mjbphotos
Moderator
I've got one of those Epis, but for whatever reason mine does not have the 'E' logo on the head and pickguard.
garww
New member
I wouldn't know the whole story, but is it MIJ ?
My single pickup Casino was 1970 Kalamizoo and had the pickgard and truss nut E. I think the MIJ is the important thing ? My old Ranger 12 is of that construction with the bolt on neck, adj. bridge, and zero fret. Nothing tiny about its sound
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garww
New member
My Eko Ranger 12 was $109.50 on eBait w/$30 shipping.
Here's two tracks of a Ranger 6;
https://youtu.be/n8dsxm-Q6W4
PIC of my old wood Ranger
Here's two tracks of a Ranger 6;
https://youtu.be/n8dsxm-Q6W4
PIC of my old wood Ranger
Attachments
pikingrin
what is this?
I'm gonna be no help (or maybe I will) but I feel like I gotta throw my hat in the ring on this one...
In my humble opinion, it depends on what you are recording. My taylor (414ce) records well both flat and fingerpicked and, as was mentioned, plays like butter. BUT it favors the highs a bit, not really balanced in that regard. I just got rid of my Martin, a D15M, because it was way too dark sounding - thank you, mahogany - you'd be better off getting a D28. She smelled good (not gonna lie) but just seemed hyped in the low mids/bass too much. If your local shop has Seagulls, check them out. I've got a "heart of wild cherry" acoustic/electric model that I take to the open mics because it just sounds...well...good. Balanced tone, not too bright and not too dark, and the neck is comfortable enough for a few hours of play without making the hand or wrist start to feel funky. Hope that helps.
In my humble opinion, it depends on what you are recording. My taylor (414ce) records well both flat and fingerpicked and, as was mentioned, plays like butter. BUT it favors the highs a bit, not really balanced in that regard. I just got rid of my Martin, a D15M, because it was way too dark sounding - thank you, mahogany - you'd be better off getting a D28. She smelled good (not gonna lie) but just seemed hyped in the low mids/bass too much. If your local shop has Seagulls, check them out. I've got a "heart of wild cherry" acoustic/electric model that I take to the open mics because it just sounds...well...good. Balanced tone, not too bright and not too dark, and the neck is comfortable enough for a few hours of play without making the hand or wrist start to feel funky. Hope that helps.
Pinky
and The Brain...
You definitely need to visit a local shop and play some of these makes/models to know for sure they're the sound and action you want. Generally, I'd expect to spend $400+ on an acoustic that would be a 'keeper' for tracking. The budget models under $500 all play okay, but they will reveal their weaknesses if pushed or in time as they fall into disrepair.
A few years ago I spent an hour or two at the local Guitar Center and ended up getting a Martin after trying nearly everything in the sub $1000 pricing range. I could have been happy with any number of the guitars I tried, but for the price and tone the Martin was the best value. I don't have mine here at work and it's been a while since I had to look it up, but I believe it was on the lower end say $600 to no more than $800. There's only a few Martin models at Guitar Center in that price range.
I also chose Martin due to past experience with a D## I had to sell when cash strapped. That was a fantastic guitar as well, and lasted a number of years in less than ideal conditions and travel.
Of the guitars I tried that I was most impressed with for the lower pricing was the Takamine's at Guitar Center. They had good tone, action, and the integrated electronics worked well/sounded good. I played Taks in the past, jams and such, and they're always a pleasant surprise for the relatively low cost. But for a guitar I want to keep for perhaps ever, I knew the Martin was going to last. Even three or so years later, the Martin sits on its stand more than it's played and the intonation is still spot-on. Mine was setup fine/perfect off the rack. But you may want to check every fretted note as others have also experienced buying guitars that you only later realize were improperly setup, or not setup at all.
A few years ago I spent an hour or two at the local Guitar Center and ended up getting a Martin after trying nearly everything in the sub $1000 pricing range. I could have been happy with any number of the guitars I tried, but for the price and tone the Martin was the best value. I don't have mine here at work and it's been a while since I had to look it up, but I believe it was on the lower end say $600 to no more than $800. There's only a few Martin models at Guitar Center in that price range.
I also chose Martin due to past experience with a D## I had to sell when cash strapped. That was a fantastic guitar as well, and lasted a number of years in less than ideal conditions and travel.
