I have been playing for about 15 years, and for the last 9 years I've played the same Art & Luthurie solid cedar top guitar. Its been a great one, and I'll never sell it as it will be demoted to be my beater guitar. I think its time for me to step up to an upper end guitar.
I want a solid spruce top and solid rosewood sides and back. I play rhythm, no finger picking, so I want a booming rich sound a little on the bass side. I don't want a cutaway either. I don't need the fancy inlays and all the mother of pearl stuff, but a nice gloss finish would be nice.
I keep looking and I keep going back to the Martin D-28. http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=z&g=h&m=D-28 I've always loved that guitar but I never been able to sit down with one for over 5 minutes. I recently played a Taylor 410 quite a bit, and like that guitar, but I just felt it was missing something. I have never layed eyes on a Larrivee, breedlove or many other top end guitars. Am I missing something? Whats your favorite? btw, my target price is under 2000, so the d-45 is out of my price range :( .
Guild or Taylor.
I play a Guild D25 (still going for like $1000). It is loud and dynamic. Beautiful sound. My friends with Taylors sound better than me. Get a Guild or a Taylor. Last guitar you'll ever buy.
(Do you need acoustic/electric - I believe you play out?)
Edit: I checked the Guild website. The D25 is gone. Now called a GAD-25, but with a different top.
http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=742&sid=69
this is my current guitar. it's a cutaway and i don't think you're looking for a 12-string, but it's just gorgeous for about $700. i'm willing to assume the rest of their line is similar quality.
the built in tuner seemed a bit silly at first, but now i think it's one of the most useful gadgets i've ever seen.
i love this guitar. if something happened to it i'd immediately buy another. can't compare it to much though. pretty much the only thing i know about guitars is how to play them.
Haven't looked at a guild, but I will. A pick-up might be useful to me a couple of times a year, but for what I do I could get by without one so it hasn't been a deciding factor.
Takamine makes a fine guitar, have seen some nice finishes, but I think they have laminate sides and back. Guy I work with plays one thats a good looking guitar. That built-in tuner is neat, thats the main reason I don't have a 12 string, I can't tune it! I imagine that helps a bunch.
I'm curious about Casi's opinion, I know he owns a Martin.
I've heard Martins are pretty damn good...
But...
The best acoustic guitar available is... The one you can afford. :thumb:
One more thing about Guild (as their unofficial campaign manager), they have arch backs and no internal bracing, which really cool. And did I meantion they are loud!
http://www.guildguitars.com/gear/gear.php?node_id=2228
I don't play guitar (I can plunk a bit of Stairway, though 8)) but my dad does, and for what it's worth, he loves his Guild, and it sounds great. He's had it for probably more than 20 years, and still plays it more than any of his other (dozen?) guitars. He even spent way too much money to have it glued back together when the neck snapped (while in the case, for no appearant reason).
wow, that Guild GAD-50 looks nice... and solid wood sides and back for under 700 bucks... thats one I'm gonna look at, thanks :thumb:
Taylor's are real good.
Alvarez Yairi Bob Weir model...go Ani!! Love the bike, guitars (can't play worth a crap tho'), and this forum.
C........
seagull's supposedly really good bang for buck.
i have a washburn. love the neck the most. sounds great...in the right hands (not mine :mrgreen:)
have you thought about a wide body? Super rich bassy sound for a 6 string. Or just get a good standard guitar and put some heavy strings on it. I got an alvarez RD awsome sound :thumb:
I have this SImon &Patrick made in quebec ,canada and sounds awesome
$700cdn worth every penny!
spruce top rosewood back and sides,nice warm tone,got heavier strings on it and it just sings!
Strings: DR or Elixir? I'm torn.
I am currently playing a Art & Luthurie, its made by the same company in Canada that builds the Simon & Patrick and the Seagull, and all three are similar guitars. So I'm looking for something a little different.
I recently moved from Martin medium bluegrass strings to the elixirs, I'm still getting used to them, that is quite a change!
That Bob Weir model Alvarez is cool, C... I never knew thats one he played. Got to see the dead live 4 times... I think.
I have a Martin DCX-1E. It's a nice Synth material Martin that delivers soft warm martin tone, and it was only about $700.
