OFFICIAL "What guitar under $300" Thread

[crzywhiteboy]

Request

Price Range:$0-$250
Acoustic/Electric Guitar with a cutaway,
I mostly play electric but sometimes i find the need to just strum some chords which is why I'm not going all out on the price.
Basically im just looking for some recommendations and il go try them out,so when i get to the store i know what to look for.

[LookAlive]

SiaraFirebird & crzywhiteboy:

The first page of this very thread has a detailed list of recommendations. Check it out!

[crzywhiteboy]

SiaraFirebird & crzywhiteboy:

The first page of this very thread has a detailed list of recommendations. Check it out!

my problem with that is that non of them are a cutaway except for the last one

[captivate]

Do you REALLY need a cutaway? 95% of acoustic guitarists don't actually use it. They just think they will.

[Bryan Connolly]

I'm going to have to go with the $3 guitar I picked up in a thrift shop that was missing a bridge and all the strings (it strings to a tailpiece, so it must have fallen off). So I got a straightish piece of wood and slapped it in between the top and the strings. When I discovered that the piece of wood was too narrow, I popped a rock under one side and a bunch of loose change under the other. It's a pain to play but it has a great old-timey Robert Johnson tone. :-)

[sunshowers]

Request

Price Range:$0-$250
Acoustic/Electric Guitar with a cutaway,
I mostly play electric but sometimes i find the need to just strum some chords which is why I'm not going all out on the price.
Basically im just looking for some recommendations and il go try them out,so when i get to the store i know what to look for.
For $250, you're not going to get a very good electric-acoustic. You're getting a $175 guitar with $75 worth of electronics - the consensus around here is that you should be spending upwards of $400 to get a decent one that would actually be worth plugging in. That's why there are no electric-acoustics recommended on the first page of this thread.

Why is it that you want electronics anyway? Would you be gigging with this guitar? If not, the electronics would be a total waste of money. They're not going to give the guitar a different sound, they still sound like acoustics just louder.

[anthonyK]

Got some cheap Ibanez V something for less than 200
Electric too.. works fine for me

[pc_guy]

Just picked up a Washburn D10SLH for only $229Can.
The left-handed model was on sale at lamusic.ca :)

Can't say anything about the guitar just yet as I haven't learned how to play yet, haha

but anyone thats on a budget looking to get one, seems like a good deal, although you only get the guitar, no bag or case.

[captivate]

Most guitar in that price range won't come with a bag or case. Congrats on the purchase though!

[triumph_91]

so out of these guitars what would you guys suggest. I dont know much about what differences the wood and all that stuff makes so any suggestion would be appreciated.

Jasmine by Takamine S35 (http://www.zzounds.com/item--KAMS35)


Jasmine by Takamine ES31C


Alvarez RD20S (http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alvarez-RD20S-Regent-Series-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518725)


Ibanez SGT120 (http://www.zzounds.com/item--IBASGT120)


My limit on price is probably about $250 and im planning on playing mostly classic rock but also some stuff like Bright Eyes. so if you have any better suggestions for guitars that would fit that better that would be appreciated to

[Rickjames730]

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Takamine-GS430S-NEX-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar?sku=515653

I got this guitar at guitar center today for 250 dollars. It's a solid top and I thought it sounded great, felt great, so I bought it. Can't play it till Christmas though :(

Anyone else have this guitar? Anything I should know about?

[pinkdolphin]

Okay im looking to buy my first acoustic and I want a relatively cheap one (200-300$ USD). However, I am by no means a beginner (i have been playing electric for over 4 years, and I'm pretty f'ing good) so dont recommend somethign crappy lol. I want something that sounds warm and resonates well, but is dynamic and has great playbility and fast action.

Also how the **** do I change my sig lol? PLease help :D

[Rickjames730]

Okay im looking to buy my first acoustic and I want a relatively cheap one (200-300$ USD). However, I am by no means a beginner (i have been playing electric for over 4 years, and I'm pretty f'ing good) so dont recommend somethign crappy lol. I want something that sounds warm and resonates well, but is dynamic and has great playbility and fast action.

Also how the **** do I change my sig lol? PLease help :D

I wouldn't recommend calling yourself "Real F*ing good", but alright.

If you find any of these models in this list at guitar center you could maybe get a discount on a floor model. Honestly the best thing you can do is go to a store and try one and buy what sounds/feels best. As the thread just look for solid tops without electronics.

[veggiegrrrl]

i have an amazing guitar for sale (it's just too wide for me because i have a shoulder injury). it sounds fantastic...it's LOUD, it's stunning, it's bright, it's in PERFECT CONDITION LIKE NEW.
check out breedlove.com and look at the C25, FS guitar (electric acoustic cutaway). if you want to know more, holla back.

http://www.breedloveguitars.com/instruments/guitars/passport/c25_fs/index.php

[Jeremiah1981]

I found a pretty good deal on Cl...A Yamaha FG730S for $180 with a case. If I can pick it up, This will be my first guitar. I think it's a good idea to go into the shops and play the guitars, but don't rule out buying used...you can sometimes find that diamond for CZ prices. :-)

[Halidonhill]

If you're a small player (seen a couple people talking about it in this thread) then I highly recommend Laguna's 7/8 size Little Brat model for $299. That's the web price. I bought my wife's in store for $249.99 and it wasn't marked as a sale price. Heck for anyone I'd recommend this guitar actually. It's a solid spruce top with mahogany sides and back. I don't think the back and sides are laminate but I haven't done that much research on them. They come set up from the factory with a very good action and a very smooth, quick playing neck. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Laguna-LD-Series-LD2-Brat-7-8-Acoustic-Guitar-104381850-i1391543.gc

[Emhartain]

LMAO wow.. just.. WOW. Thats possibly one of the most retarded things i've ever read.

edit: congrats uve made it into my sig LMAO.

I hope u understand that I'm saying Kobain wouldn't use a cheap guitar.

Dood, um... forgive me for coming into your forum and the first thing I post is
You're a DICK, man. Your post IS the most retarded thing I've ever read, and you obviously know very little about music, musicians and their instruments. As a matter of fact, Kurt played MOSTLY cheap crap. That was the sound he liked. Crappy old made in Japan Fender Strats and Teles, and a bastardization of the Jaguar and a Mustang called a 'jagstang' ... old Guild, Yamaha and Cort Acoustics... Maybe a little more than your 300 buck list, but not much.
Usually, if he was doing a show, he'd use one of his modified Martin D-series guitars, all modified and holes drilled in it with toggles. Which is my point. Why waste a couple grand on an acoustic guitar you're gonna F*** up with holes and switches and crap and then smash at the end of a show?
Cobain was also famous for smashing his guitars at the end of sets. He would sometimes use cheap Fender Strats during those performances that would be pieced back together for him to trash over and over again.

[Emhartain]

Now, onto my list of guitars under $300 worth playing.
Most of the crap listed above is just that - crap.
Okay, kiddos, time to go to school. The ONLY guitar you need is the one that sounds the best to you. Don't look at name brands, don't look at styles, other than the basics on what you need, and don't listen to the main dumbasses on here. It's obvious that they suffer from the same thing I used to suffer from - Fender hatred. Well, maybe fender electrics suck.. I think they do, but I have to admit... I went to all 3 music stores in town a couple days ago, looking for an acoustic for my 13 year old daughter.
I picked up Alvarez, Ibanez, Guild, Cort, Takamine, No-name brands, knockoffs, parlor guitars, cutaways, dreadnaughts, and about everything you could possibly imagine - most of it was garbage. We ARE talking about under $300 bucks, so come on.. what do you expect? I found one or two that were okay, and i'm not even going to bother trying to remember who made them because they were still junk. Crappy plywood with veneer, claiming to be solid wood. Cheap Korean spruce, claiming to be sitka, listen, kids... what you are told is in the guitar ain't always the real story. You have to know how to inspect the instrument to make sure you're getting what they say they're giving you. First of all, if it says solid mahogany back and sides, look in the hole at the raw wood inside. If it's got some grain on it and looks like plywood, and the grain on the outside looks kickass, it's plywood. However, if the grain on the outside more or less matches the grain on the inside you may well have yourself a solidly built guitar. Look in the hole again. Notice in the corners there's this nice snake-like binding going all the way around it? Notice that it's all squared off with little notches cut into it? If it's squared off, it's balsa wood, and therefore it's crap. if it's rounded on the exposed corner, and there's not much splintering of the wood then it's good binding. The tops can be of spruce, poplar, mahogany and a couple other types of wood I'll just go ahead and say are crap without mentioning the type. It all depends on the sound you want. If you want bright and crisp with mellow lows and a lot of sustain, you want a WHITE spruce top, mahogany back and sides and an ebony fingerboard. Nothing else matters. If you want fatter sound but still clear distinction, go with all mahogany construction and rosewod fingerboard and bridge. If you want it more mellow, with less jangly tone, go with maple sides and back, rosewood fingerboard and garbage for a bridge.
Anyway my whole point is... don't go with what is suggested, make that a starting point. Go to the stores, pick up what these guys say is good and play it. then go pick up a 2000 dollar guitar and play that. When you've then realized what's crap and what's not, go back and pick up every guitar that you think LOOKS NICE and play it. When you find one that doesn't sound like crap, and is in your price range, buy it. I happened to buy a fender. I hate fender... all the fender electrics I've owned I've sold. I played this guitar for almost 20 minutes before I even realized it was a fender. I don't remember the exact model number, but it's a newer line out maybe last year or this year (2008). It had a sticker on the pick guard that boasted that it had scalloped bracing and stuff... solid body construction, solid white spruce top (they also have colored guitars, redburst, blueburst, black, but I NEVER buy those because you really don't know what the wood is like underneath. This one has some of the most explosive deep grain patterns I've ever seen in spruce, and the barred mahogany on the back and sides is almost as beautiful. Out of all the guitars I played, this was the ONLY MODEL with stock strings and setup that didn't buzz ANYWHERE on the neck, had low action, and all the guitars of this model sounded the exact same. Other brands I picked up would vary from one to the other, these were consistent. (and only $199 on sale)
So, my suggestion is to find one of these Fenders and take it down and play it. After reluctantly putting it down, I went to the last store on my list, went inside, looked at all the alvarez' they had on the wall and some other stuff, unimpressed, then I found a nice Yamaha package for $199 with a strap and a cheesy DVD and all that starter junk. I picked up the guitar, and almost began laughing out loud. The finish was so bad it was like some Junior High student had put it on with a brush. The wood was obviously paper/cardboard/veneer... I mean, total junk. I was disgusted and my search ended there. I went back to Hubbard's and picked up this Fender and haven't looked back since. The guys in my band all want one now, even John with the Takamine G-Series with maple body says his is a piece of **** compared to this one and that's a $700 guitar.

