Acoustic Guitars - Help Me Choose

[matcom]

ok. back in high school, i played electric. was ok but never learned how to read music and didn't dabble with acoustic.

that was many moons ago.

so, i want to get back into it and do it right this time (learn to read music, strum without a pick, etc....) and am interested in playing acoustic.

don't want a top of the line but want something more than a beginner guitar. good, middle of the roader if you will. have a couple of questions:

1)steel strings or not?
2)rounded back or "traditional"?
3)what else should i know?

THANK YOU IN ADVANCE!!! :)

[eShirl]

1. Don't know much about guitars personally

but my ex had several, including one which was the best of both worlds: a round-backed Ovation electric-accoustic! They both look and sound beautiful; this concludes the extent of my knowledge.

[Soopercali]

2. Depends on what you want to do.

Are you mostly a picker or a strummer?

Ovations are pretty versatile - not quite acoustic, not quite electric. Yamaha makes some great acoustic-electrics; so does Takamine. They also make decent mid-range "plain" acoustics.

Any of those three are good "workhorse" guitars.

[matcom]

3. i'm not mostly either right now

suppose i need something versatile to do BOTH picking and strumming

[SHRED]

9. Try a bunch out

You will find one but take your time and try lots of them.

I found a $200 Yamaha a few years ago, for my brother-in-law. This guitar sounded and played better than many $500 guitars I tried. It sounded better than the exact same guitar right next to it!

Again, be patient.

[rbnyc]

4. Go Yamaha

I love their acoustic guitars. I also love nylon strings. But I think they'd be a good match for you, because you haven't played in a while, and because you'd like to work without a pick. Yamaha makes some really nice classical guitars that aren't too expensive. I have over 15 guitars at home, all different kinds, and my 2 Yamahas are my favorites.

http://www.americanmusical.com/item--i-YAM-CG101--brand-288.html

All you really need.

Have fun!

[matcom]

6. so, nylon instead of steel?

[rbnyc]

12. That's my call.

Nylon strings are great for picking and strumming. And you'll go through less pain starting up on them because they're not so hard to hold down and don't cut into your finger-tips so much. I also think that nylon strings just sound better, but that's a personal thing.

Also, two tips for playing: When holding down the strings, make sure your fingers are perfectly perpendicular to the neck, and when changing chords, even if you're not sure where your going, and don't hit it right, don't break the rhythm with your strumming hand. Always keep the rhythm and let your other hand catch up.

;-)

[Cornjob]

40. An inexpensive Yamaha solid top is a good bet!

Even better is a good used one. They sound very good and usually cost less than $300 with a hardshell case!

I have an old FG400S Series that sounds quite good and was cheap to buy.

I also have an expensive Ovation classical that sounds beautiful, but I still have problems with that blasted rounded back! It wants to slip off my lap.

[Tandalayo_Scheisskopf]

5. Buy a mid-level Washburn.

Good stuff, not expensive in the total scheme of things.

Spoken as an old guitar roadie.

[Whoa_Nelly]

7. Have played acoustic for many moons

Get steel string, all wood with an amp pickup.
Dean makes some beautiful guitars that can be in the "not-too-pricey" range ($300-500). Epiphone (made by Martin) is also good.

Good luck! Glad to hear you're still enthused to want to get back into it :toast;

[Viktor Runeberg]

14. Epiphone

Epiphone is a Gibson brand, not Martin. They're Asian-made Gibson knockoffs, mostly. I had a cheap pre-Asia Epiphone years ago that was very good.

Check for used guitars. Sometimes an old Gibson or Guild will come available cheap. Definitely steel string unless you specifically want to play classical - you can always put light gauge strings on and if the action is set right it won't cut your fingers. All the guitars you hear played except classical use steel strings. Different sorts of steel have different tones, though.

The main things are: does the neck fit your hand and do you like the tone? There's lots of difference in tone between brands, and between types of wood. There are also real differences between any two guitars, even the same model. Wood also sounds better as it ages - another reason to look for something used. If you do buy new, and know what model you want, musiciansfriend.com is often by far the cheapest option and generally competent. Their clearance sales are occassionally at cost.