Of the guitars I tried that I was most impressed with for the lower pricing was the Takamine's at Guitar Center. They had good tone, action, and the integrated electronics worked well/sounded good. I played Taks in the past, jams and such, and they're always a pleasant surprise for the relatively low cost. But for a guitar I want to keep for perhaps ever, I knew the Martin was going to last. Even three or so years later, the Martin sits on its stand more than it's played and the intonation is still spot-on. Mine was setup fine/perfect off the rack. But you may want to check every fretted note as others have also experienced buying guitars that you only later realize were improperly setup, or not setup at all.
garww
New member
ya, try to kick the tires, before buying. Even so, there can be some odd overtone you finally hear a year later - wondering if it's a band of Harpies luring sailors to their demise.
They all can have something going on that is attractive. But, Cat Stevens played what he played and Donovan played what he played. Truthfully, I'd probably pick Donovan over the Kottke, Fahey, Lang, & whatever for nice tone . There's processing on the records I have enter into the equation, but I did see a lot of those coffee shop Artists. The performance sound may not be what a MIC wants, however. Some, finally. realizing that the dated Parlor, and some dated Nashville tricks can record better.
They all can have something going on that is attractive. But, Cat Stevens played what he played and Donovan played what he played. Truthfully, I'd probably pick Donovan over the Kottke, Fahey, Lang, & whatever for nice tone . There's processing on the records I have enter into the equation, but I did see a lot of those coffee shop Artists. The performance sound may not be what a MIC wants, however. Some, finally. realizing that the dated Parlor, and some dated Nashville tricks can record better.
S
stevem5000
New member
Thought I would jump in on this...
I have several Guilds...mostly from the '70's & '80's...and a fairly new one...4 different models...
The older Guilds are FANTASTIC...you will be hard pressed to find a better guitar at a better price...
The Guilds are "under appreciated"...everyone wants a Martin, Taylor or whatever...as a result I don't folks look at or consider Guild very much...
The Mexican and Chinease made Guilds are also very good...I am told that in some cases it is very difficult to tell them apart...
American Guilds are well made and heavier that most other guitars...you will notice this when you carry it around for a while and when sitting on your lap...
The 12 string Guilds have a double truss rod which no other guitar has, to my knowledge...
Dave Van Ronk played a Guild F50 Jumbo...find some of his recordings and you will hear a very smooth, balanced instrument...
I bought 2 Guilds from Guitar Center...on their website look thru the used stuff, filter out for Guilds and you will find many...and usually a bit lower in price than those
listed on eBay...If you get one from the '70's...do NOT have GC do a set up...find a good luthier to do the setup....I have a D50 I bought in 1974, had a luthier set it up and
I haven't had to do anything to it since...
NOW....if you can find a Guild at any music store to try it out...great...but you will be lucky as I don't run into many guitar shops with any Guilds....but if you buy fome GC, you have
30 day to return it for a full refund....not a bad deal...
I have several Guilds...mostly from the '70's & '80's...and a fairly new one...4 different models...
The older Guilds are FANTASTIC...you will be hard pressed to find a better guitar at a better price...
The Guilds are "under appreciated"...everyone wants a Martin, Taylor or whatever...as a result I don't folks look at or consider Guild very much...
The Mexican and Chinease made Guilds are also very good...I am told that in some cases it is very difficult to tell them apart...
American Guilds are well made and heavier that most other guitars...you will notice this when you carry it around for a while and when sitting on your lap...
The 12 string Guilds have a double truss rod which no other guitar has, to my knowledge...
Dave Van Ronk played a Guild F50 Jumbo...find some of his recordings and you will hear a very smooth, balanced instrument...
I bought 2 Guilds from Guitar Center...on their website look thru the used stuff, filter out for Guilds and you will find many...and usually a bit lower in price than those
listed on eBay...If you get one from the '70's...do NOT have GC do a set up...find a good luthier to do the setup....I have a D50 I bought in 1974, had a luthier set it up and
I haven't had to do anything to it since...
NOW....if you can find a Guild at any music store to try it out...great...but you will be lucky as I don't run into many guitar shops with any Guilds....but if you buy fome GC, you have
30 day to return it for a full refund....not a bad deal...
P
poobar
New member
Try a Santa Cruz D/ PW...
garww
New member
Well, a lot of these designs are from Boxcar Willie and no MICs and electronics in the large coffee shop, small town Opera House. That can be a bit much for a MIC.
Some necks aren't going to need adjustments - having 3-piece lamination the full depth of the neck from end to end. Popped frets, maybe, but the wider the neck and hand fretting can help.