[Emhartain]

i have an amazing guitar for sale (it's just too wide for me because i have a shoulder injury). it sounds fantastic...it's LOUD, it's stunning, it's bright, it's in PERFECT CONDITION LIKE NEW.
check out breedlove.com and look at the C25, FS guitar (electric acoustic cutaway). if you want to know more, holla back.

http://www.breedloveguitars.com/instruments/guitars/passport/c25_fs/index.php

How much are you asking?
(Don't say over $300, because then you'd be posting that in the wront thread, right?) Got any pics of YOUR guitar?

[Emhartain]

If you're a small player (seen a couple people talking about it in this thread) then I highly recommend Laguna's 7/8 size Little Brat model for $299. That's the web price. I bought my wife's in store for $249.99 and it wasn't marked as a sale price. Heck for anyone I'd recommend this guitar actually. It's a solid spruce top with mahogany sides and back. I don't think the back and sides are laminate but I haven't done that much research on them. They come set up from the factory with a very good action and a very smooth, quick playing neck. http://www.guitarcenter.com/Laguna-LD-Series-LD2-Brat-7-8-Acoustic-Guitar-104381850-i1391543.gc

Nope, composite, plywood and veneer. Even the top, I think. These things were the junkiest trash I picked up. They were priced at about $159 too. Someone's getting raped over there where you live. They were buzzy and light and I found obvious flaws in the finish, and the grain inside is nothing like the grain on the outside. Garbage.

[Jeremiah1981]

Now, onto my list of guitars under $300 worth playing.
Most of the crap listed above is just that - crap.
Okay, kiddos, time to go to school. The ONLY guitar you need is the one that sounds the best to you. Don't look at name brands, don't look at styles, other than the basics on what you need, and don't listen to the main dumbasses on here. It's obvious that they suffer from the same thing I used to suffer from - Fender hatred. Well, maybe fender electrics suck.. I think they do, but I have to admit... I went to all 3 music stores in town a couple days ago, looking for an acoustic for my 13 year old daughter.
I picked up Alvarez, Ibanez, Guild, Cort, Takamine, No-name brands, knockoffs, parlor guitars, cutaways, dreadnaughts, and about everything you could possibly imagine - most of it was garbage. We ARE talking about under $300 bucks, so come on.. what do you expect? I found one or two that were okay, and i'm not even going to bother trying to remember who made them because they were still junk. Crappy plywood with veneer, claiming to be solid wood. Cheap Korean spruce, claiming to be sitka, listen, kids... what you are told is in the guitar ain't always the real story. You have to know how to inspect the instrument to make sure you're getting what they say they're giving you. First of all, if it says solid mahogany back and sides, look in the hole at the raw wood inside. If it's got some grain on it and looks like plywood, and the grain on the outside looks kickass, it's plywood. However, if the grain on the outside more or less matches the grain on the inside you may well have yourself a solidly built guitar. Look in the hole again. Notice in the corners there's this nice snake-like binding going all the way around it? Notice that it's all squared off with little notches cut into it? If it's squared off, it's balsa wood, and therefore it's crap. if it's rounded on the exposed corner, and there's not much splintering of the wood then it's good binding. The tops can be of spruce, poplar, mahogany and a couple other types of wood I'll just go ahead and say are crap without mentioning the type. It all depends on the sound you want. If you want bright and crisp with mellow lows and a lot of sustain, you want a WHITE spruce top, mahogany back and sides and an ebony fingerboard. Nothing else matters. If you want fatter sound but still clear distinction, go with all mahogany construction and rosewod fingerboard and bridge. If you want it more mellow, with less jangly tone, go with maple sides and back, rosewood fingerboard and garbage for a bridge.
Anyway my whole point is... don't go with what is suggested, make that a starting point. Go to the stores, pick up what these guys say is good and play it. then go pick up a 2000 dollar guitar and play that. When you've then realized what's crap and what's not, go back and pick up every guitar that you think LOOKS NICE and play it. When you find one that doesn't sound like crap, and is in your price range, buy it. I happened to buy a fender. I hate fender... all the fender electrics I've owned I've sold. I played this guitar for almost 20 minutes before I even realized it was a fender. I don't remember the exact model number, but it's a newer line out maybe last year or this year (2008). It had a sticker on the pick guard that boasted that it had scalloped bracing and stuff... solid body construction, solid white spruce top (they also have colored guitars, redburst, blueburst, black, but I NEVER buy those because you really don't know what the wood is like underneath. This one has some of the most explosive deep grain patterns I've ever seen in spruce, and the barred mahogany on the back and sides is almost as beautiful. Out of all the guitars I played, this was the ONLY MODEL with stock strings and setup that didn't buzz ANYWHERE on the neck, had low action, and all the guitars of this model sounded the exact same. Other brands I picked up would vary from one to the other, these were consistent. (and only $199 on sale)
So, my suggestion is to find one of these Fenders and take it down and play it. After reluctantly putting it down, I went to the last store on my list, went inside, looked at all the alvarez' they had on the wall and some other stuff, unimpressed, then I found a nice Yamaha package for $199 with a strap and a cheesy DVD and all that starter junk. I picked up the guitar, and almost began laughing out loud. The finish was so bad it was like some Junior High student had put it on with a brush. The wood was obviously paper/cardboard/veneer... I mean, total junk. I was disgusted and my search ended there. I went back to Hubbard's and picked up this Fender and haven't looked back since. The guys in my band all want one now, even John with the Takamine G-Series with maple body says his is a piece of **** compared to this one and that's a $700 guitar.

So, let me get this straight...your advice is to forget the whole list here, and to go find the fender acoustic that you mentioned but you don't know a model number? let me pull my out my mind reader... :D
When I set up to buy a $300 guitar, I am not expecting a Taylor or Martin sound. But I don't know if you have heard, but people are broke, so a sub-$300 guitar is maybe all people can afford. And You have 4 posts as of this writing, and all you have done is flame people for being helpful. If you don't like the suggestions, that's fine, but have some etiquette. You can't knock a list that is supposed to help noobs like me, and then not have anything constructive to say. And naming a brand but not a model is not constructive. I don't know if you have been to any other forums, but if your first 4 posts on any of the ones I have been to, you would be banned. FWIW

[pinkdolphin]

Meatus!

[persevvere]

So, let me get this straight...your advice is to forget the whole list here, and to go find the fender acoustic that you mentioned but you don't know a model number? let me pull my out my mind reader... :D
When I set up to buy a $300 guitar, I am not expecting a Taylor or Martin sound. But I don't know if you have heard, but people are broke, so a sub-$300 guitar is maybe all people can afford. And You have 4 posts as of this writing, and all you have done is flame people for being helpful. If you don't like the suggestions, that's fine, but have some etiquette. You can't knock a list that is supposed to help noobs like me, and then not have anything constructive to say. And naming a brand but not a model is not constructive. I don't know if you have been to any other forums, but if your first 4 posts on any of the ones I have been to, you would be banned. FWIW

:golfclap:

[sam_ofzo]

I'm finally getting a decent acoustic, after playing on a no-name, 40$ guitar for more than a year.
But I don't want to spend a lot either, since I'm mainly a bass player.
Right now I'm doubting between:

a Yamaha FG200
a Washburn D10 SN
(both seem to be most recomended in this thread)
and
A Cort Earth 200 (wich costs +-50euro more, but has all solid back and sides)

I was wondering if anyone has any experience with the Cort, sind it's price seems ridiculesly cheap for an all solid wood guitar.

