Have had a break from the guitar for a few years (thanks to the tin whistle) now but picked up my electric just before Christmas and started playing again. Now I'm interested in getting an acoustic which I haven't played for perhaps 10 years...
Anyway, I need a guitar that will sound well recorded more than anything since I play a number of instruments and sing also and like recording songs. I couldn't care less how the guitar looks as long as it sounds good.
Prepared to pay around the 500 € (5000Kr) mark or more if its really worth it.
Music I like includes Lúnasa, Flook, Silly Wizard, Planxty etc. Interested in stumming and also fingerpicking.
I live in Stockholm and am going to a good guitar shop here tomorrow. There's a lot of guitars there so if you could nudge me in a few directions that would be a great help -
Barry - I suggest you look at the Tanglewood T45 ... models that are in your price range at about 4995kr
My son has just got one for a present and it's fantastic. I had no idea Tanglewood made such beautiful guitars these days.
His exact model is not there on the website but is somewhat similar to Tanglewood TW45NS on the shop's site
Solid wood top and back and should continue to mature as a good instrument
fwiw, i really dislike takamines. i'm not keen on yamahas. but i've yet to play a bad taylor, and they're in your range (just). and there are some nice martins out there. blue ridge guitars look ok too. gibsons are overpriced. i got lucky on an old one and it's good, but i've played some new ones that really aren't worth half the price thats on them
my main advice tho would be to go to an acoustic specialist and try for yourself. it's so subjective. i like small guitars, but there are plenty good jumbos....
Recommendations for this brand or that model are pointless. Each instrument will be different. Just get in the music shops and try out every one you can, new, old, expensive, cheap, famous name, unknown, made on production line in Taiwan, hand crafted by a bespoke luthier.
The one for you will make itself known.
And it'll probably be the most unlikely one of all (on paper)...
I recently bought the missus her first acoustic, and had been recommended the Tanglewoods. When we tried them, neither of us liked them. Mind you we're complete beginners, so maybe we weren't looking for the right things.
I ended up buying a Fender solid top, steel strung, which had a really nice feel and tone. We tried it back to back with the Tanglewoods and both agreed it was more to our taste.
It could be individual instruments, or just our personal taste, but I'd definately recommended trying as many as you can in as many shops as you can. It's surprising how the same model varies in price in the same town...
Guitarists (possibly more than any other instrument holders) constantly go on and on about instrument (pedal and amps). The whole scene is a complete one-upmanship thing. They all know about hundreds of types of pickups, valves and who played what model on endless records but very few actually play anything worthwhile on them. They are, by far, the least musically educated of all "musicians". Most can't do anything other than an over amplified bedroom blues jam at a dreadful open mic nite! No wonder they are always asking what the chords are and talking about getting a new instrument!
If only they stopped talking about the hardware and started doing some MUSIC!
Ahem! Er... Yes! I'm one myself, by the way, a guitarist (among other things!).
I'm lucky enough to have an old Guild, and an even older Martin, so I'll not be looking for a new guitar ever again, hopefully.
I certainly agree about trying every instrument you can, as a personal approach is the best, but also take along a second pair of ears and hands, someone who might spot flaws you can't see.
It might be worthwhile to check out any local sales on ebay if you can get to play them first - modern guitar-builders are trying some new woods and adhesives and such, but the basic best design hasn't really changed, and an older solid-wood ( non-ply ) instrument, that has already matured a bit, could be the one that rings your bells.
get something with a built in pickup since you want to record. Pretty much anything that plays alright and you can plug in will do good for you in that price range.
The stuff they make these days with built in electronics is cheaper than you think. I got a new guitar with a built in pick up, preamp, and EQ for only $400 US just last summer
but don't just order online, go and actually play the thing because not all affordable guitars are created equal
Last year, I had some extra scratch and was divided between a new guitar and a new box. (Bought the box btw)
But I spent a few months sampling and shopping quitars. Martins are the gold standard-as long as you are willing to pay US equiv of more than 3000 euro. The cheaper line which is more in line with what you are willing to pay was just like th off-shore cheapies. Most of the cost was in the Martin decal on the head.
Our regular guitarists here seemed keen on the Taylors and they had some good rep. I didn't care much for the action and the sound. Like the yamahas, they were too 'twangy' and lacked depth. oddly, I played a couple of nice epiphones. The Blue ridge was also nice, but also not inexpensive.
