OFFICIAL "What guitar under $300" Thread

[caz_guitar_dude]

I tried an FG730s out yesterday and it was amazing. The sound was excellent, the neck was fluid and comfortable. The only very small problem i have is that the top doesn't seem to match the rest of the guitar, if that makes sense? In terms of looks i mean.

[fsb_ben]

I tried an FG730s out yesterday and it was amazing. The sound was excellent, the neck was fluid and comfortable. The only very small problem i have is that the top doesn't seem to match the rest of the guitar, if that makes sense? In terms of looks i mean.

That's because the top is solid spruce and the sides are rosewood. Over time, woods change colour anyway so unless the entire guitar is made outta the same wood, its gonna happen eventually.

[Friedmaniac]

This is a great thread. I'm looking for my first acoustic and would really like a 12 string for a change of pace + I love the sound. Does anyone know of a good 12 for under 300 (canadian).
P.S The only model I saw was the Washburn D12S, do you guys know of any others?

[caz_guitar_dude]

That's because the top is solid spruce and the sides are rosewood. Over time, woods change colour anyway so unless the entire guitar is made outta the same wood, its gonna happen eventually.
Aha, so the solid spruce top gets better in time as it fades into it's colour? Is that sort of the jist of it? Also, i have to say, i was really impressed by the playability of the neck and the great tone that comes from it.

[jimtaka]

the solid spruce top will sound better in time, but it doesn't really correlate to the fading of the color of the wood. the color will change and the guitar will sound better... but these two things aren't in any sort of cause and effect relationship.

[fsb_ben]

Aha, so the solid spruce top gets better in time as it fades into it's colour? Is that sort of the jist of it? Also, i have to say, i was really impressed by the playability of the neck and the great tone that comes from it.

it will get better in tone but spruce tends to darken over time.

[caz_guitar_dude]

Ok, thanks.

[danmanstx]

thinking about getting the Washburn WD18SW, is it as good as it looks or am i better to get a different guitar. My spending range is about 550 max.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-WD18SW-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=515938

[fsb_ben]

thinking about getting the Washburn WD18SW, is it as good as it looks or am i better to get a different guitar. My spending range is about 550 max.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-WD18SW-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=515938

check the front page of this thread for a cheaper price on that guitar. ive personally never played it but it seems to get good reviews. definately go check it out and report back to us your findings :)

[Caustic]

Does anyone here own a Washburn D10S? I have a few questions... or rather, not questions, but I want to know the quality, reliability and tone of it.

I can find one for pretty damn cheap (Well, UK cheap, probably still more expensive than US retail...), and I need a decent, yet affordable acoustic for playing open mic nights, coffee bar type places, recording at home and just jamming in general. Does the sound project well? Does it mic up well? I know some dreadnought style guitars sound awfully boomy through mics. How is the neck width and string spacing?

I'm primarily a bass player, so wide-ish string spacing is alright, feels a bit more like home... but I find wider spaced strings are harder for chord work and the strings don't ring together quite as well... how does the Wasburn compare to say, a Gibson electric in terms of string spacing?

I know acoustics tend to have a higher action and more taut and resistant strings than an electric, but how does the action tend to be on these things? I've seen some low end acoustics that I could hang my washing on, not cool, especially considering I'll be mostly using this thing to accompany myself with chords. I don't want to give myself carpal tunnel by the second song.

If the Washburn is beneath my needs, feel free to (in fact, please do...) point me in the direction of something more suitable for under say $200 USD / £150 GBP.

Oh, and how does it compare to say the Yamaha FG700MS? The thing niggling me about the Yamaha is the "nato" sides - what the hell is "nato"? If that's industry speak for balsa wood... meh. Thoughts?

::EDIT::

Ahh, yes. Just thought. I tend to play in Eb tuning often too - my vocal range leaves something to be desired :( I figure that should be taken into consideration.

[roamingbard13]

Those are both good choices. The backs and side woods don't matter as much since their laminate anyways, and pick up the tone of whatever glue is holding them together. So you really can't go wrong either way, both of them are hard to beat for the cash.

[!!Dope Man!!]

can anyone recommend me a good guitar for stuff like John Mayer and Jack Johnson? I read a lot of the thread and I'm thinking about trying out the Yamaha FG730 tomorrow. What was the difference between that and the 700? And if anyone else has any suggestions they would be much appreciated. Thanks

[fghtoffyurdmns]

can anyone recommend me a good guitar for stuff like John Mayer and Jack Johnson? I read a lot of the thread and I'm thinking about trying out the Yamaha FG730 tomorrow. What was the difference between that and the 700? And if anyone else has any suggestions they would be much appreciated. Thanks

The FG730 has rosewood back and sides while the FG700 does not.

I just picked up an FG730 last friday and I am in LOVE. You really can't go wrong with either guitar but I'd go with the 730 for sure.

[Caustic]

The FG730 has rosewood back and sides while the FG700 does not.

How much does the rosewood back/sides composition affect the tone compared to laminate? Or even to the 720's (apparently) solid sycamore back and sides?

[fsb_ben]

the 720 doesnt have sycamore back & sides, its the 750 that has sycamore. trust Yamaha's website, not some online store's website.

[Chips-]

How much does the rosewood back/sides composition affect the tone compared to laminate? Or even to the 720's (apparently) solid sycamore back and sides?

FGs have laminate back and sides. 700 and 720 have nato, 730 rosewood and 750 sycamore.

[Caustic]

the 720 doesnt have sycamore back & sides, its the 750 that has sycamore. trust Yamaha's website, not some online store's website.

Yamaha-europe.com is where I got my info. From the FG720 page:

FG720S

Top: Sold Sitka Spruce
BACK & SIDES: Sycamore
FINGERBOARD:Rosewood
FINISH: Natural, Brown Sunburst, Dusk Sun Red, Black, Ocean Blue Burst

[fsb_ben]

Definately a mistake on that website then. Check out the picture of the FG720s, sycamore is NOT that dark LOL

[Caustic]

Makes sense, rosewood is obviously a dark wood :)

Silly Yamaha. Still, is there a big tone difference, or is it the top that gives it the most colour, so to speak?

FWIW, I don't like a great deal of treble from a guitar - I prefer a balanced, midrange-y tone.

[turbonegro]

Which do yu guys think is a better choice, the yamaha fg730s or the washburn d30s?

[Renat]

And what do uou thik about PRADA? I think their guitars are good anm cheap? so it is my choice

[fsb_ben]

Makes sense, rosewood is obviously a dark wood :)

Silly Yamaha. Still, is there a big tone difference, or is it the top that gives it the most colour, so to speak?

FWIW, I don't like a great deal of treble from a guitar - I prefer a balanced, midrange-y tone.

Fg750s. (out of this thread's price range though)

Which do yu guys think is a better choice, the yamaha fg730s or the washburn d30s?

Yamaha.

And what do uou thik about PRADA? I think their guitars are good anm cheap? so it is my choice

The Devil Wears Prada. (girly movie about fashion). Nuff said.

[JerseyJ282]

First of all, i would like to say how helpful this thread is! I've been reading over this thread the past week or so, because my parents want to get me an acoustic guitar for christmas, and I have a $300 limit. I went to my local guitar store yesterday to check out some of the guitars with a friend of mine who's a guitar fiend, been playing for 5 or 6 years now. We tried pretty much every guitar in there, and I gotta say that we both agreed that the yamaha FG730s was the best sounding guitar we found for under $300. The only way i can describe it is...a fuller sound. More overtones, i believe the scientific term would be...as soon as you start strummin' you can really feel the difference! We tried many of the other guitars on the front page, (unfortunately they had NO washburns!!!) I also tried the Ibanez AW40NT and the Takamine from the first page, and found it to sound very nice, but not quite as beautiful as the Yamaha. We also tried the Yamaha FG750s and that was even better, but perhaps not $100 worth better then the 730. One guitar that i found was in the same league as the Yamaha 730 was the Alvarez ad70s. However, it's $330 according to most online stores (it was $319 at the shop), outside of the range of this thread, and we both didn't think it was quite as nice as the Yamaha, but certaintly one to consider. So i guess what I'm saying is...you should always try as many guitars as you can and get a feel for what kind of guitar is right for you, but if you get the Yamaha 730, you won't be disappointed!

P.S. We're going to a GC tomorrow, I'll update and tell you guys about any other ones we try.

[fsb_ben]

First of all, i would like to say how helpful this thread is! I've been reading over this thread the past week or so, because my parents want to get me an acoustic guitar for christmas, and I have a $300 limit. I went to my local guitar store yesterday to check out some of the guitars with a friend of mine who's a guitar fiend, been playing for 5 or 6 years now. We tried pretty much every guitar in there, and I gotta say that we both agreed that the yamaha FG730s was the best sounding guitar we found for under $300. The only way i can describe it is...a fuller sound. More overtones, i believe the scientific term would be...as soon as you start strummin' you can really feel the difference! We tried many of the other guitars on the front page, (unfortunately they had NO washburns!!!) I also tried the Ibanez AW40NT and the Takamine from the first page, and found it to sound very nice, but not quite as beautiful as the Yamaha. We also tried the Yamaha FG750s and that was even better, but perhaps not $100 worth better then the 730. One guitar that i found was in the same league as the Yamaha 730 was the Alvarez ad70s. However, it's $330 according to most online stores (it was $319 at the shop), outside of the range of this thread, and we both didn't think it was quite as nice as the Yamaha, but certaintly one to consider. So i guess what I'm saying is...you should always try as many guitars as you can and get a feel for what kind of guitar is right for you, but if you get the Yamaha 730, you won't be disappointed!

P.S. We're going to a GC tomorrow, I'll update and tell you guys about any other ones we try.

awesome man! if u find any other ones that aren't mentioned, feel free to make a suggestion

[MrCarrot]

Hey guys, I was looking at the AJ100 and wondered what the top was like? It claims to be 'select spruce' but I'm wary of whether this is solid or not....The back, sides and neck are mahogany which is what attracted me.

[fsb_ben]

Hey guys, I was looking at the AJ100 and wondered what the top was like? It claims to be 'select spruce' but I'm wary of whether this is solid or not....The back, sides and neck are mahogany which is what attracted me.

select spruce means laminated. if it doesnt say SOLID, its not.

[MrCarrot]

Okay then, I'm now looking at the Yamaha FG700MS....Is that good? I played a beat up F310 and that impressed me...

[fsb_ben]

Okay then, I'm now looking at the Yamaha FG700MS....Is that good? I played a beat up F310 and that impressed me...

Yup but depending on how rough you are with your guitars, you might want to consider getting the one with the gloss (Fg700s).

[BMTuga]

I bought a Starsun (semi acoustic) for 250€ Dunno the model but the sound is not bad.

[!!Dope Man!!]

what's the difference between the yamaha fg730 and the 700?

[JerseyJ282]

what's the difference between the yamaha fg730 and the 700?



The 700 has nato back and sides, the 730 has rosewood back and sides. Plus it sounds a lot better, but the 700 is good for a $200 guitar

[MrCarrot]

What's the 720 like? I know it has sycamore back and sides, but what's that like as a tonewood?

[fsb_ben]

the info on the european yamaha site is actually incorrect. the fg720s actually has nato back and sides (check the pic of the 720s and compare it w/ the fg700s, which is nato.. and the 750s which is actually sycamore).

[Mark_E_Wallace]

At the risk of being the unwelcome, braggart new guy (note: first post here), I'm happy to be able to say that I sorta added an entry to this list today.

I picked up a new Yamaha FG750S today from a local retailer who had mistakenly marked it at $299 instead of $399. After much pouting and unhappiness on my part when the dealer tried to hold the $399 price, I walked out with it as marked.