And out of those three, wich would be better for fingerstyle playing (traditional irish folk and the likes) and wich would be better for simple pop-rock strumming?

[JoeLouisLeblanc]

hi everyone

so I got this guitar for christmas...
http://ashburymusicalinstruments.com/ag500pk.html

it wasn't quite what I had asked for considering I wanted an acoustic/electric, and i was almost dissappointed when I opened it. But after some thought and playing it a few times Im pretty sure I like it.

For one, I've only been playing since october, maybe 4-5 hours a week, sometime 6-7 maybe. My dad went out and got it for me and after I asked him, he told me where he got it (Zellers), and how much he paid for it ($200). So at first I was kind of bummed, but I mean, I really should be happy I even got a guitar for christmas. I'm a super beginner and I can understand why he would be hesitant to spend too much when he's not sure whether its just a phase im going through or if I'll get bored of it later on down the road.

I scanned this whole thread and heard nothing about this guitar. Can anyone tell me ANYthing about it?

[dannyalcatraz]

In my experience,

The Fernandes Ravelle X
http://www.amazon.com/Fernandes-RVLX-WRS-Ravelle-Guitar/dp/B0019VPVX0

Certain Dean EVO's
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_MI?url=search-alias%3Dmi&field-keywords=dean+evo&x=0&y=0

The Dean Cadillac X
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_MI_1_7?url=search-alias%3Dmi&field-keywords=dean+cadillac&x=0&y=0&sprefix=dean+ca

At least one kind of Ibanez Artcore
http://www.amazon.com/Ibanez-Artcore-AS73B-Semi-Hollow-Electric/dp/B001CL6O6A/ref=sr_1_3?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1230607890&sr=1-3

And the Malden Stiger SH-2
http://www.maldenguitars.com/stiger.htm

Should all be decent electric guitars for under $300USD.

And certain Seagulls
http://www.amazon.com/Seagull-Entourage-Rustic-Dreadnaught-Acoustic/dp/B000TO8ND8/ref=sr_1_47?ie=UTF8&s=musical-instruments&qid=1230608002&sr=1-47

or Yamahas

http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=nb_ss_MI?url=search-alias%3Dmi&field-keywords=Yamaha+guitar&x=0&y=0

Shoud be pretty good acoustics for the same price.

(While I like my Ovation, I only like the full-bowl models, none of which are under $300 AFAIK.)

[fsb_ben]

Dood, um... forgive me for coming into your forum and the first thing I post is
You're a DICK, man. Your post IS the most retarded thing I've ever read, and you obviously know very little about music, musicians and their instruments. As a matter of fact, Kurt played MOSTLY cheap crap. That was the sound he liked. Crappy old made in Japan Fender Strats and Teles, and a bastardization of the Jaguar and a Mustang called a 'jagstang' ... old Guild, Yamaha and Cort Acoustics... Maybe a little more than your 300 buck list, but not much.
Usually, if he was doing a show, he'd use one of his modified Martin D-series guitars, all modified and holes drilled in it with toggles. Which is my point. Why waste a couple grand on an acoustic guitar you're gonna F*** up with holes and switches and crap and then smash at the end of a show?
Cobain was also famous for smashing his guitars at the end of sets. He would sometimes use cheap Fender Strats during those performances that would be pieced back together for him to trash over and over again.

a) wow, thanks for talking trash on a post that was made in 2006.
b) So you say Cobain used cheap crap yet.. u end with saying he used a modified Martin D-series guitar???????
c) MIJ Fenders are GREAT quality guitars btw. Even though they're old, they're built from quality materials.. definitely worth more than the MIM crap nowadays.
d) You really should have made your first post worth more than this.
e) Welcome to the forum, redeem yourself and please be useful to this community.

[captivate]

Dood, um... forgive me for coming into your forum and the first thing I post is
You're a DICK, man. Your post IS the most retarded thing I've ever read, and you obviously know very little about music, musicians and their instruments.
:facepalm: Go read the forum rules, please.

[redking14ca]

oops forgive this post.. lol


what does everyone think about the TGX and peal guitars found here

www.guitarimports.com

good for the price? solid tops :D

[lovesthegstring]

If i were shoping for a good axe under $300. i would take $300 cash to my local pawn shops. and find a great deal. thts how i bought most of the guitars i owen. you can find some pretty sweet deals if you know how to bargin and have a lil time.

[ripitkyle77]

Anybody played the Epiphone J200? I was pleasantly suprised when first playing it. It records really well too. It's about $350 however.

[aidogg]

i hav a cort ad830 ns,
it sounds really good, and i only payed lyk $239AU
most ppl who hav played with it luved it, n so do i

[iamj0hn]

hey guys.? this thread has been a big help for me.! thanks..
now ive narrowed my choices to the Yamaha FG700s and A&L..

just a question.. which of them has a better craftmanship.?

thanks.!!

[JessicaGonzo]

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/regular/2/9/7/533297.jpg

Thought i show a guitar that i thought was pretty decent. Its a mitchell MD100SE.
Solid top and electronics for $230. Its a decent guitar for the price. the only thing i had to do was get it set up.

[loudog93]

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Fender-California-Series-Sonoran-SCE-California-Custom-AcousticElectric-Dreadnought-Guitar?sku=514656

i need some advice on this guitar. it looks absolutely brilliant but i have not heard great things about fender acoustics

[esp1234]

Anybody here had any problems with the Yamaha FG 6 single cutaway? I tried it today, and sounded pretty nice. Better than the FG730S for some reason, and it had a chromatic tuner. I can also get it for $250-350 cause I have a friend that works there (Original price is $500)

Also, if there's anything better than this could someone tell me?

[RodneyPierce]

what does everyone think of Alvarez??

[talia.]

what's everyone's take on ovation guitars?

[captivate]

Alvarez is great.

Ovation is alright as well. At low price points such as $300, I wouldn't get it unless you really like it.

[steel337]

If you can find it, I highly recommend the Walden Natura G570. It's $250, a nice solid cedar top, mahogany back, sides, and neck, really nice satin nitro finish, and great playability. It just feels like a much more expensive guitar, and the sound is quite impressive too.

[ehrbaer]

Hi guys,
I'm looking for a good but not so expensive western guitar. At the moment I've got a 30 years old no name acoustic guitar and now I want to get a new one. A price between 150 and 250$ would be great. So please recommend me some western guitars. I prefer dreadnoughts. And I already thank you for your anwsers.

[aznrockerdude]

I was recommended to post here, so here goes:
-Price range: as low as possible (beginner), as long as it doesn't fall apart as soon as it -reaches my friend's hand.
-I'm guessing that he is better off with a non electro-acoustic, right?
-I'm not sure if cutaway is a big deal for him really. Is it advisable not to have one?
-I'm not sure if he can go used either, I'll ask him tomorrow.
-I don't know the main differences between nylon and steel. Can anyone clarify pros and cons of each?

Also, I'll make sure to show him the most important threads here, maybe even encourage him to join UG...
If I left anything out, let me know.

EDIT: (questions of mine) how hard is it to find a 7-string acoustic? It doesn't really matter if it's electro-acoustic or not, as long as it has 7-strings and can be played...
And which one would be better for Opeth-like acoustic passages, nylon or steel?

[boyad]

hey... I want to buy an acoustic guitar next month, Im between the Epiphone Dove and Washburn D10... so which of those is "better" (I know both are great guitars)?

[timo1]

To aznrocker,I can't really reccomend you a guitar but I can answer a couple of your questions

If he's in a band you should probably get an electric acoustic.
A cutaway depends on what your friend wants to play.Obviously it will help reaching the higher frets but they're a bit quieter.
A classical guitar has a fatter,warmer sound and a steel string has a brighter sound.
The steel string is heard in most types of music and is probably the most recognisable.

[aznrockerdude]

To aznrocker,I can't really reccomend you a guitar but I can answer a couple of your questions

If he's in a band you should probably get an electric acoustic.
A cutaway depends on what your friend wants to play.Obviously it will help reaching the higher frets but they're a bit quieter.
A classical guitar has a fatter,warmer sound and a steel string has a brighter sound.
The steel string is heard in most types of music and is probably the most recognisable.
He's a beginner, so I don't think he'll be in a band right away.
I'm almost sure that he won't need the cutaway, but how big is the difference in sound?
And I'm guessing that he will plan to do some strumming so a steel string would be advisable right?

[timo1]

I doubt cutaways would make a big different in sound I've never played a cutaway and non cutaway version of the same guitar before.
He should probably get steel string.
The electric acoustic thing isn't really a big problem IMO

[vowel]

Hey, I've not been on here for a good long while. But I don't trust the shops to help me much rather than push what will make them money.