Out of frustration-in the quality of the affordable guitars' sound, well as price, I had some neckwork done on my old guitar and invested in a new box.
But I would certainly stick with a traditional Martin line as opposed to the newer mass market lines, particularly if you do not have alot of familiarity with current new product, or you are located somewhere where you don't have a guitar shop[ with a broad group of guitars where you can sample.
In your price range there are a number of reasonable makes but the quality is really not there unless you increase your spend. I´d encourage you to spend a bit more if you want a good guitar. Having said that you might be lucky enough to spot a real bargain particularly in these troubled times.
At the high end Taylor and Martin are getting all the plaudits and deservedly so. Some Guilds can be quite good espec. for ITM as they have a good bass sound.
I have played some very decent Corts and was surprised, but Blueridge is my choice for a less than high priced guitar, easy play, solid wood or laminate back and sides.... both sound really good. Available generally on Ebay, but try to go play one somewhere first if possible.
Don't know Tanglewood. Love the Blueridge BR-160. Great all purpose instrument.
The answer, of course, is to go out and try as many as you can. And take along a friend who plays. I don’t keep up with the market anymore, but I recommend trying some of the Blueridge low-end models before deciding.
Went to the guitar shop here in Stockholm today with a completely open mind - OK I'm a little biased against tanglewoods since I had one when I first started playing...
First things first, most of the guitars I tried had a boring sound to my ears. I noticed that many guitars edging the €1000 mark have a "careful" and rather impersonal sound to them. I was disappointed by them actually. Cheaper guitar generally sound dull and smothered.
However I did find a few guitars I liked, two guitars in particular. Both were second hand and both were old Levins. Myself and my friend took turns on them but I preferred how the Levin Lt-18 sounded even if it was a little harder to play. I also enjoyed playing it more. My friend was unsure which was best but agreed with me that they were overall the best guitars we tried. They had a lot of personality.
Anyway, the problem is that the Lt-18 is described on the seller's website as follows -
Levins classic dreadnought, 3 repaired cracks in the top, newly renovated in our workshop, spruce top, solid maple on the sides and base, worn out road warrior with a lot of surface crackling och small marks.
BTW, the guitar celebrates its 40th birthday this year and is priced at €6500.
When I told the guy working in the shop I was interested in it, he looked it over before finding a new crack. He said that its quite humid in the shop and that they would need to repair it again. Hes going to ring me when its fixed.
Anyway, I think the guitar sounds great and enjoyable to play. But I dont want a guitar that will fall apart on me either so I'm not sure what I should do. What do you think???
Levins are made in Sweden after all so maybe I should wait for another to come along.
I had a look at the shop's website and they seem to have a very large range of guitars. You have played many of them but most sound 'boring'. This may have something to do with the shop environment and the acoustics in the room. Many music shops are crowded, busy and confined. This is not the ideal place to play or hear an instrument. Would the shop allow you take some instruments to a different location for testing?
You mentioned that you want to do some recording with the guitar. Unless you have a recording space that is properly acoustically treated, I wouldn't recommend a dreadnought guitar. Although there are many fine exceptions, dreadnoughts tend to have a bassy, boomy and boxy sound. This is fine if you're playing in a big room or session, but when it comes to recording with a microphone, these qualities will be magnified, particularly when it comes to fingerstyle playing. I have a Taylor 410 dreadnought guitar. It's a superb instrument until I put a mic in front of it!
Good luck with your search. I hope you find something that suits your playing and budget.
I can't believe a Levin, an OLD Levin, is going for 6K euro........what ? What are the guys in the shop on ? And tell the luthier to get a dehumidifier, they are standard for US luthiers who have to work in the humid summer months.
Levins used to be one of the mid-range, ok but not the best, when the choice otherwise was cheap rubbish or imported americans. Other mid-range including Hagstroms and Harmony Sovereign. I'm talking mid-60's here. I
f you have 6K euro get a Martin, my friend. I'd go for a OOO model, if I was looking and had the cash. There've been some nice re-issues and signature models they've put out in recent years. Or less money, get a Guild - again a make with a few years of experience, I'd go for a more waisted model, not a Dreadnought with the boomier bass and less top on it myself ( though my Guild is a D25 ). Look for secondhand too.
Can't go wrong with a Tak. And they're really cheap, too. A friend with a studio keeps one as a backup because it is very well balanced. They make a million models so blanket statements about tone, etc are difficult to make but quality is always very consistent and very high.
