Looking To Buy An Acoustic Guitar And Need Help

[Mac98]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking to buy an acoustic Guitar. Unfortunately, I haven't a clue as to what brand names are good, which aren't, which models are better, is a vernish finishing better than a matte, etc.

I was hoping somewhere among you someone knew a thing or two about acoustic guitars.

I've been playing guitar (with an electric) for about 5 years now. My first electric guitar was a Barracuda (lol I know, I'm ashamed too), now I have an Ibanez RG350DX... I've been playing it for about 2 years now.

I'm going around a 500$ budget (though I don't wanna' go much higher and am trying to stay above 400$). ANY and all suggestions will be truely appreciated (just models or brand names will suffice, I can research the rest on my own, yet feel free to toss in any personal advice)

 

[TheCarver]

Hi everyone,

I'm currently looking to buy an acoustic Guitar. Unfortunately, I haven't a clue as to what brand names are good, which aren't, which models are better, is a vernish finishing better than a matte, etc.

I was hoping somewhere among you someone knew a thing or two about acoustic guitars.

I've been playing guitar (with an electric) for about 5 years now. My first electric guitar was a Barracuda (lol I know, I'm ashamed too), now I have an Ibanez RG350DX... I've been playing it for about 2 years now.

I'm going around a 500$ budget (though I don't wanna' go much higher and am trying to stay above 400$). ANY and all suggestions will be truely appreciated (just models or brand names will suffice, I can research the rest on my own, yet feel free to toss in any personal advice)

I own 4 accoustics and two electrics. My accoustics range in price from an 1100.00 12-string to a 200 Sonata. I also have a Takamine and a Ibanez. My best word of advice is to go to your music store and set down with as many as you can that are within your price range. If I were to start out all over again, this is what I would do.

As far as a brand goes, I would stick with Seagull, Takamine, Gibson, Martin, a few of the Hohner's and maybe a Yamaha on a stretch. They all play well, some are pricey, and some are affordable. But what I have seen time and time again is that you can find the odd gem out there that plays as well as any of the high priced ones, if you just look.

 

[Mac98]

I own 4 accoustics and two electrics. My accoustics range in price from an 1100.00 12-string to a 200 Sonata. I also have a Takamine and a Ibanez. My best word of advice is to go to your music store and set down with as many as you can that are within your price range. If I were to start out all over again, this is what I would do.

As far as a brand goes, I would stick with Seagull, Takamine, Gibson, Martin, a few of the Hohner's and maybe a Yamaha on a stretch. They all play well, some are pricey, and some are affordable. But what I have seen time and time again is that you can find the odd gem out there that plays as well as any of the high priced ones, if you just look.

Thanks for the advice. I'm researching Takamine's online right now and it seems to be the brand most people trust. This being said, I don't find their models as nice as some other guitars I've seen... at least not the one's at my local stores. Also, I have this weird phobia of playing in front of others. It never fails: Everytime I go to try out a guitar and the store clerk hands one to me, I start playing all wrong and just diddle with it a bit... try being taken seriously after that lol.

I'll look into Seagull's and Martin's, but from what I know, Gibson's are usually on the expensive side (though usually very great). Thanks for the help!

 

[TheCarver]

Thanks for the advice. I'm researching Takamine's online right now and it seems to be the brand most people trust. This being said, I don't find their models as nice as some other guitars I've seen... at least not the one's at my local stores. Also, I have this weird phobia of playing in front of others. It never fails: Everytime I go to try out a guitar and the store clerk hands one to me, I start playing all wrong and just diddle with it a bit... try being taken seriously after that lol.

I'll look into Seagull's and Martin's, but from what I know, Gibson's are usually on the expensive side (though usually very great). Thanks for the help!

I have the same problem that you do. As stupid as it might sound, ask if they have a room you can take the guitar into.

If you can find a Washburn, give that one a try

 

[bisexualsmoker]

If you want the best deal, search around the smaller pawn shops around your area.
Remember, a good player can make a cheap instrument sound great, the shittiest
player cannot make any instrument sound good whatsoever. Use Discretion! Be
patient!

 

[Mac98]

If you want the best deal, search around the smaller pawn shops around your area.
Remember, a good player can make a cheap instrument sound great, the shittiest
player cannot make any instrument sound good whatsoever. Use Discretion! Be
patient!