Granted, this one can't be officially added to the list, since the going retail price seems to be around $399, but I'm still claiming it as my entry to the list nonetheless. :D

Seriously though...one of the reasons that I bought it is that that I saw a few favorable comments here on this guitar. Harmony Central Reviews were also very positive. My thanks to those of you who have contributed to this thread. Your doing so made a sale, though certainly not at the margin that the local shop would want.

Happy Holidays and New Year to you all.

- Mark

[Gordon.b]

ive got a yamaha APX5A its never let me down and you've got the added bonus of it being an electro acoustic.

[61cygni]

How bout some more non-dreadnought guitars on the list, like the Alvarez RF20SM or AF60S, not everyone's looking for a dreadnought, but I guess that's the majority of the entry-level guitar market. I'd still like to see with what you guys can come up with.

[soundcheck1]

Bought a Crafter D8/N yesterday and I've been playing it none stop since. Great guitar.

[jimtaka]

I picked up a new Yamaha FG750S today from a local retailer who had mistakenly marked it at $299 instead of $399. After much pouting and unhappiness on my part when the dealer tried to hold the $399 price, I walked out with it as marked.
Grrr, I’m jealous. This is definitely on my list of things to buy this year!

How bout some more non-dreadnought guitars on the list, like the Alvarez RF20SM or AF60S, not everyone's looking for a dreadnought, but I guess that's the majority of the entry-level guitar market. I'd still like to see with what you guys can come up with.
You seem to have it all wrong. You are part of “you guys.” Look back through the history of this thread. The list in the first post is comprised of recommendations by users. If you think that RF20SM or the AF60S belong on this list, then post up and tell everyone why! I can assure you that if you make good suggestions and provide a decent enough review, fsb_ben will be happy to add more guitars to the list… regardless of what body type they are.

Bought a Crafter D8/N yesterday and I've been playing it none stop since. Great guitar.
That one seems to be a bit above the price limit, unfortunately.

[turbonegro]

I just got the washburn d10s for x-mas and i dont like it so i'm gonna return it. I was thinking of getting either the Yamaha FG730s or this:http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Dove-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518210 or is there something else you guys would suggest?

[soundcheck1]

I played a 750s at the store and that was really nice but I ended up taking home the Crafter D8/N :) it has great tone and stuff. Both are slightly more expensive that $300 but they are worth it.

[BHBrave08]

Out of the guitars I have heard of and got to play on that list Yamaha's are really good, as is the Ibanez. A lot of people like the Takamine's but I personally just have never liked the way they sound... just a personal preference though. Good luck picking one.

[Caustic]

Hmm. After my previous posts in this topic, I've found the place I was going to buy a Yamaha FG7x0 (Variable number - my funds are rather unstable!) also stocks an Ibanez AW40.

Now, that's also on this list of good-but-cheap guitars.

Anyone own one? It works out a wee bit cheaper than the 730, which is the upper end of my budget... and from the looks of it, the string spacing is a little narrower - which I'd prefer. Is this just a trick of the eye/camera?

Unfortunately trying guitars out is difficult for me - gotta order blind, as the music stores around me have a very limited selection (balsa-wood no-name learner gear and top-end £600+ instruments, nothing in between), and they tag a good £50-60 onto the price. Be my eyes and ears, people!

[MrCarrot]

So I asked my parents for an acoustic, and they bought me a Yamaha F310.

Anybody got opinions/experiences on/with it? It seems good value for the £100 they paid.

[BrainfLosRhythm]

Yamaha FG730s definitely..

People always rant on about how great takamine's are.. but the ones under $800 have really sh** build quality.

Wrong, Takamines are really decent. My English teacher has the one llisted, it sounds worth more then 300.

[richardm80]

I have a Tanglewood TW28SNQ. It cost me about £100 off the net. I've had it around 9 months but I aint really happy with it. It's just too hard for me to play. Action is a bit too high and neck is too thick for my small hands. So I wouldn't recommend this guitar although my friend who is real good on guitar played it and really liked it! If anyone wants to see and hear this guitar played I could give you a link to my youtube and you can watch some vids.

I'm looking for a new acoustic for about £150 (approx $300). I want something with a really thin, fast neck. I'm looking for the Ibanez RG of the acoustic world! I'd like to play Jack Johnson kinda stuff. A mix between lead and strumming if you get my drift.

I went to the guitar shop and tried a few out and was most impressed by the Yamaha FG700 and FG720(Haven't tried 730 though). The neck seemed a lot thinner and easier to play on these. Ok, so I'll be buying online cause it's much cheaper than the shops here. On the GAK website the prices are:
Yamaha FG700S - £125
Yamaha FG720S - £145
Yamaha FG730S - £174

So you can see the price difference. What I want to know is why the differences in price? Is it just because of the wood used? Are the necks on these guitars the same? I want the thinnest, fastest one with best action! Is it worth paying the extra money for a 730 or will a 720 do the same for cheaper?

Also, I really like the look of the Ibanez AW40-NT from the pictures. It just looks like a real classy guitar and I can get one for £165 on-line. How does the neck and playability on this compare to the neck on an FG7xxS?

I know I've asked a lot of questions but hopefully someone can answer them all for me and make me really happy!!!

Thanks
Richard

[JerseyJ282]

I own a FG730s and have played the FG720, the 730 is worth the extra price, just because of the much better sound.

I also played the AW40-NT, and it was also very nice. I think the neck was thinner then the Yamahas actually, if i remember correctly, so you may prefer it. It also has that pretty sweet vine inlay down the neck. But I felt the Yamaha sounded better, so I got that.

As for action, I found all of them easily playable

[fsb_ben]

For Jack Johnson's stuff, i'd think the FG730s would be the best (in this price range :p: ).

[Caustic]

I own a FG730s and have played the FG720, the 730 is worth the extra price, just because of the much better sound.

I also played the AW40-NT, and it was also very nice. I think the neck was thinner then the Yamahas actually, if i remember correctly, so you may prefer it. It also has that pretty sweet vine inlay down the neck. But I felt the Yamaha sounded better, so I got that.

As for action, I found all of them easily playable

I know your post wasn't aimed at me, but damn, thanks a lot. That was the info I needed. Cheers.

[Caustic]

Well, I'm double posting and I care not. I tried an FG720 today and it played like a wet dream. Absolutely beautiful. I asked if the store had the 730 and they didn't.... but no worries. They ordered it for me and I'm paying less than the tagged price.

I am on cloud nine. FSB_Ben and everyone who has contributed to this thread, massive thanks to you all for all the info. You're lifesavers.

[richardm80]

Well, I'm double posting and I care not. I tried an FG720 today and it played like a wet dream. Absolutely beautiful. I asked if the store had the 730 and they didn't.... but no worries. They ordered it for me and I'm paying less than the tagged price.

I am on cloud nine. FSB_Ben and everyone who has contributed to this thread, massive thanks to you all for all the info. You're lifesavers.

Hey man. That's wicked. I thought the FG700 and 720 played great. I'm thinking of getting the 730. How much did you pay for yours?

[Caustic]

£170. I bought a £400 bass amp at the same time, though. That'll probably explain the knocked down price.

Edit: That's down from about £200. Shop prices, not internet. Rather pay some more and support local business, ya know?

[JerseyJ282]

if you think the 720 plays like a wet dream, wait til you get your 730 :D

[richardm80]

£170. I bought a £400 bass amp at the same time, though. That'll probably explain the knocked down price.

Edit: That's down from about £200. Shop prices, not internet. Rather pay some more and support local business, ya know?

yea £170 is a good price. It's like £175 online + postage so you got a good deal. Tell me what you think of it when you get it. I want to try and sell my Tanglewood before I order one. I've got it in the paper but nobody seems to be phoning. Not sure how much I'll get for it.

[Caustic]

yea £170 is a good price. It's like £175 online + postage so you got a good deal. Tell me what you think of it when you get it. I want to try and sell my Tanglewood before I order one. I've got it in the paper but nobody seems to be phoning. Not sure how much I'll get for it.

Will do man. If I can, I'll post some recordings or something too. Really looking forward to it.

[Caustic]

Oh. Oh, oh, oooooh. Dang. Went to pick up the 730s today, the lady in the store went and fetched it from the store. Man, she pulled it out of that box and I picked my jaw up from the floor. It's a real killer, man. The wood is beautiful! There's a sort of flamed/quilted look to the solid top, the rosewood looks beautiful and the neck is smooth as a baby's ass.

Action? Well, I was worried about acoustics being somewhat tougher than electric, but no need. Neck is set bang on, no buzzing, no dead notes, smooth as butter to play (well, I can't play smooth as butter... but I know I could on this)...

Cannot possibly thank everyone who offered a point of view on this guitar.

richardm80: Allow me to remove any remaining doubts you may have about this guitar. It's a true keeper, feels like it should be going for three times its price. Get one!

[richardm80]

lol you glad you like it mate. Yea I think I'll probably be ordering one soon by the looks of things. Might go in the shop again to try another FG out to see if it's definitely right for me. I have really small hands which is pretty annoying so I want to make sure the neck and action and scale is gonna be OK for me.

[Caustic]

I wouldn't fret too much over small hands. The neck is pretty slim, feels easier to play than a Les Paul style neck to me. Barres are easy and manageable for my rather untrained (but admittedly averagely proportioned) hands quite far up the neck, and some strange chord inversions and jazzy positions were managed that I've never pulled off smoothly before.
And the tone, man. Oh, the tone. I thought an FG720 was nice, but you can tell the difference between them and this. The rosewood back and sides give it a warmth, but a real cutting high end. You know how some acoustics, you hit the high e above about the fifth fret and it makess a noise that traumatises dogs for a mile around? No worries here.

Quite nicely balanced, too. Exactly what the doctor ordered.

-----

As of 01.25am, I have submitted a review. Early days.... but meh. Keep an eye out.

[hollywood122]

I havent played all of the different guitars that are on this post but I have played the Yamaha FG730s and I own the Takamine gs330s of those two the Takamine is the better ride. I got the Takamine on a promotional offer at Guitar Center ( Buy 10 sets of EXP strings and guitar for $99 ) otherwise I am kind of a snob when it comes to acoustics....you pay for what you get.
With that said the Takamine is a great acoustic for a begginner or someone that wants a guitar that they dont want to worry about banging on.It has a pretty good sound and is built ok, the price is the good thing ...small investment.

Hollywood122

[HearingEarCat]

Have any of you ever bought the Alvarez RD20S on Musicians Friend (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alvarez-RD20S-Regent-Series-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518725)?

I'm just trying to figure out one simple thing: if it comes with a gig bag or case or if it's just for the guitar alone.

[fsb_ben]

Have any of you ever bought the Alvarez RD20S on Musicians Friend (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alvarez-RD20S-Regent-Series-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518725)?

I'm just trying to figure out one simple thing: if it comes with a gig bag or case or if it's just for the guitar alone.

Email them. But if it doesn't say it comes with a case, it probably doesn't.

[guitarguy182]

I have just ordered the FG730-VCS from thomann. I hope to god its an improvement on my encore w255. Thanks for the great advice on this thread. I dont get the chance to try b4 i buy like most of ye but from what ive read the FG730 is the best.

[fsb_ben]

Whoa, what is the FG730-VCS ??

[hotshotdarrell]

i got a new yorker and i think it'll beat a yamaha with price and quality any day. its made with hardwood and its neck is smooth and thin

[fsb_ben]

i got a new yorker and i think it'll beat a yamaha with price and quality any day. its made with hardwood and its neck is smooth and thin

And the award for most ignorant comment goes to....

[guitarguy182]

Just a color description, Vintage-Cherry-Sunburst. Looks stunning from da pics

[Ghost Shadow]

Just a color description, Vintage-Cherry-Sunburst. Looks stunning from da pics


Agreed...waiting for my (replacement) FG730 Cherry-Sunburst!! INCREDIBLE!!!

