Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

[Reload in 5]

So I need an Acoustic Electric
Used to have an Ibanez AEL10, which was very good. KJrocks has offered me a great deal on a used ibanez, which I am solidly considering. His is equal to the one I had, maybe a little better. And a good price.
BUT I saw this
http://www.ibanez.com/AcousticGuitars/model-A300EVV
which I am VERY interested in. My wife asked me last night about replacing the guitar, and then asked me "what do you WANT ?"
I told her about the Ibanez I like, and that it was about $600 (even though it would actually be more once I get a good case for it)
She asked if I could put it on layaway, or finance it. Basically gave me her blessing to buy it. I dont have a lot of expendable income now, but in this price range what is the best guitar in your opinion ? Mostly used plugged in (on Sundays and Wednesdays) but still want a good sound unplugged when needed.
I love the fact that the Ibanez has an XLR out, as that has come in handy very often. (I never use a direct box) but that wouldnt be a deal breaker. The new Ibby also has a transducer and a mic, with a blend control. I dont know how useful that would be (as I have never used one) but it seems it would give a better plugged in sound.
Mine also had a decent onboard tuner which was great (as most do)

So what say you ?

 

[BRHGM]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

I like the Epiphone J-160E, the Seagull S6+, some of the Takamines and some of the Ovations better. Actually, I have used an SD soundhole pickup for years in my Sigma D-18. I look at the acoustic qualities and feel of the guitar first and the reliablility of the pickups. If feedback is a problem, then go Ovation if not, get the best sounding acoustic you can afford and then decide on pickups.

 

[ginormous]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

I knew someone with the topline Ibby A/E. The mic with the blend took away the "steel"-y edge of the pickup, really nice warm tone with definition. Great for recording, but I don't know how it works live.

If you can swing a good deal, go for it. I've had a stock Ibby 335 clone since 1980, and it's never let me down.

 

[Hoss]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

for that price range and the onboard electronics...i always suggest Takamine!

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

I have a guitar with an arched one-piece flame maple back and flame maple sides, and I have the ability, the opportunity, and the duty to tell you a few things:

No bass: a maple back / sided guitar won't have any bass. No woof. It will be a mid / high mid focused sound. Very bright. Not very warm, actually not warm at all.

Projection: maple back and sides will make your guitar loud (depending on the top and bracing) but in general, maple back / sided guitars are loud. Like, really loud. Home practicing will bother your family, possibly.



I like the Guild stuff quality wise, but the GAD series has a poly coat on the neck that feels a little sticky to me.

Good luck tracking down a guitar for you.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

actually, that has always been a question I had. in my head a mahogany back and sides would sound better than all maple. how come a lot of higher end guitars are all maple ?
any specific suggestions on the takamines ?

 

[ImmortalSix]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

actually, that has always been a question I had. in my head a mahogany back and sides would sound better than all maple. how come a lot of higher end guitars are all maple ?
any specific suggestions on the takamines ?

I think the rosewood back and sides or mahogany back and sides, with their looser grain, will always produce more bass.

I think the "high end" correlation is attributable to aesthetics, primarily. People love to look at flame maple.

Here's the back of mine, cell phone pic. And here's a recording showing you the mid / high mid focus.

Cool to look at, but I'll never buy another maple backed / sided guitar.

-Hunter

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

Tell ya what I've got a Takamine something or other I bought back in March I'll send you pics, you gimme $600, it's yours.

 

[Reload in 5]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

Tell ya what I've got a Takamine something or other I bought back in March I'll send you pics, you gimme $600, it's yours.

details, and does it have a case ?

 

[H8Red442]

Re: Best Acoustic Electric around / under $500-$600

yeah it has a case a really nice TKL hard shell case is in new condition except for a ding the size of pin head toward the back end of the guitar by the edge of the body.

http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=741&sid=526#

its this one