Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

[Stevo 42]

I'm in the market for an acoustic, and have never bought one before. I have found some good deals for good used electrics. I don't have much experience with acoustics but think of them as both more fragile and more sensitive instruments. Anybody have success or horror stories about buying used acoustics? Either online or in person?

 

[VACharvel]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

The Guild GAD series acoustics are great...sound and play well when set up right, comfortable to play.

 

[scottish]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

acoustics are much less forgiving than electrics IMO. so if you plan on buying a used one then do it in person so you can play it, unless you get a 30 day return policy or something.

 

[beandip]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Being a completely acoustic guy these days, I've got tons of advice.

First, the general rule being, a solid top is a huge plus. Laminated tops can sound good, but it's just a general rule. Strats are quacky, teles have twang, solid tops sound better. Spruce is the most popular top wood.

Secondly, acoustics are not nearly as fragile as they're made out to be. If your home is suitable for electrics, then an acoustic will do fine.

I suggest with every bone in my body that you buy in person, and not online. Acoustics, even two of the same model, consecutive sn's, will have a completely different sound from each other.

Carry with you a small mirror when inspecting second hand. Look for any signs of structural damage, and check the underside of the top for loose braces with the mirror. While it's a "simple" fix, it's something that a newbie should stray away from.

If you'd like some recommendations, tell me what you're after in terms of sound or playability, and I'll give you a list longer than your arm.

 

[LesStrat]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

While generally true, D., Taylor is the most consistent acoustic line IMHO...much more consistency within a model.

Still, I would prefer to play an acoustic prior to purchase.

 

[beandip]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Taylor is the ONLY company I've found that's consistent, but even then each guitar sounds different. But I'll give you that, they're extremely good at every model sounding like how it should, and not like two completely different beasts.

 

[Eamonn]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Taylors are built to sound good in the store and it's a brilliant marketing ploy. They ship with coated 13's, whereas Martins ship with uncoated 12's. Martins also ship with higher action, and those uncoated strings usually sound dead as a doornail after being palyed by throngs of people at GC. But after a string change, and when the top has time to "open up" the Martin will leave the Taylor in the dust. If you are looking for a really good bang for the buck solid top and back acoustic that will sound better with each passing year, I would seriously look at a used Martin D-1 or D-15. Either can be had for about $600 in good condition. Install a pickup and you're good to go. For a about $300 more you will find a used D-16RGT that will blow the doors off any Taylor offering in the same price point.

 

[Empty Pockets]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Larrivee makes the most affordable all-handmade guitars I can think of, which completely smoke Taylor and Martin.

 

[beandip]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Taylors are built to sound good in the store and it's a brilliant marketing ploy. They ship with coated 13's, whereas Martins ship with uncoated 12's. Martins also ship with higher action, and those uncoated strings usually sound dead as a doornail after being palyed by throngs of people at GC. But after a string change, and when the top has time to "open up" the Martin will leave the Taylor in the dust. If you are looking for a really good bang for the buck solid top and back acoustic that will sound better with each passing year, I would seriously look at a used Martin D-1 or D-15. Either can be had for about $600 in good condition. Install a pickup and you're good to go. For a about $300 more you will find a used D-16RGT that will blow the doors off any Taylor offering in the same price point.

Not true in the least. Taylors are just as good as Martin, just as Martin is as good as Taylor. They have completely different sounds. Some like the Taylor, some like the Martin.

That's like saying that Gibson is better than Fender, and every bit of Fender is a huge marketing ploy. Personally, I preferred Martin SP PhoBro strings on my Taylor. I hate Elixers but Bob Taylor loves them for their technology used. Both companies have stated that neither one is better than the other (Taylor on the Taylor Forum and a Rep for Martin on the UOMF), but simply made for different people looking for different things.

You play your Martin, and I'll play everything else

 

[rowdy27]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Guild is my new fave. GAD-40c

 

[Eamonn]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Not true in the least. Taylors are just as good as Martin, just as Martin is as good as Taylor. They have completely different sounds. Some like the Taylor, some like the Martin.

That's like saying that Gibson is better than Fender, and every bit of Fender is a huge marketing ploy. Personally, I preferred Martin SP PhoBro strings on my Taylor. I hate Elixers but Bob Taylor loves them for their technology used. Both companies have stated that neither one is better than the other (Taylor on the Taylor Forum and a Rep for Martin on the UOMF), but simply made for different people looking for different things.

You play your Martin, and I'll play everything else

Coated strings are going to sound sharper for a longer period of time than uncoated and that is a fact. It's the whole reason that coated strings came to be in the first place. Putting coated 13's on a guitar that is going to be picked up and played by probably a couple hundred people at a busy GC ensures that they will sound better for a long time after the uncoated has gone dull. Taylors are also built to be "bright out of the box", whereas the Martin opens up after a period of time. Taylors tend to stay the same sonically after years of playing, whereas a Martin matures over time. Play a 20 or 50 year old D-28 or 000-18 sometime and see for yourself.