[Zomby Woof]

8. Just to get started

A traditional acoustic flatback, with steel strings (bronze or brass Dean Markleys have always been my preference, light gauge) is a good way to start, even with your prior experience. My trusty Yamaha SJ-180 is 21 years old now and is still in great shape, sounds good, plays good.

Go with any of the major names like them, Martin, etc. $200+ on average depending.

Thanks for the email bro! You rock back atcha! :loveya:

[kcwayne]

10. Its mostly about tone and fretboard action

The width of the fretboard various across models, so you just have to play several to find one that you feel comfortable with in regards to being able to easily finger the strings. I like thinner necks, some like fatter necks....

The tone you get is largely a function of the size of the body, and the quality of the construction. You get better tone the more you pay. I like Martin and Taylor, but own an Ovation. I used to have a Japanese knock off of a Martin that was a very nice guitar, and it cost me $50 in 1973. Finding a deal is all about the searching for it I guess.

Nylon or Steel? Both. It depends on the style of music you want to play. I like nylon for playing jazz, classical and Spanish sounding pieces. I like steel for more rock/pop oriented stuff.

[DeepGreen]

11. I have an Epiphone

It is made by Gibson. I looked at a number of
acoustics a few years back and went for the Epiphone
for its sound, neck width, and closeness of strings
to the neck. It feels more like the Fender Jaguar and
PRS that I have than other acoustics I tried. So, it
is not a big change for me to switch back and forth
from electric to acoustic.

[asthmaticeog]

13. There are pros and cons, of course.

Unless you're playing classical guitar music, go with steel or bronze strings, IMO.

What do you mean by rounded back or traditional? I assume rounded back means an Ovation-type guitar and traditional means all wood? All wood still encompasses archtops and flattops. Archtops tend to project louder for single notes, but can be brassy-sounding when playing chords in folk or rock styles. Flattops can have a range of characteristics depending on body style. Dreadnought-style bodies are extremely popular because of the smooth sound they impart to chordal playing. Jumbos, mini-jumbos and other body styles all have different sounds as well.

I think what you might want to do is haul yourself on down to your local guitar store, or the acoustic room at Guitar Center or Sam Ash and just try out a ton of different instruments in the manner you intend to play. I sometimes do that even though I'm not looking to buy an acoustic right now (happy with the one I have) - and there are far worse ways to spend an afternoon than goofing around with TONS of guitars.

One thing I've noticed - current Martin Guitars aren't as great as their post-WWII intruments that really sealed their reputation. The really badass acoustics right now (again, just IMO) are made by Guild. Pricey, though. And if you buy something under $300 or any Epiphone, replace the tuning machines immediately.

[Viktor Runeberg]

16. Definitely, tuners!

A good sourch of tuning machines is Luthiers Merchantile. A screwdriver and maybe a small drill is all you need. Yes - any cheaper guitar without Gotohs or Schallers will make you much happier with them, since getting and staying in tune is more important to tonality than the soundbox.

Also, when testing, if you're able to hear whether the intonation is right at the 12th fret (by fretting without pressing down, then fretting to the fret, and listening if both are at the same pitch) that can make a big difference to if you play up the neck at all. If it's off, you generally need to hire someone to work on the bridge.

Also, check for dead spots on the neck where the notes don't resonate so well or long. Many guitars have a bit of this - depends whether you play that part of the neck much or depend on sustains whether that'll annoy you.

[DeepGreen]

17. I haven't had any problems with tuning on my Epiphone

but it was one of the more expensive models.

[mainer]

15. Another question - any particular guitars suited for a woman's fingers?

I play the fiddle, but sometimes during jam sessions we have a dearth of guitar players, and I'd love to be able to pinch-hit as a guitarist. Anyone know if there are particular guitars that women seem to feel more comfortable with?

[dbt]

31. A "Baby Taylor" if you've got the bucks.

Also, Daisy Rock guitars are being pretty highly touted, although I've not heard one of their acoustic models. But, back in the day, Loretta Lynn handled a full-sized Epiphone rather well.