Not entirely true... I can't for the life of me make my barracuda sound anywhere as great as my Ibanez. And my Ibanez is by no means THE best one out there. I'm not a guitar buff, I play about 30 to 60 minutes a day, but I know nothing about beater guitars, finishes, action... Pickups, frets and strings is pretty much all I know. Besides, our local pawn shop carries about 1 guitar, sometimes 2 and they usually stay on the rack for a good 6 months before finally being sold. The music store is definately where I'll buy mine.

 

[TheCarver]

Not entirely true... I can't for the life of me make my barracuda sound anywhere as great as my Ibanez. And my Ibanez is by no means THE best one out there. I'm not a guitar buff, I play about 30 to 60 minutes a day, but I know nothing about beater guitars, finishes, action... Pickups, frets and strings is pretty much all I know. Besides, our local pawn shop carries about 1 guitar, sometimes 2 and they usually stay on the rack for a good 6 months before finally being sold. The music store is definately where I'll buy mine.

Pawn shops can be a good place but you really need to be in a bigger town. Years ago, I bought a vintage Washburn, hince the suggestion earlier, and it was the best sounding 6-string that I might ever own. Dumbass me traded it for a 12-string and before I could trade back, fuckhead stepfather ruined it.

As far as finishes, I really like the sound that a Seagull has. They use a different finish and I can't remember what it is. The wood plays a huge part too. Seagull uses only harvested deadfall which means that there is a more robust sound.

 

[bisexualsmoker]

You could be right about Barracuda. After all, Ibanez are much more reputable.
Craigslist always has some real deals. Maybe you should try them.

 

[bisexualsmoker]

Pawn shops can be a good place but you really need to be in a bigger town. Years ago, I bought a vintage Washburn, hince the suggestion earlier, and it was the best sounding 6-string that I might ever own. Dumbass me traded it for a 12-string and before I could trade back, fuckhead stepfather ruined it.

As far as finishes, I really like the sound that a Seagull has. They use a different finish and I can't remember what it is. The wood plays a huge part too. Seagull uses only harvested deadfall which means that there is a more robust sound.

Not only does it cost you twice as much to buy strings for your 12 string guitar, but it takes you three times as long to tune it as well! Real drag!

 

[Mac98]

Pawn shops can be a good place but you really need to be in a bigger town. Years ago, I bought a vintage Washburn, hince the suggestion earlier, and it was the best sounding 6-string that I might ever own. Dumbass me traded it for a 12-string and before I could trade back, fuckhead stepfather ruined it.

As far as finishes, I really like the sound that a Seagull has. They use a different finish and I can't remember what it is. The wood plays a huge part too. Seagull uses only harvested deadfall which means that there is a more robust sound.

From what I've looked up on the net with Takamine, they're really reputable guitars. The only problem is the only one's being reviewed are sold around 2,000$. I would if I could, but I just don't have that kind of money. I'm looking into Seagull's next, and I'll check into the Washburn.

I've tried about 7 different music stores spanning over 50 km but I can't seem to find anything I'd actually wanna' keep for a long time. I don't wanna' make another mistake in buying a guitar I can't stand (barracuda) or a guitar falling in peaces (my Ibanez, but that's only because the store I bought it from sold me a slightly messed one and the store I got it fixed at didn't really do anything to fix it).

I was also told Yamahas are good, I'm not sure how true that is though... Carver seems to think it may be a stretch...

 

[TheCarver]

Not only does it cost you twice as much to buy strings for your 12 string guitar, but it takes you three times as long to tune it as well! Real drag!

I can tune mine in a very short amount of time. I have perfect pitch so it's never been an issue. Re-stringing them is a whole other issue though. I started with an Ibanez 12-string and gave that one to my son. Now I have the Seagull and you couldn't tear it away from me. The sound is out of this world.

 

[TheCarver]

From what I've looked up on the net with Takamine, they're really reputable guitars. The only problem is the only one's being reviewed are sold around 2,000$. I would if I could, but I just don't have that kind of money. I'm looking into Seagull's next, and I'll check into the Washburn.

