Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

  • Thread starter Thread starter Stevo 42
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Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

beandip said:
Taylors (dreads) are good for flowing into the mix and shine at finger picking.

In the end, Steve, I suggest that you just go around and play every single guitar you can in your price point. They will surprise you and disappoint. But, at the end of the day after probably 2 weeks of searching you'll find one that really jumps out at you and next thing you know, your amp won't be turned on for a month ;)
Click to expand...

I would have thought the narrower neck on the Taylor would have made it less suitable for finger-picking. I look forward to going and playing armed with some knowledge on what to look for. Maybe I'll find good deal on a used one.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Oh yeah, and just to throw this in...

COLLINGS MAKES THE BEST MARTINS!!!
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Stevo 42 said:
I would have thought the narrower neck on the Taylor would have made it less suitable for finger-picking. I look forward to going and playing armed with some knowledge on what to look for. Maybe I'll find good deal on a used one.
Click to expand...

You'd think, but most fingerpickers I know love 'em. I guess you don't need that wide neck after all ;)
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

You might be able to find a Composite Acoustic used at a decent price (if you can find one). CA was developed by a former NASA scientist, using a material he developed for the Shuttles. There should be less risk buying one used than a wooden guitar. Also, they are well-known for staying in tune/intonation from location to location (even across the country). They play well and have a surprisingly organic tone.

I have two friends who play them. I know the first marketing director for the company (he has since left). They are VERY stable axes.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Those are indeed pretty **** cool. There appears to be a dealer not too far from me. I may have to check them out.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

I had a CA come into my possession during my absence. They're great, but I see them more as a utility guitar than a tone monster, but the sound says different. They sound awesome, and are great for travel, beach, skydiving, going to hell and back, that sort of thing ;)
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Just found some info on the Parkwoods. Apparently, they're the same models as Corts, made in the same factory, but for GC. That would explain the tone and inflated cost.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Thanks Stephen, I guess I glanced over that.

As for guitars in your price range, I've compiled a list of NEW guitars, which I suggest for you being a first time buyer. They're all high quality, feature solid tops, and come with warranties. Something you can't get used, and would suggest until you're a little more educated in the area.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-000X1-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514817
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-DX1-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=514814
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Seagull-Slim-Dreadnaught?sku=512360
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...DR500M-Dreadnaught-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=519055
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-FG750S-Folk-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518278
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...Series-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=515098
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...Series-Dreadnought-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=515097
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...mporary-Series-OOO-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=515090
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=519061X
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product?sku=519052X
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-Masterbilt-DR500ME-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=518106
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/...EF500M-Fingerstyle-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=519060

Since they're all available through MF, you can go to your local GC and try them out in the store. If the in store price is higher, you can get the internet price. I didn't mention Silver Creek guitars which are a MF/GC exclusive. They're all solid wood guitars around 300-400. But...eh.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Dude, that's fantastic! Thanks for the help. I'm a tough bastard to try to please, though.

I absolutely love that Seagull but don't think I want to go cedar. I've played some cedars in stores and just didn't like them compared to the more typical, brighter spruce. Unfortunately, it doesn't look like Seagull makes the slim S6 with a spruce top. Why is Seagull so in love with cedar for its lower end guitars?

The DX-1 is probably a great sounding guitar--if I can get past the HPL stuff. It would be cool to have a Martin. I also like the looks of the Blueridges. I'll have to check those out. Reviews look excellent for them.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Seagull has a slim in spruce, it's a standard s6 slim. They love cedar for their guitars because when done right they have amazing clarity but great warmth. I love my cedar seagull.

I had a DX-1 for a short time before I gave it to a friend (which I should be getting back here shortly). They're awesome little buggers. And the Blueridge/Stanfords are great alternatives to vintage Martins at a not so vintage price.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

What's different about the vintage sound? My gut reaction would be that it would sound more bluegrassy or early country.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

A Martin D-28 and a Martin D-28V are almost the same. The modern 28 has scalloped braces and new little things like sealed tuners. The Blueridge's dont. They're pretty much vintage pattern all the way, just made in China. They do have a similar sound, but keep in mind you get what you pay for. But, for a newbie to the acoustic world, they're great.

If I had to recommend any of 'em, I'd suggest the Martin from a logical standpoint. The HPL will stand up over time as will the stratabond neck. It comes with the Lifetime Warranty (lifetime of the instrument, not the owner), and they're easier to get repaired (they're the basis of EVERYTHING) and there's more certified repairmen for them.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

beandip said:
The modern 28 has scalloped braces and new little things like sealed tuners. The Blueridge's dont.
Click to expand...

Modern D-28's don't have scalloped bracing Beandip. Martin stopped using SB in D-28's about 25 years ago for warranty reasons. Bluegrassers were putting heavy strings on the guitars for more volume and the tops couldn't take the tension and some literally imploded. HD-28's have scalloped bracing. D-28's don't.