I'm looking for my first classical style guitar. I've been playing for nearly 10 years now mostly rock and metal. But over the past 3 years I've not played much at all.. Now I've started playing a good lot of my faviourt classical pieces it's recindled my love of playing.

£300 (not dollar but I suppose it still belongs here) is about right for what I want to spend. Doesn't need to be electro as I doubt I'll be plugging it in, always good to have the option though I suppose so doesn't matter one way or the other so long as it sounds good either way. Not too thick either, all the acoustics I've had in the past have been dreadknot style and I'm no longer a fan of it.


Anyway I know what to look for with my electric and acoustic guitars, but not with classical. So even advice on that would be great so I have a good bit of knowlege of what I may want when I go into a shop (so they don't try **** me over).

[grind]

Just a random suggestion:
I bought a Samick D8 and I love it. It cost me $350, so it might be disqualified from this thread, but whatever.

It is seriously my favorite guitar that I have ever played, electric or acoustic. Everything about it is just about perfect.

[Silent_Crow13]

The Yamaha FG700S anyone know a little more about it? I'm thinking about buying it.

[SeeEmilyPlay]

The Yamaha's are great quality, cheap, and sound excellent. I'll always highly recommend them...

[hendrix_1969]

How about the "lorenzo l449" its only £79 with p&p. The consensus seems to be that £79 isn't enough to spend on an acoustic, but the reviews I have found seem good and it won an award for best guitar under £1000. Has anyone used it?

Or should I just spend a bit more and get a yamaha fg700?

I have been playing electric guitars for atleast a couple of years so have a bit of experience. Would I grow out of these 2 guitars to quickly?

[hendrix_1969]

Well I decided to get the lorenzo l449 anyway despite the lack of response and I'm glad I did. It has a great sound to it and doesn't feel cheap at all. It looks cheap as expected. I think its amazing for £79, that includes a crappy guitar bag and delivery as well. I am surprised no one has mentioned the guitar on here.

[guitarwize]

Very Nice selections! I think the guitars look good. If you need to polish your guitar knowledge or *link removed* then just click on *link removed* .

[kashmir89]

I need help deciding between two guitars I enjoyed at GC.

1) Epiphone EL-00 - I like this one because it's most comfortable for me (parlor sized), and it also looks great. Also seems like a good quality guitar from the basic knowledge I have about guitars (I'm a beginner).

2) Takamine GS330S - This guitar seems like an excellent quality guitar. Has a nice natural look and doesn't feel uncomfortable like the previous Yamaha dreadnought I tried out.

They both sound great to me and they both cost $300. How would you guys compare the two? Here are the links to both guitars:

1) http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-EL00-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518369
2) http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Takamine-GS330S-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=516304

[rdwoody16]

I need help deciding between two guitars I enjoyed at GC.

1) Epiphone EL-00 - I like this one because it's most comfortable for me (parlor sized), and it also looks great. Also seems like a good quality guitar from the basic knowledge I have about guitars (I'm a beginner).

2) Takamine GS330S - This guitar seems like an excellent quality guitar. Has a nice natural look and doesn't feel uncomfortable like the previous Yamaha dreadnought I tried out.

They both sound great to me and they both cost $300. How would you guys compare the two? Here are the links to both guitars:

1) http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-EL00-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518369
2) http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Takamine-GS330S-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=516304

Personally, I would go with the Takamine. They are fantastic guitars. But, if you've played them both and you like the overall feel of the Epi better, then it sounds like that is your best choice. I feel where you are coming from on the size, though, I do like a smaller bodied guitar as well.

[kashmir89]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up going to the Epiphone cause it just felt right for me. I asked them for a model from the back because the floor model was pretty beat up. Once I got home and opened it I noticed a few small splinters inside sound hole. These are on the small bars of wood inside the soundwhole that looks glued to the body inside.

They're not that big so I assume it's not a big deal, but are small spinters inside a guitar like that normal?

[kashmir89]

whoops sorry I accidently double posted.

[rdwoody16]

Thanks for the advice. I ended up going to the Epiphone cause it just felt right for me. I asked them for a model from the back because the floor model was pretty beat up. Once I got home and opened it I noticed a few small splinters inside sound hole. These are on the small bars of wood inside the soundwhole that looks glued to the body inside.

They're not that big so I assume it's not a big deal, but are small spinters inside a guitar like that normal?
That is fairly common on "lower end" guitars. Especially the Epiphones. But, it is not a big deal as long as they are just splinters and not actually cracks that may eventually propagate and harm the guitar. They should be just small splinters from the wood being cut, though. So you're good. :D

[captivate]

Don't advertise here. If you want to sell something then use the classified section. http://www.ultimate-guitar.com/forum/forumdisplay.php?forumid=19

[kashmir89]

I had bought an Epiphone EL-00 but I had second thoughts and exchanged it for a Takamine GS330S.

The problems I have now are that the Takamine does not have a pickguard and I don't wish to scratch the it (I'm a newbie), and it's missing a button for a guitar strap.

Can anyone suggest a pickguard that I could buy to put on this guitar? Also, what could I do about this guitar strap problem I have.

Thanks!

[captivate]

Any of the larger music stores should be able to get you a pick guard.

As for the strap, do you mean that it's missing on the neck side? If so, you can either get a button installed by a professional, or just use some shoe lace to tie it around the headstock(right behind the nut, underneath the strings).

[kashmir89]

Thanks for the response Captivate. Roughly how much do you think it'll cost to install a strap button? And yeah, it's missing it on the neck.

[rdwoody16]

Thanks for the response Captivate. Roughly how much do you think it'll cost to install a strap button? And yeah, it's missing it on the neck.
Many acoustic guitars don't have buttons at the neck. Most people do what captivate said. Although, if you buy a strap for an acoustic, it will come with the string already on it and you won't have to use a shoe string. It will probably be more trouble than it is worth getting a button installed.

[kashmir89]

Hey, I noticed that the Takamine GS330S that's shown on the first page as well as on merchant websites does not look quite the same as the one I bought which is the same model name.

For example, the ones pictured have pins holding the string at the bridge while the one I have does not use pins, but kinda goes straight pass the bridge. Also, the top looks more natural and unfinished when pictured. So how come the differences?

Okay I'll try to add a picture.

[rdwoody16]

Hey, I noticed that the Takamine GS330S that's shown on the first page as well as on merchant websites does not look quite the same as the one I bought which is the same model name.

For example, the ones pictured have pins holding the string at the bridge while the one I have does not use pins, but kinda goes straight pass the bridge. Also, the top looks more natural and unfinished when pictured. So how come the differences?
I'm a bit confused about what you mean by yours not having pins but going past the bridge. As far as the finish goes, I guess some are just different. Do you happen to have a picture or something to help me understand what that thing looks like?

[captivate]

Any of the larger music stores should be able to get you a pick guard.

As for the strap, do you mean that it's missing on the neck side? If so, you can either get a button installed by a professional, or just use some shoe lace to tie it around the headstock(right behind the nut, underneath the strings).

On my first guitar, it took them 10 minutes and $1. It's was a relatively large independently owned store though. Any larger store should be able to get it installed quickly and cheaply.

[kashmir89]

Here's a pic of the bridge.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/gigi16lulu21/TakamineBridge.jpg

Also, the back and sides seem a darker color than what's pictured. Take a look.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/gigi16lulu21/Tsideview.jpg

So, it's not that I don't like the guitar--I love it. It's just that I'm wondering what all the differences are about.

And I'll look into getting the strap button isntalled.Thanks Captivate :)

[rdwoody16]

Here's a pic of the bridge.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/gigi16lulu21/TakamineBridge.jpg

Also, the back and sides seem a darker color than what's pictured. Take a look.

http://i96.photobucket.com/albums/l200/gigi16lulu21/Tsideview.jpg

So, it's not that I don't like the guitar--I love it. It's just that I'm wondering what all the differences are about.

And I'll look into getting the strap button isntalled.Thanks Captivate :)
Ok. What you have there is just a string through bridge. While it is different from a lot of GS330S guitars I've seen, it is a common feature on some of Takamine's higher end guitars like the EAN10C. As far as the color goes, nato wood is typically a darker colored wood. Although most pictures of the GS330S depict the sides to be similar in color to the cedar top, they really shouldn't be. If you want to get a good look for yourself do a Google image search for "nato wood." It should return a fair amount of guitars with nato back and sides that are pretty dark.

[DanRev]

Looking for something pretty basic for under £100 (I am skint).

Just need a new acoustic and want to get the most out of what little money I have left.

[rdwoody16]

Looking for something pretty basic for under £100 (I am skint).

Just need a new acoustic and want to get the most out of what little money I have left.
I haven't actually looked at anything specific for you yet, but Yamaha makes some of the best budget guitars around that price that you can buy. If you can give me some more information about exactly what you're looking for (i.e. body type/size) I may be able to make a more specific recommendation. Personally, I would get a Yamaha FG335 in that price range.