Old Guilds have that weird chunky neck, so play one first, but you'd have to find one..
Blueridge makes very nice instruments for the money but the hardware is garbage (meaning very inconsistent). Some models will tune up fine, and other copies of the same model just fight you. It will definitely need a set-up out of the box.
Breedlove make cheapish guitars generally of high quality, but nothing really special. Nice to have the price point competition, though, for the money I'd rather buy a Tak.
The latest Martins that I've played have been overpriced and under performing for the money they're charging, but seem very well built.
Yamaha is a brand that no one ever mentions and I'll continue to swear by. Try their models ranging from $300 - $700 and you'll be very surprised.
Taylor makes a couple of very attractive and well built instruments for under $700. That range of their product line is impressive considering the competition.
Seagull gets an honorable mention for well balanced tone, price, and playability but I've always been miffed about the volume being too soft. I swear it's the headstock -- too damn small.
The more expensive Alvarez solid-top models are very nice and I've always been impressed by them. The cheap ones are, well, very cheap.
I'd ignore Cort, Washburn (blah), Fender, Epiphone, Dean, Johnson, Ovation (personal vendetta.. if you like it then go for it), any new Guild, or anything with a soundboard that isn't immediately recognizable as being made of wood (purple, red, metal flake, etc).
Bottom line: go shopping! Heck, that's the fun part. Play everything, commit to nothing, and try your damndest to irritate the salesman. You'll find the right one and might get a deal.
Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Hi there,
Have had a break from the guitar for a few years (thanks to the tin whistle) now but picked up my electric just before Christmas and started playing again. Now I'm interested in getting an acoustic which I haven't played for perhaps 10 years...
Anyway, I need a guitar that will sound well recorded more than anything since I play a number of instruments and sing also and like recording songs. I couldn't care less how the guitar looks as long as it sounds good.
Prepared to pay around the 500 € (5000Kr) mark or more if its really worth it.
Music I like includes Lúnasa, Flook, Silly Wizard, Planxty etc. Interested in stumming and also fingerpicking.
I live in Stockholm and am going to a good guitar shop here tomorrow. There's a lot of guitars there so if you could nudge me in a few directions that would be a great help -
http://www.jamshop.se/gitarr-staalstraengad/
Look forward to you suggestions,
Barry
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Barra Ó Gríobhtha
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Barry - I suggest you look at the Tanglewood T45 ... models that are in your price range at about 4995kr
My son has just got one for a present and it's fantastic. I had no idea Tanglewood made such beautiful guitars these days.
His exact model is not there on the website but is somewhat similar to Tanglewood TW45NS on the shop's site
Solid wood top and back and should continue to mature as a good instrument
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Bren
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
fwiw, i really dislike takamines. i'm not keen on yamahas. but i've yet to play a bad taylor, and they're in your range (just). and there are some nice martins out there. blue ridge guitars look ok too. gibsons are overpriced. i got lucky on an old one and it's good, but i've played some new ones that really aren't worth half the price thats on them
my main advice tho would be to go to an acoustic specialist and try for yourself. it's so subjective. i like small guitars, but there are plenty good jumbos....
good luck
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by saltybrian
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Hi, you should try this company, they are only new so
are still pretty cheap and play far above their price. http://www.freshmanguitars.co.uk/
To see reviews of them look here, the FA400D is the one i have really lives up to the hype
http://reviews.harmony-central.com/reviews/Guitar/brand/Freshman
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Joneser
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
is the one i have and it really lives up to the hype*
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Joneser
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
My brother, who buys instruments for a music chain, says that Taylor guitars are the best buy for the price these days....
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by AlBrown
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Recommendations for this brand or that model are pointless. Each instrument will be different. Just get in the music shops and try out every one you can, new, old, expensive, cheap, famous name, unknown, made on production line in Taiwan, hand crafted by a bespoke luthier.
The one for you will make itself known.
And it'll probably be the most unlikely one of all (on paper)...
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Krick Stahlschwanz
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
I'm with SS Krick.
I recently bought the missus her first acoustic, and had been recommended the Tanglewoods. When we tried them, neither of us liked them. Mind you we're complete beginners, so maybe we weren't looking for the right things.
I ended up buying a Fender solid top, steel strung, which had a really nice feel and tone. We tried it back to back with the Tanglewoods and both agreed it was more to our taste.
It could be individual instruments, or just our personal taste, but I'd definately recommended trying as many as you can in as many shops as you can. It's surprising how the same model varies in price in the same town...