Zero fret and adj. bridge get string height down - here, the bass side is up a bit for clarity up the neck. This neck is a joy. But, open strings will jangle with that zero fret metal
Hhha. the poster says some cash, but we don't know how flush that is
Some necks aren't going to need adjustments - having 3-piece lamination the full depth of the neck from end to end. Popped frets, maybe, but the wider the neck and hand fretting can help.
Zero fret and adj. bridge get string height down - here, the bass side is up a bit for clarity up the neck. This neck is a joy. But, open strings will jangle with that zero fret metal
Hhha. the poster says some cash, but we don't know how flush that is
Attachments
garww
New member
Nothing to brag about here, but this is a clip of the ranger 12 & it's old strings the day It came in the mail and I found I didn't have any finger strength. First take with a GXL-2400. I thought it recorded easily
S
sparky123
Member
Bought a Washburn new around 300 u.s. lovely guitar and low action so easier on my fingers. oh. and it sounds great and pretty loud imo.
L
ldolamore
New member
It wouldn't hurt to browse your local music stores, but staff knowledge can be hit or miss so you might or might not be pointed in a good direction. There are so many variables with wood type, nut width, string spacing, quality of hardware, intended purpose of the guitar, pickup (if desired), good vs shoddy construction, warranty period (if new), etc.. It would also be good to contact a shop that carries a wide range of brands and prices, and has experience in listening to what you want, and turning that into valid suggestions. Elderly Music is one example of that type of store.
garww
New member
There, really, is nice stuff out there
Nola
Well-known member
The Guilds all look well made, but they're longer scale length, huh? That is a little bit of a turn off. I will have to find one to play locally, but I'd imagine that has a different feel then I'm used to.
garww
New member
Won't everything be different from this Yammy : ) There will be one you can't leave hanging in the store.
G
gvdv
Member
I played an acoustic Godin a few months ago, which I really liked. Unfortunately, I cannot remember the model.
Probably not as good for thrashing as it would be for simple chord playing (a la Dylan), and/or fingerpicking.
Also, Simon & Patrick can be nice
wwwguitars.simonandpatrick.com/.htm
They seem to have some kind of association with Godin, I think.
I wondered if, when you talked about the possibility of developing arthritis, you were actually thinking of the danger of developing repetitive strain injuries.
I have had these badly (from guitar playing and typing) in my arms and hands for about 20 years.
I have found that thicker gauge strings can cause/exacerbate this problem (so I stick to .10s at the thickest), and have found that various stretches and exercises, done a few times a day, can make the difference between consistent - and sometimes extreme - pain, and something that is hardly bothersome (PM me, if you would like me to share these exercises). I have also been using a TENS machine for almost 30 years, and find that very helpful.
Good luck with your search.
Probably not as good for thrashing as it would be for simple chord playing (a la Dylan), and/or fingerpicking.
Also, Simon & Patrick can be nice
wwwguitars.simonandpatrick.com/.htm
They seem to have some kind of association with Godin, I think.
I wondered if, when you talked about the possibility of developing arthritis, you were actually thinking of the danger of developing repetitive strain injuries.
I have had these badly (from guitar playing and typing) in my arms and hands for about 20 years.
I have found that thicker gauge strings can cause/exacerbate this problem (so I stick to .10s at the thickest), and have found that various stretches and exercises, done a few times a day, can make the difference between consistent - and sometimes extreme - pain, and something that is hardly bothersome (PM me, if you would like me to share these exercises). I have also been using a TENS machine for almost 30 years, and find that very helpful.
Good luck with your search.
S
Spock13
New member
I recently bought a Martin DRS2 and it is beautiful to play. The body is Sapele, similar to mahogany, and the tone is fabulous. The action is very good. Great acoustic guitar.
JDOD
therecordingrebels.com
What's your budget? I have a Martin Ellipse and I think its absolutely great and not stupidly priced either
https://reverb.com/item/1858310-martin-xc1t-ellipse-w-fishman-ellipse-matrix-blend
Feels fantastic to play (the 2nd nicest acoustic I've ever played on), sounds great both when you're playing and recorded.
S
sparky123
Member
Washburn, taylor sound ,but not the high price
garww
New member
Don't forget Lowden. Some of us know of them from Jan Ackerman albums:
https://youtu.be/GnldbiOwsu0
https://youtu.be/GnldbiOwsu0