[captivate]

I haven't actually looked at anything specific for you yet, but Yamaha makes some of the best budget guitars around that price that you can buy. If you can give me some more information about exactly what you're looking for (i.e. body type/size) I may be able to make a more specific recommendation. Personally, I would get a Yamaha FG335 in that price range.

This, pretty much. The Yamaha FG310 is one of the best sellers at this price. It won't sound that great, but it should play just fine. You get what you pay for.

[rdwoody16]

This, pretty much. The Yamaha FG310 is one of the best sellers at this price. It won't sound that great, but it should play just fine. You get what you pay for.
Yeah. Its not easy to get good quality under $150. But, I haven't actually seen a 310 for sale anywhere in a while. Do they still make that model? Also, I like the looks of the 335 much better than the 310, but they are very very similar guitars.

[DanRev]

i dont really care if it doesnt sound amazing, im playing a ****ed up classical guitar with buzzing strings and a horrible neck that goes out of tune at any given moment at the moment and im just learning to play guitar (i played bass normally)


Cheers for the advice if i wasnt so ****ed id give more thanks

[the spiker]

The Takamine G340SC at the end of the list on the first page of the thread has been noted.

I'm looking for a decent cutaway. Price range is $300 up to $500 if need be. Whether it's an acoustic-electric is nothing I care about. I have a ten year old DG21S and I can't play notes higher than the 15th fret (fingers get scrunched when playing notes higher than the 12th) which is the main reason I'm looking for a cutaway.

I ask for your suggestions. There are a few music shops in and around the DFW area so I'm sure they'll have a few models I can play with.

Thanks.

[rdwoody16]

The Takamine G340SC at the end of the list on the first page of the thread has been noted.

I'm looking for a decent cutaway. Price range is $300 up to $500 if need be. Whether it's an acoustic-electric is nothing I care about. I have a ten year old DG21S and I can't play notes higher than the 15th fret (fingers get scrunched when playing notes higher than the 12th) which is the main reason I'm looking for a cutaway.

I ask for your suggestions. There are a few music shops in and around the DFW area so I'm sure they'll have a few models I can play with.

Thanks.
You may want to check out Yamaha's FG series (maybe the FGX730 or 720) or Epiphone's performer series.

[la33coug]

wow

[Azza Dutt]

I'm looking for a cheapish acoustic below £300 just for a few performances and home playing. Ideally an acoustic electric and with a cutaway but neither of those are overly important. The main issue is a fast neck, preferably something similar in size to (more likely) my Gibson SG or (unlikely) my Ibanez RG550.

Any suggestions? I've heard good things about Freshman and Washburn but wouldn't know any specific models.

[ZeroChan]

Hey guys, so my budget is $300 (exactly) and I'm looking for an acoustic-electric. I've been researching and only found 1 so far (Alvarez RD20SC) that has a solid top.

Does it really make A LOT of difference if I got a laminate top rather than a solid one? The ones I had in mind was the $299 Takamine G or the $299 Yamaha APX (which I think is both laminate).

Thanks. ;)

[rdwoody16]

Hey guys, so my budget is $300 (exactly) and I'm looking for an acoustic-electric. I've been researching and only found 1 so far (Alvarez RD20SC) that has a solid top.

Does it really make A LOT of difference if I got a laminate top rather than a solid one? The ones I had in mind was the $299 Takamine G or the $299 Yamaha APX (which I think is both laminate).

Thanks. ;)
In my opinion it is always better to get a solid top. If you are always going to be plugged in, some laminate top guitars will perform as good, if not a bit better than solid tops, though. But, with a solid top, you get WAAAAY better unplugged sound that will actually get better with time. As you play a solid top, the top will actually sort of expand and open up (not visually, of course) generally leading to better and better tone with time. But that is only if you play a lot. A solid top guitar that has been sitting for 30 years will probably not sound as good as one that has been played for a couple hours everyday for the last 5 years.

[ZeroChan]

In my opinion it is always better to get a solid top. If you are always going to be plugged in, some laminate top guitars will perform as good, if not a bit better than solid tops, though. But, with a solid top, you get WAAAAY better unplugged sound that will actually get better with time. As you play a solid top, the top will actually sort of expand and open up (not visually, of course) generally leading to better and better tone with time. But that is only if you play a lot. A solid top guitar that has been sitting for 30 years will probably not sound as good as one that has been played for a couple hours everyday for the last 5 years.

Yeah I went to GC today and I have to agree. Solid tops sound better. But I'm now in another dilemma. I tried the Takamine GS330S (solid cedar top) and loved it, nice sound and very comfortable. The thing is it's only acoustic. Then I saw the Fender CD140SCE (solid spruce top). My dad was saying that I can get the more bang for my buck on the Fender one, and yeah I kinda like it, but not as much as the Takamine.And the neck was also really uncomfortable. Now I can't convince my parents to get me the Takamine one. :(

[rdwoody16]

Yeah I went to GC today and I have to agree. Solid tops sound better. But I'm now in another dilemma. I tried the Takamine GS330S (solid cedar top) and loved it, nice sound and very comfortable. The thing is it's only acoustic. Then I saw the Fender CD140SCE (solid spruce top). My dad was saying that I can get the more bang for my buck on the Fender one, and yeah I kinda like it, but not as much as the Takamine.And the neck was also really uncomfortable. Now I can't convince my parents to get me the Takamine one. :(
That is quite the dilemma. I love Takamine guitars. I also love Fender guitars. But, I am a Strat guy and would gladly take a Strat over any other electric. That being said, as big a Fender fan as I am, I strongly dislike Fender acoustic guitars. I completely agree about the way the neck feels on those guitars. In my opinion, the Takamine far surpasses the Fender in both sound and playability. Why did you want an acoustic-electric, anyway? There are ways around plugging into an amp if you were planning on playing for groups or whatever. If you are going for the pure acoustic sound, I think you can get better sound by putting a mic to the acoustic instead of plugging in. However, there may not be a way around your parents. :(

[ZeroChan]

That is quite the dilemma. I love Takamine guitars. I also love Fender guitars. But, I am a Strat guy and would gladly take a Strat over any other electric. That being said, as big a Fender fan as I am, I strongly dislike Fender acoustic guitars. I completely agree about the way the neck feels on those guitars. In my opinion, the Takamine far surpasses the Fender in both sound and playability. Why did you want an acoustic-electric, anyway? There are ways around plugging into an amp if you were planning on playing for groups or whatever. If you are going for the pure acoustic sound, I think you can get better sound by putting a mic to the acoustic instead of plugging in. However, there may not be a way around your parents. :(

Here's their explanation: All acoustic guitars sound the same. They said, since I already have a $50 no name acoustic, they think that it's not that good of an idea to get a $300 Takamine (after all, they're both acoustic :rolleyes: ) They think the shiny gloss on the Fender acoustic makes it 'look' better, and therefore, more likeable, pff.

But anyway, I showed them the acoustic-electric version of Alvarez RD20 online, which is only for $250, but how does this guitar fare comfortability and tone-wise?

[rdwoody16]

Here's their explanation: All acoustic guitars sound the same. They said, since I already have a $50 no name acoustic, they think that it's not that good of an idea to get a $300 Takamine (after all, they're both acoustic :rolleyes: ) They think the shiny gloss on the Fender acoustic makes it 'look' better, and therefore, more likeable, pff.

But anyway, I showed them the acoustic-electric version of Alvarez RD20 online, which is only for $250, but how does this guitar fare comfortability and tone-wise?
The Alvarez Regent series guitars are good guitars for the price. That is, for the price. The only Regent I've had experience with was an RD8. I was quite surprised by the playability. But, with lower priced guitars, the quality range is quite wide. Some will be spectacular and some will be complete crap. The only bad things I've heard about the RD20 are that the electronics aren't that great. I understand where the parents are coming from with the "better looking, glossy" stuff, but I think that a huge clear coat can actually hurt tone on a guitar. The best thing for you to do is just go play the Alvarez, the Takamine, and the Fender all back to back, if possible, and try to make your parents understand the importance of "the feel" of the guitar and that all acoustics definitely do not sound the same.

[ZeroChan]

The Alvarez Regent series guitars are good guitars for the price. That is, for the price. The only Regent I've had experience with was an RD8. I was quite surprised by the playability. But, with lower priced guitars, the quality range is quite wide. Some will be spectacular and some will be complete crap. The only bad things I've heard about the RD20 are that the electronics aren't that great. I understand where the parents are coming from with the "better looking, glossy" stuff, but I think that a huge clear coat can actually hurt tone on a guitar. The best thing for you to do is just go play the Alvarez, the Takamine, and the Fender all back to back, if possible, and try to make your parents understand the importance of "the feel" of the guitar and that all acoustics definitely do not sound the same.

Haha that's what I did with the Takamine and the Fender. I asked them "which one sounds better?" and they said the Fender. I was like, "are you guys deaf or something?" haha. They don't appreciate that the Takamine sounds and plays way better (more dynamic) than the Fender (which is actually just generic sounding).

