Tman5293 Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 Hi, I'm interested in getting a relatively nice starter acoustic thats plays alright. I'd like to keep the price under $500. And just so you know this isn't my first guitar. I own an SG and a Schecter C1+. However this will be a first time experience in buying an acoustic guitar so I want to know which one you guys think would be best to start with? I want it to be an electric acoustic. Thanks! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drathbun Posted May 27, 2010 Share Posted May 27, 2010 I really like the Yamaha solid spruce topped guitars. For the price they play well, have great finish and look great. The FG720S goes for under $500 and is a great guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sorad Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 the yamahas are pretty nice and use dovetails. I also like seagulls and some washburns that would be in that range. Theres a thread and alot of guys liked blue ridge guitars I havent played one but want to Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinder Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 I played a couple of Epiphone 'Inspired By 1964' Texans recently that were superb. I know several forum members are owners, and speak highly of them too. Solid top'n'back, great pickup system and about as cool looking as a guitar can possibly be. Can't go wrong! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
albertjohn Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 I too would always start my search with Yamaha or Epiphone. Stick to the solid tops. There's a huge choice at the serious entry level but it's good fun trying them out. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
geelinus Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 Consider maximizing your spending power by going used -- Epi Masterbilts are VERY nice. If you waqnt to buy new, then consider a Seasgull or Art & Lutherie acoustic. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
onewilyfool Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 Epi Masterbilts, Blueridge, Recording King.....all great bang for the buck. Buy them used, and really reap the windfall....good luck with your choice!! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Red 333 Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 By all reports, it seems there are many good low-priced acoustics to choose from. I have personal experience with the Epiphone Masterbilts. They are excellent. Red 333 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mooboo Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 Of course try a Masterbilt! However, you may want to check out a used Taylor.. My friend got a 214 for under $500 at a pawn shop and it sounds fantastic.. Granted it isn't a Gibson but still nice Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Hoss Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 Recording Kings are stupid crazy values. Even my Luthier/Repair Guy bought one on Ebay - even he couldn't resist a dovetail joint, all solid woods, 1 3/4 nut and solid build. $300. Evidently, there's a guy who has a regular listing on Ebay for Recording Kings. I think my friend's had a 'blemish' somewhere, so it was classified as a second. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
bkharmony Posted May 28, 2010 Share Posted May 28, 2010 Repeating what's already been said. If I had $500 I'd look at: Yamaha Epiphone (Masterbilt if possible) Blueridge Seagull Silver Creek Lots and lots of respectable guitars available today for under $500. Thanks, China and Korea! Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
fortyearspickn Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 Played an Epi Texan and a Masterbuilt dreadnaught Wednesday at Sam Ash. The were both very good sounding and comfortable. Strings were bad - I hate it when they're tarnished and your fingers can't even slide. The Tag price on the Txn was $450 and on the Masterbuilt $499. It was really nice. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwilliams Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 Larrivee 03 series...solid wood and a quality build. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Soundwarrior Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 I would take a look at Seagull. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
drathbun Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 Larrivee 03 series...solid wood and a quality build. You can get a new 03 for under $500??? If so, it would be the best guitar in the class hands down. I've never seen one though. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGSpecialguy Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 I agree with the Epiphone Masterbuilt, my brother has one and its a great playing and sounding acoustic for the money, he loves his and he has a Martin D35 too Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Dotneck Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 You can get a new 03 for under $500??? If so' date=' it would be the best guitar in the class hands down. I've never seen one though. [/quote'] naw...you won't get a new one for $500 but I've seen used ones in $600-800 lately....I'd say Larrivee is a good choice for just over $500 if the budget will go there.... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
sorad Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 If you can get one for 600 that'd be wicked. those that have played masterbuilts I always found Epiphone fretboards to feel fake or cheap are these better? Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
mwilliams Posted May 29, 2010 Share Posted May 29, 2010 Sorry folks...didn't know "new" was a need I've seen used Larrivee 03's for as low as $600-650. Fantastic guitar for the money and well worth the extra $100 you're looking to spend. Mike Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
milod Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Okay, odd as this may sound... I personally care more for what feels good and plays nicely for me... for me... for me... I'd rather have a laminated top that may rot in 5 years at $150 if if plays nicely for me than a $5,000 instrument I'm just not comfortable playing and is somehow difficult to play while using my own hands. What fits your hands and playing style may vary significantly. So.... take that as you may. m Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Jinder Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 I agree with Milod here...I have some beautiful guitars, but I also have an early '60s 12-fret 000 size beater, made in China, probably all-lam and with painted on binding (!), I bought it in a junk shop for £10 and did a load of setup work on it, now it plays like butter and has a really distinctive tone, awash with overtones (oddly, for a laminate guitar), full, loud and lush sounding. I have played plenty of expensive instruments that didn't sound as good, and it's pretty unique too. The only downside is the horrific intonation which puts it around a quarter-tone sharp at the 12th, but sticking with cowboy chords it sounds great. I wouldn't have it as my only acoustic, but by the same token I wouldn't want to get rid of it. It just goes to show that you can't judge a book by it's cover, and it's important to think outside the box when shopping for any guitar. Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
Spot Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Don't forget a good old MIJ Takamine,...great guitar for the money in my view... Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suburude63 Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Best Bang for the Buck !! Recording King ! Dreads OMs ))) or what ever . Solid spruce tops ! Solid sides and backs ! Rosewood or Mahogany . Bone nuts and saddles ! Used $250 to $350 or new $500 http://www.recordingking.com/ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B8OCEK/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3243113461&ref=pd_sl_51bednsrnk_e Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
suburude63 Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/showthread.php?t=185760 Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
SGSpecialguy Posted May 30, 2010 Share Posted May 30, 2010 Best Bang for the Buck !! Recording King ! Dreads OMs ))) or what ever . Solid spruce tops ! Solid sides and backs ! Rosewood or Mahogany . Bone nuts and saddles ! Used $250 to $350 or new $500 http://www.recordingking.com/ http://www.amazon.com/dp/B001B8OCEK/?tag=googhydr-20&hvadid=3243113461&ref=pd_sl_51bednsrnk_e WOW !! That DOES look like a great deal !! solid tops and sides good find !! I had a laminate guitar, Washburn, that sounded like a brick !! the body was so dead, the only sound came from the sound hole itself, hated that guitar, sold it on ebay,, not a fan of laminate sides because of that Link to comment Share on other sites More sharing options...
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