Buying an Acoustic Guitar - Suggestions

[brewerfan82]

For the past few months I've been teaching myself the guitar on a cheap acoustic I got in middle school. For my birthday, my parents agreed to take me shopping for a new guitar in the $300-400 price range. I know the only way to find a "good guitar for me" is to go to the store and try them out, however, I was wondering if anyone had any pointers?

 

Which brands to avoid due to durability issues? I know to get a solid wood top, but are there certain types of wood to look for/avoid? I'll be playing just for fun and in family/friend situations, is there any real reason to look at acoustic/electric guitars? Is their quality of sound much worse than a regular acoustic when not plugged into an amp? I have smaller hands, are there certain brands that generally have thinner necks that would be easier to play? Anything else to look out for?

 

I've heard some good things about Ibanez (having thinner necks) and the Seagull S6. Any opinions on these?

 

Thanks a bunch! I'm going out shopping this weekend and it would be great to have some guidance going in!

[giffted1]

I've personally never played guitar, but I have some friends that play guitar (one is in a band), and they all swear by Martin acoustic guitars. My roommate recently bought a Martin that is worth more than my car (its a cheap car though).

[JoeHova]

Martin D-28. Unfortunately, those are quite a bit more expensive than $400.

 

I would try something like this or this. I've heard good things about the telecoustic (which has a really small neck, by the way). Here's a cheap Martin which might be worth a look. I can't believe they would put their name on crap so it might be worth a shot (here's a blemished one of the same thing, which is cheaper). Here's a Gretsch, which are usually worth owning.

[brewcrew00]

Haha, Martins are fantastic. A great guitar in your price range for your level of play (from what I gather) would be an Alvarez. Wade's guitar on Oakland has a nice line of Alvarez guitars, and would definitely give my full recommendation towards one of them.

[brewerfan82]

Thanks for the replies!

 

JoeHova, that Fender Telecoustic looks pretty sweet! I'll have to try one out. I'll be primarily using it as a straight up acoustic guitar, but it might be nice to have the amp connectivity. Do you know of any downsides of getting an acoustic-electric guitar over a regular acoustic? Is the sound quality diminished at all due to the design differences?

[brewerfan82]

Thanks again for all the insight!

 

I tried out a couple dozen guitars at three different stores this weekend and nearly settled on the Martin DX1 JoeHova pointed out before coming across the Martin 000X1. I was waiting for that guitar that just felt right and found it in the 000X1! It feels and sounds great, and at $450, it was a great deal for a guitar I know I won't regret getting!

 

The only problem now is between the Brewers and playing around on the guitar... how am I supposed to be expected to get any studying done for school!?!?!

[homer]

One channel: HSN

One name: ESTEBAN

 

Yes!!

 

 

http://dyn-images.hsni.com/is/image/HomeShoppingNetwork/283431_ACH?$pd300$

 

 

[brewerfan82]

Haha, I was flipping through channels last night and stopped on HSN for awhile because I saw them selling the Esteban Cadillac guitar. Guitars and cars all night!

[jordanmuehl]

One word, two syllables, all joy: Martin. I use it as a gig guitar and a recording guitar, and it's great for both.

[JoeHova]

Glad you found one you like that was in your price range. Good luck with it! http://forum.brewerfan.net/images/smilies/smile.gif

[don1481]

Now remember: This guy is not cool.

 

http://idol-mania.com/images/Idol-Season7/Jason-Castro.jpg

[valpocrewsader]

I would have suggested a Washburn D10 electric acoustic. Fantastic guitar in that price range.