I've tried about 7 different music stores spanning over 50 km but I can't seem to find anything I'd actually wanna' keep for a long time. I don't wanna' make another mistake in buying a guitar I can't stand (barracuda) or a guitar falling in peaces (my Ibanez, but that's only because the store I bought it from sold me a slightly messed one and the store I got it fixed at didn't really do anything to fix it).

I was also told Yamahas are good, I'm not sure how true that is though... Carver seems to think it may be a stretch...

Whatever you do....do not buy an Ovation. The action is stiff. The sound is shallow and all you are buying is the name. At one time they time make a great guitar but no anymore.

I'd really track down a Washburn if you can. I've been thinking about buying another accoustic and it will have to be a Washburn. There is a sound to them that is pretty unique....IMHO.

The really odd thing that I found out the hard way is that Fender makes a really ratty accoustic guitar.

 

[Mac98]

I can tune mine in a very short amount of time. I have perfect pitch so it's never been an issue. Re-stringing them is a whole other issue though. I started with an Ibanez 12-string and gave that one to my son. Now I have the Seagull and you couldn't tear it away from me. The sound is out of this world.

Seagull seems to be pretty damn reliable. What model is yours?

 

[TheCarver]

Seagull seems to be pretty damn reliable. What model is yours?

An S12+. I have polyweb Elixirs on it right now and they really make a difference not only in sound but durability. A bit on the pricey side for strings but more than worth it in longevity. And they stand up to pounding them night after night./

 

[bisexualsmoker]

I can tune mine in a very short amount of time. I have perfect pitch so it's never been an issue. Re-stringing them is a whole other issue though. I started with an Ibanez 12-string and gave that one to my son. Now I have the Seagull and you couldn't tear it away from me. The sound is out of this world.

You can tune the 12 string quick? That's alright. Sometimes though, you have to admit, there
are temperature issues. A wooden guitar body can be very susceptible to high temperatures,
and especially changing temperatures. It can make tuning a nightmare.
Seagulls can make nice sounding instruments. A half decent player can definitely do
them justice.

 

[TheCarver]

You can tune the 12 string quick? That's alright. Sometimes though, you have to admit, there
are temperature issues. A wooden guitar body can be very susceptible to high temperatures,
and especially changing temperatures. It can make tuning a nightmare.
Seagulls can make nice sounding instruments. A half decent player can definitely do
them justice.

If I have to take it outside, I always loosen the top half. I made the mistake of leaving them tight once. ONCE. If the temperature is too extreme, I'll keep it in its case and then wrap the case with an old quilt that I have just for that.

 

[Mac98]

Seagulls can make nice sounding instruments. A half decent player can definitely do
them justice.

Each Seagull I've reviewed so far hasn't had any complaints and they seem to range (most of them, at least) between 400 and 600$ (US) which is pretty much in my price range. I look farther into it, I think I'm gonna' go with a Seagull.

 

[bisexualsmoker]

If I have to take it outside, I always loosen the top half. I made the mistake of leaving them tight once. ONCE. If the temperature is too extreme, I'll keep it in its case and then wrap the case with an old quilt that I have just for that.

You know, one trick during the hot weather is to downtune a half tone, and use a capo on
the first fret. It can definitly save you a lot in replacing new strings. Better safe than sorry,
and much cheaper too.
Tuning problems and and string durability issues happen
with solid body electrics as well, sad as it is, though not as much as acoustics.

 

[Mac98]

I've checked on a music store near to where I live's website and they had a few good deals on Blueridge and Ibanez guitars in my price range... they also mentioned they're one of Seagull's biggest dealers in the region (though were not allowed to post many prices on their site at Seagull's request.

I'm going there today and will most probably buy a Seagull (unless I, for some reason, would not like the way they played), but I wanted to know if Blueridge and Ibanez were more or less or as reliable...?

 

[TheCarver]

I've checked on a music store near to where I live's website and they had a few good deals on Blueridge and Ibanez guitars in my price range... they also mentioned they're one of Seagull's biggest dealers in the region (though were not allowed to post many prices on their site at Seagull's request.

I'm going there today and will most probably buy a Seagull (unless I, for some reason, would not like the way they played), but I wanted to know if Blueridge and Ibanez were more or less or as reliable...?