Slip jigs all around,

:smoke:
dbt

[kitchen girl]

35. I play guitar and fiddle, too.

And I have extremely small hands. The best guitar I've found that's reasonably priced is the Seagull Folk S+. It's smaller than a dreadnought, and the neck is slightly narrower. I think I paid around $375 for it, but it's not a "cheap" guitar. Seagull's are made in Canada. They are able to keep the prices so low because they get wood from downed trees from the Canadian government. My Martin-playing friends love the two Seagulls my husband and I play.

If a folk guitar is still too large, you can find parlor guitars which are smaller yet. I tried several before buying my Seagull, and though I loved how easy they were to play, the sound just didn't measure up.

Happy pickin'! :hi:

[ET Awful]

18. Matcom - Here's what you want to do. . .

Take a drive out to The Music Emporium on Mass. Ave. in Lexington. Talk to any of the guys there, play with what they have, and just as importantly, have someone else play what they have so you can hear it from a listeners perspective as well.

My recommendation for a good intermediate guitar at a great price is anything by Seagull (a Canadian company that makes the best low-end guitars in the business).

Another good choice (but more expensive) is anything in Larivees -03 series.

http://www.themusicemporium.com/

They're a great store with great service, and have been in business for a long time.

They also take much better care of their instruments than Guitar Center or the like. They actually keep everything tuned, stored in the proper humidity (VERY important for a quality acoustic instrument), etc.

Check them out, you won't be sorry :).

As far as the guitar itself goes, if you want good acoustic tone without amplification, stay away from Ovations. They sound great plugged in, but sound like a plastic box unplugged. The best tone comes from all solid wood with no laminates (not really likely in a low-end guitara). The next best would be a solid top and back with laminated sides (a little more common). A solid top is the MOST important, and can be had with laminated back and sides (very common). Avoid laminated tops like you would a Freeper cookout.

[sangh0]

36. Very good advice

particularly the "Stay away from Ovations". They are not a first guitar.

[reprehensor]

19. Canadian made Seagulls are very nice--

mid-level guitars.

Guild and Epiphone are good too.

Gibsons are good... Fenders OK mid-level.

I say full back, no plastic round-back guitars! This is an abomination unto Gawd!

Steel (or bronze) strings, unless you want to play classical.

If you have money, buy a CFMartin, and be the envy of thousands!

[ET Awful]

23. Agreed on the Seagulls, not so much on the Martin :)

Every Martin I've ever played has tended to be a bit bass heavy, even the small bodied models. I prefer the more balanced tones of Larivee guitars.

Don't get me wrong, Martin's don't suck at all, just not my cup of tea :).

The Seagull though, is the cream of the low-end crop. No polyester sound-deadening finish, but a hand-rubbed lacquer. . . mmmmmmmm, filled with resonant woody goodness :)

[reprehensor]

24. Ahh, but...

When you record them, you need that bass, otherwise things tend to get tinny.

Combine a sound-hole pick-up with a tube mic, and Martins can't be beat. The bassiness tends to disappear. With some practice, of course.

Seagulls sound fantastic. Very warm, excellent folk guitar.

[ET Awful]

33. You're assuming he'll be recording :)

I never really record, I sit around the living room, play and relax. Currently I have a Larrivee Parlor which I absolutely love (plus it's really easy on the wrists and so forth because you don't have to reach and tweak as far to play it) :)

[reprehensor]

37. Larrivees are nice.

A friend of mine bought one, had it stolen, and his insurance company covered the loss, so he bought another one with fancy pearl inlays.

About a year later he was at a guitar repair shop, and lo and behold, there was his stolen guitar, hanging on the wall.

Now he has two.

Lucky bastard.

[Aiptasia]

20. All guitars are unique, here's what I recommend:

I have eight guitars in my growing collection and here's what you should know: Every guitar is different, even ones of the same model.