They even compared the Fender to a car with a/c and the Takamine with a car without one. This is disappointing guys. :(

[guitarjunkie808]

U don't necessarily have to go brand new - used is always a viable option. The beauty of buying a guitar these days as opposed to a long time ago before assembly lines, is you can now get a relatively well constructed guitar for decent money. The costs come down because of machinery and you also get precision. But you definitely need something with a solid top :liplick:

[guitarslasha]

if there was one up there with a sharper cutaway, then it would be a great list

[rdwoody16]

if there was one up there with a sharper cutaway, then it would be a great list
How sharp of a cutaway do you want on an acoustic?

[the1]

So, I'm looking for an acoustic (not necesarily electro) around £250-£300. I want a rich sound, cut-away preferable but not necessary. I love Brand News acoustic tone, but I'm not shedding out loads for a Takamine....

SO what could I go for? I want something as easy to play as possibly (small neck/body).

[SeeEmilyPlay]

I think yamaha's are great for the money and the quality is wonderful too. I own 2 of them myself.

[Kenit]

Hi there,

I've been playing for about 4 years now, and I only own 2 electric and an old classical guitar with nylon strings. I am currently looking for a modern acoustic, preferably black with a cutaway. I want an "alternative rock" kind of sound. The sound I have in mind is a warm sound, yet kind of a bright resonating steely sound. Sorry if I'm confusing you, but I'm not good with acoustics.

Thanks in advance for any help. :)

Edit: As stated, it has to be just acoustic, not electro-acoustic.

[Rizzice]

Hey guys, I'm looking to upgrade my Oscar Schmidt, it's about a year old, and I think it's a 3/4 guitar.. not sure, but it looks small compared to most normal guitars so that's what I'm guessing, but anyway, I'm looking for a more normal sized guitar :confused:

As you can see I'm not very knowledgeable in guitars, so I'm also wondering where the most common place I could go in to try out a large selection of guitars would be? Any music store? Any good ones in specific I should look out for?

I was considering just purchasing one of the recommended guitars, but I think it's probably a good idea that I try some out first.

Any suggestions? Thanks!

Also, when I find the guitar I want, is it safe to buy it online? I can usually find everything cheaper somehow online..

[12345abcd3]

Hi

I don't know much about acoustic guitars, but I was wondering:

If I get the Alvarez RD20 elctro-acoustic, will it sound the same unplugged an Alvarez RD20 with no electrical parts inside?

[akcastil]

I found this guitar for $299 from Carvin. I have not been able to go out and try one, but I was just wondering if anybody had any working knowledge and/or heard good things about them seeing as it fit the under $300 mold. Thanks!

[Tom-sawyer]

Art & Lutherie Spruce/Cedar.

Hey, been playing for four years, mostly electric, really want to get into acoustic.

I have the Art & Lutherie Spruce/Cedar, but I find it really unplayable. I can play heavy gauge on my elec no prob, but this is crazy.

Is this just the type of playabilty for the model, or should I try out some new strings? Or anything?

[ZeroChan]

Art & Lutherie Spruce/Cedar.

Hey, been playing for four years, mostly electric, really want to get into acoustic.

I have the Art & Lutherie Spruce/Cedar, but I find it really unplayable. I can play heavy gauge on my elec no prob, but this is crazy.

Is this just the type of playabilty for the model, or should I try out some new strings? Or anything?

Maybe the action's too high?

[rdwoody16]

Art & Lutherie Spruce/Cedar.

Hey, been playing for four years, mostly electric, really want to get into acoustic.

I have the Art & Lutherie Spruce/Cedar, but I find it really unplayable. I can play heavy gauge on my elec no prob, but this is crazy.

Is this just the type of playabilty for the model, or should I try out some new strings? Or anything?
It is possible that the action is too high, but, since you've been playing for four years, I'm sure that you could tell if that was the problem. The first thing you have to realize is that acoustic guitars just play differently than electrics. I'm in the boat with you. I can play heavy strings on an electric but not on an acoustic. So, if the action is ok, just try putting some lighter strings on it. It shouldn't be a problem with the guitar, most of those are pretty well made and shouldn't be anywhere near unplayable.

[btmead]

So, I've narrowed down my guitar choice to those listed below. I plan on going into Guitar Center and Sam Ash and playing them, but I'm a beginner and only know about 10 chords. Because of that, I doubt I'll be able to get a very good idea of the real sound differences from some of the guitars. I'm also concerned about the lifespan of the guitars. I'll probably buy another within a year or two, so I don't need one that'll last a lifetime, but I also don't want one that will fall apart in 6 months.

So, if you guys could give me your opinions on and/or experience with these guitars I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Yamaha FG730s
Washburn D10s
Epiphone Hummingbird
Epiphone Limited Edition Hummingbird Artist
Alvarez RD20s
Silver Creek D160
Takamine G340

[WillaMuse]

How about the Epiphone Masterbuilt (Masterbilt?) Series? I played the AJ500 and was really surprised at the beautiful sound it produced! I read somewhere that they are particularly "susceptible to humidty", but aren't all guitars? The AJ500 was one of the best sounding acoustics that particular little shop carried, and they carried just about everything ~ for a $500 guitar. Please don't string me up (pun intended) for saying so. I am a novice guitar player at best, so please set me straight about Masterbilts if I am wrong.

;)
Willa

[rdwoody16]

So, I've narrowed down my guitar choice to those listed below. I plan on going into Guitar Center and Sam Ash and playing them, but I'm a beginner and only know about 10 chords. Because of that, I doubt I'll be able to get a very good idea of the real sound differences from some of the guitars. I'm also concerned about the lifespan of the guitars. I'll probably buy another within a year or two, so I don't need one that'll last a lifetime, but I also don't want one that will fall apart in 6 months.

So, if you guys could give me your opinions on and/or experience with these guitars I'd really appreciate it. Thanks in advance.

Yamaha FG730s
Washburn D10s
Epiphone Hummingbird
Epiphone Limited Edition Hummingbird Artist
Alvarez RD20s
Silver Creek D160
Takamine G340
Yamaha guitars are good and reasonably priced beginner guitars. But, if it were me, I would go with either the Takamine or one of the Hummingbirds. Of course, your personal opinion is what really matters. It doesn't matter if you only know a few chords. When you pick up "that" guitar, you'll know it. It will just feel right. So, just get out and play some of them.

[rdwoody16]

How about the Epiphone Masterbuilt (Masterbilt?) Series? I played the AJ500 and was really surprised at the beautiful sound it produced! I read somewhere that they are particularly "susceptible to humidty", but aren't all guitars? The AJ500 was one of the best sounding acoustics that particular little shop carried, and they carried just about everything ~ for a $500 guitar. Please don't string me up (pun intended) for saying so. I am a novice guitar player at best, so please set me straight about Masterbilts if I am wrong.

;)
Willa
You are correct. The Epiphone Masterbilt guitars are generally very good. They are definitely not the best acoustics out there, but it doesn't surprise me that it was one of the best sounding guitars in a small shop.

[musiclover_92]

I would say the Ibanez V series is decent, I played two and the quality of these was consistent, I bought one, 199 dollars, at Guitar Center. in a nice black finish, binding all around, the usual, it is an acoustic electric.

[TJM2482]

If I were to have a budget of $300-400, what acoustics should I consider?

- Cutaway
- Plays smooth, low action, etc.
- Dot inlays

[jimtaka]

Are you wanting just an acoustic or do you want an acoustic-electric. The Takamine G340SC that is on the first page is the only straight acoustic guitar I know of from a reputable manufacturer that has a solid top, cutaway, and natural finish (the requirements from your other thread). That guitar also has dot inlays.

The action of a guitar is something that is highly and easily adjustable. Most guitars will need some adjustments even when they are brand new, especially guitars in this price range. Guitars in this price range tend to be built somewhere in Asia. The climate is obviously very different from a factory in Asia to your home in Connecticut. Because of this, it's pretty hard to get a brand new guitar from Asia that is set up just perfectly.

[ltduyhien]

I found out that they are selling Alvarez AD70s, Yamaha FG730S for 300$ each. Both have solid spruce top and rosewood back/side (laminate maybe). But today I have decided to buy a d36s washburn which has been discontinued for 250euro :D

[TJM2482]

Are you wanting just an acoustic or do you want an acoustic-electric. The Takamine G340SC that is on the first page is the only straight acoustic guitar I know of from a reputable manufacturer that has a solid top, cutaway, and natural finish (the requirements from your other thread). That guitar also has dot inlays.

The action of a guitar is something that is highly and easily adjustable. Most guitars will need some adjustments even when they are brand new, especially guitars in this price range. Guitars in this price range tend to be built somewhere in Asia. The climate is obviously very different from a factory in Asia to your home in Connecticut. Because of this, it's pretty hard to get a brand new guitar from Asia that is set up just perfectly.I'm liking that Takamine, but yeah I understand the climate change, and how it won't be set up perfectly if I were to order it online. It's no problem though, I'm at my local music shop once a week for lessons so I could have my teacher set it up for me.

