Moderator Wannabee
Seagull and Larrivee' are definitely the best acoustic guitars in that price range... no doubt about it.
I would absoloutly, definitely get one with built-in electronics, and here's why...
For recording purposes, you can get an incredible range of tones by plugging the guitar into one channel, then micing the guitar and going into a second channel. If you pan out the 2 channels and eq them differently, you'll get that million-dollar acoustic sound. Believe me, it works great. I did this with a 30-something year old Yamaha acoustic that's beat to shit, but it sounds better than a 50 year old Martin... no lie!
Also, as previously mentioned, the electronics are great to have for a live performance. If you don't have them, I hope you have practiced "the art of standing still".
Lastly, consider this....
Acoustic guitars sound better with age, provided that they haven't been in a flood or left out in extremely dry conditions. My partner and I have two ancient Yamaha's that simply blow away every new
acoustic guitar out there... including some Martin's that are priced in the $2,500 range.
The type of wood and constructon has EVERYTHING to do with the sound, and age just adds to the sweetness.
If you really want to find an
acoustic guitar you'll fall in love with, I suggest that you try playing some older, used acoustics. Check the pawn shops, smaller guitar stores, and DEFINITELY go to guitar shows whenever you possibly can.
Then, if you add in a Dean Markley pick-up and follow the 2-track technique above, you'll be doing cartwheels after you hear how great it sounds on your recordings.
The RIGHT
acoustic guitar is something you'll love and keep forever... unlike a car or a TV set.
The RIGHT
acoustic guitar will inspire you to write and play at your utmost potential.
[Edited by Buck62 on 08-10-2000 at 10:32]