[fsb_ben]

dont keep us waiting, post pics!

[YYZ]

I need a classical guitar for around $400 (possibly $500) canadian so I geuss that fits in here.

I was looking at these Alavarez and Yamaha but there is also LaPatrie guitars and they appear to be pretty good quality for the price.

[fsb_ben]

Someone should start a "Best $300 and under CLASSICAL guitar thread" to compliment this one. I'd do it but too bad i dont know squat about classicals :-(

[Ghost Shadow]

Someone should start a "Best $300 and under CLASSICAL guitar thread" to compliment this one. I'd do it but too bad i dont know squat about classicals :-(

Only thing I know about classical guitars is I think you need that little stool to rest your foot on.
:confus: :haha

[YYZ]

Is there even any classical players on this board? Pretty much everything in here is all about steel strung acoustics.

[ksmash5]

Alvarez RD8C

http://namm.harmony-central.com/WNAMM02/Content/Alvarez/PR/RD8C-large.jpg

what do you guys think of this one?

[JerseyJ282]

no solid wood anywhere. that's a negative.

[ksmash5]

ahhh I see

[ofXoneblood]

thanks to this thread, i now have a beautiful washburn D10SCE.
it is my new favorite guitar.
coming from a primarily electric player, that's a big deal.

[Smacked]

has anyone ever tried the Dean Exotica Nomad? It intrigues me for some reason...


or if not that, has anyone tried any of the Dean acoustics? Are they as good as the electrics?
Thanks...

[matth87]

Ok guys this thread is making me want one of thoes Yamaha FG730's really really bad haha

so here is my situation:
I started playing guitar probly about 3 weeks now and usually its just go to school get home play guitar i usually play it atleast 4 hours a day maybe lil more lil less so im getting pretty good but i really think the guitar i have now is hold me back, ok guys dont laugh this is what i bought

My Current Guitar Its Sweet! haha (http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&item=250071405538)

since i wasn't really sure if i was gonna keep playing or not, i find it really hard to play some of the cords and switch really fast cause its not only a shitty guitar i think its only 38' or something to and im a pretty big guy 6'1 and i have big hands, so im just curious is the neck on the FG730 bigger then this guitar im playing on right now? and is it worth it to spend the extra 100$ on the FG730 instead of getting the FG700, i love playing and i plan to stick with it so if you guys could help me out it would be great! Thanks great thread btw!

[richardm80]

lol, that guitar you bought does look pretty bad matth87! I've played a FG700 and FG720 and couldn't really tell the difference between them. I think the main difference between the different FG models is the wood used and the sound quality difference. I'm probably going to get a FG730 because I am planning to keep it for a while. If you are still learning a FG700 might be ok for you until you've been playing a bit longer and get good and know what you really want out of a guitar.

Couldn't tell you what the neck is like on the FGs compared to your guitar without actually trying it but I can tell you the necks on the FGs are a bit thinner than most other acoustics I've tried. The best thing to do would get down to your guitar shop and try out a few in your price range and make notes about what feels best. And you will probably find it a lot cheaper online.

[hoytdwow]

I have a FG730S and I love it. It looks great and sounds great. It immediately stood apart from the other "cheap" guitars when I played it at the music store.
Out of the box the action was a little high and the strings suck, but once these are rectified, it's a great guitar for $300.

[fuzzypicklez]

Alright so i was looking at some acoustic guitars via a little thing we call the internet and I decided for some reason to look at fender. I have always been told that fender make poor acoustics but then I saw these.
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-Sonoran-SCE-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=517573

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-CD140SCE-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=517574

So my question is what is wrong with these two guitars? It just seems to good to be true that I could buy a solid top acoustic electric for under $300.

[fsb_ben]

There are guitars that look good on paper but play/sound horribly in real life. Ive never owned a Fender acoustic BUT perhaps its the case for those 2.

[Smacked]

I own a Finder Concord, they don't even make it any more. It looks beautiful and sounds really good but it is a bitch to play. I don't know if all Finder acoustics are like that. If I wanted to I could put some bigger frets on there and lower the action and it would be a great guitar... so if you are willing to go through all that then you might get a good guitar out of it... and it never hurts to go down to Guitar Center and give them a shot.

[fsb_ben]

I feel as though Alvarez is under-represented in this thread as they have a LOT of guitars in the $200-$300 range (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/home/navigation?N=100001+9&Ntk=All&Ntt=alvarez&Nty=1&page=1)

Could someone with Alvarez knowledge please PRIVATE MESSAGE me their opinion of which one of those Alvarez's are worthy of being put in this thread?

[Ghost Shadow]

Just got my Yamaha FG730S, violin sunburst, yesterday. LOVE IT!!
Body looked flawless!!
Action was unusually high. Neck angle was right on, so I had to shave the saddle to bring it down to specks.

Info on how-to:
http://www.frets.com/FRETSPages/Musician/Guitar/Setup/LowerAction/loweraction01.html

[jimtaka]

I own a Finder Concord, they don't even make it any more. It looks beautiful and sounds really good but it is a bitch to play. I don't know if all Finder acoustics are like that. If I wanted to I could put some bigger frets on there and lower the action and it would be a great guitar... so if you are willing to go through all that then you might get a good guitar out of it... and it never hurts to go down to Guitar Center and give them a shot.
a buddy of mine has a Fender Concord from 20-30 years ago (whenever they first started making them) and that thing is NICE! it's definitely the best sounding fender acoustic i've ever played. you should have a setup done on yours!

[guitarguy182]

I got mine yesterday as well . I'll try to post some pics. Its a stunner aint it.I love the color of the neck Couldn't be happier. I didnt really notice problems with the action but i'll check it out from that link. I have just replaced the stock strings and you do notice a difference but not huge.

[Smacked]

a buddy of mine has a Fender Concord from 20-30 years ago (whenever they first started making them) and that thing is NICE! it's definitely the best sounding fender acoustic i've ever played. you should have a setup done on yours!
I am tempted to... and one day I will... could be as soon as the end of this week because I'm going to be making my way down to the guitar shop to pick up my electric... I'll see...

And like I said, the sound is great! I'll agree 100% with that! :D

[Bigmarc]

Hey Guys, I went on a quest today to find me a new guitar for right around 300 bucks. I went to Guitar Center first and fell in love with the Takamine GS330. Well as a smart shopper I went to a smaller shop called daddys junky music. If anyone is looking to get Art and Lutherie in the US then they sell them. So I went to this place and played a couple Alvarez's(going in I thought I would end up buying an Alvarez.) I then played 2 Art and Lutherie guitars, they were nice but I wasn't impressed with any of the Alvarez's. Then I picked up a Seagull S6 Entourage $299. I was blown away. I played the Seagull and the Art and Lutherie back and fourth for about 45 mins. Then I went back to Guitar Center and played the Takamine and the YamahaFG730 back and fourth. The Takamine and the Seagull were my final two, and I went with the Seagull. I love the guitar, they both had the Solid Cedar Top which creates a nice full sound. The selling point for me was the slim neck on the Seagull and the rustic burst finish. I didn't know to much about Seagull or Art and Lutherie, but I will say one thing to always consider. Customer service is so critical when buying a guitar. I went into Guitar Center and nobody asked me anything. I went into Daddys and their was a guy with me going over every guitar. If you have the chance to try out the Seagull then you will be very satisfied.

-Marcus

[fsb_ben]

Seagulls are solid guitars. The S6 Entourage must be new? I'll add it to the list!

[richardm80]

Just got my Yamaha FG730S, violin sunburst, yesterday. LOVE IT!!
Body looked flawless!!
Action was unusually high. Neck angle was right on, so I had to shave the saddle to bring it down to specks.


Hey, it really worries me that a few people have said the action has been high on their FG730. I am thinking of ordering one and it would be my worst nightmare if the action was high. Lots of people have said the action is good straight out the box which is what I need but then a few people have said the action has been high.

I cant set it up myself cause I'm useless at that kind of thing and the shops here charge a fortune to lower the action. :-(

[fsb_ben]

Thats a worry with ANY guitar you order without playing first. That's why everyone says play before u buy

[Der Bomber]

Fender sonoran sce: $299 @ musiciansfriend.com

[richardm80]

Hey, went to guitar shops and tried some out today. They didn't have everything I wanted to try but I tried a few. I tried the Yamaha FG750 and was quite disappointed because last time I tried guitars I tried a FG700 and FG720. Is the neck or body different on the 750? The body felt really big on the 750 and I didn't find the neck comfortable. Was hurting my hands after a few minutes :-( I was looking forward to trying it cause I was gonna order a 730 but not so sure now.

Tried quite a few Freshman guitars. These were quite nice. I tried an electric acoustic one and it was really easy to play but tone wasn't great.

Tried a few Tanglewoods which I wasn't planning to as I have a cheap Tanglewood just now and don't like it. I was pretty impressed with the ones I tried. The ones that are more expensive $300-400 are so much better. The one I really liked was the TW170AS which is here: http://www.tanglewoodguitars.com/premier/premier-TW170-AS.html

It had a much smaller body than normal. Cause it's a folk guitar I think? Don't know what the advantages/disadvantages of this are. Anyone know? It had a really nice neck and was easy to play. So this is on my shortlist of what to get now.

There wasn't a great selection of different makes on offer in the shops I tried. I'd like to try an Ibanez and Takamine acoustic and also give the FG7xxs another go. My visit to the shops today has left me even more confused about what to buy :-(

[fsb_ben]

I've owned both the FG700s and the FG750s and I didn't notice a difference in terms of neck/body size. Perhaps the store you were at had a shitty display model or something. From the sounds of it, that was a sub-par store you experienced.

[Kieran Miles]

Hi there!

Although I've read through the threads, I would still like to get (more experienced) peoples' opinions of what type of guitar I should get.

I do some fingerpicking, but mostly just riffs, rather than virtuoso stuff. I like playing stuff like ... The Smiths, The Verve, KT Tunstall, Jeff Buckley, The Calling, Bedouin Sound Clash, and acoustic versions of say, Led Zep, Oasis, Radiohead, Nirvana. My own compositions are chord-based, and feature mostly in the bassy notes. Also I would consider my genres to be mostly indie and rock 'n' roll type stuff, with some pop or blues now and again.

The electric I've got has got a narrow neck, low action, and a rosewood fretboard, and I would like the darkish tone of that, but in an acoustic. However, unless someone can pinpoint out a specific style they think I play in, I would just go for something that's generic and an all-rounder.

Obviously I'm going, and have been going, to the shops to try out some guitars, but it would be really helpful to have a few models or characteristics to look out for beforehand. I was also wondering if it is genuinely worth spending more money on a guitar (than the £150/$300 mark) - and does that mean a couple of quid, or hundreds? Also, should I avoid big brand names, or float towards them (e.g. I know Fender is popular, but I tried a Fender electro-acoustic, and it sounded all tinny and un-acoustic! Similarly, my friend got a beautifully sounding guitar for just £120/$240, it sounded better than some of the £400/$800 in some of the shops!)

Thank you for taking the time to answer my questions!

[fuzzypicklez]

Not only do you guys get to answer this guys questions but you get to answer mine... again. YAY! Anyways I did one of the only shopping related things that I like to do today, You guessed it guitar shopping. So no I am not a fan of those Fenders any more, yes the guitars on the first page are all very nice but more have come up.

The first guitar other than the ones on the first page that I tried out was a Cort Earth series guitar. It was something around $400 (CAN). It didnt play as nicely as the FG730 but it has solid spruce top and solid mahogony back. Anyone have experience with these guitars?

