| Author | Message | ||
     Jerry_haughton |
i'm in the market for an acoustic guitar. have never played one, figure it's about time i learned. i want a "nice" acoustic. it doesn't have to be the "best," but i don't want crap, either. i'd like one that i can show a person who knows guitars and they won't snicker. not looking to entertain anyone 'cept me 'n D, just something to pick on around the campfire or out on the deck as the sun goes down. what do i look for? which features are desirable, and which should i avoid? i've got large-ish hands, considering. do they make guitars for people with big hands, or is it one size fits all? any brands to focus on? Gibson?? Fender??? Taylor??? any brands to avoid? should i definitely purchase new, or should i possibly consider used? any and all advice appreciated. thx, FB | ||
| Whodom |
Jerry, Wow, that is a wide-open question. First and foremost, you want a solid wood (spruce or cedar) top. The top is the most critical to the sound of the guitar, with the back and sides being of somewhat lesser importance. You can get a decent solid top acoustic for around $400, or maybe a little less. Depending on how much money you want to spend, if you spend a little more, you can get solid wood (mahogany, rosewood, walnut, etc.) back and sides. For around $500 (and up) you should be able to get an all-solid wood acoustic. To accommodate your big hands, you probably want to get a guitar with the widest neck you can find. There's probably not a huge variety available, but by studying specs at manufacturer's websites, you can find out what's available. You're mainly looking for the width at the nut (the narrow end of the neck). If you're just gonna play it around the camp fire, I'd recommend avoiding anything you don't need (built-in pickup, cutaway, fancy inlays, etc.). Put your money towards the best basic guitar you can buy. Brands- wow, there are a LOT of brands out there. Don't forget Martin, Takamine, Larivee (they make really nice stuff), and there are plenty of others. Just as an example, I had played electric for years and wanted to buy a decent acoustic about 10 years ago. After a lot of study, I bought a Seagull, made in Canada. Solid cedar top (cut from old-growth Canadian forests supposedly), laminated cherry back and sides. It had some interesting features and was different enough to interest me. I've been very happy with it. Seagull is another good (and somewhat lesser known ) brand to check out. Outside of VERY cheap imports (like Rogue for instance) I can't think of any brands to avoid. There's certainly nothing wrong with used, but I'd recommend you find someone with experience to help you shop if you go that route. There are lots of places for defects to be hidden in an acoustic that you might miss. OTOH, you might find a really sweet sounding guitar at a substantial savings. Oh, one last word of advice- pricing. My local music shop proprietor has helped me immensely. According to him, the mark up (retail) on the vast majority of musical instruments is 100%. I.E.- the dealer's cost is 1/2 of the sticker price. Most dealers I've seen try to get flat sticker price, or maybe knock 10% off for a sale. Mail order prices are better. Keep this in mind when you go shopping. My local shop will typically sell even high-end instruments for $25 to $50 over wholesale plus whatever his shipping cost is. Good luck- post if you have any questions. If you can give me an idea of what you're looking to spend, I can come up with some more-specific recommendations. (Message edited by whodom on January 09, 2006) | ||
| Diablobrian |
sounds like guitar orders might best be made through you if you've got that good of a hook up whodom! I also have been toying with the idea of buying a guitar. Do a little blues / slide thing. My local shop scared me away, sticker-shock, you know. | ||
| Buellbozo |
May i suggest you look at guitars made in Canada at LePatre (sp?).One of their brand names is Seagull.I'm NOT a competent guitarist,but I've always kept one around for when i don't have a piano.i've had many over the years,but for my quiet finger pickin' my current nasty tobacco finish seagull is just TOO sweet.i like the fact that the wood and labor came from this continent.several GOOD players have spoken well of it when they played it.  | ||
| Whodom |
Brian, It might be worth giving him a call. Put it this way, a Guitar Center (the "WalMart" of music stores) opened here about a year ago. I figured they'd give him trouble. I walked into his shop about December 1st looking for a good beginner electric for my 13-year-old son, who had his eye on a Epiphone SG. I asked Mike (the owner), "how much?". He doesn't bat an eye "Guitar Center gets about $400 for that one, I'll do it for $350". The list on it is $748. I bought it on the spot. http://www.yeoldemusicshop.com/base.html He's in Hanahan, SC (suburb of Charleston) but I'm pretty sure he'll ship. | ||
| Whodom |
Buellbozo- wow, another Buell/Seagull owner. I forgot to mention that I'm a lefty, and the only other decent inexpensive lefty acoustic I could find was a Yamaha. The Seagull looked a lot nicer to me and was different (kind of like a Buell). I believe they make some higher-end stuff too. | ||
| Buellbozo |
This thread just made me pick mine up! Ditto on dealin'with your local guy if possible.Mine is magnolia music here in ocean springs-owner paul champaigne is SERIOUS collector and always ready to make a deal.actually found my "S6+" in a pawn shop for 100 bucks.guess it makes up for some of the gems i've LEFT at same in earlier times.i won't say what...too embarrassing!! | ||
