Best Acoustic

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Buffalo Bob

Buffalo Bob

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I'm looking for a new 6-string and would welcome some opinions. I want a guitar that sounds great in the studio and STAYS IN TUNE on stage. I see a lot of pros playing Takamine's - is that the state of the art for non-custom guitars? I already have a '63 D-28 and an old Guild F-30, but need something better.
Thanks in advance.

Bob
 
I agree with Pete:

Go play some Taylor's! They sound great!

YZL
 
What does your budget happen to be? What style of music are you playing?

Pete
 
You want in tune? A taylor will hardly ever go out of tune kept in the right endvironment.
 
I love Taylors - my first and only 'real' flat-top is a '95 410 (interestingly, my 410 now falls into their 300 series and the 400's have been "improved"), but I'm looking around for something in the same price-range that has a warmer sound.

My experience over the last several years of lusting after a new rosewood 714 CE, is that the brand is generally 'brighter' than comparably priced Martins, Gibsons and even some Larivees - If you're into that sound, you'll never regret buying a Taylor. But the misfortune of not having the scratch to just go out and buy the thing (714) has led me to some realizations that I'm kind of glad I've had.

(I guess what I'm saying) All the top guys are well made and 'reliable' - but I would find out what sound I'd like to be hearing for a long time, and just go with that...

Good problems to have!
 
Tell us more

We need more information. Tell us budget, musical style, solo or band stage work, and so on.

If you're looking for an all around workhorse, I would avoid the extremes of style or size, particularly as larger guitars can be boomy and get twitchy on the stage. You're probably spoiled rotten by that Martin, so you won't be happy with a $300.00 wonder. But the world really opens up at about $1500. That's where mid-line and mid-size Taylors give you major league payback. That'll get you solid sitka spruce top, wild looking mahogany sides and back, very slick neck, precise inlays, a very controllable dual source stage pickup, and a nice controllable miced sound with a strong midrange. Plus Grover machines, of course.

But don't take my word for it - go play a few! And don't be afraid of good online dealers, either. Here are a couple: www.guitarsam.com (ask for Kevin) and www.elderly.com (biggest Martin dealer in the world and they love acoustics). These guys know their business. Call each of them to talk about their new Taylor inventory; they can't put it on the web. Funny folk, those Westerners...

------------------
Jeez, did I say Taylor? Hmmm. Must be what I meant...
:D
 
Thanks for the replies. We play mostly folk-rock when we do originals(studio), and tiki bar lounge crap when we play covers(:confused: ).
For years I've used the old F30 (which has had it's headstock broken and been screwed and glued but still plays nice), through a Duncan soundhole pickup, direct to the mixer(crap sound). I don't play the D28 - it needs a fret job. I'm just looking for something for about 2K that has good onboard pickups and is playable for 4 hours without fatigue. I've always been partial to Gibsons, but think they're overpriced (like Martins), but that J185EC is sure sweet!
I'll check out some midrange Taylors since they come so highly recommended.
Thanks again everyone-

Bob
 
Seagull

I've got a Seagull S6 with a micro EQ which I love. It's much cheaper then all the guitars above but I see pro's playing on 'em all the time! (just not the S6 types, but it indicates the professionalitiy of the brand)

When you go for the Seagull, get de Duett pickup system which has a microphone too. I now (after 2 years, mind you) find the piezo a bit harsh.

Just my 2 cents...

EZP
 
Bob,

Again, for what your looking for (good onboard pu and playability), I would really suggest Taylor. The action on these guitars is perfect. I spent about six months playing every imaginable acoustic in the under 2k range. I finally decided that the Taylor 810 was the one. I got one and it sounds and plays fantastic. IMHO, the Martins, Larivees, Gibson, Guild, in the same price range don't sound as good. With your price range you can pretty much look at 300, 400, 500, 600, 700, 800 series, and I would suggest looking at the CE version of each as they come w/ cutaway and electronics. And, I don't work for Taylor, I am just a very satisfied customer. Check out this sight for reviews (you won't see many bad ones), and go play some Taylors:

http://www.harmony-central.com/Guitar/Data4/00all.html

YZL
 
Mr. Lick-
I think I'm in love! That 814CE is incredible. I've gotta go play one! Thanks for the link.

Bob
 
I just purchased a Larivee DV-05E and, in my opinion, is the best sounding guitar in the price range. Taylors sound better over the $2k range, though. Paid about $1k for it and don't regret it at all. It's all mahogony with a spruce top with the Fishman Prefix Plus Blender onboard sound.
 
I gotta second the Larivee. I have the D03E and it is awesome for less than $900.

An incredible cheap Taylor is the Big Baby for $279. It is amazing for a cheap guitar. You would need to install a pickup though.
 
Dammit, Tex, now you're getting me confused! I'll just have to try them all I guess!:cool:

Bob
 
I play mainly acoustic rock and I love the way the Larivee cuts through. Very clear and distinct tone. I think thats why I like the Big Baby Taylor also.
 
OK, so I commit sacrilege....

Takamine Santa Fe - I haven't played a sweeter acoustic than this - no Taylor, no Martin, nothing comes close to the tone in that beautifully satin-finished body.
 
Tough job, but someone's got to do it

Well, BB, looks like the only way for you to resolve this is to go out and play a whole boatload of these beautiful Takamines and Taylors, Martins and Gibsons, Larrivees and Seagulls, Collings and Santa Cruz, Bourgeois, Guild and CFox guitars. Man, what a pain. Imagine having to play all these great guitars just so you can choose between one jawdropper or another. . . I think you're going to spend this spring grinning from ear to ear, no matter what you buy!!

:D :cool:
 
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