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Looking at buying a new acoustic guitar soon, suggestions?

Saint Nick

Saint Nick

Lifer
I'll be done with college soon, and am working towards pursuing another degree in music, as well as pursuing a career promoting myself and my music, and my band.

I need a new acoustic guitar, any advice? I have been playing on a $280 Alvarez for the past five years and its time to upgrade, especially now that I am taking this a lot more seriously.

Looking to spend no more than $1200. I was thinking the Martin or Taylor line, but any suggestions welcome.
 
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I am not sure if any local retailers deal in Breedlove. I have seen Larrivees and Takamine around. I'll see what I can dig up 🙂
 
I have a Breedlove, not very satisfied with the sound... It's a bit too bright for my tastes. Should have went with something Cedar maybe.
 
I suggest you wait and save a little more cash, unless your willing to look at used instruments. Buying a new guitar in the $1200 range isn't going to get you a huge improvement. I would suggest a Martin D-28 which is going to be $2000-$3000 new, but you should be able to find a a pretty mint used one for around $1200.

I've played many Taylors, Larribe's, and Breedloves and many of them are beautiful ornate guitars they just don't compare to the sound of a Martin. And definately try before you buy, no two guitars(even of the same model) sound alike. But I think that you will find that deep sound you are looking for with the D-28's sitika spruce top and rosewood back and sides.
 
make sure you get a dreadnaught body if you want the full sound.

i got a takamine eg-440c, def under your budget, retails for $500 or something and it doesn't have a full body but very easy to play. i'd def get another takamine in the future.
 
I've been most impressed with Taylor, from fit/finish, to sound. If I were in the market for a good acoustic, Taylor would be my first stop.
 
biggestmuff said:
Uh, you have all these ambitions and don't know how to pick out a decent acoustic guitar? I know! Ask a tech forum!
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I knew one of you fucktards would come in here to shit all over this thread. Get out of here. I'm just trying to make small talk amongst comrades of this forum. There are guitar players out there in AT, you know, and definitely more seasoned ones than I, whose opinions I appreciate and respect.
 
Okay, then. Here's my non-fucktard response; go to a music store and play several. Buy the one that sounds the best, you like the most and fits your budget. Pretty simple.
 
OP the best fit for you is going to be subjective. Pick out the right size for the sound you're after. I personally like the orchestra size myself but if you're looking for a lot of punch and low end you should look into a dreadnought. As far as brands, every maker has its own flavor and you need to find what suits you best.

I personally like the way Taylor guitars play for example but they sound too bright for what I'm after. From your list I've owned a few Martins and they've all been great guitars with strengths and weaknesses. I've played a few Breedloves I've really liked too, etc. It all comes down to personal preference so go play a few and see which one fits you like a glove.

I would agree with the poster who said if you hold out a bit more cash you could get a nice bump in quality but there are definitely some great guitars out there in your price range.
 
My dad has a J-45 Gibson from 1965. Everyone that plays it says it's one of the best guitars they've ever played. I don't know how the cheaper models compare to a new J-45, but it might be worth checking out.
 
For a darker sound I'd go with a Martin, or a brand that copies the Martin bracing/construction. Taylors and Larrivees have more of a contemporary sound (more high end). Then again, any of these brands will probably have better low-end than the Alvarez you are playing now
 
GuitarDaddy said:
I suggest you wait and save a little more cash, unless your willing to look at used instruments. Buying a new guitar in the $1200 range isn't going to get you a huge improvement. I would suggest a Martin D-28 which is going to be $2000-$3000 new, but you should be able to find a a pretty mint used one for around $1200.

I've played many Taylors, Larribe's, and Breedloves and many of them are beautiful ornate guitars they just don't compare to the sound of a Martin. And definately try before you buy, no two guitars(even of the same model) sound alike. But I think that you will find that deep sound you are looking for with the D-28's sitika spruce top and rosewood back and sides.
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^^ Bingo. I was in a similar situation when I wanted to move from my first acoustic to a nice guitar. I fell in love with Martin's and ended up with one myself. No regrets. 'course.. I used to live 20 mins from the factory and took the tour on numerous occasions - that may have had something to do with it. 🙂
 
hans030390 said:
My dad has a J-45 Gibson from 1965. Everyone that plays it says it's one of the best guitars they've ever played. I don't know how the cheaper models compare to a new J-45, but it might be worth checking out.
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Very nice guitar your dad has, depending on condition that 1965 is worth a chunk. A new J-45 true vintage runs $3000 (roughly 1/2 or less of what the 1965 is worth)
 
GuitarDaddy said:
Very nice guitar your dad has, depending on condition that 1965 is worth a chunk. A new J-45 true vintage runs $3000 (roughly 1/2 or less of what the 1965 is worth)
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J-45's from that era aren't super valuable ($2500-$3500 in good condition). The 40's era where they made the J-45 Jumbo---THOSE are the valuable one. They'll net around $8000 on auction.

(I'm an acoustic guitar nut 🙂 ).
 
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Analog said:
http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/msg/1474810847.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/msg/1461595573.html

http://detroit.craigslist.org/mcb/msg/1484148764.html

http://grandrapids.craigslist.org/msg/1477283812.html

http://annarbor.craigslist.org/msg/1494234538.html

http://lansing.craigslist.org/msg/1499763737.html
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OK, as a rule, STAY AWAY from any Martins that have an X in the model number. This usually means that they are not solid wood body's, but are made of laminates. They sound more muted than their solid wood brothers and do not age well. This is why they're sold so inexpensively (like most of the ones listed in those links).

If you want an inexpensive all wood Martin, the D-15 is the way to go. The dark Mahogany ones have to potential to be collectible, and they go for around $800 new (I use one as my main acoustic).
 
I'm no expert on guitars, but don't pay for a name alone.

You have to have a clear idea of the sound you want and go from there; try a ton of different models. A lot of it should depend on the type of music you play.
 
What everyone else says: go try them out. I swear by Taylors, but everyone has varying preferences, and you may find you like another brand better.
 
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