| Madduck |
Ferris, I know next to nothing about guitars, but I think you first need to decide between a classical type or a country/western type. Type of string and how they attach are the difference. Classical types tend to have wider necks and a mellower, softer sound ie better for campfires. There is also a "traveling guitar that is designed for carrying around. Ver sturdy and not all that bad for sound quality Personally bought a Martin cause it looked so cool and could finally afford one. My nephew is quite thrilled with it as my arthritis doesn't let me play anymore. | ||
| Easy_rider |
As a beginner, avoid Taylor. Especially since you want to take it to campfires. They are a high-end brand. Still, most brands have something to offer across the price ranges. I generally recommend something in the $200 - $300 range for a beginner. I wouldn't tie to a brand so much as buy one that you like the looks of. I believe that will drive you to play it more often. A cutaway at the bottom is nice later, but not necessary. An output (driven by a 9 volt generally) is a plus. It cuts into the sound quality some, but at this price range I don't know that it's noticeable and it's nice to have from time to time. Decide if you want to pick or strum, decide if you want the folk type with two nylon strings on the bottom for old folk and classical tunes or if you prefer steel strings to play more "modern" tunes. Make sure the neck is adjustable. If you look inside toward the neck you'll see a bolt head, usually for a hex key. I should now the favored materials off the top of my head, but I'm drawing a blank. I'll take a look and get back if someone else doesn't chime in. | ||
| Easy_rider |
Wow. Started to write the first response, left to take of a crying baby, finished, posted, and I'm repeating what everyone else said! And I'm stunned that I'm not the only one with a Seagull. I loaned it to my neighbor when he wanted to learn how to play. Now he's got one, too! (He didn't have to get one nicer than mine....) | ||
| Bertman |
Since you don't play, find someone who does and go hit the stores. Ask a lot of people their opinions but take it as information only - not gospel truth. Guitar players are as opinionated as motorcycle owners, if not more so. You will, or somebody will, accidentally hit the guitar body on something and nick it. So don't spend so much money that your afraid to touch it. My acoustic is a Guild D25 that my brother got back in 1973. All Mahogany with what I'll describe as a "mellow" tone. Spruce and Maple topped guitars should be more "crisp" sounding. I had a controller at a job I use to be at that brought in his Seagull guitar with the cedar top, and I remember it having a totally different tone to it. I would love to buy another really good acoustic but I already have too many guitars, 3 electrics plus the Guild. If you get one let me know Jerry, I'll be happy to "nick it" for you. | ||
| Road_thing |
Ex-player here (arthritis). In addition to all the good advice above, I'd recommend a "classical" style with nylon strings for a starter--wider neck makes chording easier, and the softer strings are gentler on your tender fingers until you get some callus built up. Oh, and make sure it's got at least 6 strings! rt | ||
| Bigdaddy |
Jerry, http://www.takamine.com/ It's not a Martin D19 but you can get a very nice unit for under $500.00. Great place to start (I've been a beginner for the past 2 decades.) G2 | ||
| Bluzm2 |
The Seagull's are a very good product. Due to the exchange rate they are a tremendous value. Art & Lutherie is a division of Godin who also make the Seagull line. They are also very good guitars. Garrison is another great guitar. New tech and old wood....Very stable and consistant. My son (a very accomplished guitarist) has 4 different accoustic guitars. He is getting rid of his Taylor in favor of a Garrison. My brother in law is also a semi pro player. e uses a hand made classical and a Seagull flat top. Loves the Seagull. Check out this link for some more info. http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/intro.htm Hugh has it right, bring someone along who is a good player. They can help you pick a guitar that works right. You can have two identical looking guitars that act and play totally different. One plays well, the other fights you. Things like neck feel, intonation, etc. There is no sense working against your guitar. Get a good one to start. That's one of the reasons beginners quit. They are fighting the instrument plus having to learn how to play. Another brother in law collects vintage arch tops. He has a 1968 DeAngelico New Yorker worth about $55,000! Yikes! Guiars are cool... Wish I could play one without embarrasing myself.. | ||
| Sportsman |
I've had an Ovation shallow body sitting around for since 84. (says so on the neck) It's been brutalizied by everyone I know and lived through rearing 3 kids. Dropped, fell over, kicked. It's still my favorite for sitting around by myself. Not the best tone, but pitch is spot on and I love it. I bought my son a similar 1 this Christmas, $300. The new ones have a built in tuner too. Cheap, incredibly tough, go sing your heart out and not worry about it. And the shallow body, you can sit at home in your Lazyboy and still play comfortably. | ||
| Bertman |