My dad has a classic Gibson acoustic with the f cutouts. It's got a really cool sound- almost toy-ish sometimes.
I think that for the budget, Fender and Martin definitely make the best acoustics from what I've seen.
See: http://gstwins.com/forum/viewtopic.php?t=19671
for a pic of my collection.
I used to have a soft spot for Martin because Dave Matthews plays Martin guitars, but now that doesn't mean crap to me.
If he has $2000 to spend, he should get a Taylor.
Quote from: Jake DI used to have a soft spot for Martin because Dave Matthews plays Martin guitars, but now that doesn't mean crap to me.
If he has $2000 to spend, he should get a Taylor.
If he has that kind of budget he should go down and play every guitar on the wall in his price range. Acoustics are known to vary in tone noticeably enough from guitar to guitar. Just make sure you buy the one you try because it's hard to guarantee you'll get one that sounds exactly the same
I like the bright Martin tone but Taylors I've heard have that nice full tone. I also like my cousin's Takamine
Elixer strings are for sissies with no calluses jk ;) , but i do hate the sound that coating makes when added to a string. D'Addario phosphor bronze all the way, (heavy's of course), just make sure your guitars construct can handle it.
Quote from: 70 Cam GuyIf he has that kind of budget he should go down and play every guitar on the wall in his price range. Acoustics are known to vary in tone noticeably enough from guitar to guitar.
Yeah I am touring the stores and playing as many as possible. But its hard in my area to find much selection on upper end guitars, many shops here just don't keep the good ones in stock, hence the reason I am seeking recommendations, to further narrow the search.
I have played a friends Taylor 412ce extensively (thats it in the thread linked above) but it just didn't speak to me. Thanks for the suggestions guys, I'll have fun shopping :thumb:
Quote from: Stephen072774
Yeah I am touring the stores and playing as many as possible. But its hard in my area to find much selection on upper end guitars, many shops here just don't keep the good ones in stock, hence the reason I am seeking recommendations, to further narrow the search.
I figured you were having trouble finding a selection to play from. Around here I'm spoiled. Big Guitar Center, and 3 good independent shops within a reasonable distance
Quote from: EDubElixer strings are for sissies with no calluses jk ;) , but i do hate the sound that coating makes when added to a string. D'Addario phosphor bronze all the way, (heavy's of course), just make sure your guitars construct can handle it.
DR Phospher Bronze Zebras. Best. Ever.
Elixir's last forever though.
i've got to speak up for the elixirs.
i used to always use martinique extra lights. i just love that bright, ringing tone. but i was a new string fetishist and constantly needed new strings because the old ones would become dull sounding.
i was surprised at how bright the elixirs are. brand new, uncoated strings will sound better, but put two months of playing on them and the elixirs will sound better.
of course, now that i have a 12-string, a set of elixirs runs $25.
-will
you're right about the elixirs on sound vs. time. Some guitars from the factory now have the elixirs, so it makes comparing them in the showroom even harder.
Quote from: indestructibleman
of course, now that i have a 12-string, a set of elixirs runs $25.
-will
Good thing you're not buying Elixir bass strings. Those things run $40-$50. I stand by my DR's on my basses and guitars. I love how smooth they feel for roundwounds :thumb:
I don't have too much acoustic experience besides an Epi all maple jumbo that was WAY bright and harsh, a late 70's Yamaha (maybe early 80's?, Dad doesn't remember when he got it), and my now current Taylor Big Baby.
Most of my experience with 6 stringers is electric, but I really like the Taylor, plays very easily for an acoustic, is loud enough for what I use it for, and looks like an acoustic guitar.
Not a big fan of the inlayed, plasticy looking ones out there. I'm partial to Taylor because I live about 10-15 mins from their factory now that I moved down to San Diego.
Buying a guitar is a big enough expense and something that is so important I think it is definitely worth a 2-3-400 mile roadtrip to go to your local big city and make a weekend out of picking one out, especially on the higher end of acoustics.
Good luck with your search, hope you find one, whatever the brand, that speaks to you, and lets you speak through it.