[jaelae]

est

[SAcaveman]

I've got a Yamaha C40M. Very nice classic guitar, it's got good sound and looks nice. Got myself a Tangelwood Electro-Classic today. Also very nice..

[chaoticfables]

Hai guys.

Is the list in American dollars? I'm in New Zealand.

[Natrone]

Yes, it is.

[chaoticfables]

Yes, it is.
Thank you very much.

*googles currency converter*

[Anathetic]

http://img3.musiciansfriend.com/dbase/pics/products/regular/6/4/5/230645.jpg

-Solid mahogany top
-Mahogany back and sides
-Die cast tuners

$250
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alvarez-Regent-Series-RF20SM-Mahogany-Folk-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518724#new

[oh rachelle]

I've got the Epiphone Dove(: What a beautiful guitar for the price.

[deanguy]

Anybody know about the epi el-00? The reviews sounded pretty good and I haven't had the chance to play one in person.

[Guitarmaster94]

You can get a great Ibanez acoustic. My favorite along with Ovation guitars. My friend a really beautiful sounding Ibanez acoustic for around $350 at a local dealer...although this thread is about less than $300...hmmm

[Anathetic]

imo, ovations sounds horrible unplugged, however when plugged.... thats a whole diffrent story.

[JoshuaM]

Hey guys bit off an amatuer
anyone knowif that is a good one -- http://www.guitar.co.uk/guitars/electro-acoustic/2284-vintage_vr6_synergy_bowlback_electro_acoustic_guitar

this is me buying my first acoustic btw , played electric for a year but wanting to get an acoustic now
thanks for the help :)

[lui_gui]

Awesome. This is my first post here, and it's off to a great start. Really helpful. I need an acoustic guitar... :(

[kesey]

in the early pages of this thread, several people were touting the Ibanez AW40NT. i can't seem to find this model anywhere, so i'm assuming it's been discontinued. i did, however, find the AW30NT, as well as the AC30NT.

AW30NT - http://www.ibanez.com/AcousticGuitars/guitar.aspx?m=AW30NT
AC30NT - http://www.ibanez.com/AcousticGuitars/guitar.aspx?m=AC30NT

the only difference between the two models is that the aw is a dreadnought and the ac is a grand concert. any thoughts/opinions on these two models? did anything change from the aw40 to the aw30?

[roamingbard13]

Yeah, I'd say its likely that they are the same, and the specs look pretty much the same (as far as i can remember). Can't speak to the quality of those specific guitars, but I do know that I preferred pretty much everything else in that price range over the Ibanez. It's adequate, and will probably sound better than most laminate topped guitars. But I still think it's hard to beat Yamaha in that price range.

[SSL27]

What would you guys say is the best acoustic-electric under $300 USD?

[kesey]

i know there are already countless posts within this thread giving the FG730S two huge thumbs up, but hey, one more couldn't hurt, right? ;)

got this guitar for my g/f for our anniversary. one word. wow! i can't believe a guitar at this price point can sound so soothingly sweet. we're both beginners, so we aren't able to really make her sing up to her full potential. that being said, the smile on my g/f's face and the eagerness and excitement in her eyes made this the perfect purchase. she's more interested in playing than ever before.

[zomghax]

I have a Alvarez RD-10. It's cheaper than the RD-20 and still sounds good for a cheap acoustic.

[Nat:)]

Hey I was looking into the Ibanez V72ECE which is being sold (the cheapest I can find it) on GAK.co.uk for £131 ($221). Does anybody know if this is good choice of A/E guitar? It seems pretty decent and it's just in my price range!

What do you guys think?
Thanks in advance
Cheers

[Natrone]

I tend to avoid A/E guitars for under $300 US. The electronics add about $150 to the price if they're good, and they usually aren't. So really you're paying for a $200 guitar with crappy electronics. I'd look to spend around $400-500 US to get a good A/E. That, and Ibanez acoustics aren't really all that great. They don't sound good and tend to have very poor build quality

[mattman93]

Does anyone hear have any experience with the Fender T-Bucket? I know you guys don't recommend a/e's for under $300 but I've heard good things about it.

[akcastil]

No experience, but I have not seen a single person recommend Fender for acoustic. A/E or otherwise.

[mattman93]

Thanks, I think I might go with the seagull s6 which leads me to another question. Is there a difference between the original s6 and the entourage s6?

[akcastil]

I know there is, but there are definitely some people around here that know off the top of their head. Maybe start a new thread for that one...But Seagull seems to be a forum favorite.

[kesey]

seems to me the biggest difference between the original and the entourage is the nut width. the entourage is narrower (and more traditional) at 1.72", versus the more standard seagull nut width of 1.8" on the original.

also, the entourage comes in a "rustic burst" finish, while the original comes in natural.

edit: if you prefer the narrower nut width of the entourage and aren't particuarly digging the rustic burst finish (personally, i think it's a little ugly) you could always go with the s6 slim.

[blacksurgeband]

I'm looking for a good nylon string (already have a steel string). What would you guys recommend? The Takamine in the first post of the first picture looks good, but I would appreciate some confirmation.

[StumbleFingers]

These have to be pre-ordered for some reason but I've played this model and liked it.

Alvarez MD-80,solid top even! :D

http://www.zzounds.com/item--ALVMD80

[roamingbard13]

If that price is correct, that is a steal! Those are all solid wood guitars, and they sold in the $650 range when they were still being made.

[KolosoK]

Just got a Seagull for $315:

http://i31.tinypic.com/spw7yc.jpg :D

[Silent_Crow13]

Can I make a suggestion for another acoustic?
Recording King RD 16
It has a Solid Engleman Sruce top, Mahogany back,sides,and neck. It is priced at $299
http://guitarhut.net/recording_king_rd_16_guitar.htm

[StumbleFingers]

Just got a Seagull for $315:

http://i31.tinypic.com/spw7yc.jpg :D


Beautiful! I just bought an S6 on on evilbay since the only local shop that sells Seagull wants full MSRP for 'em.

[SSL27]

Which do you guys think would be a better choice? A Yamaha FG730S or a Seagull S6 Entourage?

[kesey]

that's an impossible question to answer objectively. it's all a matter of you sitting down, playing each guitar and figuring it out for yourself. after you've spent some quality time with each model, you should be asking, "which do i think would be a better choice?"

[danietzs]

very true, i went to guitar center for their labor day sale and checked out the FG730S and Seagull Original S6 along with a few others in the price range. i really like that seagull, i know its more than 300 but wow, it blew me away.

in the end you have to pickup and play each one to see what YOU like. i'll be going back a few times to play it again just to make sure i still feel the same about it.

[sunnn.03]

Nice.but here in my country,the guitar are very cheap.and has a high quality.the highest amount is i guess 100 dolllars:)

[Moto4Fun]

Hi all!

I have read 75% of this entire thread as I am obsessing about my research for the perfect guitar for my needs.

I have a little experience with music (played a little bass, and most of my friends are musicians), but for all intents and purposes; I am a newb to guitar. I have decided to take up the hobby because I have always wanted to, and with a baby on the way, I figured the captive audience will provide a great opportunity for me to learn at this point.

I have been beating the internet up and pounding some serious pavement in search of the right guitar for me with a budget cap of $300. I really would like to find something good for under $200, most likely used, and have set out to do the research.

This is what I have personally found:
-There are a lot of solid top acoustic guitars with various features for less than $300.
-For me, they almost all sound acceptable. I can't hear too much difference in the quality of the sound. Maybe differences in tone, but that to me doesn't mean better or worse, just different.
-They all feel good. I don't know what makes something feel bad or good, but they all feel nice.
-Visually they vary quite a bit. Some will have nice inlays, some will be plain, some have white binding, some have a dark binding. Some have a glossy finish, others have a satin/matte finish.
-I feel personally they would all be fine, which makes this process really difficult.

So what have I tried, and what am I considering?
-Guitar Center-
-Fender CD-140 - electro acoustic
- Felt good, sounded good, has built in tuner
-Yamaha FG-700
-Felt good, sounded good
-Takamine GS330
-Felt good, sounded good, looked good
-Fender Tim Armstrong "Hellcat"
-This guitar caught my eye on line, and I was ready to order it without any other consideration for its specs and looks. I was researching others only to confirm my chances of being happy with this guitar. While there is a good chance that I would be really stoked on it, I have realized through on-line research (threads like this) that I should a) handle before I buy, and b) get an acoustic only for what my intentions are.

These were the models I took note of as having impressed me. I tried out a LOT of guitars that day, and while I couldn't tell much difference between these, they all felt better or preferable to the others that I had played with.


-Craigslist-
-Ibanez AW30NT
- I haven't seen it in person or felt it, but it is $200 and I could possibly get it for less than that.
-I did handle an AW800 or some older version that looked exactly the same and had the same specs that was selling for $350 at a local shop, and it felt and sounded great.

