suggestions for an acoustic around $300
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Posted on Oct 31, 2008 12:03 pm
guitar_chris
"Guitarded"
Member Since: Oct 08, 2008
--I have played guitar for 16 yrs. now I want an acoustic that is worthy of recording my solo stuff. My style is like Jack Johnson, Ben Harper, John Butler etc., I play some fingerstyle classical stuff also.
--I currently have a fender DG21 nat its like $150 bucks its got me by but I want to upgrade to something with warmer tone and better playability.
--any suggestions will be greatly appreciated.
Thanks in Advance,
guitar_chris
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Oct 31, 2008 01:27 pm Dean's entry level acoustics are f'n awsome, i havn't seen one that sucks yet, i think they start at around $300...
also look into Mikael Kelly (www.michaelkellyguitars.c...itars.html)...i personally like the arena series, we've got one at the store, and it plays/sounds beautiful...also it's satin oil finished (no gloss) so it feels like a pool stick.
a bit more affordable are the higher end line of Jay Turser's.(www.jayturserguitars.com/...cgi/search.cgi)
this company makes great affordable stuff (we have had issues with guitars bein' damaged "during shipping" a few times over the past three years, but if it's in good shape, they're lovely guitars on the cheap.
my name is chris too btw
righty-oh
KainMember
Since: Sep 03, 2008
Nov 21, 2008 02:26 pm I agree that the Dean guitars are very good for the money.Ibanez also put out some good acoustics,i own a 12 string that was less than $250 and it is excellent,use it for a lot of recordings. Id also have a look at epiphone,thay make some pretty decent acoustics at very low prices.
A friend of mine sells a lot of Jay Turser stuff,they make a lot of low end copies of some of the best guitars and there acoustics have a good rep.
zekthedeadcowEat Spam before it eats YOU!!!Member
Since: May 11, 2002
Nov 21, 2008 02:35 pm I would find a 'local' guitar specialty place... in the Midwest that'd be Elderly's in Lansing, MI... and then play every guitar in your price range. I got an Alvarez which sounds great... I would actually suggest bringing a friend to play the guitars so you can stand back and listen.
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Nov 21, 2008 04:58 pm Even though this thread's been dead for over a month now...
I can't say that $300 is going to be much room to upgrade for an acoustic guitar. Although ANYTHING would be an upgrade over an entry-level Fender acoustic. I think those are the worst thing to ever happen to the acoustic guitar. They sound like a shoebox with rubber bands stretched over it.
Alvarez, Ibanez, Washburn, Takamine, and Epiphone all make some pretty quality entry-level to mid-level guitars. $300 is a pretty tough price range to find anyting with much quality or tone to it. Although I think that even the $200 Alvarez guitars (RG8, I think) have a solid low-end and a nice, balanced tone for the money. And they come with a hardshell case. Hard to beat that for the money.
Noize2uCzar of MidiAdministrator
Since: Apr 04, 2002
Nov 22, 2008 03:53 pm I'll toss this one in as well. While they are not entry level priced if looking at new ones, if you can hunt down a used Hohner that can be had for a reasonable price in that range.
I use one of their electro/acoustic models. It is a bit shallower then most folk type acoustic guitars but retains a healthy bottom end which is a surprise. But I bought it for the clear and crisp sound it had when plugged in. I prefer to use both the direct and micced sound of it.
But indeed all the guitars Tadpui mentioned are pretty decent in the entry level area. I do agree as well that the Alvarez in that price range seem to retain a nice overall sound for a guitar that is in that price range.
Nov 22, 2008 05:19 pm The best sounding $300-ish acoustic I've ever owned was a Yamaha. One of those jumbo-bodied models. Sounded so sweet. I wish I still had it...
TadpuiI am not a crook's headMember
Since: Mar 14, 2003
Nov 22, 2008 06:31 pm I agree Jim, Yamaha has some of the best entry-level acoustic guitars on the market. Even finding a used one in that price range could end up being a great deal on a guitar that probably has the best construction and materials in this price range.
I totally forgot about Yamaha.
CptTrippsCzar of Turd PolishMember
Since: Jun 20, 2006
Nov 24, 2008 12:13 pm Yamaha entry level are very nice and affordable. I also am a fan of the dean.
Nov 24, 2008 09:39 pm I've been looking for an acoustic in this price range as well. I've been really impressed with the Ibanez and Takamine from what I've tried so far. Both were very comfortable and had a pretty nice sound. Comfort is one thing I always look for because I have pretty small hands and I don't like a guitar with a really thick neck. I haven't tried out the Deans, may have to give them a go.
TallChapAnswer:On a good day, lipstick.Member
Since: Jun 24, 2004
Nov 25, 2008 06:32 pm Also check out Seagull. I've been really impressed by their stuff - even the lower end ones.
