What guitars under 2k?

[The Joker]

First post here after browsing quite a bit. I've been playing for several years now and have decided its time to purchase a nice acoustic. Really interested in a Martin, but want input as to wether there may be better choices in my price range. I typically play with a pick, occasionally I'll finger pick, but not very often. My current acoustic is a Yamaha FGX730SCA which I purchased after testing most everything in my price range at the time. I live fairly close to Nashville so I should be able to try a lot of different guitars before I buy. So the question is, which brands should I look at in a dreadnought style under 2k?

Sorry for the rambling type post. I'll get better.

[6L6]

Get ye a nice used, MIA, Guild.

[Dru Edwards]

Hi Joker, Welcome to the AGF.

A dread in the $2k range ... have you tried the D-18? Great guitar and it's right at that price range.

[The Joker]

Can't believe I forgot about Guild. I used to own a nice 12 string Guild that I traded for a Les Paul.

[kydave]

Buy a new D-28. That'll come in just under $2K if you talk to the right dealers.

Get the real deal and don't look back!

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Dru Edwards

Hi Joker, Welcome to the AGF.

A dread in the $2k range ... have you tried the D-18? Great guitar and it's right at that price range.

The D18 is one of the Martins I intend to check out.

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by kydave

Buy a new D-28. That'll come in just under $2K if you talk to the right dealers.

Get the real deal and don't look back!

D28 is also on my radar. I looked on Gruhns website and didn't see any under 2k. Maybe a used one. Or will most dealers come off advertised price? I seem to remember reading somewhere on here about Martin pricing policies.

[bluesyjacuzzi]

A martin d18 is a good choice. I like the new ones because of the neck. Hard to go wrong with any d18 thou. If you prefer rosewood go used d28. Good luck!!

[Treenewt]

D18!!! ;-)

You might be able to even find a GE model if you look hard enough. But the new D18 is killer on it's own.

And welcome!

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Treenewt

D18!!! ;-)

You might be able to even find a GE model if you look hard enough. But the new D18 is killer on it's own.

And welcome!

I'll have to google GE model. This is my first foray into the nice acoustic market so I'm learning.

[Treenewt]

Originally Posted by The Joker

I'll have to google GE model. This is my first foray into the nice acoustic market so I'm learning.

Sorry man! That stands for "Golden Era". They were built to similar specs of traditional martins back in the pre-WWII years. New ones are above your range, but from time to time used ones pop up. They are incredible guitars!

[The Joker]

Originally Posted by Treenewt

Sorry man! That stands for "Golden Era". They were built to similar specs of traditional martins back in the pre-WWII years. New ones are above your range, but from time to time used ones pop up. They are incredible guitars!

Gotcha. Thank you sir. I'll look into them.

[Treenewt]

Originally Posted by The Joker

Gotcha. Thank you sir. I'll look into them.

Good luck! The search is half the fun! Play a lot of different ones if you can!

[kydave]

PM sent. Check your messages.

[ataylor]

You can definitely get a nice Martin dreadnought for $2k or less. The three I'd be looking at are the D-15M, D-18, and D-28. There are other options but I think you'd be well served to play at least one of those three models.

You might as well play a couple Gibsons too -- a J-45 should definitely be on your list as well as the new J-35. Lots of people liking the new J-15 as well.

Don't rule out a Taylor dreadnought -- the 310 is a lot of guitar for the money. A 510 or 710 might also be in your budget.

Lots of people talk about the Eastman E10D, that would be worth checking out as well.

For sure check out those Martins though since you specifically mentioned interest. I think you'll love the updated D-18.