The next guitar I played was a Seagull Coastline S6 spruce. This guitar was also around 380-400 dollars. I love the wide neck on this thing! I am in a guitar class at school so we play with classical guitars so I have become acustomed to wide necks. However I have heard these guitars are easily scratched. Its not that I take bad care of my guitars its just accidents do happen. Is this something to worry about?

I also played a Art & Luthier Cedar that was only 220 and a Simon & Patrick Cedar for 300. I also played the Alvarez and Washburn models on the first page but none of these seemed as nice as the others. These guitars were cheaper than the ones in the first 2 paragraphs though and would like to know if its worth saving a couple extra bucks?

P.S sorry for taking a lot of space on this thread but hey at least im not making new threads.

[guitarguy182]

Get the FG730. I was like this once too so i know what your feeling. Wanting to make sure i got the best possible guitar for what money i had. I got a vintage cherry sunburst FG730 and it sounds orgasimic . Then i put elixir strings on it and shave down the saddle a millimeter and it plays and sound like a guitar that cost 3 times as much. I love this guitar so much! The neck is perfect and stunning looking. Thin but not 2 thin that it cramps your hand. And as been mentioned countless times before the finish is remarkable. Seriously if there is no reason you cant get a FG730 (or any FG7xx) THEN GET ONE NOW! Even if you order online (like i did) that chances of gettin a poor one hardly exist because Yamaha are incredibly consistent with their acoustics and have strict quality control. Get one now!!

[slash N @xl]

You have a great chance you guys to have all those guitars available readily to you. I live in Mauritius and its really difficult to get a decent guitar apart from some ibanez at exhorbitant prices.

I can't even buy guitars online simply because there's no shipping to my fcuking country or the shipping cost is such that i can get a second guitar.

[fsb_ben]

You have a great chance you guys to have all those guitars available readily to you. I live in Mauritius and its really difficult to get a decent guitar apart from some ibanez at exhorbitant prices.

I can't even buy guitars online simply because there's no shipping to my fcuking country or the shipping cost is such that i can get a second guitar.

Ahh but the women in Mauritius are hot. Well.. the one girl i know there is REALLy hot.

[Doctor Morbius]

Hello. Excellent thread and information here. I have read every post in this thread and am very pleased with the information that can be gathered. I'm a total newbie to this. I have had an urge to go out and get some kind of guitar and learn how to play for a couple of years and am just now getting ready to make my first guitar purchase. My newbie thoughts are to buy an acoustic and see if I stick with it for a year or 18 months and then buy an additional electric.

Anyway, IRC Music in Indianapolis has a Washburn D10S in natural for sale at $174.99. That's the lowest price I've seen, excluding the outdated price of $179.95 from Musiciansfriend.com. I asked IRC when this sale would be over and they couldn't give me a specific date because they claimed it is due to the D10S being an overstock item. When the overstocked items are sold at the lower sale price then the regular price kicks in. Another local shop (Guitar Works) sells the same D10S for $240. Neither of these prices include a hard case or soft bag.

I'm wondering what the groups thoughts are about this Washburn D10S given the sale price of $175 vs a comparably priced Yamaha FG700S. Any input is greatly appreciated.

At this point, after reading all of this thread, I am leaning toward the Yamaha FG730S for $300 or the FG700S for $200 at a local Guitar Center. However, if the D10S is a comparable guitar to the FG730S for $125 less then I will go that route. I realize the D10S and FG730S both have a solid top, which is desirable. Let me add that they all sound excellent to me. I even liked the sound of the Yamaha F335! But what do I know? Unfortunately I have no musical friends and have to rely on commissioned sales reps or e-tailer reviews.

I've placed a limit of $300 on this purchase since I don't know whether or not I'm going to enjoy this endeavor or not. I'm guessing I will as it sounds like a lot of fun. I have no ambitions to play like Joe Satriani or Eddie Van Halen. I just want to enjoy a new hobby.

If I go with the sale priced D10S or the FG700S that would leave some money left over for a bag, stand and whatever. If I go with the FG730S I've pretty much spent the whole budget on just the guitar. I will eventually get the odds and ends that go with it though, just not at this time.

I may have to act kind of fast because the D10S may go back up to it's regular price of $240 at any time. It really depends on when they sell their overstock. At $240 for the D10S I would probably choose one of the Yamaha's instead.

Thank you.

EDIT: I wish to purchase locally. Even though I may be able to get a better price on some items online, I don't know enough yet to go that route. I would like to establish a rapport with a local shop.

[guitarguy182]

buy cheap....buy twice.

[which ones pink]

buy cheap....buy twice.

True, sometimes. There are a lot of great sounding acoustics for $300 and under. And a lot of people can't afford a Taylor or a Martin (like me :( ), so cheap guitars are a godsend.

[guitarguy182]

I wouldnt consider a 300$ guitar cheap. Anything under 150$ isnt really worth looking
IMO

[fsb_ben]

buy cheap....buy twice.

Ignorance = ignore.

[Doctor Morbius]

fsb_ben, I went with the FG730s. Thank you for your input.

[ndakasimba]

hey, i'm looking into picking up an inexpensive acoustic. a bunch of my buddies play guitar, and one really digs the Taylor Big Baby. What can you tell me about this guitar?
Oooooh, it retails for $399 though. You can buy it on ebay for $299 if that counts..

so, should I scrap that idea, or is the big baby a contender?

[octavian]

If you buy a big baby you're paying and extra $100 so that the headstock says taylor on it. Get a Yamaha. It's a better guitar and it's cheaper. Unless you're going to pay over $1000 Taylors are a rip off.

[uday_adusumilli]

Hi.. thnks a lot fsb_ben for starting such a helpful thread...
i need a lil bit of advice from all of the experts here.. i am a complete n00b to guitar playing n i own a crap guitar that i brought off a local store some time back.. being in a small town I dont have much choices here ( atmost i can only find yamaha f310p ).

long story short.. off all the guitars mentioned in this thread, i've narrowed down my choices to yamaha FG730S and seagull S6 entourage( and i am planning to take online ). So anyone could please tell me the differences and longevity( as i want to keep it for a while ) and suggest me which one i can take.

differences in terms of
body: rosewood vs wild cherry
head: solid spruce vs solid cedar
and sound.

thanks in advance for the advice..

[AngstRidden]

Guys a quick question here.I play mostly on electric guitars but recently want to go back to playing acoustics.Is the Ibanez AEG10E($299) any good?

[Blackdiamond045]

i got a nice little fender acoustic its a DG-8 i think...sounds real nice for bein a low priced guitar i was suprised that it was one of the cheaper ones...if your interested in buying im trying to sell it ill give you a good price..

[ndakasimba]

I just picked up a seagull entourage mini-jumbo for $280 at my local music shop and it's a killer acoustic, highly recommended. If you can find a seagull anywhere, snag it 'cause the cost/sound/craftsmanship ratio is out of control!!

[jimtaka]

Guys a quick question here.I play mostly on electric guitars but recently want to go back to playing acoustics.Is the Ibanez AEG10E($299) any good?
is it absolutely necessary that you have an acoustic-electric as opposed to just an acoustic? any of the guitars in the first two posts of this thread are much better guitars for the same or even less money.

yamaha FG730S and seagull S6 entourage

So anyone could please tell me the differences and longevity( as i want to keep it for a while ) and suggest me which one i can take.

differences in terms of
body: rosewood vs wild cherry
head: solid spruce vs solid cedar
and sound.
those entourage series guitars haven't really been around long enough for anyone to give you an accurate opinion on their longevity, but seagull is a good brand so i'd say the two guitars are probably very comparable in longevity. i've seen yamahas have problems, and i've seen seagulls have problems... neither brand has a reputation of building instruments that deteriorate quickly, though.

body: they are both laminate bodies so it's pretty negligible

soundboard: cedar is a much softer wood and is more prone to getting scratched up, dented, cracked, etc. cedar soundboards produce a very warm sound. spruce is a much brighter sounding tonewood and is much stronger. i myself prefer cedar, but it's all a matter of opinion.

hey, i'm looking into picking up an inexpensive acoustic. a bunch of my buddies play guitar, and one really digs the Taylor Big Baby. What can you tell me about this guitar?
Oooooh, it retails for $399 though. You can buy it on ebay for $299 if that counts..

so, should I scrap that idea, or is the big baby a contender?
what about the big baby does your buddy dig so much? it really has no features that other guitars with a better price tag don't have. i'd reccomend several of the guitars in this thread way over the big baby taylor. as was said at the top of the page, you're really paying $100 for that Taylor decal on the headstock... and frankly i think there are a handful of guitars for $300 or less that are quite superior to the big baby.

[Doctor Morbius]

Again, great thread here. I've been playing my new Yamaha FG730s almost daily for two weeks now and am really enjoying it. Frankly, I could have gone with less guitar, such as the F335 for $150 or D10s that was on sale for $175 locally, but I'm hoping to grow into the FG730s.

I really wish there were a thread this good for the electric guitar section. There are way too many confusing options to a newb when it comes to electric.

[1500 meanstreak]

Hi, I'm new here (obviously) and was wondering if anyone has any info they could tell me about this SX DG1 acoustic pack. I am pretty much a beginner, I know a few chords but thats about it. I have an Epiphone PR-150 that I love back at home in Texas but I never could find the time to really learn. Now I am in London for the next two years while my wife is going to vet school and since I will now have more time on my hands I want to learn how to play for real!

Problem is (as always, right?) the money factor. This eBay auction has the guitar with shipping at £57 which works out to be about $105. I really would like to spend no more than that on a guitar I will not be able to take home with me but can't find any music shops in the area with one to check out in hand. If anyone could give me any insight into this guitar or any other ideas I would be most grateful!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sx-DG1BK-Adult-Size-Acoustic-Guitar-Pack-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ290091047044QQihZ019QQcategoryZ2385QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

[richardm80]

Hi, I'm new here (obviously) and was wondering if anyone has any info they could tell me about this SX DG1 acoustic pack. I am pretty much a beginner, I know a few chords but thats about it. I have an Epiphone PR-150 that I love back at home in Texas but I never could find the time to really learn. Now I am in London for the next two years while my wife is going to vet school and since I will now have more time on my hands I want to learn how to play for real!

Problem is (as always, right?) the money factor. This eBay auction has the guitar with shipping at £57 which works out to be about $105. I really would like to spend no more than that on a guitar I will not be able to take home with me but can't find any music shops in the area with one to check out in hand. If anyone could give me any insight into this guitar or any other ideas I would be most grateful!

http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Sx-DG1BK-Adult-Size-Acoustic-Guitar-Pack-Brand-New_W0QQitemZ290091047044QQihZ019QQcategoryZ2385QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem

wow that is a really cheap guitar! It has Basswood top, back and sides. That sounds like pretty crap wood bro so I'm guessing the sound won't be the best from it. You should aim to get a solid top but doubt you'll find one under £90. I'm pretty sure my local guitar shop has a couple of guitars from that brand but they are the cheapest ones there and I've never tried one. I think that will be a real crappy guitar but if that's all you can afford you probably won't find much better. I would just wait until you have saved about £90 and you will get a decent starter guitar.

A good way to get a cheap guitar is to look in your local newspapers classified ads. Lots of people get guitars for xmas and birthdays and never play them so they list them in the paper. A lot of people sell them dirt cheap and you can offer less than what they've listed the price as and also test it before you buy it.

[1500 meanstreak]

hmm, i was wondering about that, to be honest I have never even heard of basswood! What about the "Florian by Stagg" stuff on ebay?

It's not so much about not having the money as it is about not wanting to spend it, does that make sense? I gotta keep it in the £50 - £60 range.

[richardm80]

hmm, i was wondering about that, to be honest I have never even heard of basswood! What about the "Florian by Stagg" stuff on ebay?

