Advise on getting a acoustic guitar

[Kartikeya-OD]

I'm not looking for a cheapo learning one but more of a mid range as far as quality and price goes. I want one that will last me for the beginning years of owning a guitar, one that I will be happy with. I currently have a nice small crate amp that I use my fender strat on so that’s not needed. I got the strat and the amp at a garage sale but I'd rather get an acoustic now that I'm playing more. Any advise on which brands and models.

[schtoofa]

what's your price range?

[Achar]

I got the Takamine EG531SSC about a month ago now and I love this damn thing. Action was high for me at first but take off the white plastic thing that the strings lay on at the bridge and take out a few shims and bam, perfect. Plays awesome and sounds great plugged or not. I cant walk by it without picking it up and playing even if its only for a couple minutes. The Finish is beautiful, BUT it does show finger prints and scratches easy because its black... I really like the built-in tuner also, its really convenient and easy to use. I dont know what else to say, I couldnt be happier with it.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/TakamineEG531SSCDreadnoughtAcousticElectricCutaway Guitar?sku=516298

[Milosenpotion]

Get on irc Achar :'(

[Kmack]

You can pick up a nice Washburn Acoustic for around $200. IMHO they are some of the best sounding acoustics out there. They are easy enough to tune, easy to learn with, but a lot of pros use them as well.

[ass*assassin]

i have had many guitars over the years... acoustic, electrics, 12-strings, even a 5-string from the islands..

be prepared to spend 300-400 for a GOOD acoustic that will last you the rest of your lifetime. Whatever guitar you get, if you get proficient at it, you will remember it for the rest of your life as the one you learned on, and you will want to pass it down to your kids or friends..

i have had yamahas, ovations, martins, les pauls, and a myriad of others.. the most important thing is the 'feel' of the instrument in your hands, and how well it frets. before you go out and buy one, get with someone that knows how to play to help you find one.. doing this on your own will find you spending way too much, or buying the wrong instrument for you..

also, consider this, the type of guitar you buy is also a function of the type of music you want to learn to play. so, take this into consideration also.

[Kartikeya-OD]

what's your price range?


Under $1,500.

[tailz]

i have had many guitars over the years... acoustic, electrics, 12-strings, even a 5-string from the islands..

be prepared to spend 300-400 for a GOOD acoustic that will last you the rest of your lifetime. Whatever guitar you get, if you get proficient at it, you will remember it for the rest of your life as the one you learned on, and you will want to pass it down to your kids or friends..

i have had yamahas, ovations, martins, les pauls, and a myriad of others.. the most important thing is the 'feel' of the instrument in your hands, and how well it frets. before you go out and buy one, get with someone that knows how to play to help you find one.. doing this on your own will find you spending way too much, or buying the wrong instrument for you..

also, consider this, the type of guitar you buy is also a function of the type of music you want to learn to play. so, take this into consideration also.

^ I've been with my Takamine for years and am still satisfied, probably will be for more years to come, only reason i might change is for one with a smoother design.

[SteelValor]

^ I've been with my Takamine for years and am still satisfied, probably will be for more years to come, only reason i might change is for one with a smoother design.
.

[OVERLORD]

A great way to pick an acoustic guitar is to have someone hand you guitars in your price range and play them without examining them first. Sound and feel are the most important things. However, in case you didnt know, here are some things to consider:

-The wood on the top makes the most important contribution to sound, pick the one you like.

-Guitars without pickups can have them installed. Fishman makes good pickups if you see a guitar with them ialready.

-If you plan on getting into recording or playing live, a guitar with a lot of lows will sound good by itself but boomy when mic'd.

-Thick gloss finish gives a brighter sound. Thin satin finish gives a more dark and natural sound.

-Often times there are good guitars with poor setups or old strings. Be aware that many of those guitars do not sound as good as they could.

[ass*assassin]

do NOT go to a pawn shop and just pick up a guitar.. do not.. bad.. ;)

most guitars that are in pawn shops are in there for a reason.. they are broken or just suck.. if you are looking at 1500 bux, then you can get an excellent guitar for that kind of bread..