[daveray]

Hi guys

This is my first post on the forum, I have to say I am pleased to be here.

Okay, I need your advice. I am starting to play guitar again after a 15 year absence I like blues, rock, classical HELL I like all guitar music. Anyway I am going to start out again with an acoustic probably an electro-acoustic because I can play using the higher frets.

I have a budget of about $1500 to spend on a good acoustic and have to say I need some views. I like the Martin sound and also love the Taylor. However, should I aim slightly lower and ignore the aforementioned makes?

I only play for my own entertainment (and the kids and who enjoy a sing-along!) as I am a 45+ executive that doesn't have plenty of spare time. The guitar just helps me relax and unwind from the stress of work.

I love Hendrix, Zeppelin, Eagles, Beatles, Buddy Guy, BB King, Santana, Stevie Ray Vaughan - a pretty varied taste which also includes Deftones, Blink182 etc.

All advice gratefully received

[gcd23]

I would recommend going to your local music store and try out all of the guitars in that price range. You might end up liking something you have never heard of. I'm personally a Taylor guy but I'm sure someone would disagree. Hope this helped.

[Graeme! Yes, Graeme!]

If you're just using it as a spare time hobby I'd say don't spend loads - there's no point. You can easily get a good guitar that will serve the purpose for much less than $1500. Something like a good Takamine perhaps. Good guitars, decent tone, well made.

Unless you're going to be playing regularly, even seriously, I'd say you don't need an exepensive guitar at all. Shop around, see what feels and plays nice to you.

[daveray]

If you're just using it as a spare time hobby I'd say don't spend loads - there's no point. You can easily get a good guitar that will serve the purpose for much less than $1500. Something like a good Takamine perhaps. Good guitars, decent tone, well made.

Unless you're going to be playing regularly, even seriously, I'd say you don't need an exepensive guitar at all. Shop around, see what feels and plays nice to you.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

I guess you're right but you know that feeling you get when you want something!! I played a Martin 16RGTE that belongs to a friend and it just blew me away. The sound, the feel everything was awesome. It was better than anything I had ever tried. I've played Takamine, Fender, Gibson Washburn etc but they didn't come close to the Martin. I know they're all good guitars and that I haven't tried an "eggs for eggs" comparison.

Which Takamine would you recommend Graeme??

Cheers

[gcd23]

All my guitars have either been Takamine or Taylor and I can vouch that they are both great companies. My first guitar was the Takamine G230 which is an extremely good beginner guitar than I got a Takamine EG-334SBC and I think that guitar was one of the best in its price range(I recommend trying it out). I've also played the Takamine EG-531, EAN-40C, EAN-10C, EG-341 and EG-523SC. I personally like all of those but I'm sure Graeme would have a different say.

[Graeme! Yes, Graeme!]

I've honestly only played two Takamines, one of which is my own EN30 C. It's a lovely guitar. Sounds good, feels good, looks good.

Really, at the end of the day, it's up to you. It's your guitar, it's something you'll no doubt have fo ryears. Buy what you feel comfortable with. I suggest going to a local guitar store and trying out a few guitars to see what you like. It's all down to personal preference, especially as guitar playing for you will be a very personal thing.

[krondor]

I played a takamine 12 string for years. Bought it used for $200. Played it for 10 years while always keeping it stored in its case with decadents to keep it from collecting moisture. I turned around and got $1200 out of it. There is nothing can be said bad about a Takimine. They have a great sound for the price you pay.
I now settled for a little Fender. It was built in Korea with the 'tender loving care' (SIC) those nice people put into the construction of the thing. When I got this poor guitar for $200 new, there was a 1/4 inch gap between the body end of the neck and the strings. The back bridge was way to high. It played like a real piece 'o crap. I knew what kind of potential it had in it when I picked it up in the store. I looked at the construction of the bridge and knew I could file the bottom off of it a little bit at a time until I got it down to where it had about 1/32 gap between the neck and the strings all the way down. I put it back together and tuned it up with a new set of strings. It has stayed in tune with little need to retune it. It doesn't have a scratch one on it (I have not let my brother anywhere within 100 ft of it). If you know how to fix small problems with a guitar, you can find some great deals out there. If you do not have the mechanical bug about you as I do, search the shops high and low until you find a guitar you just can't put down. Otherwise, buyer beware, check the price of the guitar new on the net before you buy it. Know what you are buying and what it is worth. Don't slam your hard earned $$$ on a lemon. Look inside, make sure the bracing construction of the inner skeleton is firmly connected to the body in all places. Make sure there is no separation where the bridge is connected both on the outside and on the inside of the guitar.
Make sure the strings are not too high above the neck to be comfortable for you to play. Yes, there is supposed to be some slight finger pain, which comes from a long enjoyable night playing your guitar, but you should not have to bleed on the guitar to play a decent cord or note.
With $1500, a person should be able to find a really nice guitar. But to spend that much money on an accoustic guitar without getting a built in electric pickup would to be bending over and taking it without even getting kissed. Kinda like the guy who insisted I sell him my old Takamine 12 string for $1200. I did not set the price, he played it at a party fell in love with it and basically threw his money at me. Buyer beware! That 12 string did not even have an electric pickup and was woth about $150 at that time in it's dented old condition. It sure did sound good though.

This post has been edited by krondor: 10 January 2005 - 01:29 AM