advice on new guitar

[vaultinGat]

I just wanted to get some opn's before I go out and make a purchase. I've been looking at guitars for about 6 months now and really like the Taylor Line. Models that have gotten special consideration have been the 714ce and k14ce. I'm looking to spend between 1,500-2000 dollars, so I just want some opinions on possibly some other brands. I have not played the Martin C-16, but I like the Rosewood on the back and sides. I am mainly a flat-picking to strumming guitarist and have been playing for only a few years. This will be my first solid top and I want it to last. The amp is a Fender Deluxe 40W. Oh, and I play all typed of music, but mainly blues and rock.

thanks for the help, Josh

 

[ruebarb]

I'll give my endorsement to the Taylor's (read my praise for my new K14 in another post) - It might be a bit out of your price range, though.

 

[Treeline]

It's really worth the effort to spend some time with the search engine on this site (just click on the search icon) because this topic has probably over a hundred posts - specifically the things you are asking, the features to look for, the use to which the instrument will be put, the realistic price ranges, and so forth. Do a key word search - Taylor, $1,000, $2,000, 815c, Martin, Larrivee, and so on. Do a search on my user name; I've been mouthy on the subject.

You have a lot of good options and your the challenge will be first to recognize the difference between good quality and merely good looks, and then to think analytically about your actual needs. It's all in the threads that have already been done.

Or, skip it all and get a Taylor! Hard to go wrong there. It's just that Taylor isn't the only one out there delivering quality for the money. No point in limiting your options for a lack of ideas...

 

[Krystof01]

My finest guitar out of them all is a Martin; I absolutley love the sound. When I buy another I will buy a Taylor, I would have bought one before but that Martin sounded like no other Martin I've ever played.

So I guess what I'm saying is don't just order a guitar. Acoustic guitars have to be played first. Gibson have a shite QC and this goes for acoustics as well. I've played many J-200's and from shop to shop they all sound different (not up to a certain standard and unique like all guitars, but some shit some good).

Buy a Taylor, you know you want to. Then get a Martin.

 

[Hard2Hear]

Treeline knows about Taylors, his is very nice. Martin and Taylor are both great quality. If you play bluegrass, a Martin can not be beat. For rock, especially if you play plugged in on stage, a Taylor is hard to beat. It was made just for that. Just play enough of them to know which YOU like the best, this is always my best advice. Then you will be happy with whatever you get.

H2H

 

[Antikal]

If you're going to check out any other brands I have two for you:

Ovation has some excellent guitars. A Balladeer sounds like something you might want to give a try.

Other than that, i have always had a soft spot for Takamine. Sadly I don't own one, but Id definitely consider Takamine if I was on the lookout for an (semi) acoustic.

Good thing about both these brands is that there's good guitars in any price range.

Good luck! But don't let brands fool you. Use your ears and if you like the 'feel' and sound go for it.

 

[toyL]

if you're going to spend 2 grand, you'll get what you pay for....Taylor is the way to go.....the necks are bolted, the wood is carefully chosen and prepared, the craftsmanship is great....you'll get consistent playability and the sound is outstanding.

 

[nattn]

Taylor Guitars are fantastic. Do yourself a favor & take a look at some older ones if you have a chance. It's great getting a good guitar that has already opened up. I have a '81 510 & a 78 710. Both were bought used for less than you are willing to spend, & sound better than any Taylor I've ever played new at any price range.

 

[tdukex]

Taylors are terrific guitars, no arguement. I play a Larrivee D-05E and love it (paid $1,000 used). But if you are going to spend $2,000 you can find handcrafted guitars by some great luthiers. I'm not going to say they are better, better is subjective, but if you talk to people who work with and/or specialize in selling acoustic guitars (not Guitar Center), most--if not all-- will tell you that for $2,000 you can take a step up in quality to a (even if it is into a used) Breedlove, Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, Lowden, Webber, Froggy Bottom, and others.

The fellows at the following website are acoustic guitar experts. Bob is the owner, Gary is good also. If I were you I'd talk to them and other acoustic guitar professionals before I laid down $2,000.

http://www.buffalobrosguitars.com/

 

[nattn]

tdukex,

There are some other considerations that you should think about.

What will you will be using your guitar for? Are you mostly playing around the house? will you be recording the guitar in a home studio? Mic'ing the guitar? do you want a guitar with a quality pickup? Playing it live? Not only do acoustic guitars have specific qualitys with their natural sounds there are also qualitys that need to be considered when you use them in different enviroments. Do you really want to lug a 2000.00 guitar around to a live gig? will it sound good amplified? I have a pal with a guitar that cost half of what you are willing to spend on your guitar & he is afraid to play it as it shouldv be played for fear that he may scratch it! there are tons of great guitars out there in the 400 - 2000.00 price range, Don't feel like you need to spend 2k to get a great guitar. Be cognicent of how you are going to use it & how you want it to sound. Almost any top brand guitar at any price point will retain - or appreciate in value as it gets older. Go out & play tons of guitars. Get some expert advice from a local trusted luthier. Make a list of all the expectations you have for your guitar & take it to him/her. Take your time & be very picky. When you buy your guitar, buy the guitar that you have actually had in your hand & played. Don't be swayed by fancy names & model numbers. DO NOT buy an unseen & unplayed acoustic guitar ala ebay or a .com store.

good luck

 

[Tom Hicks]

Possible alternates you may to to check out;
maple top Guilds
Dana Bourgouise guitars sold by AMIC (Charvel Jackson folks handle Dana's stuff)
or of course that mythic affordable pre-war herringbone Martin or perhaps a DeAngelico New Yorker!(sorry about that,I'm drooling...)

Tom

 

[tdukex]

nattn,

Thanks for the advice--it is good advice-- but I'm not buying a guitar. I already have a nice guitar, as I mentioned in my post above. I responded to a post by vaultinGat in which he mentioned he wanted to spend $1,500 to $2,000 on a guitar. This means he wants a guitar in that price range not the $400-$800 range. My advice was, if he was going to spend that much, he should look beyond Taylor to guitars that are considered to be a step up.

It is up to him to decide what he wants to do with his guitars. If he asked if he should take a $4,999 Collings on an airplane to a gig in Drunksville Texas (no offense to Texans, I love 'em ), my advice would be to stay home period. If he wants to take a $1,500-$2,000 Taylor or other guitar to a gig near home he's familiar with, I wouldn't try to talk him out of it.

Also, I can guarantee you a sweet sounding Santa Cruz or Bourgeois--or Taylor will sound just as sweet amplified or recorded as long as your other equipment is decent and you know what you are doing.

Peace to all good men.

 

[nattn]

Tdukex,
Just got the name wrong. My post was not intended for you.

As for my advice, I'm certainly not trying to talk vaultinGat out of anything. If he wants to spend 1.5 - 2K on gear, who am i to stand in his way. I wish I could do the same. My intent as with others who post here am offering advice, opinion and alternatives so vaultinGat can make an educated & wise purchase.

As for your comments regarding amplification & recording. I certainly seems to make sense that a good guitar live sounds great amplified & miked. I, a humble novice have a difficult time recording my Taylors. My pal brings over his Yamaha, & it sounds fantastic when recorded. As for a quality pickup...yes it will sound good as long as the pickup is good. Add $$ - $$$ to the purchase price of the guitar.