[axo151]

I'm a pretty good electric player, but I never used to play acoustic much. I've always had one. Lately ive been picking it up a lot more, and I take my electric to jam 5 days a week, so i dont even take it out anymore. Anyways, Im going to look into getting a new acoustic. Mines not bad. Its a hand-me-down, so at least I didnt pay for it. Its a Washburn D12S. It would probably run around 200-250 bucks right now but who knows. Its got no cutaway, and i don't relaly know the specs after that. Grover tuners. Anyways, I am pretty clueless about acoustics, so if you guys could answer some of these questions id appreciate it:

What are some good brands? (I know martins are good, taylors, what else though)
Whats the tone difference between different body woods?
Whats dreadnought mean?
What are some specs I should know about?

The tones Im looking for are pretty much just the blues, and some rock. Acoustic Zeppelin, CSNY (and all of those guys solo), etc. And the blues, a lot of it. So no pop or country.

[pimp_vince]

What are some good brands? (I know martins are good, taylors, what else though)

Taylor, Martin, Gibson, Takamine, Larrivee, Rain Song, basically any acoustic that you find fits you the best

Whats the tone difference between different body woods?

too much to describe, rosewood (brazilian in particular) is considered the best

Whats dreadnought mean?

it's a body shape, the size of most acoustics, it's big, but smaller than a jumbo. it was named after the size of dreadnought boats (WWI ships is think)

What are some specs I should know about?

You always want AT LEAST a solid top, don't take anything that's "laminate" if the guy at the guitar won't tell you, sniff the soundhole. if you smell glue, try a different model. the best brands use all-solid wood construction. cutaways aren't necessary but are a nice added bonus.

[capo2nd]

This is a dreadnought.


This is a jumbo.


This is a FX (grand for fingerstyle).


This is a NEX.


(Piccies taken off takamine.com)

[slick50]

I don't know about the D12S, but Washburn made good guitars. Maybe you could just get that one ajusted or what ever. Just a thought?

[axo151]

yeah, its not a bad guitar, i just wanted to tyr some others out. thanks for the info, but still a few questions.

i know rosewood is desirable, isnt that mostly a fingerboard wood though? ive seen spruce and mohagoney stuff advertised, im wondering which woods are good. is there a lot of tonal difference between the different body shapes, or is it just playability? any other info appreciated.

[tepauldacaw]

Here's some general information on a dozen of the woods.

http://www.taylorgui...ures/woods.html

Enjoy.

[jiminos]

good brands..... guild, gibson, martin, taylor, ovation, lowden... too many to mention really

dreadnaught.... body style. wider waist than jumbos, deeper body (typically) than parlor or classical, examples: martin d28, tak AN710,

tone wood: vast majority are maple or mahog... they are on the softer end of the tone wood spectrum.... rosewood is much harder, results in better resonance and what is often called a "warmer" tone.

one thing to keep in mind... will the majority of your acoustic playing be plugged or unplugged? will you use the guitar on stage... if so, the electronics become an issue.... ovation may well have the best plugged in sound... tak is probably second best for off the shelf trons....

bottom line... go to the store and start playing... listen to others play the guitars you are interested in... buy with your ears not your eyes.

[jane_said]

I am in a similar situation to axo151. I have a couple questions...

Which would be the better way to go: with electronics or mic it?
What kind of price range will get you a substantial, reputable guitar? (I know..."what ever works" but I can judge electronics and such in electric well but don't know what specifics to look for in an acoustic)

[axo151]

i dont like to plug in acoustics, but i will on stage when i need to. thanks for the info. any more insight appreciated

[wiseguy_101]

it really depends on what your willing to spend as far as acoustics
i play a Guild-d40 with electronics but mic my Alvarez 5009 classical
Guild makes a very good sounding guitars and i enjoy my Alvarez also
it really depends on the price your willing to spend

[pimp_vince]

I am in a similar situation to axo151. I have a couple questions...

Which would be the better way to go: with electronics or mic it?
What kind of price range will get you a substantial, reputable guitar? (I know..."what ever works" but I can judge electronics and such in electric well but don't know what specifics to look for in an acoustic)

chances are electronics... it works best with a good acoustic soundhole pickup (non permanent) you don't wanna hurt the acoustic sound. mikeing it is VERY difficult as the guitar must be almost DEAD STILL. feedback happens quite easily, especially with fingerstyle. but nothing beats the sound of a mic-ed acoustic.