It's not so much about not having the money as it is about not wanting to spend it, does that make sense? I gotta keep it in the £50 - £60 range.

You're gonna get a really bad guitar if you spend that. If you spend about £20 you could get something decent off ebay.
Check these out that went on ebay recently:
Washburn d10s - Click here to see it (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/WASHBURN-D105-DREADNOUGHT-ACOUSTIC-GUITAR_W0QQitemZ160092010703QQihZ006QQcategoryZ33032QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Washburn D12S - Click here to see it (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/washburn-D12s_W0QQitemZ190087587329QQihZ009QQcategoryZ33032QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
Both those Washburns have solid tops and are suppose to be pretty good guitars for the money. I think the d10s is one of the best selling in the world.

You can search by location on ebay and go pick one up, you could get something like this for £50 if you go collect. Tanglewood TW300 - Click here to see (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/tanglewood-acoustic-collect-london_W0QQitemZ160091092586QQihZ006QQcategoryZ101557QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)
It isn't anywhere near as good as the other 2 but it's only £50.

This is the guitar I've got just now - Tanglewood TW28SNQ. It costs about £100 new online. It aint great but its one of the better beginner ones for the money. This one went for under £50. Click here to see it (http://cgi.ebay.co.uk/Tanglewood-TW28SNQ-TW28-TW-28-SNQ-Acoustic-Guitar_W0QQitemZ290088561850QQihZ019QQcategoryZ101557QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)

So you can get a decent quality guitar for cheap but you gotta keep your eye on Ebay and watch it like a hawk. You will get a much better bargain this way. If you spend a bit more on the guitar it will feel and sound nicer so you will be more likely to want to learn and play it. You buy one of those really cheap ones with crap wood its gonna sound crap, the strings will be a mile off the fretboard and it will discourage you from learning. So it is worth spending that little bit extra.

[jimtaka]

hmm, i was wondering about that, to be honest I have never even heard of basswood! What about the "Florian by Stagg" stuff on ebay?

It's not so much about not having the money as it is about not wanting to spend it, does that make sense? I gotta keep it in the £50 - £60 range.
honestly, unless you can find a great deal on a used guitar... pretty much everything in that price range is going to be very very similar in quality. if you can find something with a solid top in your price range, i'd buy that. otherwise there really aren't that many things to take into consideration when purchasing in that price range. i would recommend trying to find a guitar made out of spruce, nato, or mahogany though... even though i'm sure the guitars will be all laminate wood, i still wouldn't buy one made out of basswood.

[Mistress_Ibanez]

I feel so snotty and ignorant saying this but... I've actually NEVER been in the acoustic forum before. I've never played acoustic but I'm really starting to like it and want to start playing acoustic, and stop being so narrow minded...

could someone recommend me a cheap-but-decent guitar, and tell me what I should look out for... what makes an acoustic guitar good?

[richardm80]

I feel so snotty and ignorant saying this but... I've actually NEVER been in the acoustic forum before. I've never played acoustic but I'm really starting to like it and want to start playing acoustic, and stop being so narrow minded...

could someone recommend me a cheap-but-decent guitar, and tell me what I should look out for... what makes an acoustic guitar good?

You want one with a solid top to get the best sound. You'll have to spend at least £100 to get one like that unless you use ebay and get a bargain. Just look at the first post of the thread and there's a list of guitars on it with pictures that are good for under $300. You should go down your local guitar shop and try out a few and see what you like. How much have you got to spend and what stuff do you play?

[Mistress_Ibanez]

Can i ask what makes solid top better? I have got nothing at all to spend. It's something I would be earning towards, not being able to buy straight away as I'm on minimum wage at the moment :p: I will play anything, I do prefer rock, metal and blues to listen to but I do like playing things with an accoustic-y sound, if that makes sense. And I will look on the first page, thanks =)

[Calum_Barrow]

Solid tops resonate better, and the tone improves with age as the wood gets old. A laminate top sounds very sterile and dull, no real tone to it at all.

Look around eBay for some; there are some real bargains to be had. My main acoustic is a 1971 Yamaha FG-150 acoustic that I picked up on eBay for £50! (just after I missed one exactly the same a few days earlier that went for £280, and even that was cheap). Mine didn't have much of a description, and there was only a picture of the back of the guitar, and the headstock. I asked for a picture of the front, and they said they'll put one up, but they didn't. They did say there was nothing wrong with the front at all also, so I took the risk and have definately not regretted it - it sounds fantastic (all solid construction).

So yes, look on eBay, cause there are some cheap guitars on there that are great.

[richardm80]

After going to quite a few different shops and trying different acoustics out I finally came to my decision and bought a Tanglewood TW115-ST (http://www.imuso.co.uk/ProductDetail.asp?StockCode=AG00214) .
These are about £200 in the shops and the one in the link is £155 which is about $310. I got mine brand new off ebay for £120 inc postage! It arrived yesterday and I'm really pleased with it. I had a cheap £100 beginner Tanglewood before and really didn't like it too much and to think this one only cost me £20 more and it is so much better.

I much prerfered this over the Yamahas I tried. Slimmer neck, lower action and looks nicer too. I would have liked to try out some guitars from Takamine, Crafter and Washburn before I bought a new guitar but none of the guitar shops around had any so not much I could do about that!

Tanglewood seems to be really popular in the UK. Most guitar shops stock a lot of them here. They don't seem to be too well known in USA though. I'd recommend checking them out definitely. The one I've got and any models higher up are great. Not so much models below this one though. Here's a couple of pics and I might do a couple of vids on youtube with it soon. Cheers

[jimtaka]

^-- she's pretty!

[moskupo]

If u ever are out and about in south america pick up a guitar for from there for usually a really reasonable price and better quality than ones u can buy for cheap in the states. Im in peru right now on mission work and i picked up a guitar thats made falcon ( a family named known for guitars) for 120$ that would be worth around 500$ in the states

[Twist of fate]

This, I brought for &295.00

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/fit,325by400/brand,zzounds/AEG10BK-adfbce96809295c1f4a6fc763ec47517.jpg

[fsb_ben]

This, I brought for &295.00

http://cachepe.zzounds.com/media/fit,325by400/brand,zzounds/AEG10BK-adfbce96809295c1f4a6fc763ec47517.jpg

Ibanez cutaway for under $300 eh? :no:

[ojyarumaru]

Anyone know where I can get a Art & Lutherie GT model in the US (online or local near Los Angeles, CA)?

[KetchupLad14]

Is the Fender Sonoran SCE Cutaway Acoustic-Electric good? I really dont use acoustics, but theyre always fun to play when i dont have an amp. Chances are, I'm never going to use it for anything serious, but i like the headstock better than what most acoustics have and i think it just looks cool. Just wondering about the playability really, because like i said, im only going to use it for things like traveling, when the rest of my family is asleep, or other times where theres no where for an amp.

It's the top selling Fender acoustic on most sites I've checked, and i love fenders.

[KetchupLad14]

I didn't realize that these guitars have been talked about a bunch of times, but no one really answers the question, so w/e.

[r3t3p]

Epiphone Dove?
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Dove-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518210

[Terribliz]

Hey, I'm new and just starting to learn guitar, so I don't know too much when it comes to the different sounds and stuff, but I have an experienced friend who's going to stores with me to help me out.

I was first considering an Ibanez AEG10EVS (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-AEG10E-AcousticElectric-Guitar-?sku=519982), but this thread has kind of turned me off to it unless someone has a different opinion. I played it and liked it, but of course, I probably couldn't tell the difference in sound in a $100 guitar and a $1000 one. I guess it probably wouldn't be the best since I don't really need the electric part, correct?

We went to GC the other night and saw a Yamaha FG735S (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-FG735S-Folk-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518277) (I'm not sure if it was Folk or not, going back to the store later) that we liked. My question on this one, what's the difference in this and the FG730S (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-FG730S-Solid-Top-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=519049)? I like the look of the 735 more, but I was wondering if anything in terms of sound makes it worth $50 more. Anyone played one of these?

[Drewfolksinger]

Ibanez PF (performance series) cutaway dreadnought acoustic/electrics are great for 299 at guitar center or the like. I used to own one, just recently replaced it with a Taylor!

[swampandtheguys]

what about a fender dg-85 whats ur opinin on those i picked one up for $280

[fsb_ben]

Ibanez PF under $300 doesn't have a solid top.

Fender DG-85? Never heard of it.. unless its the DG-8S in which case you got horribly ripped off:
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-DG8S-Acoustic-Guitar-Value-Pack?sku=510705

[swampandtheguys]

naw it say DG-85 in it for sure i got it in one of those beginners guitar packs

[rclatter]

Look I'm getting an Ovation so don't try to talk me out of it. I'm just beginning guitar and so is my son so I like the plastic bowl for durability.

So which one should I get? CC24, CC57, CC28 etc. I want to spend about $300. I want a regular sound hole with inlaid rosette, mid depth bowl if possible and in black. Which of these lower preamps is the best? They've got the OB4PT, the OP-20-both seem to be in my price range.

[swampandtheguys]

srry that was a my bad
under further inspection with a magnifiying glass the ink was blurred some
it is a dg-8s but is was lookin for a new one any how

what do u think i could get out of it and what do u think of the CD140SCE or the CD110E?

[=NOR=pwn]

I'm very happy with my Morgan CG 10DLXBK , 167,63 USD :)

[roamingbard13]

Look I'm getting an Ovation so don't try to talk me out of it. I'm just beginning guitar and so is my son so I like the plastic bowl for durability.

So which one should I get? CC24, CC57, CC28 etc. I want to spend about $300. I want a regular sound hole with inlaid rosette, mid depth bowl if possible and in black. Which of these lower preamps is the best? They've got the OB4PT, the OP-20-both seem to be in my price range.


You can do what you want, but for your $300 you are not going to be getting your money's worth. Any of the guitars at the top of this thread will be durable for your purposes. The back and sides are made out of laminated wood...kind of similar to the laminated counter top. The tops on all of these guitars are a solid piece of wood. This means that these guitars will sound much, much better than any of those Ovations you listed, and are probably going to keep you happier in the long run.

Additionally, it is also a waste of your money to buy an acoustic electric when you are only looking at spending $300. Probably half of that is going into crappy electronics, which if they actually work, will sound awful. If you are just starting, you probably don't need to amplify it anyways. If it becomes necessary later, you can buy an aftermarket sound hole pickup that will trump any cheap electronics by far for about $50.

[fsb_ben]

You can do what you want, but for your $300 you are not going to be getting your money's worth. Any of the guitars at the top of this thread will be durable for your purposes. The back and sides are made out of laminated wood...kind of similar to the laminated counter top. The tops on all of these guitars are a solid piece of wood. This means that these guitars will sound much, much better than any of those Ovations you listed, and are probably going to keep you happier in the long run.

Additionally, it is also a waste of your money to buy an acoustic electric when you are only looking at spending $300. Probably half of that is going into crappy electronics, which if they actually work, will sound awful. If you are just starting, you probably don't need to amplify it anyways. If it becomes necessary later, you can buy an aftermarket sound hole pickup that will trump any cheap electronics by far for about $50.

The man wants an ovation! There's a reason why there's no ovations in this thread and if he wants to ignore that, let him be.

[-stratomaster-]

Can anyone tell me about these guitars? I haven't played any of them yet but I'm just wondering what the general consensus would be.
Epiphone DR200CE (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-DR200CE-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=518378)
Washburn DK20CET (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-DK20CET-Dreadnought-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=515191)
Fender CD60CE (http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_cd_60_ce_bk.htm)

[fsb_ben]

Can anyone tell me about these guitars? I haven't played any of them yet but I'm just wondering what the general consensus would be.
Epiphone DR200CE (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-DR200CE-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=518378)
Washburn DK20CET (http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-DK20CET-Dreadnought-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=515191)
Fender CD60CE (http://www.thomann.de/ie/fender_cd_60_ce_bk.htm)

Sorry dood, all laminate tops = crap.