I have heard people speak very highly of Taylor guitars and have wanted to try some out. I am not familiar with Garrison, I'll have to check them out on the web. My favorite woods are solid spruce top with rosewood back and sides. And a real wood guitar will sound better with age, so don't rule out a good used guitar either. The only guitar I have a hard time warming up to is an Ovation. I really want to like it but the sound is just not there - to me anyways. The contoured back doesn't sit in my lap very well either. The best sounding guitar I have played was an all maple Gibson jumbo style acoustic steel string. Nice, but also too big to play for hours comfortably. | ||
| Mfell2112 |
Seagull. Great guitar for the money. Mike | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
thank you all for the excellent (and slightly overwhelming) advice. Hugh, i'm thinking an upper limit of $500. solid top sounds like it's important, even tho i'm just a beginner. sure seems like a lot of people are high on the Seagull - is Mike, your music store owner friend - able to offer this brand? Madduck, nice to hear from you again, looking forward to seeing you again soon. classical type, as you describe it, sounds better for me, if nothing else for the wider neck? Easy Rider, really not sure if i want to pick or strum - silly question, perhaps, but how do i know? i type for a living, so an acoustic with (at least two) nylon strings might be better for me in terms of taking it easy on my fingers? also, why is an adjustable neck important? Bertman, thanks for the offer of the nick, but i prefer to do that myself.  Thang, i like the idea of a wider neck to make cording easier, seems like it'd entice a beginner to keep at it longer before getting frustrated. also, as mentioned above, i type for a living and am a bit nervous about what learning to play is going to do to my fingertips. as such, can some of the experts here comment on the pros and cons of all steel strings vs four steel/two nylon vs all nylon? BluzM2, thanks for the great link, lots of good info for a rookie like me. good advice about "trying on" different guitars. was hoping to make this purchase over the computer (my time away from work is almost non-existent), but it sounds like that's not the best way to buy a guitar. Sportsman, is the built-in tuner the way to go, or is a hand-held tuner just as logical? thanks again everyone for the great feedback, sure is a lot to consider, looks like i need to actually see and touch some guitars to help in the decision-making process. FB | ||
| Newfie_buell |
Brad (bluzm2) mentioned "Garrison" Have a peek at this, they are made here on the island and the guy has a patented technology on the bracing system. You have to hear one playing to appreciate it. My 14 yr old daughter has been playing for the past few years and has 4 guitars and a bass. Garrison Guitars | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
thanks Newf. | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Lots of good advice on this thread, wow and I thought most were motorheads! (just kidding). There are so many good guitars in the 500 - 600 dollar range. I was looking at the Martin and Gibson sites just last night. Great axes for sure. The Taylor seems to the guitar of choice for many. There are many imports that are really good sounding. Now that you are armed with Badweb guitar knowledge. Maybe a trip to the local Guitar Center (as someone said, the Wally World of the music industry) and just take a look around. Pick up and try a bunch out. See what feels good and sounds good. Put down some plastic and run with it. Don't forget some essentials: picks, chord book, hard case, electric tuner, set of strings (just in case). | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Just remembered this bit of information. There is a guy who sells decent guitars and is on PBS all the time around here (Arizona) his name is Esteban, sells his own brand. According to the infomercial you get the guitar, gig bag, book, dvd video and all you need to get started. I have never seen one, however, my son-in-law has a friend who has one and says it isn't bad at all. And its less than $200.00. Just a thought. Has anyone else heard of these? http://www.esteban-guitars.com/?PD=AALG001 (Message edited by BCordb3 on January 10, 2006) | ||
| Whodom |
Hugh, i'm thinking an upper limit of $500. solid top sounds like it's important, even tho i'm just a beginner. sure seems like a lot of people are high on the Seagull - is Mike, your music store owner friend - able to offer this brand? $500 will buy you a nice guitar. Don't forget to hold back some for a decent case. You can get a "gig bag" for ~$30 and up, a cheap (cardboard) hard case for a little more, and a good (plastic or fiberglass) hard case for maybe $50 and up. Yes, I believe my local shop (Ye Olde Music Shop) carries Seagull now. His name is Mike Davis and he is good to deal with. You might want to check in your local area just for comparison and then call and compare Mike's price. The nylon string ("classical") guitar might be a good suggestion, but that is really a completely different instrument from a steel string acoustic. Wider neck, strings are easier on the fingers, but the sound is very different. You may or may not like it. Willie Nelson has played one for years, if you've ever seen him live or on TV. I have very little knowledge of what's good on classical guitars, apart from the same wood guidelines (solid is better). The neck on any decent steel-stringed instrument will be adjustable. There is a steel rod called the truss rod running inside the neck to strengthen it and compensate for the stress that the tension of the strings pulling on the neck causes. Since the neck is wood, it tends to "move" with humidity changes. Different gauged strings pull on the neck differently. To compensate for these changes, the truss rod is adjustable. You actually want the neck to have a very slight forward bow to give room for the strings to vibrate. As you tighten the truss rod, it tends to straighten the neck out. As a new owner you probably don't want to mess with it but they aren't rocket science, and with a little instruction, thought, and practice you can learn how to properly adjust one. | ||