As far as strings go, I use Dean Markley's on the old Fender F55-12 (bought that thing about 30 years ago and it still sounds beautiful...except the frets are just about worn down to nubs now) and Ernie Ball on the Alvarez. Love that Alvarez...you can beat the crap out of it and it just smiles at ya. Love the little twin, guitars (wish I could play worth a darn), and this forum...even you non-musical types :)
C........
QuoteBut its hard in my area to find much selection on upper end guitars, many shops here just don't keep the good ones in stock
There are no good shops in our area, period. I liked Larry's, can't remember his last name, but he closed years ago. Norris in Jasper was ok years ago.
I have been playing for 15 years, and have a taste for cheap and crappy, so I can't comment on the high end units.
What kind of syles are you playing? Group or solo?
Quote from: buzzQuoteBut its hard in my area to find much selection on upper end guitars, many shops here just don't keep the good ones in stock
There are no good shops in our area, period. I liked Larry's, can't remember his last name, but he closed years ago. Norris in Jasper was ok years ago.
I have been playing for 15 years, and have a taste for cheap and crappy, so I can't comment on the high end units.
What kind of syles are you playing? Group or solo?
Hey cool, somebody from my neck of the woods... I hear that Norris in Jasper has some martins in stock, they have another Norris store in Winfield and they don't keep anything in there. I need to see what they have in Jasper. I bought my last one from the Guitar Gallery in T'loosa. I hear there is a good shop somewhere on 280, too.
I play rhythm and sing, probably 50/50 with a group and solo. I like many kinds of music, from gospel to Nirvana.
Its cool to see another GS'er in the area, I haven't seen too many although I did see a black and white '05 last night in Carbon Hill. If I had a running bike I'd hit you up for a ride. :thumb:
I am not sure if Norris in Jasper is still open. I'll check.
Black and Silver, and that was me. Getting a bite to eat at Subway.
You'll probably see me around as this is my daily driver. Hit me up when you see me.
Quote from: buzzI am not sure if Norris in Jasper is still open. I'll check.
Black and Silver, and that was me. Getting a bite to eat at Subway.
You'll probably see me around as this is my daily driver. Hit me up when you see me.
Cool man, nice bike :thumb:
Quote from: indestructiblemanhttp://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=742&sid=69
this is my current guitar. it's a cutaway and i don't think you're looking for a 12-string, but it's just gorgeous for about $700. i'm willing to assume the rest of their line is similar quality.
the built in tuner seemed a bit silly at first, but now i think it's one of the most useful gadgets i've ever seen.
i love this guitar. if something happened to it i'd immediately buy another. can't compare it to much though. pretty much the only thing i know about guitars is how to play them.
I'll back indestructibleman on the Tak 12 string. I bought one back in January and can't stop playing it. Great tone, good hardware, and the electronics are outstanding. And yes the built-in tuner helps tremendously.
QuoteI'll back indestructibleman on the Tak 12 string. I bought one back in January and can't stop playing it. Great tone, good hardware, and the electronics are outstanding. And yes the built-in tuner helps tremendously.
+1 for Takamine. I've got a 6 string G series and it has a rich sound, good action, although I'm probably going to take it in soon to have the intonation adjusted (when I get around to it). Sounds good fingerpicked or flat picked. When I picked it up I wasn't looking for a cutaway or electronics, but it played well and sounded good and was much cheaper than the Martin I was comparing it to. I think the tuner is a bit squirrely sometimes, but it is a good feature. I only use it when I want to spot check a string or when I don't feel like pulling out my tuner to get low E. Call me old-fashioned, but I tune the strings to each other rather than by tuner.
I have a Taylor electric acoustic with elixir's besides my electrics. It continues to sound nice after a long time of playing. Now that it is four years old it is getting that nice aged sound.
I took the Taylor factory tour, well living in San Diego has its advantages since they are made here. Loved the way they make their guitars. No reliance on experince of the builders, most everyhting is automated. Place is temperature and humidity controlled, backs are book matched, wood is cured for years for stability, necks are CNC machined, special coatings on top that don't get checked by age, etc. etc.. This almost guarantess that there is almost no variance in guitars within a given model. You can hardly say the same for other brands. Unless you have a large number of guitars to pick from you are out of luck. On the other you can buy Taylor's mail order from Guitar Center without playing and you know you will get a good one. With other brands it is a crap shoot.
They are expensive but good deals can be had from ebay.