-Blue Note (local shop)-
-Recording King-
-This is a higher end shop that carry's Martin, Taylor, Gibson guitars in the multi thousand dollar range and the adamantly recommend the Recording King at the $250 price point. I was skeptical the first time they told me this so moved on to other shops, but returned with an open mind last night, and really found that the guitar is comparable to the others I have seen. I think this shop has done their research in determining what low end guitars to carry, because they don't have many. The others that they have are laminate Epiphones.

So at this point my main considerations are the used Ibanez AW30NT for <$200, the Recording King RD/RO-06 for $249 NEW, Takamine G330 series new for $299, and of course I must consider the Yamaha FG700 or 730 based on the overwhelming recommndations here.

I will continue my research and let you all know what I decide on, but I would like to ask a few things:

-Why do people beat up Ibanez so much. The artwood series looks to be a very nice guitar, and the ones I have seen and felt seemed pretty damn nice, and can be had for $250.

-Dreadnought or Grand Concert? This should be fairly simple, but is there any disadvantage of either shape that a beginner should be aware of?

-Bone or Plastic? All guitars I have been looking at have plastic saddle and nut, but the recording king has bone. Is that a nice feature, or not really a big deal?

[clayonfire]

Yeah, generally I'd stay away from Fender acoustics and Ibanez acoustics (unless they're ancient ones, like as old if not older than myself....I'm only 17). as for The recording king...i've never heard of it...doesn't mean it's bad, could be a real gem. And newish ibanez acoustics tend to look really nice to catch the eyes of people. As for Dreadnought vs. Grand Concert? That's all a preference, some like one or the other because of tone, comfort, looks (although this is a very unimportant factor), so really, that's up to you. As for Bone Vs. Plastic....Bone. Bone is much better for saddles/nuts than plastic is, it helps transfer vibrations much better.

Hope that helped.

[Natrone]

^Bone is also much more durable

[Moto4Fun]

Do any of the guitars listed on page 1 or any other sub $300 guitar use bone in the nut/saddle?

1 point for Recording King!

I am going to start assigning a point system to my comparison to narrow down the search. Everyone starts with, say 20 points. Points get deducted and added for particular factors.

Current standings:
Ibanez AW30NT for $200 - 20 pts (-1 for reputation, +1 for price)
Recording King $249 - 21 points (+1 for Bone)
Takamine GS330s $299 - 20 pts
Yamaha FG700-730s $199 - $299 - 21 pts (+1 for overwhelming recommendation)

[Japan-inside]

Nice.but here in my country,the guitar are very cheap.and has a high quality.the highest amount is i guess 100 dolllars:)

Yeah, i was wondering that nobody suggest here any Korean guitars (at least i didnt notice it). i mean crafter for example. unfortunately no chances to get 'em for 100$, but i really love a quality and price is quite good.. http://almires.com/grid900000031/

[STERIOGRAM134]

Anyone know anything about the new Alvarez AD 222 Artist Dreadnought?

I LOVE the finish on it but cant seem to find it at any music stores in my area. The Artist series seems to be pretty reputable but I dont know much about this particular Alvarez and I am seeking some advice on whether or not i should spring for it or not. I've played Alvarez acoustics in the past and really liked the feel/tone etc.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alvarez-AD222-Artist-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=582258

[clayonfire]

Well I do like Alvarez guitars, I've got to say, I'd be a bit iffy on that one because of it's lack of a solid top (or so it sounds like) at $300 or so. And the other Alvarez guitars you may have played were probably made of different woods (chances are, Spruce and something else?). So Maybe an Alvarez with a solid spruce top would be good for you? A solid top when buying a guitar at $300 is rather important.

[~Moby Dick~]

http://www.musicswopshop.com.au/SwoppyItems.aspx?cat=guitars+%26+basses&sub=Acoustics&sort=0


anything worth looking at here? just the ones under $300

[Joshe_009]

http://shop.marquez.com.au/marquez-md200-c-4-4-cutaway-steel-string-acoustic-guitar.html

I have this amazing guitar. I dunno if it sells internationally though, maybe it's just Australia.
I brought mine for 80 DOLLARS!!! (From eBay), but it's going for 200 on there official website.

It has AMAZING tone for it's price, and the action is pretty good too!

[muzik415]

hey guys
i checked out almost the full thread
but was still unable to decide which guitar to pic
playing acoustic for 2 year on some cheap guitar
so need to upgrade
and no, i cant go to a store to check out guitar, none nearby :(

takamine g340sc
yamaha fg730s
silver creek d-160 (just because its an all solid)
seagull s6 entourage

[thelifeandsoul]

I ended up buying the Yamaha Fg730s off the back of this post and I couldn't be happier. Fantastic work here guys!

[Joeninho]

Hey guys,

I need some advice.. I have several guitars but I only play two of them.. They are the Yamaha FG730S and an Ovation Applause AE28 whatever.. Time to sell that one I think.. I'm in the market for a decent electro acoustic and I am swaying towards a Takamine but am open to suggestions.. I don't really want to go over £300 and any cheaper would be a bonus. Obviously I would prefer a solid top and lowish action would be a plus. I know that electros under £200 are pretty crap but I'm hoping I could get something half decent in the £300 range..

So.. Any suggestions? Lets hear them!

Many thanks in advance..

Regards,

Joe.

[gnaraaron]

a little advice, i've been playing guitar for about 3 years (electric) and im starting to branch into the acoustic world. i play jazz, funk, blues, and some folk. i dont want a nylon string because it wouldnt allow me to do slide when need be. what would you consider to be pretty warm sounding guitar <400 usd?

i have a michael kelly valor custom electric, and i absolutely love it, michael kelly has amazing electrics, but im curious about their acoustics, or any other acoustic for that matter

[Anghellic]

Looking for a new guitar. I already have a low end acoustic guitar (Yamaha FG 402), and several electric guitars. I'm looking for a middle end guitar, something that falls kinda in between a low end First Act and high end Gibson/Taylor/Martin. Basically I want an acoustic equivalent to a Fender MIM Strat.

Right now I've narrowed it down to either a Fender CD-100 acoustic and a Fender CD-140SCE acoustic-electric (or maybe something around that price range). I'm leaning more towards the Fender CD-140SCE, but I've heard some people say that acoustic-electrics don't sound as good as acoustics, and that acoustic-electrics at the price range have crappy electronics. So, any recommendations?

[Chanter]

Hi All im a newbie here,
anyhow ive also not been playing long, well almost a year now, and being honest here i know not much about guitars, and my 1st guitar i bought at a store for £120 which was an ovation acoustic/elec guitar now i know i went for looks and not sound doh me

Anyhow not long after i told this man whom plays in a bar whom's said to be a really gd player is around 60yrs old and he sais the guitar i got was a waste of money his own guitar cost him just over £3000 he sais he had got it hand made specifically and sent over to the uk from the usa

sais to me you should buy a wooden guitar as that one was laminate the ovation
he also sais the ovation's were brought out in the 70s and mainly are just ok for looks
but not any use with sound
and that factories basically glued them together and rushed them out to the stores throughout the country to sell
Anyhow since then i practiced the basic chords with it and then began playing some songs
from a music sheet
though i cant read music, i just basically have put the chords written above the words and now have learned my 1st song without the need for the sheet in front of myself which i feel gd about :-) anyhow thinking about the Dreadnought acoustic Alvarez RD20S as this guy is buying another guitar and selling his Alvarez RD20S and given me the offer
anyone know what like it is ? thanks for any info

[fiztech]

typical "ultimate" type threads, people ask for advice and get none. information sharing isnt about "ultimate" threads. i say the first few pages of this thread were good though.

[genghisgandhi]

typical "ultimate" type threads, people ask for advice and get none. information sharing isnt about "ultimate" threads. i say the first few pages of this thread were good though.
what?
Anyway, will stretching that $300 dollars into $400 open up a great guitar on a whole other level than the ones listed?

[telechick1]

Hi I bought this GUILD Acoustic Guitar Hardshell Case Included GUITAR-CENTERR.COM it's a great guitar check out if you are looking a USA Made Axe at a fair price

[Towlie22]

*ad removed*

[getmad24_7]

I'm looking for an acoustic electric with a cutaway, IT MUST BE LEFT HANDED, and under $300 of course. I play rock like The Beatles and Weezer mostly. Any suggestions appreciated!
Here (http://adirondackguitar.com/lefty/lh_acoustics.htm) are some left acoustics if you wanna look at them.

[GoodMikey]

I'm a total noob, after research I decided on Stagg SW206 CETU Electro-Acoustic Guitar. At the time I bought it, it was around £80/ $150. Delighted with it, about to re-string it for the first time in 3 months. The in built tuner is brilliant and it stays in tune really well. Here's a picture

http://www.rikkismusic.com/epages/BT3146.sf/en_GB/?ObjectPath=/Shops/BT3146/Products/stagg-sw206-electro-acoustic/SubProducts/stagg-sw206-electro-acoustic-chst&ChangeAction=SelectSubProduct