Most novices go for the Taylor at the guitar store over the Martin. On the other hand, Martins are more popular with people who have been playing for years and who understand how a guitar "opens up".

I don't get your Gibson/Fender analogy BTW.

 

[beandip]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Coated strings are going to sound sharper for a longer period of time than uncoated and that is a fact. It's the whole reason that coated strings came to be in the first place. Putting coated 13's on a guitar that is going to be picked up and played by probably a couple hundred people at a busy GC ensures that they will sound better for a long time after the uncoated has gone dull. Taylors are also built to be "bright out of the box", whereas the Martin opens up after a period of time. Taylors tend to stay the same sonically after years of playing, whereas a Martin matures over time. Play a 20 or 50 year old D-28 or 000-18 sometime and see for yourself.

Most novices go for the Taylor at the guitar store over the Martin. On the other hand, Martins are more popular with people who have been playing for years and who understand how a guitar "opens up".

I don't get your Gibson/Fender analogy BTW.

ANY SOLID TOP GUITAR will open up. Not just Martins. Breedlove, Lowden, McNaught, Gibson, John How, Mayes, Seagull, Taylor, and many others will open up over time. Why? Because the solid wood allows it to. You're saying that a Taylor will stay the same for ages, but a Martin will mature. Looking strictly at physics, it's not true. A Taylor will open up just like a Martin will. A Larrivee will open up just like a Lowden.

Yes, coated strings are meant to last longer, I know exactly what they're for. But saying that Taylor's are meant to sell and that's it is completely erroneous. They actually have one of the highest rated customer service centers in any industry. They back their product 100%.

It's the TAYLOR sound. A Martin won't sound like a Lowden. A Larrivee won't sound like a Recording King. A Strat won't sound like a Les Paul.

You're comparing apples and oranges (hence the Fender/Gibson remark). They're completely different styles, meant to go for different sounds. It's up to the player to decide what sound they want. Personally, I love both the Martin boom and the Taylor shimmer. They have their place, and I use them. But to say that a Martin can do it all, or a Taylor can do it all is not correct. A Ford Lightning can haul stuff fast, but that doesn't make it a sports car, just a fast truck.

They're both extremely well made, and they both have their place. Neither one is better than the other as far as QUALITY of sound, and quality of construction goes. They're different, but both great.

For the record, I personally think that the Martin 1 series (solid top, HPL back and sides, Stratabond neck, Micarta bridge and fingerboard) are absolutely amazing for the price. I love the fact that it's HPL (easier as far as maintainability) and somehow still gets the amazing Martin sound.

Same with the Taylor 100/200 series.

 

[Stevo 42]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Sounds like the consensus is to try it before you buy it. I guess that's generally true of electrics as well, but I am more wary of acoustics in this regard.

 

[Stevo 42]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Being a completely acoustic guy these days, I've got tons of advice.

First, the general rule being, a solid top is a huge plus. Laminated tops can sound good, but it's just a general rule. Strats are quacky, teles have twang, solid tops sound better. Spruce is the most popular top wood.

Secondly, acoustics are not nearly as fragile as they're made out to be. If your home is suitable for electrics, then an acoustic will do fine.

I suggest with every bone in my body that you buy in person, and not online. Acoustics, even two of the same model, consecutive sn's, will have a completely different sound from each other.

Carry with you a small mirror when inspecting second hand. Look for any signs of structural damage, and check the underside of the top for loose braces with the mirror. While it's a "simple" fix, it's something that a newbie should stray away from.

If you'd like some recommendations, tell me what you're after in terms of sound or playability, and I'll give you a list longer than your arm.

I'm an electric guy at this point, so something that would be comparatively easy for an electric player to switch to would be nice. I suspect that means lower action and a thinner neck. I have no interest at finger-picking at this point, so whatever's best for flat-picking. As far as sound goes, I want something pretty versatile, as I pick and choose across a pretty good stretch of music from rock to pop to country to blues. Something that can back up a singer but also cut a lead line.

Having strummed a few at music stores, I prefer the sound of spruce to cedar or maple. I'm not really able to pick up on differences in side and back wood at this point. My price range is probably in the $350-$650 range, although if I go used it will obviously expand the range. I do not think I need electronics at this point.

Thanks for the help.

 

[rowdy27]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Ovation

 

[beandip]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

I'm an electric guy at this point, so something that would be comparatively easy for an electric player to switch to would be nice. I suspect that means lower action and a thinner neck. I have no interest at finger-picking at this point, so whatever's best for flat-picking. As far as sound goes, I want something pretty versatile, as I pick and choose across a pretty good stretch of music from rock to pop to country to blues. Something that can back up a singer but also cut a lead line.

