Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

[The Dali]

Hi... as you know I have ever-present GAS, but I think I have it under control now... at least from a solidbody electric point of view. (although I still want to buy that SG Diablo)

What I really would like is a nice above-average acoustic-electric. I've owened an Epi Masterbilt (meh) and I don't like the Seagulls and their wide fretboards.

I have about $1000 to spend, and would be happy with something used or new. I'd like nice sound and good electronics, and there doesn't have to be a ton of fanyc inlays or anything. I am not opposed to buying lower-end if there is something that fits.

I recently tried out a new Martin 000CXE and really liked it. I know it is made entirely out of man-made products, but it played really well and I was impressed by the sound. Playing that guitar got me seriously thinking about picking up my next A/E, hence this post.

So, any suggestions? :bowdown:

 

[AniML]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

I just got a Taylor 114, non-electric and it is an amazing guitar. You could get that and add a pickup yourself all for under $700. you could also get the 110e,114e or 110 or 114ce or maybe even the 21x within your budget.

They are all solid spruce top / lam sides, ebony fretboard

 

[The Dali]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

Thx, been doing some research and now interested in a Larrivee L-D03e... we'll see...

 

[fingerace]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

I have a maple back jumbo takamine and a rosewood back smaller Guild. I got a woody for the Guild and I'm happy with it. I really want to try the mag/mic though... So maybe it doesn't have to have pickup as stock.

I'd say look at Guilds, but I'm biased. All solid woods, less than 1000 new... With some left over for a pickup.

 

[ericmeyer4]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

Used you should be able to find a few nice Taylors. I've heard good things about the m15 series from Martin. They are regular acoustic, but if you get one used you should have enough to get a sound hole pickup for it. Probably enough left over to get the Mag Mic.

Check acousticguitarforum.com - tons of great information there.

Also don't forget to get yourself a humidifier. Best $20 you'll ever spend.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

I agree with Fingerace. You can buy "more" guitar if you go without electronics. You can always add electronics later. What you really haven't said is what kind of guitar player you are? Meaning do you play with your fingers or are you a strummer? If you are a fingerstyle guitar player I would look for something that has a wider neck. 1.75" nut will have a wider string spacing then a 1 11/16 nut will. This will make it easier to play with your fingers. Usually(but not in all cases) Dreadnought guitars have a narrower neck then an OM or triple o size guitar. Smaller guitars tend to gravitate towards fingerstyle players as Dreads tend to gravitate towards strummers. Larger guitars like Dreads or Jumbos tend to get "boomy" in rosewood and you have to play them hard to get them to sound well. Where a fingerstyle type of guitar(OM or Triple O, Grand Concert, etc.) you can play very softly and they still sound remarkable, yet if you play them hard they will respond nicely. I like a small body guitar because they respond to your playing . I like a bigger guitar in Mahogany. A smaller guitar has better balance for rosewood.

 

[ehdwuld]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/6-string-acoustic-electric-guitars/martin

I love mine
neck feels like an electric

 

[fingerace]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

I agree with Fingerace. You can buy "more" guitar if you go without electronics. You can always add electronics later. What you really haven't said is what kind of guitar player you are? Meaning do you play with your fingers or are you a strummer? If you are a fingerstyle guitar player I would look for something that has a wider neck. 1.75" nut will have a wider string spacing then a 1 11/16 nut will. This will make it easier to play with your fingers. Usually(but not in all cases) Dreadnought guitars have a narrower neck then an OM or triple o size guitar. Smaller guitars tend to gravitate towards fingerstyle players as Dreads tend to gravitate towards strummers. Larger guitars like Dreads or Jumbos tend to get "boomy" in rosewood and you have to play them hard to get them to sound well. Where a fingerstyle type of guitar(OM or Triple O, Grand Concert, etc.) you can play very softly and they still sound remarkable, yet if you play them hard they will respond nicely. I like a small body guitar because they respond to your playing . I like a bigger guitar in Mahogany. A smaller guitar has better balance for rosewood.

IMHO back tone woods and shape play a huge role in sound, I agree. The maple jumbo balances well for strumming and the rosewood smaller guild is perfect for fingerpicking, but it can be a bit too much on the lows for strumming. I don't have any real experience with dreads. Mahogany seems to work great an them though...

 

[Matt42]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

I have to agree with the sentiments of go plain acoustic and add a pickup later. You'll get a nicer acoustic, and you can pick and choose your pickup to suit your needs.

 

[The Dali]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

I just found a Larrivee D-03 acoustic-electric that I got for $750 shipped. I think that is a great deal for a Canadian axe. A friend of mine has the same guitar and I loved it... didn't think it would be in my price range.

 

[thespricket]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

It's hard to make a real reccomendation, but if I were to go out and by a new AE I would totally buy a Taylor 210. I like the dreadnaught taylors, the larger bodies balance the brightness and create a nice booming midrange that doesn't get lost in a mix. I've only picked up a few cheaper martins that I've liked. The $1500 range will get you a nice martin, for a grand you can get a Taylor 210 or 214 which I think are great guitars. Play great, sound great.

I work for GC and I sell a lot of acoustic guitars. Just go to a store (preferably GC in Brooklyn NY where I work, lol) and play every single guitar in your price range. Remember, the price you see on the tag is never the price you should settle for. I can tell you, at least at GC, you can ALWAYS get around 15% off on any guitar. Sale event or no sale event, as long as it's not already marked down.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

I just found a Larrivee D-03 acoustic-electric that I got for $750 shipped. I think that is a great deal for a Canadian axe. A friend of mine has the same guitar and I loved it... didn't think it would be in my price range.

Larivee makes great guitars. Linda Manzer who is without question one of the most sought after archtop builders in the world today studised wit Larivee who was known as a classical builder back in the day. I have played many Larivees that are great guitars.... good luck with it!

 

[rts99]

Re: Looking for a new Aouctsic-electric

Look for a Guild GAD-30PCE. They're out of production this year, but they were available for the last seveal years. I'm searching for one now. They're the best sounding & best playing guitar I could find up to about $3K. I was waiting for the PRS SE Angelus before buying. After playing the PRS I definitely prefer the Guild, it just sounds so much better than the PRS. The Guild is also a slim body which is lighter & easier to handle.

Happy Hunting.