[tubescream8]

After losing a relic strat body on ebay, I was hit by the realization that maybe it was a good thing, because another strat was not really what I needed. But rather a nicer acoustic, with a cutaway and electrical capabilities. So, I know exactly what I want. An acoustic-electric preferably with a solid top, that is smaller or "folk-cut", and a has a cutaway.

This is the guitar that I want.
Guitar
But there is no way I could ever afford that guitar.

I cant afford any of the Martin models in this style, so unless there is something I missed, Martin is pretty much out. I have an Alvarex acoustic and love that, so Im thinking Alvarez, but other than that I really dont know of any other brands and models.

So, I need some other models or brands that essentially covers the features of that guitar but at a price I can afford.

Thanks, Kyle

[billy16]

Takamine has a few like that I think.

[stuartmerenbloom]

Take a look at Seagulls....they will surprise you!!!!!!

[Mikky04]

Have you talked to any Luthiers?

[tubescream8]

Thanks, I looked at Takamine, and saw a few I liked. One of the ones I saw that I liked is called the EG540SC. But I cant seem to find it anywhere, the only ones I can find are colored, and I really dont want the colored version.

I also looked at Seagull, however I couldnt find any of the smaller cut ones, unless I missed them I didnt see any.

But, thanks for mentioning Takamine.

[olduvai]

The other choice is to wait and save and save and wait until you can get the instrument of your dreams. If your heart is set on the Martin, you may be disappointed with anything else. You will then find yourself continuing to pine for it. I have never found going half way to be satisfying.

[wannalearn01]

I was in a similar situation to yours:

I was inbetween a Washburn and a Martin...which doesn't seem as hard of a choice...but adding 200 bucks for the Martin was hard...but I am very very very happy that I went with the one I did...got the better sounding of the two...even though the martin is a "stripped" D-15, with no sparkles, it sounded at least 5 times as good as the Washburn(upper end, had the sparkles and was a awesome white).

If I would have got the washburn, I would have still wanted the Martin...if not right away, then after a little bit of time...

I justified the extra money by telling myself: If I get the martin, that is the last acoustic full-body I will ever need...feel free to use that excuse.

If you CAN wait, do, as the you should get the one that YOU WANT, not the one YOU CAN AFFORD*

T^roy
*If the one you want could NEVER be afforded, than lower your standards, but if it is a difference od 100-200 bucks...go with the higher

[tubescream8]

The problem is the the Martin is around 1600-1800 hundred bucks. There is no way I could ever pay that much for a guitar. Not only the sheer cost, but Im way to hard on acoustics, my current one is shredded. Also, the main problem is having this kind of guitar as quick as possible would be best. It seems that lately my band and I find ourselves in the situation where the best option would be to plug in acoustics, have the drummer play some kind of african drum, and scale the whole thing down. So thats the main problem, if it wasnt for this need I probably wouldnt be even looking in the first place. Because I love my current acoustic and would stick with that for the next 20 years, but it doesnt have the same capabilites and electric would.

I guess my heart isnt really that set on the Martin, thats obviously the exact guitar Im looking for, but I would still be really happy with something else.

[olduvai]

There is always the option of looking for a used guitar. That might get you the best of both worlds.

[tubescream8]

There is always the option of looking for a used guitar. That might get you the best of both worlds.

<{POST_SNAPBACK}>

The main problem right now is I still dont know a model to go after.

Today I came across this guitar at my local shop. Its an Alvarez, and I can get for around $315. It sounded pretty good, really awesome for the price, and pretty much what Im looking for. Anyone have any experiences with it?

Heres the link
Alvarez Guitar

[tubescream8]

I done it. Off of ebay this afternoon, I bought the Alvarez I mentioned in the earlier post. Ive played at my local store, and really liked it. Its not really a fancy or expensive guitar, but it gets the job done. Best part I got it for $155, plus $50 shipping. Comes with a set-up and a casem which is pretty cool. Whole thing comes for a total of $205, which to me is great. Thats 2/3 of what Id have to pay at my local store.

Heres a promo pic, I might post some when I get it.