Eno
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by bc_box_player
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Guitarists (possibly more than any other instrument holders) constantly go on and on about instrument (pedal and amps). The whole scene is a complete one-upmanship thing. They all know about hundreds of types of pickups, valves and who played what model on endless records but very few actually play anything worthwhile on them. They are, by far, the least musically educated of all "musicians". Most can't do anything other than an over amplified bedroom blues jam at a dreadful open mic nite! No wonder they are always asking what the chords are and talking about getting a new instrument!
If only they stopped talking about the hardware and started doing some MUSIC!
Ahem! Er... Yes! I'm one myself, by the way, a guitarist (among other things!).
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Krick Stahlschwanz
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
find yourself a nice old Guild.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by pipewatcher
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
I'm lucky enough to have an old Guild, and an even older Martin, so I'll not be looking for a new guitar ever again, hopefully.
I certainly agree about trying every instrument you can, as a personal approach is the best, but also take along a second pair of ears and hands, someone who might spot flaws you can't see.
It might be worthwhile to check out any local sales on ebay if you can get to play them first - modern guitar-builders are trying some new woods and adhesives and such, but the basic best design hasn't really changed, and an older solid-wood ( non-ply ) instrument, that has already matured a bit, could be the one that rings your bells.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Taylor guitars start at 7000 dollars,I recently bought a Cort for 500 euros and I'm very pleased with it.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by dafydd
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
get something with a built in pickup since you want to record. Pretty much anything that plays alright and you can plug in will do good for you in that price range.
The stuff they make these days with built in electronics is cheaper than you think. I got a new guitar with a built in pick up, preamp, and EQ for only $400 US just last summer
but don't just order online, go and actually play the thing because not all affordable guitars are created equal
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Nate Ryan
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Last year, I had some extra scratch and was divided between a new guitar and a new box. (Bought the box btw)
But I spent a few months sampling and shopping quitars. Martins are the gold standard-as long as you are willing to pay US equiv of more than 3000 euro. The cheaper line which is more in line with what you are willing to pay was just like th off-shore cheapies. Most of the cost was in the Martin decal on the head.
Our regular guitarists here seemed keen on the Taylors and they had some good rep. I didn't care much for the action and the sound. Like the yamahas, they were too 'twangy' and lacked depth. oddly, I played a couple of nice epiphones. The Blue ridge was also nice, but also not inexpensive.
Out of frustration-in the quality of the affordable guitars' sound, well as price, I had some neckwork done on my old guitar and invested in a new box.
But I would certainly stick with a traditional Martin line as opposed to the newer mass market lines, particularly if you do not have alot of familiarity with current new product, or you are located somewhere where you don't have a guitar shop[ with a broad group of guitars where you can sample.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by zippydw
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
In your price range there are a number of reasonable makes but the quality is really not there unless you increase your spend. I´d encourage you to spend a bit more if you want a good guitar. Having said that you might be lucky enough to spot a real bargain particularly in these troubled times.
At the high end Taylor and Martin are getting all the plaudits and deservedly so. Some Guilds can be quite good espec. for ITM as they have a good bass sound.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by lysaghtm
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
I have played some very decent Corts and was surprised, but Blueridge is my choice for a less than high priced guitar, easy play, solid wood or laminate back and sides.... both sound really good. Available generally on Ebay, but try to go play one somewhere first if possible.
Don't know Tanglewood. Love the Blueridge BR-160. Great all purpose instrument.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by irisnevins
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
The answer, of course, is to go out and try as many as you can. And take along a friend who plays. I don’t keep up with the market anymore, but I recommend trying some of the Blueridge low-end models before deciding.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Bob himself
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
Thanks again for your advice -
Went to the guitar shop here in Stockholm today with a completely open mind - OK I'm a little biased against tanglewoods since I had one when I first started playing...
First things first, most of the guitars I tried had a boring sound to my ears. I noticed that many guitars edging the €1000 mark have a "careful" and rather impersonal sound to them. I was disappointed by them actually. Cheaper guitar generally sound dull and smothered.
However I did find a few guitars I liked, two guitars in particular. Both were second hand and both were old Levins. Myself and my friend took turns on them but I preferred how the Levin Lt-18 sounded even if it was a little harder to play. I also enjoyed playing it more. My friend was unsure which was best but agreed with me that they were overall the best guitars we tried. They had a lot of personality.
