Best Acoustic guitar for around $300 ?

[takk]

I'm looking for a new acoustic guitar for around $300, give or take. It would be nice to have one that I could plug into an amp/PA. But more importantly I want something that sounds good unplugged.

I prefer guitars that do not have a glossy finish on either the neck or body. I used to have an A&L acoustic that had a nice natural finish. Got it for $250. I might look for another A&L, but wonderering if anyone here knows of some other good affordable brands/models. Thanks!

- Takk

[noisedude]

Tanglewood is my favourite maker in the budget to medium price range, hardly a bad guitar in their range. Washburn make some really good ones, and Faith and Lag are two new manufacturers I'm very keen on.

[azraelswings]

I bought my ibanez AEL-20 for $350. The same model in a jet black finish (mine is transparent red) would have been $300. The natural sound of it is just ok, but it does sound rather nice plugged in.

I did get it at a mom and pop shop with typically good prices, so you may have to shop around to get a price like that.

[ibanezrocks]

Originally Posted by azraelswings

I bought my ibanez AEL-20 for $350. The same model in a jet black finish (mine is transparent red) would have been $300. The natural sound of it is just ok, but it does sound rather nice plugged in.

I did get it at a mom and pop shop with typically good prices, so you may have to shop around to get a price like that.

or musiciansfriend which has the exact same prices.

[Fenderville]

yamaha!......

[VSpaceBoy]

Stick with the A&L by far..

They are a solid company that uses good woods and contruction. I sat in a guitar store, in a closed room, having dude run back and forth grabbing me anything around $400 in the store. I was in that little room for well over an hour. After everything, thats what I decided on. Its a not a heavy guitar, its not glossy, but its sounds so sweet.

[Niimo]

I've always been partial to ovation acoustics electrics. Real easy string action and great tone for your buck

[Buck62]

Originally Posted by Fenderville

yamaha!......

+1000

Yamaha is the best bang-for-your-buck acoustic for over 30 years now.

Ovation?.... NOT!

Here's a a list of useful things you can do with an Ovation guitar:

1) Shoot buckshot at the back, then use it to strain spaghetti.
2) Best personal flotation device since Dolly Parton.
3) Win a gold medal at the next winter Olympics-use it in the bobsled event!
4) The shell is great for DEEP dish pizza-and if the guitar melts, who cares?
5) use the back for a bicycle racing helmet
6) there'e enough wood in the top for some matchsticks...
7) my favorite...AN OAR!
8) a cereal bowl?
9) Put it on your back -- Teenage Mutant Ninja Ovations!!!
10) water skis?
11) Use it as a riot shield - you're gonna need it when they hear the sound of the thing
12) use it as a large cereal bowl
13) cheap medieval shield
14) BoogieBoard
15) nail it to a stump and use it as a birdbath
16) El Kabong
17) hammer small tacks
18) drive someone crazy - tell them to get a good tone from it
19) Nose cone for a jet?
20) Shoot the rapids - Ovation Kayak co.
21) Mount skinny wheels on the headstock, big wheels in the back, and go soapbox derby racing.
22) Use it as a decorative Tossed Salad Centerpiece at your next Contemporary Dinner..
23) Catch-basin for at-home oil changes.
24) Baby's bathtub (lift the top and prop it up with the neck as a sunshade)
25) Tie above to a skateboard, doubles as a stroller.
26) Bobsled for that snowstorm that caught you unprepared.
27) Dressmaker's form for flat-chested women.
28) My 1st Ovation came from a tupperware party'
29) Find something to plug up the sound hole and use it to store food.
30) Hang it next to a Hondo acoustic... Or anything you want to overcharge for... it'll make it look better...
31) Rip off the top and use the bowl to receive Planet Connect
32) My lettuce has never been crisper
33) Place it under the car when changing oil.
34) Leave the top on and nail it to a tree for a lovely birdhouse
35) Avoid speeding tickets: break off neck and stick it under wife's top - she's on the way to delivery, officer!

________________________________________________________________________

Ovation Jokes:

Q. Whats the difference between a trampoline and an Ovation Guitar?
A. You take your shoes off before jumping on the trampoline.

Q: What does an Ovation guitar and an out of body experience have in common?
A: Both have good projection, but lack body and substance.

Q: What's the difference between an Ovation guitar and a boat paddle?
A: The boat paddle is more melodic, (though somewhat less resilient).

Q: What's the difference between an Ovation guitar and helicoptor blades?
A: While the projection is similar, the helicoptor blades have a warmer and more balanced response at the lower frequencies.

Q: What do a bottlemaker, TNT, Nirvana and hurricanes have in common with Ovation guitars?
A: They all bl.. well, you figure this one out for yourself.

Q: What's the difference between Roseanne Barr and an Ovation guitar?
A: Roseanne has a more rounded midrange and better intonation in the higher registers.

Q: What's the difference between an onion and an Ovation?
A: Nobody cries when you cut up an Ovation

Q: What's the difference between an Ovation guitar and a bed Pan ?
A: Strings.

[guitar junkie]

Sea Gull has some nice guitars Yamaha has a nice little line with rosewood and spruce that sounds great but it does not have pickups for around $325 or so... a used Taylor big baby is nice if you can find one... i would run with something used if i could get away with it you can get mroe bang for the buck that way.