[-stratomaster-]

Cheers, that's exactly why I asked.

[rclatter]

The man wants an ovation! There's a reason why there's no ovations in this thread and if he wants to ignore that, let him be.

Okay, I get it, but truth be told it's going to be some time before I can tell the difference and sometimes it's about getting what you want to motivate you to get better. Why do I want it I don't know, maybe it's because I saw Clapton play one (of course his was probably $2000).

I was hoping to get some advice from someone who had owned one (on the low end). Truthfully I can search through various threads on this forum and find people who love them, but I'm always wary of dealers posing as enthusiast.

[fsb_ben]

Okay, I get it, but truth be told it's going to be some time before I can tell the difference and sometimes it's about getting what you want to motivate you to get better. Why do I want it I don't know, maybe it's because I saw Clapton play one (of course his was probably $2000).

I was hoping to get some advice from someone who had owned one (on the low end). Truthfully I can search through various threads on this forum and find people who love them, but I'm always wary of dealers posing as enthusiast.

Very few acoustic lovers own low-end ovations.. probably b/c you can get much more guitar for your $ at the low-end price range. I'd say that it'll be a while before you plug your acoustic into an amp.. which is why an Ovation is not the best choice for beginners.

[-stratomaster-]

I'm liking the look of the Yamaha FG730S.
Am I being naeive in thinking that a cheap solid top could be good, or...?

[rclatter]

Very few acoustic lovers own low-end ovations.. probably b/c you can get much more guitar for your $ at the low-end price range. I'd say that it'll be a while before you plug your acoustic into an amp.. which is why an Ovation is not the best choice for beginners.

Fair enough.

[Milos92]

Stagg SW201!

[finalbowser]

I own a Washburn D10s. Yes, I will say that it delivers a lot of bang for your buck. It's the only acoustic I've needed to own for the past 5 years. My only complaint is that I get a bit of fret buzz, but it only comes from certain brands of strings.

[-stratomaster-]

Yeah, I just found the D10SCE on gear4music, very good value methinks.
I'm thinkin along these lines:
Vintage V800 or
Yamaha FG730S or
Washburn D10SCE or
Tanglewood TW-15

Anybody have any suggestions?

[-stratomaster-]

Oh, or the Epiphone Hummingbord/Dove.

[Guitarminator]

I'm not going to go through and research everything, but I'm going to say...forget about paying for a Takamine because their cheap ones are all shit. Even the ones around $600.(unless you plug em in and fix their crappy sound with an eq) I'm talking about pure acoustic sound anyway.

Your best shot is to buy a seagull s6 or an art & lutherie. Best bang for your buck....Period. Anything with a solid top. It'll start off sounding great, and get better the more you beat on it.(spruce) Year after year. Guaranteed. Cedar sounds a little more "live" when new but doesn't improve with age as much as Spruce does.

Stratomaster... lol no offence intended, but are you saying you'd trust an expensive laminate top? Then I guess you should buy a takamine.

Do yourself a favour. Do the research before you buy. It can be made by anyone. Doesn't matter. Try it out before you buy, so you know you like the neck...

Just go solid!



My 2 cents

[formal ambience]

im a big fan of the Alvarez RD8. Wonderful tone. Pretty high action, but that can be easily lowered. Oh yeah, and no pickups. Other than that, its a very legit guitar. kthanxbye

[BEAST89]

Two questions really:

First, why are there laminates in the same price range of solids if they are horribly inferior?

Second, I'm looking for something that'd be for a bluesy sound. Which ones on that first page would fit the bill? Maybe even get some slide in there, like deep river blues.

[cilaes]

I got a Jasmine (by Takamine) around 8 monthes ago and it still sounds wonderful. I love it.

[jimtaka]

Two questions really:

First, why are there laminates in the same price range of solids if they are horribly inferior?

Second, I'm looking for something that'd be for a bluesy sound. Which ones on that first page would fit the bill? Maybe even get some slide in there, like deep river blues.
First... Because guitar companies can take a laminate top and slap some fancy-looking veneer on top and make it look all pretty. Most people tend to purchase their first guitar solely on looks and don't really know the real ups and downs of certain characteristics. These laminate top guitars look really cool and they put them in the same price range as some actually pretty decent guitars because the average new guitarist is going to go for the pretty guitar.

Second... The best advice is to really play the guitars you can find and then decide from there. What some of us think and what you think are likely to be different.

[soul_power]

Ok im sure this has been asked quite a few times but i dont want to make a new thread and i dont want to read all of this one. Im looking for an acoustic electric cutaway in the price range. The fullertons are super cheap "$80" but they have good reviews. Im still very skepticle. Can someone suggest something?

[Blues Breaker]

Hey, just wondering if there is a decent 12 string you guys could recomend? Dont want to spend much. No More than $500 aus. Thanks.

[hminh87]

Right now i'm being offered for a used Ibanez Performance with cutaway guitar for 220USD. Is it a good deal?

[richardm80]

Right now i'm being offered for a used Ibanez Performance with cutaway guitar for 220USD. Is it a good deal?
Depends what model it is. I've heard the performance series isn't great though.

[MiraiLink]

I don't know what's the rule here about posting ebay links, but I've found a store that's selling the Yamaha FG730s for $279.99 with free shipping and has 9 in stock.

Link: http://tinyurl.com/2lgm6p

[Trowa21]

I was thinkin of getting this. http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_epiphone_pr5e_acousticelectric_guitar?full_sku=518640%2e015
is that guitar any good if any of you guys have it? reviews look nice

[lennyp75]

nebody know of any good guitars that come in black? and also another general question... how long should you wait until you buy a new guitar if you started about a year ago?

[fsb_ben]

SCORE

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=020&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=300114060698&rd=1&rd=1

Blemished guitar.. the crack doesnt affect the sound and its on the back (so no one's gonna see it). The seller actually has a buncha blemished guitars that sell for CHEAP. I figure, as long as it's cosmetic, I'd gladly pay $150 less!



I was thinkin of getting this. http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_epiphone_pr5e_acousticelectric_guitar?full_sku=518640%2e015
is that guitar any good if any of you guys have it? reviews look nice

Epiphone's aren't on the list for a reason


nebody know of any good guitars that come in black? and also another general question... how long should you wait until you buy a new guitar if you started about a year ago?

Depends how good you become in that 1 year. "Good" guitars that come in black? Usually, the "good" guitars are natural colors but if you take a look on page 1, it appears as though the Alvarez RD20s comes in black.

[Doctor Morbius]

SCORE

http://cgi.ebay.ca/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ih=020&sspagename=STRK%3AMEWN%3AIT&viewitem=&item=300114060698&rd=1&rd=1

Blemished guitar.. the crack doesnt affect the sound and its on the back (so no one's gonna see it). The seller actually has a buncha blemished guitars that sell for CHEAP. I figure, as long as it's cosmetic, I'd gladly pay $150 less!Excellent! Man, that's one heck of a deal. Congrats.

[xkelleyxbelleyx]

i am plannign on starting playing the guitar ( acustic) this summer. yeah so i donno y i have a account on here if i dont even play the guitar...w/e yeah whats a good beginner guitar? and i am not spending a fortune on a guitar.... so to go with this thread...what guitar under 30$ is good for a beginner?

[ndakasimba]

under $30 dollars!? under $300 will get you a decent guitar, but under $30 dollars you won't find a damn thing. the cheapest, piece o' **** guitars are about 100 bucks US currency.

$30.. i hope to god that was a typo.

[grenade24]

Ibanez grx20z, only $150 but great for the value. i own one and its even more comfortable and in my opinion great sounding. overall a great guitar and ide recomend anyone to get it.

[fsb_ben]

Ibanez grx20z, only $150 but great for the value. i own one and its even more comfortable and in my opinion great sounding. overall a great guitar and ide recomend anyone to get it.

Wrong forum??

[AhrenBa]

Would it be possible for someone to make a "best acoustic-electric guitars under $300" thread?

I am having a hard time deciding on getting an a/e or a normal acoustic for that price range. I would like to compare the top models from both the a/e and acoustic.

That would be great if someone could put it together like this one is setup. Thanks.

[tapout60]

What do you guys think of either of these? Anyone have one? I cant find very much info but I'm leaning towards the aj-45, I'm just afraid of buying something without testing it. Seems like a great deal though

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Limited-Edition-AJ200S-Deluxe-?sku=519386

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Limited-Edition-1963-AJ45-Round-Shoulder-Dreadnought-Acoustic?sku=512540

[jfbrown42]

Two questions really:

First, why are there laminates in the same price range of solids if they are horribly inferior?

Second, I'm looking for something that'd be for a bluesy sound. Which ones on that first page would fit the bill? Maybe even get some slide in there, like deep river blues.
The laminates (as long as they are well made) aren't horribly inferior; it's just that their tone isn't going to improve over time (many years) like a solid top will. The problem is that all of the piece of junk guitar shaped objects at Wal Mart and the like are laminates. If you stick with the solid tops, you are going to be getting a quality instrument.

Regarding Blues, you can play blues on anything (it's in your soul, not in the guitar in your hands). If you do want to play slide occasionally, make sure the action (the distance between the strings and the fretboard) is set to "medium". If you buy a guitar from a reputable guitar store they'll do a "set up" on the guitar and set the action on it the way you want it for free or for a nominal fee.

[football95]

I have a Takamine Electric/Acoustic. It has a great quality and sound.
I like takamine better than alvarez

Peace out.

Case Closed.

[Chad48309]

I don't neccessarily agree; some of those higher-end Alvarez sound pretty sweet to my ears.

[ninewhilenine]

Freshman FA1AWR. 235 euro (under 300 dollars) played it today and pput a deposit on it!! Can't wait to get it.

[jess.]

I was thinking about getting Jasmine ES31C Acoustic Electric Guitar (http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemID=18620&DepartmentID=1&ysmchn=GGL&ysmcpn=Brand+Names&ysmgrp=Takamine&ysmtrm=Jasmine+ES31C&ysmtac=PPC&gclid=CNelnKb34YwCFSnKggoddyuP7Q)

Yes? No? Thanks :)

I'm just a noob, so can someone tell me pros and cons before I buy this? I'm so glad I found this forum!

[fsb_ben]

I was thinking about getting Jasmine ES31C Acoustic Electric Guitar (http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemID=18620&DepartmentID=1&ysmchn=GGL&ysmcpn=Brand+Names&ysmgrp=Takamine&ysmtrm=Jasmine+ES31C&ysmtac=PPC&gclid=CNelnKb34YwCFSnKggoddyuP7Q)

Yes? No? Thanks :)

I'm just a noob, so can someone tell me pros and cons before I buy this? I'm so glad I found this forum!

It's a very popular guitar... but its not on the list for a reason :-) Pretty much for your $, you can get a much higher quality guitar for $199 (yamaha fg700s or washburn d10s).

[Guitar_Drum]

i like guitars with more of a twang when clear so id go for a telecaster

[Over The Bridge]

Hey,i was wondering which of those on the list would be best for blues like Robert Johnson and Eric Clapton? Im really an acoustic-buying noob..ive had the same one since i started,just some cheap fender.

[Funcoot]

Which guitar under 300 dollars (preferably 250 but does not have to be) would be good for some Heart and Tenacious D?

[AthenasGhost]

That's a nice list, the last guitar on it is the one I have... The Samich, except it's an electric acoustic.