If you have the time and can still strum a few chords, visit a large retail guitar outlet (like guitar center) and spend an afternoon finding one that sounds nice and feels nice to you. This guitar will be different for everyone. Some will feel like a brick with strings, some will melt like butter in your hands, it's up to you to find the one that speaks your language.

There are some really quality brands out there, like ovation, c.f. martin and taylor.

Personally, i'd rather see you go with a good fender, takamine or yamaha guitar. These three are a little less pricey but are still quality guitar brands.

If you can pick up an electro-accoustic model (an accoustic with pickups built in) you can have the best of both worlds, electric and accoustic. All you need from that point to go electric is an amp.

[Squeech]

21. The guitar has to feel like it belongs in your lap

Since you've played before, you don't have to learn how to hold it. But if holding whatever you get isn't fun, you'll always feel like it's a chore to play it, which will significantly inhibit progress. (I have a beautiful guitar, a 20 year old Gibson ES-335, which I never play because the neck always feels awkward under my fingers.)

I like used Yamaha acoustics for general strumming around the house. They're generally comfortable to play and yield a nice big sound. The problem with them was that the wood they were made with wasn't always properly cured, so a new instrument might still dry out and warp, but a used guitar will have already crossed that barrier and last you for years. (You've seen my 12-string with the airbrush art; that's a Yamaha, and it's actually really comfortable, even with the extra-wide neck of a 12-string. I also have a 6 string next to my desk at home, which is what I reach for for casual playing. This winter I'm gonna try and get my keyboard chops up too, so I also set up a Casio, and it's getting crowded.)

BTW, I saw you mention me in the "great bands nobody's ever heard of" thread. You silly person :hi:

[Trajan]

22. Having played since age 11 ....

I KNOW you will receive as wide a range of opinions on this subject as, say, one might get from asking about Modern Art, ... or food ....

That said ....

There are good reasons for choosing a nylon string classical guitar, as there are good reasons for selecting a steel string dreadnaught or jumbo ...

Nylon String Classical:

Classicals, with thier wider neck and string spacing, are better suited for fingerpicking multiple strings, as in playing 'contrapuntal' music, like Bachian fugue, prelude, motet, and various other types of 'classical' music styles ... most of the notation for guitar is based on centuries-old etudes (studies) developed by masters to teach their students, and they consist of those kinds of pieces ...

In the modern era: one would play a nylon/classical guitar because they are easier to finger pick, they have a softer, deeper tone, and for certain songs, they are better suited for the mood intended by the composer ...

Steel String guitar:

Most ALL folk, rock and country guitar music is played on steel string acoustics ... they have a big, brash tone that rings and sustains longer ... they have a louder, more colorful tone spectrum that better suits more powerful songs and styles .... it is more difficult to finger pick than a nylon classical, because fingertips have more friction on metal-ridged strings, and because the necks and string spacing are narrower ... but that also makes it easier to play many chords because the fingers can stretch a greater span over a tighter network of strings ....

Strumming a steel string dreadnaught or jumbo projects a big sound that is much more impressive than nylon classical guitars ... but each song demands a specific sound, which would dictate WHICH type of guitar should be used ....

Personally ? ... I have one nylon classical (a Di Giorgio from Brazil with Rosewood sides and back, which I bought at age 16, I am now 48) ... and two steel string acoustics : 1) Epiphone AJ15-E (styled much like a Gibson J45), which I bought for $145 from http://www.musiciansfriend.com ... and a 12 string dreadnaught from 'Lark In The Morning', a Mendacino CA company that has only a few outlets ... mine was bought for $250 at Fisherman's Wharf last year .... http://www.larkinthemorning.com ... They make excellent instruments for great prices ...

So: in the end: it depends on WHAT you want to do ... if you want to play 'classical' guitar music in an academic manner, or of you want an instrument that is easy to finger pick, then a nylon string acoustic would better suit you ... IF you want a big strumming sound that rings loud and full of color ... then a steel stringed dreadnaught, jumbo, or super jumbo would be your pick ....

