New Acoustic

[ajzwart]

Hey guys! I have two request! first off, I'm buying a new acoustic guitar. I've narrowed it down to 2 so far. the Martin X Series 00X1AE, and the Seagull Entourage Rustic Cutaway

 

Here is the Martin

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Martin-X-Series-00X1AE-Java-Mahogany-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=430667

 

Here is the Seagull

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Seagull-Entourage-Rustic-CW-QIT-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=583547

 

What one would you guys recommend?

 

And to keep the topic Epiphone relevant, are there any nice Epiphone acoustics in this price range I should also be considering? I currently have an Epiphone AJ-200 EVS... lets just say I'm underwhelmed by it...

[Fringe Lunatic]

Both would seem to be good choices, but they are rather different. The lesser-priced Martins that I've played (including extensive playing of my son's DR and DM), are very nice guitars. I've had a Seagull S6 and an A & L dread (almost identical except for the narrower nut), and I think that Godin acoustics are very good. You may want to consider which body size might be more comfortable in your arms. The Martin, because of the name, will hold its value and be more saleable, if that's something you're concerned with. I honestly think that either will beat the crap out of the AJ, which is pretty much dipped in a polyester coating, like a fly in amber.

 

Edit: Cedar is somewhat softer than spruce, and mars a little more easily (I call it relic-ing)

[milod]

Okay, here's an old man to weigh in.

 

First and foremost is which one feels like it plays better to you? You can change strings to change some of the tone and playability depending on your style; with amplification you even can get some modification of some tone qualities. So... which feels as if it's easier and more fun to play?

 

Yeah, Martin name likely will hold value better, but it's not a cutaway nor as large a body. Again, what do you play and what do you want - and which feels better.

 

There are, IMHO, some Epis in the same price range that are quite nice, but I think it's an error to say, "I have this much money and I want a steel string AE." Figure your top budget for an AE that includes a hard case, then play everything under that price tag that has a decent brand on it.

 

I went looking recently for a more traditional looking AE than my 1970s Ovation Electric Legend - one of the first of the AE breed with piezo type bridge pickup and I bought it back then for just that reason. But... I wanted a more traditional "box." I ended up with an Epi PR5e after playing about anything that fit the general bill than the Ovation. As for looks, it was an awful lot like a mag pickup early 1950s Gibson a friend has played for ages.

 

But that was secondary. I reeeally liked how it felt and played. I put on the super-light strings I like for fingerpicking; I get a much richer sound amplified but it sounds fine unamplified. But... again... I really liked how it played for me.

 

m

[diverden]

I personally feel the Epiphone Masterbilt line is the best value out there.

As stated those two guitars you mentioned are very different guitars.

You would probably be best served by going to a local shop and trying a bunch of different models.

An AJ 500 or AJ500MCE can be had for the same price and IMHO is a far superior guitar to either of the ones you mentioned.

[diverden]

I personally feel the Epiphone Masterbilt line is the best value out there.

As stated those two guitars you mentioned are very different guitars.

You would probably be best served by going to a local shop and trying a bunch of different models.

An AJ 500 or AJ500MCE can be had for the same price and IMHO is a far superior guitar to either of the ones you mentioned.

 

 

 

Sorry for double post, don't know what happened.

[milod]

Diverden and I basically are saying the same thing:

 

Go try guitars. Epi Masterbuilts are marvelous instruments, but so are some of the less expensive Epi models among the best buys in guitars. I think there are a few with some problems that show up within a year or two that I mostly blame on climate... so make sure you register a new one.

 

I'll stand by my comment, too, about figuring your top "price" and including a hard case. Then try anything less expensive than the guitar-case combination. Oh - and figure also new strings of your favorite type.

 

In a better shop you may ask them if there's an extra charge for setup with your strings of choice. If they're significantly lighter or heavier, you may wanna have that held for a cupla days to find if the neck needs adjustment, too.

 

m

[Big Ron]

I have an Epiphone EJ 200 and I like it really well. Most of the time I am plugged into an amp so my needs may be different than the straight acoustic player.

 

Big Ron