I got it about 5 or 6 years ago, and it's held up nicely since, it plays good for a guitar under 300$. I've never had to bring it in to fix anything, except I'm not a fan of the sound anymore... I guess after playing it for 6 years, and the neck seems to big. So what I'm saying is that it's a nice guitar for a few years, if your on your second or third year of playing, heck even a beginner. But you will outgrow it, and notice that the neck might be a bit bigger than you would like it to be. It's got a soft top, meaning it dents easily, but it shouldn't be a problem if your not throwing your guitar arround.

It's a nice guitar for soft acoustic stuff, or Jack Johnson like style, and it sounds OK when recording, but comparing it to a 1,000$ acoustic, you will notice a huge difference.

It doesn't have the low's that you might like, and it doesn't sound as natural as a more expensive guitar might, but I guess that's why its in the 300>$ list.

All I'm saying is that it's a nice guitar, I would also recommend atleast trying it.

[fsb_ben]

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Washburn-2008-Augusta-Series-Concert-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=511816

Definate potential to this one, too new for any of the local Vancouver stores to have, can anyone in the States verify the quality guitar?

[ElectricMammal]

Try the Epiphone DR its only 99 and it sounds like a gibson no lie

[cloudlife]

quick question in regards to the thread. are all the suggestions edited into the first and second posts? because it seems like some are added but others are not.

I'm considering selling my old fender for a new guitar sometime.

thanks for the help.

[fsb_ben]

quick question in regards to the thread. are all the suggestions edited into the first and second posts? because it seems like some are added but others are not.

I'm considering selling my old fender for a new guitar sometime.

thanks for the help.

No they are not b/c some suggestions do not even come close to being in the same league as the guitars on the 1st/2nd post.

[ndakasimba]

fsb_ben, that washburn looks real nice! I mean, the sides/back are koa laminate, but it looks top notch. I would be very interested to see what someone thinks about it that has access to one and has played it over time.

: )

[JTD1688]

Hey guys, I've been looking around these forums for a while now but this is my first post. Let my start by saying this is a very helpful thread. I went to GC and tried some of the recommended guitars and noticed a huge difference compared to the others in the same price range. As of right now, I've got it narrowed down to the Yamaha FG700s, FG730s, and the Ibanez AW40NT. Of the three, I've only actually played the FG700s.

I was a big fan of the FG700s, but I'm wondering if that could be because I absolutely hate my current Fender acoustic. I bought the guitar with absolutely no experience but I have to admit it has given me some good experience. I'm rambling on now but the question I'm trying to get down to asking is if the difference between the FG700s and FG730s is worth the $100 difference. Also, is the AW40NT in the same class as these two guitars? Also, the strings on the guitar I have now sit very high off the fretboard which is something I despise, particularly in the higher frets. Do all of these guitars have comfortable string positioning above the fretboard? I thank you for your patience if you suffered through that whole post, and appreciate any help.

[AhrenBa]

Hey guys, I've been looking around these forums for a while now but this is my first post. Let my start by saying this is a very helpful thread. I went to GC and tried some of the recommended guitars and noticed a huge difference compared to the others in the same price range. As of right now, I've got it narrowed down to the Yamaha FG700s, FG730s, and the Ibanez AW40NT. Of the three, I've only actually played the FG700s.

I was a big fan of the FG700s, but I'm wondering if that could be because I absolutely hate my current Fender acoustic. I bought the guitar with absolutely no experience but I have to admit it has given me some good experience. I'm rambling on now but the question I'm trying to get down to asking is if the difference between the FG700s and FG730s is worth the $100 difference. Also, is the AW40NT in the same class as these two guitars? Also, the strings on the guitar I have now sit very high off the fretboard which is something I despise, particularly in the higher frets. Do all of these guitars have comfortable string positioning above the fretboard? I thank you for your patience if you suffered through that whole post, and appreciate any help.

I am in the same situation as you, and from my hours of research on these guitars, I have found that many people say that the FG730s IS actually worth the extra $100. :)

[jtyoss]

so what is the best acoustic/electric guitar at a reasonable price?

[jess.]

Samick (http://cgi.ebay.com/Samick-Acoustic-Guitar-Stand-Accessories_W0QQitemZ260138036312QQihZ016QQcategoryZ2385QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)


IS that the same samick Beaumont guitar as posted? Thanks, I can't tell!!

[fsb_ben]

Samick (http://cgi.ebay.com/Samick-Acoustic-Guitar-Stand-Accessories_W0QQitemZ260138036312QQihZ016QQcategoryZ2385QQrdZ1QQcmdZViewItem)


IS that the same samick Beaumont guitar as posted? Thanks, I can't tell!!

Unfortunately no its not.. looks like an older, cheaper model.

so what is the best acoustic/electric guitar at a reasonable price?

You tell us! :)

[pinback]

WOW! I just bought this guitar at a Sam Ash shop nearby, and it blew everything else out of the water.

Washburn D10SQB (http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=6&TempID=7&DepartmentID=1&STRID=172839&CategorySubID=673&CategoryID=673&BrandID=1553&CategorySubPriceRangeID=0&pagesize=10&SortMethod=3&Method=3&PriceRangeID=0&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=&categorysubsearch=true)

http://www.samash.com/images/items/WD10SQBXX.jpg

Made of Bubinga exotic wood with a solid spruce top

$279.99

I played so many different guitars there, and this actually sounded a lot better than the ones that costed twice as much.

Compared to the standard D10S, it felt more comfortable to play, and sounded a lot fuller and louder

The lady working there even said that this was the best solid top guitar under $700

I'd highly reccomend this guitar, unique look, great sound, great price

:cheers:

[fsb_ben]

Hey guys, I've been looking around these forums for a while now but this is my first post. Let my start by saying this is a very helpful thread. I went to GC and tried some of the recommended guitars and noticed a huge difference compared to the others in the same price range. As of right now, I've got it narrowed down to the Yamaha FG700s, FG730s, and the Ibanez AW40NT. Of the three, I've only actually played the FG700s.

I was a big fan of the FG700s, but I'm wondering if that could be because I absolutely hate my current Fender acoustic. I bought the guitar with absolutely no experience but I have to admit it has given me some good experience. I'm rambling on now but the question I'm trying to get down to asking is if the difference between the FG700s and FG730s is worth the $100 difference. Also, is the AW40NT in the same class as these two guitars? Also, the strings on the guitar I have now sit very high off the fretboard which is something I despise, particularly in the higher frets. Do all of these guitars have comfortable string positioning above the fretboard? I thank you for your patience if you suffered through that whole post, and appreciate any help.

In the long run, yes the $100 is worth the better guitar. The Ibanez doesn't even come close in my opinion.

[Tsuru]

Hi, I just joined UG the other day and have been hanging in the A&I section... finally got around to looking at the other forums and found this.... it's very applicable as last week I was in the hunt for a $300 acoustic!

I picked up the Epiphone Hummingbird this weekend for $279. Here's a good pic I found online...

http://thumbnail.image.rakuten.co.jp/@0_mall/ishibashi/cabinet/guitar2/epihb.jpg

I tried everything in and around the $300 range, my price limit, yamahas, ibanez, cort, warshburn, other epiphones, art & lutheries, etc... at the end of the day, it came down to what had a decent quality build (wood top, nice construction, etc), felt good on me as I played, and sounded the way I wanted it to sound.

This Hummingbird has a rich yet slight brassy sound that I really like!

[LoonLeader]

Thank you for this thread! It's very helpful. These are all dreadnoughts, though, aren't they? What about small bodied guitars? See, I'm a small person, but I have quite long arms, so I was hoping I could find a full-scale small-bodied guitar for under $300.

[fsb_ben]

WOW! I just bought this guitar at a Sam Ash shop nearby, and it blew everything else out of the water.

Washburn D10SQB (http://www.samash.com/catalog/showitem.asp?ItemPos=6&TempID=7&DepartmentID=1&STRID=172839&CategorySubID=673&CategoryID=673&BrandID=1553&CategorySubPriceRangeID=0&pagesize=10&SortMethod=3&Method=3&PriceRangeID=0&SearchPhrase=&Contains=&Search_Type=Department&GroupCode=&categorysubsearch=true)

http://www.samash.com/images/items/WD10SQBXX.jpg

Made of Bubinga exotic wood with a solid spruce top

$279.99

I played so many different guitars there, and this actually sounded a lot better than the ones that costed twice as much.

Compared to the standard D10S, it felt more comfortable to play, and sounded a lot fuller and louder

The lady working there even said that this was the best solid top guitar under $700

I'd highly reccomend this guitar, unique look, great sound, great price

:cheers:


Great discovery! Apparently, the Washburn D10s is being outfitted with exotic woods for their back and sides! Definately worth checking out!! However, I read that it's a limited time offer :(

[i_lovemetallica]

I own a Martinez MC-SJ-BLK and it is a lovely guitar, it is very light, and can be restrung as left our right handed (It doesnt have the cutaway). You can also choose to have a scratch plate or not.

cheers

[cold45]

You should buy Epiphone DR it is about 250-270 $ it is a very good guitar, it sounds amazing.

[AaronRocksG10]

i bought the ovation applause ae148 from zzouns for $260. its an amazimg guitar. it looks and sounds great for the money

[Soul Power]

http://search.ebay.com/fender-dg-7_W0QQ_trksidZm37QQfromZR40QQsatitleZfenderQ20dgQ2d7

These guitars are great! My brother has one and I loved it so much, that I'm considering buying one of these (Fender doesn't make them anymore). It has a pop and sting to it's sound if that's what you like in an acoustic like me.

[Drewfolksinger]

Look into the Musicians' Friend exclusive Silver Creek guitars. They're all solid woods starting at 299.99 (for dreadnought and folkstyle guitars in spruce and mahogany) and ranging up to 399.99 for spruce and rosewood. I'm gonna grab one to supplement my Taylor 110E acoustic/electric. Seriously, the more solid wood you can get, the better (hehe innuendo?). Not intentional. anyway, they come with a free hard case too!

[ClaptonWannabe]

Alright everyone.

I had a look at this thread and saw the Ibanez AW40NT, and after trying it I vote that it should be taken out of the shortlist.

It was absolutely horrible. I couldn't actually play that much because my hand was sticking so much to the neck. The tone was dull and lifeless, the bass was flat and uninspiring, the treble was tinny and uneven, and the inlay on the neck looks like it was done using scrap cut-offs from a schecter.

I normally wouldn't go on like that but I really really really disliked that guitar.

nd also, I know this is the under $300 thread, but for another hundred dollars or so the quality starts to improve really really quickly. So if you've got the $300, try out a few $400 and think about whether you can save another $100.

[1500 meanstreak]

what do you guys think about the epiphone hummingbird? I really would like a Gibson hummingbird but probably will never be able to afford one. Anybody ever play the epi version?

[fsb_ben]

** UPDATE

replaced the Ibanez acoustic with the Epiphone Hummingbird.

Can somone pls stack the Hummingbird against another guitar on the list and see how it compares? Something around the same price range would be ideal. Pls PM me with your findings!

Thanks guys.

[the1]

Damn, I want one with a cut awway, with a rich mid range that lets the treble kinda sing, without sounding tinny.

Any suggestions?

[raggs]

I've got two guitars in this range, a Epiphone Hummingbird that I've had for almost a year now and an FG730 that I've had for about six months or so.

The action on the Hummingbird is a bit lower, and therefor a bit more "comfortable" to play. I put comfortable in quotations because when you prefer the feel of a typical dreadnaught acoustic, you might want something a bit higher and stiffer. However, if you want a bit of easier action, I think the Epiphone comes set a little softer. The Yamaha has a more "traditional" (again with the quotations) feel, and is a little louder as a result.