Blueridge does actually offer scalloped bracing. Their Historic Model BR-1600 has SB. So does several other models.
 
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Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

Eamonn said:
Modern D-28's don't have scalloped bracing Beandip. Martin stopped using SB in D-28's about 25 years ago for warranty reasons. Bluegrassers were putting heavy strings on the guitars for more volume and the tops couldn't take the tension and some literally imploded. HD-28's have scalloped bracing. D-28's don't.

Blueridge does actually offer scalloped bracing. Their Historic Model BR-1600 has SB. So does several other models.
Click to expand...

That, you're incorrect about. Scalloped bracing returned to Martin production models (specifically the D-28) about 4 years ago. As a matter of fact, they didn't have scalloped bracing 25 years ago. The guitars you're speaking of were definitely over braced to do away with ANY chance of a warranty claim despite string gauge used or abuse.

Either way, in the end it doesn't matter. :friday:

MODEL D-28
CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: D-14 Fret
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
ROSETTE: Style 28
TOP BRACING PATTERN: Standard Scalloped "X"
TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
BACK MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
BACK PURFLING: Style 28
SIDE MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
ENDPIECE: White Boltaron
ENDPIECE INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
BINDING: White Boltaron
TOP INLAY STYLE: Multiple Black/White Boltaron
SIDE INLAY: none
BACK INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
NECK MATERIAL: Select Hardwood
NECK SHAPE: Low Profile
NUT MATERIAL: Bone
HEADSTOCK: Solid/Diamond/Square Taper
HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood /Raised Gold Foil
HEELCAP: White Boltaron
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-11/16''
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/8''
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 28
FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss
FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss ; Sunburst available at additional cost.
FINISH NECK: Satin
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
BRIDGE STYLE: Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-1/8''
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
TUNING MACHINES: Gotoh Chrome w/ Large Buttons
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin Studio Performance Medium Phosphor Bronze (MSP4200)
BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/ Black Dots
PICKGUARD: Black
CASE: 640 Molded
INTERIOR LABEL: none
ELECTRONICS: Optional
OTHER OPTIONS: Available left-handed at no additional charge
OTHER COMMENTS: All prices & specifications are subject to change without notice.
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

From the Martin website:

MODEL D-28
CONSTRUCTION: Mahogany Blocks/Dovetail Neck Joint
BODY SIZE: D-14 Fret
TOP: Solid Sitka Spruce
ROSETTE: Style 28
TOP BRACING PATTERN: Standard ''X''
TOP BRACES: Solid Sitka Spruce 5/16''
BACK MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
BACK PURFLING: Style 28
SIDE MATERIAL: Solid East Indian Rosewood
ENDPIECE: White Boltaron
ENDPIECE INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
BINDING: White Boltaron
TOP INLAY STYLE: Multiple Black/White Boltaron
SIDE INLAY: none
BACK INLAY: Black/White Boltaron
NECK MATERIAL: Select Hardwood
NECK SHAPE: Low Profile
NUT MATERIAL: Bone
HEADSTOCK: Solid/Diamond/Square Taper
HEADPLATE: Solid East Indian Rosewood /Raised Gold Foil
HEELCAP: White Boltaron
FINGERBOARD MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
SCALE LENGTH: 25.4''
# OF FRETS CLEAR: 14
# OF FRETS TOTAL: 20
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT NUT: 1-11/16''
FINGERBOARD WIDTH AT 12TH FRET: 2-1/8''
FINGERBOARD POSITION INLAYS: Style 28
FINGERBOARD BINDING: none
FINISH BACK & SIDES: Polished Gloss
FINISH TOP: Polished Gloss ; Sunburst available at additional cost.
FINISH NECK: Satin
BRIDGE MATERIAL: Solid Black Ebony
BRIDGE STYLE: Belly
BRIDGE STRING SPACING: 2-1/8''
SADDLE: 16'' Radius/Compensated/Bone
TUNING MACHINES: Gotoh Chrome w/ Large Buttons
RECOMMENDED STRINGS: Martin Studio Performance Medium Phosphor Bronze (MSP4200)
BRIDGE & END PINS: White w/ Black Dots
PICKGUARD: Black
CASE: 640 Molded
INTERIOR LABEL: none
ELECTRONICS: Optional
OTHER OPTIONS: Available left-handed at no additional charge
OTHER COMMENTS: All prices & specifications are subject to change without notice
 
Re: Used Acoustics--Thoughts?

beandip said:
Well, I stand corrected. I'd pulled my info off the AGF.
Click to expand...

No worries. There's actually a thread about this over on the UMGF D-28 lounge.

BTW, Blueridge has some fine scalloped models available.
 
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