| M1combat |
I'd go for a Martin in Brazilian rosewood... And I like the Juggernaught bodies  . My father has a "traveler" made by Martin that sounds VERY nice. Surprisingly so for a small guitar. If you're interested in bringing something over here for a ride this year you might look into something like that . | ||
| Jerry_haughton |
Bill, thanks for the advice. what seems to make the most sense is heading to a well-stocked guitar store and touching them all. i didn't think choosing the "right" acoustic would be so difficult, and i can readily see that it's something that i can't do online. that said, Hugh, once i find the right guitar i'm tempted to ring up your friend Mike and send some business his way. i've always liked keeping my $ in the family, and if you say he's good, that's good enough for me. as far as a "classical" acoustic (i.e. nylon strings), again, guess i'll have to give a listen to know for sure. however, if nylon strings are indeed considerably easier on tender fingertips than steel, and considering how i make my living, classical may be the way to go. i also like the idea of a wider neck, to perhaps make it easier for a rookie with fat fingers to get the hang of it??? and thanks for the heads up on the adjustable neck. M1, can you tell me what defines a "Juggernaut?" i've seen the term used a bunch on the websites i've perused, and i THINK i'm on the right track, but additional input would be welcome. as far as "traveler" acoustics, these are smaller-bodied guitars that are perhaps better suited for hauling around to campfires and decks facing fiery sunsets (or lashing on the back of a scoot), right? any drawbacks to a traveler? how 'bout if one has large-ish hands? thanks again all for the great advice, much appreciated. please keep it coming, i'm soaking it up like a sponge. FB | ||
| Mikej |
 Edited to add mfgr link: link to Martin ps, I don't play yet, but plan to soon. Have several guitars upstairs already picked up at rummage sales, just need to get them looked at and any necessary repairs made to them. I don't have a backpacker model though. (Message edited by mikej on January 10, 2006) | ||
| Road_thing |
Jerry: I think M1's messin' with ya--Martin's "Dreadnought" has been a kind of "gold standard" of acoustic guitars for years. http://www.guildguy.com/gcidwr.html http://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=m&m=D-28 rt | ||
| M1combat |
Dreadnought, juggernaut... Traveler, backpacker... Potato, potato... I don't know if there's any merit to the story, but I've heard that some people with large hands have removed six strings from a twelve string to give themselves more room... I had an Ibanez twelve a while back that I would have given you just to hear you play it in a year but alas... I already gave it away... It was a nice guitar, but I still haven't heard Scott play it. He says he does though... It's really too bad the Brazilian rosewood Martin's are so hard to find these days... They sure are purdy . | ||
| Bcordb3 |
Dreadnought, juggernaut... Traveler, backpacker... Potato, potato... Now that is funny! Good on you Don! One of these days I have to get by Yarnell and get to Prescott. | ||
| Whodom |
Jerry, if you want to do some on-line looking, http://www.musiciansfriend.com is pretty good. I believe they are now affiliated with Guitar Center, so the prices are about the same. You can search by "acoustic" and price limits which'll give you a reasonable idea of what's available. Here's the link for acoustic guitars in the $300 to $500 range: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/srs7/g=guitar/navigation?N=100001+306250+10&page= 1 Don't forget that there are several other name brands we've mentioned that they don't carry that have good guitars in this price range. Notice that the body shapes mostly fall into 3 or 4 styles ("Dreadnought" is a body shape); the different shapes sound significantly different and of course feel different when you hold the guitar. A smaller body will be more comfortable and sound more trebly, a larger body will emphasize bass response more. You may just like the way one shape looks over the others. Fancy inlays, bindings, and finishes add to the cost. I always figured it was better to minimize that stuff (especially on a less-expensive instrument) and devote the money to the wood and construction. That's one of the main reasons I like the Seagulls- very "no-frills" appearance which I think is cool. BTW, I notice Musician's Friend carries "Blueridge" guitars, which were recommended to me by a bluegrass playing friend of mine. He owns several old, valuable Martins so I value his opinion. I believe they are Chinese imports, but are supposed to be very well-made and are great deals for the price. That's another brand that would be worth checking out. |