IF I had the money: I would buy a Gibson SJ200 (Super Jumbo) .... they price at about $2400 ... The Epiphone EJ200 is an excellent alternative priced at $395 .... Guild, Martin (the cadillac of guitars) Yamaha and Takemine are ALL excellent, though not always for a great price .... Dean, Washburn (Their Cumberland jumbo is awesome at 750 ... ) and Ibanez are usually better priced ...

Have fun ....

[rbnyc]

25. This is an awesome post. (nt)

[artboy]

26. Hey

I just bought a Ibanez VM-100 acoustic steel at a pawn shop about 3 weeks ago..I just like to pick around...no formal training...just listen to music and pick it out.."musicfriends" list it new at 250-300 new..this one, was in fantastic shape....really..no dings..no flaws...and it also came with a hardshell clam case (thats a 100$ just for the case)...out the door tax included..$125.00..no shit...I bet I looked for 3 monts. I looked at this place like every sat...finally one came in I made an offer, had cash in hand...dude was like yea...its yours....

Pawn shops are great for certain things...people get desperate, and hawk there stuff...you the customer can find some great things..

Happy Picking!!!!

[XNASA]

27. Yamaha, Epiphone or if you want to spend a little extra.....

Takamine.

I have a thinline Yamaha acoustic/electic with a cutaway. The model number is APX5 I believe. It has a thin neck and plays a lot like an electric. It's also nice to have a cutaway, for leads. I love it.

I have a soft spot for Epiphone. They sound like Gibson's for half the price. The workmanship on Epi's is pretty good.

Nowadays, it seems like everyone plays a Takamine. It's a good bargain, but expect to pay at least $500 for one.

Good luck. I just love guitar shopping.

[Rabbit of Caerbannog]

28. My Kingdom for a Bourgeois!

http://www.bourgeoisguitars.com/new_page_4.htm

[Trajan]

29. One word ....

SuWEEEEEEEET !

er .. one more word: pricey .....

Another ? ... excellent .....

You get what you pay for, and if you can pay for it: you can get the best ....

[ET Awful]

34. Well, if we're gonna talk nice customs, let's tall Olson :)

You can talk to James Taylor about the quality of Olson guitars.

Or, if you want quality but lower price, let's talk Leach Guitars, Harvey is a very talented luthier :)

[Dees]

30. I have spent many an hour

sitting around the old music store with friends and employees playing anything I could get my hands on. When Fender intro'd their acoustic line I said to myself...yeah right. I was shocked to find their instruments were very much to my liking. I like the Fender
DG20S for about $300. I have owned a Martin D18 and a Gibson J45 and neither one sounded as good and as easy to play. My two cents and I'm sure I'll get bombed for this cus playing a Fender ain't cool.

[leftofthedial]

32. steel strings, traditional wooden body

try a Seagull

or an inexpensive Yamaha

or a used takamine or taylor

eamil me for moreinfo if you need it.

[DubyaSux]

38. Another recommendation...

...I'd look at Alvarez.

They're not great, but they're very good and average priced. They play well, have great tone, and most have active electronics (EQ, gain, etc) if you decide to run it through an amp or PA.

I'm not maestro, but I do play professionally every other weekend at local clubs. I purchased a factory second (meaning, it had a minor defect in the finish) Alvarez AJ60AC with a full warranty for half the price of a new one. And I couldn't be more thrilled. I play about a dozen songs a night with it straight through the PA and I only have to tune once.

The rule of thumb in looking at guitars is pretty simple. If you like the way it feels and sounds and most of all, stays in tune, buy it. Sounds simple, but you wouldn't believe how hard it is to get all three of those things.

[ZoCrowes]

39. a few

1) Steel string is what most end up going with. For most people nylon strings are a niche market.

2) Having owned both I prefer a trad Dreadnought style. The Roundback (Ovation) sounded great when plugged in but was almost a little too tingy for my taste. I have been playing an el-cheapo Washburn Dreadnought acoustic at the moment and it has really impressed. I sold my much more expensive Ovation because I never play it anymore!

3)Hold the guitar in your hands before you buy it. Don't buy off the net. See if it feels comfortable etc and buy the one you hold because every guitar is different