Mid-Price Acoustic Guitar, need help

[Marcellovalerio]

I am looking for an acoustic guitar between 400-600 pounds/ 500-1000 dollars. I currentley have the use of a "Norman b15" twelve string, and a "Faith" something, guitar.

Are there any guitars for the above price that really sound proffesional, specially for recording? I can't afford a REALLY expensive guitar, but i need something that really sounds so good that i don't have to buy an acoustic again.

Any help appreciated.

Marcello

 

[Richard Monroe]

Sure, there are lots of them, but I think you will need input from the Europeam members of the board as to the best options on your side of the pond. Over here, I'd be looking at higher end Yamahas, Takamine, Guild, the mid-range Taylors, higher end Washburns, Breedlove Atlas series. Most importantly, if I was looking for a sub $1000 acoustic, I would be looking for a *used* guitar in good condition. Lots more bang for the almighty buck.-Richie

 

[Light]

In the price range you are looking at, over here, there is no better value than a Martin style -15. Whether you are looking for the boom of a D-15, or the subtlety of an OOO-15, they are great guitars. They are all solid wood, which is a big deal, and with the mahogany tops, they just sound really good. I do not, unfortunately, know what the import markup would be for you over there, however, so I don't know what you would pay.


Light

"Cowards can never be moral."
M.K. Gandhi

 

[pennylink]

Not sure about prices in Europe (if that's where you are?), but I would add Larrivée to the list of guitars to consider in the under $1,000 range. Larrivée are in the same league as Taylor, Martin, Gibson, et al but tend to be better value for money when comparing apples to apples. They used to be made exclusively in Vancouver, Canada, but now also have a factory in California.

Especially if you're not too concerned about fancy inlay etc., there are several models in their -03 Recoding Series that are fairly bare-bones in the looks department but that sound incredible and would make a perfect recording guitar.

 

[whattaguy]

Not sure about prices in Europe (if that's where you are?), but I would add Larrivée to the list of guitars to consider in the under $1,000 range. Larrivée are in the same league as Taylor, Martin, Gibson, et al but tend to be better value for money when comparing apples to apples. They used to be made exclusively in Vancouver, Canada, but now also have a factory in California.

Especially if you're not too concerned about fancy inlay etc., there are several models in their -03 Recoding Series that are fairly bare-bones in the looks department but that sound incredible and would make a perfect recording guitar.

I agree. I have a Larrivee that sounds, IMHO, way better than lower end Martins, Taylors...etc. It even sounds better than other Larrivees.

 

[Peter Lancaster]

I bought a new Taylor 110 fitted with a Fishman piezo pickup and Classic 4 pre amp for £520. It sounds good recorded. I'm using a single Oktava MK-012 mic. If you want to hear examples I'll post some. It still sounds a bit new, but it will soften a bit over time.

One reason for buying the Taylor was because most of the bands I record don't have an acoustic guitar that's good. At best an EG model Takamine. Another was because I found it very comfortable and easy to play. I'm a bass player, not an acoustic guitarist and I'm not a big fan of playing Dreadnought size guitars (I was actually looking for something Grand Concert size) 'coz I find them too bulky, but the Taylor is really comfy and very easy to play. It also sounded better than any of the slightly lower priced guitars I tried.

Pete.

 

[Mountaineer]

I would recommend the Carvin C980. With case it ran me $850 US and blew away all the competition in its price range, including Martins and Taylors. Don't know if you can get one over there though.

Regards.
Mountaineer