Having strummed a few at music stores, I prefer the sound of spruce to cedar or maple. I'm not really able to pick up on differences in side and back wood at this point. My price range is probably in the $350-$650 range, although if I go used it will obviously expand the range. I do not think I need electronics at this point.

Thanks for the help.

Martin offers quite a bit in this price point, and properly setup will do everything you ask of it and more. Taylor, not so much (new anyway) but I feel they are more of the "electric guitars of acoustics".

Spruce is a great choice as far as a top goes. It's extremely versatile (much more so in my opinion than cedar or mahogany), more durable, and can have color from the palest of pales to a deep amber color (great on the eyes).

I suggest you check out the Yamaha FG series (they make some awesome solid topped guitars, in a price point that most are unable to meet), the Martin 1 series (DX1, DR1, DM1), Taylor 100/200 series, and my personal favorite as far as a good price point goes...ALVAREZ YAIRI.

Another thing you might wanna look for (and I'm kinda a self proclaimed expert on 'em) are the Marlboro Martin copies. Solid spruce top, rosewood back and sides, double bound, bound fretboard...They're absolutely amazing. I've owned 4 since I got my first one when i was 12 from my old man. They sell for about 250 on ebay, about 175 on craigslist, but I every one I've bought has came from a pawnshop or ad on CL, and I've never paid more than 125. If you want some tips on how to pick these guys out from the rest, send me a PM, I'll let you know.

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Martin makes great guitars, but they've also made imports that are pretty lousy.

Taylor guitars sound more consistent because they're generally brighter and bassier. Since so much of the character of a guitar is in its mids, less mids means less character.

 

[Eamonn]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Martin makes great guitars, but they've also made imports that are pretty lousy.

Taylor guitars sound more consistent because they're generally brighter and bassier. Since so much of the character of a guitar is in its mids, less mids means less character.

Martin made "imports" ?!?! never happened! Aside from the Sigma line, every guitar bearing the name "Martin" is made in Nazereth PA.

As for Taylors being Bassy...sorry but that's not the case either. Try sitting in at a Bluegrass session with a Taylor and no electronics. You'll have as much chance of being heard over the banjo and HD-28's as a sparrow fart.

 

[Bludave]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

I'm in the market for an acoustic, and have never bought one before. I have found some good deals for good used electrics. I don't have much experience with acoustics but think of them as both more fragile and more sensitive instruments. Anybody have success or horror stories about buying used acoustics? Either online or in person?

There are many things to consider when buying an acoustic guitar.

As many here have already stated, solid woods are generally going to sound better than laminated woods do. Laminated woods however will be able to handle environment changes better. The woods will handle the lack of humidity or excessive amounts of it better. Judging by your location lack of humidity will not be an issue, but excessive amounts of humidity can be a problem. The rule of thumb is to try to keep the environment at between 45 to 50% humidity.

Wood types:

Rosewood back & sides will tend to be darker sounding then Mahogany will. Mahogany will sound more balanced in a larger guitar and have a little more brightness to it. Maple will be brighter even then the others.


Neck concerns:

Most quality acoustic guitars have a dove tail joint, and over time the wood tends to compress and the neck pulls up... when this happens the guitar will need a neck set. This will usually happen to most guitars after 10 to 15 years of use. It is considered by many to be a normal maintenance of a high end acoustic.
The other factor is neck/nut width. If you are a strummer then a nust width of 1 11/16ths will be fine, but if you plan on doing a lot of fingerpicking a wider neck would be more suitable. I like the 1 3/4" nut width.

Body size:

Dreadnoughts are usually more desirable for playing hard because they can handle hitting them hard really well, yet they don't handle fingerpicking quite as well as a smaller body does.

000 or OM size guitars are generally considered to be a great al around body size. They usually come with a 1 3/4" nut so fingerpicking as well as strumming can be accomplished well on this size guitar. This size also will handle the boominess of Rosewood more so then a larger guitar will. There are some basic differences between a 000 and OM, but basically its scale length. A 000 has a shorter scale and this will make the string tension a little lighter, again this can be easier to play finger style.

Buying used is not a big issue, just treat it like you would any other instrument. Make sure the guitar feels good in your hands, that the action is not excessively high (a sign that the neck may need to be reset) and it has the right sound your are after.

 

[theboatcandream]

Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Martin made "imports" ?!?! never happened! Aside from the Sigma line, every guitar bearing the name "Martin" is made in Nazereth PA.

As for Taylors being Bassy...sorry but that's not the case either. Try sitting in at a Bluegrass session with a Taylor and no electronics. You'll have as much chance of being heard over the banjo and HD-28's as a sparrow fart.

No mids = being lost in the mix.