I've never heard of Blueridge. Ibanez might work for you. I know the 12 string was really great, but it was older.

 

[Mac98]

I've never heard of Blueridge. Ibanez might work for you. I know the 12 string was really great, but it was older.

I just got back from the music store with a Washburn D-47s, 6 string acoustic. It's absolutely beautiful (imo) and the sound is booming. No need for an amp AT ALL. It's loud enough to be heard throughout a whole house... if you're in the basement... locked behind a huge 5-inch steele door.

I'm really happy I got it. I was a little unsure coming out of the music shop because I was really mind-set on getting a seagull, but after trying the Washburn out, I really thought it had a gorgeous sound. I payed 593$ for the guitar (which was being sold for 450$), a hard case (90$ value), 6 new strings, a handful of picks and a guitar strap. So I got a bit of a bargain (a bit).

I'm really happy you guys help me out... I doubt I'd have my guitar today had you not given me a hand. Thanks a whole lot.

And if you have any experience with a Washburn, let me know... even if it's to criticize it, fill me in.

 

[TheCarver]

I just got back from the music store with a Washburn D-47s, 6 string acoustic. It's absolutely beautiful (imo) and the sound is booming. No need for an amp AT ALL. It's loud enough to be heard throughout a whole house... if you're in the basement... locked behind a huge 5-inch steele door.

I'm really happy I got it. I was a little unsure coming out of the music shop because I was really mind-set on getting a seagull, but after trying the Washburn out, I really thought it had a gorgeous sound. I payed 593$ for the guitar (which was being sold for 450$), a hard case (90$ value), 6 new strings, a handful of picks and a guitar strap. So I got a bit of a bargain (a bit).

I'm really happy you guys help me out... I doubt I'd have my guitar today had you not given me a hand. Thanks a whole lot.

And if you have any experience with a Washburn, let me know... even if it's to criticize it, fill me in.

I was hoping you'd get the Washburn or the Seagull. You need to post a picture of it soon. All I can say is play the hell out of it. It's going to play a lot different than your electric in that it's more demanding because of string distance. Once you get comfortable with it though, you'll notice an increase in speed on the electric. At least that was my experience.

I tend to play accoustic a lot more than electric unless I'm wanting to vent and then it's electric all the way.

I don't know if you play ultralight, light, medium, or heavy strings, but I suggest lights (0.010 - 0.047). I know a lot of people are going to suggest mediums, but I like the brassy sound that comes from the light. The ultralights just don't stand up to the style I play at all.

Another firm suggestion is to buy some very high quality furniture polish (oil is so much better) and keep it well oiled, even the fret board. That is, if you bought the natural finish and not a high-gloss. High gloss you can just keep polished with maybe Pledge? I'd still oil the fret board down though.

I change my strings maybe three times a year. That's with the Elixirs. Regular strings might have to be changed every other month. Standard strings that I have found to sound brighter longer have been the Martin Marquis strings. Not bad on price but they sound good and hold up well.

Most of all....have fun and congrats! You're going to enjoy the guitar.

 

[TheCarver]

I just googled your guitar and it is absolutely beautiful. Use the oil and not the polish. She'll keep a lot better for it.

Congrats again!

 

[Mac98]

I just googled your guitar and it is absolutely beautiful. Use the oil and not the polish. She'll keep a lot better for it.

Congrats again!

haha thanks, I'm really happy. It's got a real nice sound, and like you said, it's a really really nice guitar... I have trouble keeping away from it (but for the sake of my fingers, I've gotta' take a break)... I've still got the store strings on and they're already rusted a bit, so it hurts like heck. But man is it ever a nice guitar. I'm all gitty lol. Thanks again for all the advice! It's really tought me a lot.

 

[carrie-on]

Congrats on your Washburn, it should be a great guitar for you! It's a good idea to oil your fretboard. Hubby owns a guitar shop and he uses Lemon Oil.usually a good brand like Homer Formsby or something like that and it doesn't take a whole lot. Besides temperature, humidity plays a good part in taking care of your acoustic guitar. One way to help keep your guitar humid is to place a small damp kitchen sponge inside of a travel soap dish that has had holes poked in it. Place it in your case with your guitar. Most shops will have something similar but this way is cheaper.