They both feature a solid top, but the Yamaha has rosewood back and sides, which I think sound much better (at this price level). I think the bigger lower bout also adds to the roundness and depth of the latter. Overall, I personally think the FG730 feels a bit more solid and like a more expensive guitar, while the Epiphone seems to fit it's price tag. The Hummingbird does look great, and is a great replication of it's Gibson counterpart. The pickguard seems a bit cheap, but the rest of it was good quality. The other one also has some decent looks though, with binding on the fretboard and headstock, with nice dot inlays and rosette.

As a final statement, I believe the FG730 is a better guitar. It just feels and sounds like a real, beautiful instrument. Not to say the the Epiphone is bad, I use mine quite a bit still. I tossed a soundhole pickup in and it gets used on open mic nights pretty often still, and I get a good tone out of it that way. Go down to the local store, try them both, and see which feels and sounds better to your ear. If anyone has any questions about either, fire away.

[Wrightboy]

Geez why couldn't I see this thread when I was guitar hunting >_>
Instead I got landed with THIS (http://www.yamaha.com/guitars/products/productdetail/0,,CNTID%25253D62838%252526CTID%25253D600025%252526CNTYP%25253DPRODUCT,00.html) piece of crap (According to this (http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/showthread.php?t=321305) thread anyway...)

I paid 280$ for it at the time...goes for way cheaper now I suspect, ah well live and learn eh, I should try and sap it off onto someone for 100$ or something then save up for a FG730s lol :p:

[MrCarrot]

What's the difference in tone between spruce and cedar?

[Guitar Hack]

Try a Parkwood 310M, solid wood guitar; Sometime sell below $300

[insertwittyname]

Don't know if this has already been suggested, buuut,
Click for a picture. (http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/6/5/7/230657.jpg)
Artist Series AF60S Grand Concert Acoustic Guitar (Natural).
Only $229.99. I got mine for $129.99 at a local guitar store, brand new. It's my first guitar, and I love it. The sound is amazing, it's got a beautiful finish, and it's not too expensive. <3 It's my precious.

[Negative Burn]

What's the difference in tone between spruce and cedar?Spruce is the most common wood used for acoustic guitar tops. It is chosen because of its consistent quality as well as its straight uniform grain, longevity, and tensile strength. While there are a number of species of spruce (Engelmann, Sitka, and German, for example), usually only more expensive acoustic guitars will denote the type used. Tonally, spruce is resonant and provides good sustain and clarity.

Cedar has long been used as a soundboard material by classical guitar makers for its vibrance and clarity of sound. It is extremely light in weight compared to spruce, and it has balanced, warm and rich with bright trebles. What is most characteristic of cedar is that it sounds broken-in, even when new.

[Jerome G]

Spruce is the most common wood used for acoustic guitar tops. It is chosen because of its consistent quality as well as its straight uniform grain, longevity, and tensile strength. While there are a number of species of spruce (Engelmann, Sitka, and German, for example), usually only more expensive acoustic guitars will denote the type used. Tonally, spruce is resonant and provides good sustain and clarity.

Cedar has long been used as a soundboard material by classical guitar makers for its vibrance and clarity of sound. It is extremely light in weight compared to spruce, and it has balanced, warm and rich with bright trebles. What is most characteristic of cedar is that it sounds broken-in, even when new.

This is a nice article:
http://www.pantheonguitars.com/tonewoods.htm

[3alotta]

guys I'm a beginner and have never actually played on a guitar. I just need an acoustic guitar to start with and I'm more into rock. I'm thinking of a yamaha FG700S, so could u please help me out and tell me if that choice is correct ? I mean is the yamaha FG700S good for playing rock ?

[3alotta]

I need ur advice plz

[fsb_ben]

Hmm not really sure what a "rock" acoustic would consist of! However, that guitar you mentioned is a very solid first guitar.

[3alotta]

thnx for ur reply

[jimtaka]

agreed with what fsb_ben said. that is indeed a fine guitar... and it would be just as suited for playing rock as any acoustic i reckon.

[Caustic]

Buy a Yamaha FG series guitar for instant guitar happiness.

[3alotta]

thank u guys for ur reply

[Yazeed]

hi man, thanks on topic

i need help you, what do you think for Yamaha FG700s

I buy it today !!

[3alotta]

u bought the yamaha GF700S ? how's it ?

[El Cumanés]

I bought a Jasmine S34C for just 90$ on Music123. Great guitar for the price. The tone is very bright which in my opinion is better for fingerpicking stuff. The guitar came with a decent action (and no fret buzz at all) unlike some reviews i read on some sites. Is very light because of the laminated top. It has 21 frets, which is very uncommon on beginner acoustic, although it seems impossible to reach those notes anyway. The only thing that i didn't like was the feel of the fretboard, is very rough which is not comfortable when doing bendings.

Here's some pics:
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s14/Bysler/DSC00176.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s14/Bysler/DSC00175.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s14/Bysler/DSC00174.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s14/Bysler/DSC00173.jpg
http://i148.photobucket.com/albums/s14/Bysler/DSC00172.jpg

If you have a very tight budget and just a beginner (<100$), this guitar won´t let you down.

[3alotta]

yazeed, I was asking u "have u bought the yamaha FG700S? how's it ?" sorry for the typing mistake.

[Yazeed]

hi 3alotta ,, to date, no i buy it, i will buy soon ,, byeee ...

[3alotta]

ok, hope u buy it as soon as possible and tell me what do u think of it

[Acquiescence]

is this guitar ok
http://www.amazon.com/First-Act-MG406-Acoustic-Protective/dp/B000IEMYZM

[Masonpwiley]

First act usually sucks.

[Negative Burn]

They usually sell First Act guitars at Wal-Mart and as you can guess quality-wise it isn't that great.

[Crystal Shards]

http://www.hhicompete.com/img/inventory/large/2346.jpg
EXCEL EX81

$54.99 @ themusicfarm.com

~Crystal

[yacamoca]

is it better to buy a $300 guitar, or to save up to buy an under $1000 guitar?

[fsb_ben]

is it better to buy a $300 guitar, or to save up to buy an under $1000 guitar?

How good are you?

[yacamoca]

Well, i've been playing bass for 3 years, and just started acoustic about 4 months ago. Plan on continue playing though.

[fsb_ben]

If you're going to go long term for a fulfilling acoustic experience, invest in a higher end acoustic. If you just wanna try it out, don't wanna invest too much but want a quality guitar, choose one from the list :-)

[drunknmunky44]

want to get a washburn d10s but i dunno which wood to get, if someone could explain the differences etc, would be v helpful

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/d-10s/10171

Natural
Black
Bubinga LTD (+£10)
Ovangkol LTD (+£10)
Zebra Wood LTD(+£10)
Walnut LTD (+£10)

[WickedBeast666]

Ok, I got a really really odd question. I need to get an acoustic for some guitar classes i'm taking next semester, "I'm an eletric player," I just need a pretty cheap one so i'm probally going to buy used, but I need a small acoustic because I have pretty small hands, and I have problems when I was playing on a Dreadknot style acoustic. I was trying them out. Any sugestions for a acoustic that's smaller then a Dreadknot?

[Negative Burn]

want to get a washburn d10s but i dunno which wood to get, if someone could explain the differences etc, would be v helpful

http://www.guitarampkeyboard.com/en/d-10s/10171

Natural
Black
Bubinga LTD (+£10)
Ovangkol LTD (+£10)
Zebra Wood LTD(+£10)
Walnut LTD (+£10)
I think those options just essentially refer to the color of the guitar--and this will sound basically the same. It is purely cosmetic. I'm not sure how those woods are applied to make it look different, but it is safe to assume it is just for aesthetic reasons. All standard Washburn D10S feature a solid spruce top.

[Paleo Pete]

I always check out Takamine and Ibanez first, when it comes to acoustics. Ovation makes some great guitars but I don't think any will be in your price range, unless you find a good used one in a pawn shop.

Definitely go to a music store to buy a guitar, not online, especially with acoustics. Two identical guitars side by side almost never play or sound the same. I've seen $300 or under Oscar Schmidt guitars play and sound better than $800 big name guitars right beside them. Play as many as you can, settle on the one that plays and sounds best to your ears. IF that's a Seagull, fine. I've played a few Seagulls that weren't bad guitars at all, some that played well and sounded crappy, others sounded good but didn't play well, same as almost any brand you can think of. Oscar Schmidt might be worth looking at, I've played several of those that were pretty good, almost bought one.

[Paleo Pete]

I need a small acoustic because I have pretty small hands

All I can tell you is shop around, I finally found a Takamine with a decent neck but it took time. Dreadnoughts are out there with slimmer necks, I've played a few. Check out some of the Takamine and Ibanez guitars, last time I went to the local music store I noticed a couple of each with good necks, and I have to have a smaller neck, not because of hand size, but because of tendon and wrist injuries. I can't play a fat neck at all, it hurts my wrist. Other brands should be worth a look too, just shop around and play them. It may take time, but you'll find one that you can play, maybe even in dreadnought size, I did.

[fsb_ben]

If you want a slim neck (kinda like an electric guitar) check out the Yamaha FG series.

[boyad]

Im looking for an acoustic or acoustic electric guitar (around $400)... I was thinking of:

the expensive ones...

-Epiphone EJ200
-Epiphone EJ160 John Lennon (it is $500 though)

the $300 guitars

-Washburn D10
-Washburn EA16
-Takamine EG260

I want one (most probably this would be my first and last acoustic guitar) so to last and good quality guitar. I just tried once an Epiphone hummingbird which sounded incredible, I heard its similar to the EJ200.
the ones of $300... are they really good to choose one instead of an Epiphone?

[Kartoffel]

Hey Guys, I want to get a new guitar around christmas, so I need your help. It's price should be around 282.68$ - 353.35$...

I looked around and found this model:

http://www.thomann.de/de/ibanez_sx72tbc_westerngitarre.htm

When you translate the price, its exactly 534.2652$ and thats too much for me. Are there any other guitars like this, a little bit cheaper? I want to have a style like this, (exspecially the head) and a good guitar, which I can play for many years. Im playing for 1/3 year now and for that time I'm quite good... So what's your opinion about this?

[fsb_ben]

Thats crap.

If you like that headstock style, check out Samick's.

[Sepulturick]

if you live in the UK, the vintage v300 is a great guitar. i recently bought one brand new for £75!! it has won awards but this is not a reason to buy one. no its not the best guitar in the world but it is still awesome as a first acoustic or even a 2nd or 3rd. the neck is real comfortable and the sound is lovely. chords sound so clear and defined.

If you can't try one out for yourself just order one online, you can't lose! it has very decent specs, including a solid top.

i'd pay at least double what i paid for this guitar.

[zeppelin470]

I just bought an Epiphone Masterbilt Acoustic for $300 from guitar center...

This guitar is way better than my $700 Alvarez...

[jesusXchrist]

the black epiphone hummingbird is not $50 cheaper... itz the same price

[fsb_ben]

the black epiphone hummingbird is not $50 cheaper... itz the same price

Thanks for the update. Looks like they up'd the price on the black one!

[AndrewDulina]

i found an deal for an ovation celebrity deluxe for $300, and it comes with a hard case. only thing is theirs a small sing in the headstock, nothing serious. would this be a good deal?

[jesusXchrist]

darn... i really wanted the black one... and yes... $50 more is kinda a lot, due to the fact ima freshman college student ><

Can someone Recommend me a 500$ and under ovation OR acoustic Electric? (btw, someone told me soloing is not recommended on acoustic electrics... T or F?)

[Jerome G]

I don't know if this was posted yet, and I haven't tried it.
But $299, for all solid, sounds good to me:

http://www.music123.com/Silver-Creek-D-160-Solid-Spruce-Mahogany-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar-512725-i1320549.Music123

I think they are the same or similar to Johnson/Recording King