Anyway, the problem is that the Lt-18 is described on the seller's website as follows -
Levins classic dreadnought, 3 repaired cracks in the top, newly renovated in our workshop, spruce top, solid maple on the sides and base, worn out road warrior with a lot of surface crackling och small marks.
BTW, the guitar celebrates its 40th birthday this year and is priced at €6500.
When I told the guy working in the shop I was interested in it, he looked it over before finding a new crack. He said that its quite humid in the shop and that they would need to repair it again. Hes going to ring me when its fixed.
Anyway, I think the guitar sounds great and enjoyable to play. But I dont want a guitar that will fall apart on me either so I'm not sure what I should do. What do you think???
Levins are made in Sweden after all so maybe I should wait for another to come along.
Anyway, I'm not sure what I'm going to do.
Any advice?
Barry.
# Posted on January 8th 2009 by Barra Ó Gríobhtha
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
I had a look at the shop's website and they seem to have a very large range of guitars. You have played many of them but most sound 'boring'. This may have something to do with the shop environment and the acoustics in the room. Many music shops are crowded, busy and confined. This is not the ideal place to play or hear an instrument. Would the shop allow you take some instruments to a different location for testing?
You mentioned that you want to do some recording with the guitar. Unless you have a recording space that is properly acoustically treated, I wouldn't recommend a dreadnought guitar. Although there are many fine exceptions, dreadnoughts tend to have a bassy, boomy and boxy sound. This is fine if you're playing in a big room or session, but when it comes to recording with a microphone, these qualities will be magnified, particularly when it comes to fingerstyle playing. I have a Taylor 410 dreadnought guitar. It's a superb instrument until I put a mic in front of it!
Good luck with your search. I hope you find something that suits your playing and budget.
# Posted on January 9th 2009 by Joel McDermott
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
I can't believe a Levin, an OLD Levin, is going for 6K euro........what ? What are the guys in the shop on ? And tell the luthier to get a dehumidifier, they are standard for US luthiers who have to work in the humid summer months.
Levins used to be one of the mid-range, ok but not the best, when the choice otherwise was cheap rubbish or imported americans. Other mid-range including Hagstroms and Harmony Sovereign. I'm talking mid-60's here. I
f you have 6K euro get a Martin, my friend. I'd go for a OOO model, if I was looking and had the cash. There've been some nice re-issues and signature models they've put out in recent years. Or less money, get a Guild - again a make with a few years of experience, I'd go for a more waisted model, not a Dreadnought with the boomier bass and less top on it myself ( though my Guild is a D25 ). Look for secondhand too.
# Posted on January 9th 2009 by Guernsey Pete
Re: Acoustic Guitar Suggestions
My two cents:
Can't go wrong with a Tak. And they're really cheap, too. A friend with a studio keeps one as a backup because it is very well balanced. They make a million models so blanket statements about tone, etc are difficult to make but quality is always very consistent and very high.
Old Guilds have that weird chunky neck, so play one first, but you'd have to find one..
Blueridge makes very nice instruments for the money but the hardware is garbage (meaning very inconsistent). Some models will tune up fine, and other copies of the same model just fight you. It will definitely need a set-up out of the box.
Breedlove make cheapish guitars generally of high quality, but nothing really special. Nice to have the price point competition, though, for the money I'd rather buy a Tak.
The latest Martins that I've played have been overpriced and under performing for the money they're charging, but seem very well built.
Yamaha is a brand that no one ever mentions and I'll continue to swear by. Try their models ranging from $300 - $700 and you'll be very surprised.
Taylor makes a couple of very attractive and well built instruments for under $700. That range of their product line is impressive considering the competition.
Seagull gets an honorable mention for well balanced tone, price, and playability but I've always been miffed about the volume being too soft. I swear it's the headstock -- too damn small.
The more expensive Alvarez solid-top models are very nice and I've always been impressed by them. The cheap ones are, well, very cheap.
I'd ignore Cort, Washburn (blah), Fender, Epiphone, Dean, Johnson, Ovation (personal vendetta.. if you like it then go for it), any new Guild, or anything with a soundboard that isn't immediately recognizable as being made of wood (purple, red, metal flake, etc).
Bottom line: go shopping! Heck, that's the fun part. Play everything, commit to nothing, and try your damndest to irritate the salesman. You'll find the right one and might get a deal.
# Posted on January 14th 2009 by gravelwalks