787799-rai...guitar-regular

or
https://reverb.com/item/29757165-rai...raphite-guitar

Welcome and good luck!

[kramster]

Welcome... where on/in this planet do you reside? If I may ask... though I just did anyway.

Wow! Song points to an incredible guitar at an incredible price.