Looking for smaller body acoustic

aronnelson · #1 02-08-2020, 11:43 AM

I am really an electric guitar player trying to play more acoustic - due to the music scene.

In any case, I have a Martin LXME and it sounds good, but it's small and I can overpower it when strumming hard.

I also have a Yamaha FGX412C 6 string but it's old, too big and the neck is too thick. Because it is so thick, the guitar sticks out way too much for me. The thick neck means it's hard to play for me as well.

I want to keep this around $500 if possible because I know I am going to have to put more money into setup and possibly pickup.

Besides the concert size Taylor Academy (which is actually more than $500), Taylor Mini GS, what other slightly smaller body guitars would you recommend?

The problem is that in Honolulu, we don't have many places to check out acoustic guitars.

sford52 · #2 02-08-2020, 11:57 AM

I don't have any suggestions myself, but here are a few threads that may give you some ideas until other folks come along

Best acoustic guitar for $600?
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=565474

Please recommend me a good (cheap-ish) 'open miker'
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=571340

12 fret roadie guitar +/- $500
https://www.acousticguitarforum.com/...d.php?t=570234

rstaight · #3 02-08-2020, 12:00 PM

Being on the islands what you get for $500 maybe more like $400 on the main land.

Musicans Friend has a Takamine GD30CE for $359. Already has the pickup. Taks have a good reputation for their electronics.

The size I can't say, I have never played one.

TRose · #4 02-08-2020, 12:15 PM

In Hawaii?
Check out Pono guitars.

mawmow · #5 02-08-2020, 03:01 PM

Alvarez AP66 or AP70, Seagull Performer CW, Eastman AC122ce.

ManyMartinMan · #6 02-08-2020, 03:46 PM

The issue with smaller, intimate guitars is that they are almost always easily over-driven. My only suggestion for what you're asking, and staying close to your price point, is a used Taylor GS Mini.

Easy Music Center seems as they would have plenty of selection to look though.

Lakewood_Lad · #7 02-08-2020, 03:58 PM

If you scroll down this page (http://islandguitars.com/otherWP/aco...p-instruments/) you'll see a Takamine EF-406 Limited Edition 1998. I know it's a bit over your budget but it's a nice, solid wood guitar with a pick up included and if you make an offer you might get it at a price that suits you - and it's in Honolulu.

I think it's pretty close to what you're looking for.

Their website also says they want to shift stock so they're open to offers on new guitars. Go and try the Epiphone EL-OO. That's $369 and might be what you're looking for.

By the way dude, I'm in London, UK and I found guitars in Honolulu in about 15 minutes. Couldn't you, I don't know, maybe take a look on the internet?

lowrider · #8 02-08-2020, 05:26 PM

Are you overdriving your guitar acoustically or plugged in?

If it's plugged in, you can easily upgrade your pickup. I took the Sonotone pickup out of my Road Series last year and I just got a JJB to put in.

Hope it helps.

AmericanEagle · #9 02-08-2020, 05:27 PM

Yamaha FS800

RussL30 · #10 02-08-2020, 05:58 PM

How about one of the Farida Old Town models? The Gibson LG2 is one of my favorite body shapes and you can find these in your budget and from reports they seem to have some of the Gibson LG vibe to them.

sstaylor58 · #11 02-08-2020, 06:08 PM

Hard to beat a GS mini (hog top is my fav), but the spruce top is louder usually. You can find really good used ones with a little shopping around. I just bought a great one for $400 including shipping. Yamahas are hard to beat as well, an FG730 or 830 is a great strummer, or drop down to their FS series (I really like these) because they are thinner, a little smaller but still sound really good and you can wail on them. I picked up my used FSX730 (X means with electronics) for under $300 and it is fantastic in every way. Good luck on your search.

aronnelson · #12 02-08-2020, 06:58 PM

The biggest problem is that although I play with all of the best acoustic guitarists around here, I really am not that good at playing acoustic or more importantly judging them. I guess I need to go to Island Guitars and see what they have in my price point.

Honestly I am probably strumming too hard on the Martin LX. I love the sound for light picking and strumming. But when you need to strum it hard, you can hear the tone saturate - not electronically but physically.

I just need something smaller than my Yamaha which is really thick and big.
From what I am guessing it sounds like the Academy Concert - still somewhat full size but not as small as the GS Mini. Although I remember the GS Mini sounding really good when other people played it.

jrdavies · #13 02-08-2020, 07:13 PM

You might take your guitar with you to Island Guitars as they might be able to help you understand what the problem is. You might also check these places

https://www.easymusiccenter.com/
https://www.dansguitars.com/
http://www.goodguysmusichawaii.com/

It would be worth asking the folks you are playing with to see if they have any advice or a favorite store.

aronnelson · #14 02-08-2020, 07:16 PM

Everyone here is playing pretty much Taylor guitars. I guess I can get a Taylor - which to me is the easiest way. Two of the bands I play in are Taylor-sponsored so....

I think my problem is that I bash too much on the guitar hahahaha

jpmist · #15 02-09-2020, 08:54 AM

I'm a big fan of small bodied guitars and the Guild P-240 has tempted me quite a bit as does the Gretch G9531 Double-O.

They're both similar in size to Tayor's Grand Concerts and both have a lovely 12-fret bass and mid-tone growl I enjoy.

https://www.samash.com/electric-and-...ar-g6400921x-p

https://reverb.com/item/31892605-gre...imited-edition