Good Guitars For $1500-$2000?

[Sam Bush Fan!]

Dose anybody know of any good Guitaars for $1500-$2000 Range?

[MikeEdgerton]

Go down to your local Martin dealer and look at the D-16 series guitars.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

Go down to your local Martin dealer and look at the D-16 series guitars.

I've not heard dout' the "16" Series

[EarlG]

D16 is good but there are ton's of choices for $2000. Check out acoustic guitar forum.
http://acousticguitarforum.com/

[MikeEdgerton]

There are a few different models in the 16 series, here (http://elderly.com/search/elderly?terms=D-16&x=0&y=0) are two at Elderly.

[Trey Young]

I have a D-16RGT that I bought used (was like new) for $700 and I love it! I have had it for 6 years now and still constantly get compliments on the sound. I don't think there is a better value out there.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

There are a few different models in the 16 series, here (http://elderly.com/search/elderly?terms=D-16&x=0&y=0) are two at Elderly.

Look's like a Nice guitar.
Have you played one?

[Eddie Sheehy]

The Guitar Center stores deal on D28's and D35's - you can get one in that price range. I bought a D35 from them and talked them down to $1,500... (out the door, tax incl. and molded Martin HSC).

I believe "The Guitar Center" is their online store...

[Sam Bush Fan!]

:crying:
I have a D-16RGT that I bought used (was like new) for $700 and I love it! I have had it for 6 years now and still constantly get compliments on the sound. I don't think there is a better value out there.

Wish "I" Would come up on a deal like that.... :-(

[Sam Bush Fan!]

The Guitar Center stores deal on D28's and D35's - you can get one in that price range. I bought a D35 from them and talked them down to $1,500... (out the door, tax incl. and molded Martin HSC).

I believe "The Guitar Center" is their online store...

Were You happy with it?

[Sam Bush Fan!]

What about O.C. Bare guitars?

[MikeEdgerton]

I've owned two Martin D-16's. Play them first if at all possible no matter who makes them. I currently have a D-28 Marquis. I also have a Taylor that I've had for years and a Breedlove. You need to get out and play a few.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

I've owned two Martin D-16's. Play them first if at all possible no matter who makes them. I currently have a D-28 Marquis. I also have a Taylor that I've had for years and a Breedlove. You need to get out and play a few.

Yeah....I guess I should.

[banjoboy]

You can find some great deals on used guitars. I'd be looking for a used Collings (I got one for $2000.00). I've also seen Martin D18GE and Santa Cruz guitars for around $2000.00. Good luck.

[Big Joe]

I am a true Martin fan, but the Recording King acoustics are a LOT more bang for the buck! They are built like pre war Martins at a fraction of the cost of the real thing. Solid woods, dovetail neck joints, nitro finish, bone nuts and saddles, and decent tuners for 500-1000 with a case. I will put them up against anything else on the market. Oh...I forgot. Forward scalloped X braces and lifetime warranties. If you have not tried one, you have no idea what you are missing. There will be a lot of albums coming out of Nashville in the next few years with an old D28 on the cover, but it will be a Recording King on the album. We have sold a good number of them and they have almost all gone to recording studios or working musicians/pro's.

[pops1]

Check here

http://www.taylorguitarforum.com/forums/forumdisplay.php?f=17

There are always lots

[MikeEdgerton]

Joe, are you a Martin dealer as well as a Recording King dealer?

I'm partial to Sunburst Martin's. This was last week at the Pinelands Jamboree in New Jersey.

[Big Joe]

No. I can't afford the buy in. I do usually have a few Martins in the shop for sale though. I own three personally and have one that I've had for over 25 years. Great guitars without question. Maybe some day I will be.....

[GVD]

If you don't mind used there are a lot of choices in the sub $2,000 range.
D16's are nice but some of the discontinued SPD-16's are even better. Here's a couple of rosewood models for sale

http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/32532/32532.php

http://thestringshoppe.com/newoldstock/Martin_SPD-16TR.htm

I've got a mahogany SPD-16 that is an absolute killer. I play it more than my Bourgeois vintage D.

If you take your time and keep your eye out you can get a great used D-18 or D-28 in your price range also. I recommend taking your time and playing as many as you can get your hands on. You'll know when you've found the right one.

[MikeEdgerton]

I didn't realize they were that hard on their dealers. You guys are in a tough racket.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

If you don't mind used there are a lot of choices in the sub $2,000 range.
D16's are nice but some of the discontinued SPD-16's are even better. Here's a couple of rosewood models for sale

http://www.gryphonstrings.com/instpix/32532/32532.php

http://thestringshoppe.com/newoldstock/Martin_SPD-16TR.htm

I've got a mahogany SPD-16 that is an absolute killer. I play it more than my Bourgeois vintage D.

If you take your time and keep your eye out you can get a great used D-18 or D-28 in your price range also. I recommend taking your time and playing as many as you can get your hands on. You'll know when you've found the right one.

How mush did the SPD-16 run you?

[talbotpat]

I bought both of my Taylors in this range...got a 414ce-L7 in mint condition on eBay of all places, and purchased my 410-E-LTD at a dealer in Springfield, Missouri. As has been mentioned, you can pick up some good used guitars in the range you outline, Martin, Collings, Taylor, Gibson, Guild, Alvarez, etc.

Pat

[Steve Perry]

In that price range you can by good used Martin D-28's and D-18's all day long. I paid $1300 for my used D-18V a few years ago. It's a killer guitar that I'd put up against just about anything out there today. Y'all come back to the jam in Vine Grove some Friday night and I'll let you play it.

[Trey Young]

Wish "I" Would come up on a deal like that.... :-(
watch Ebay, that is how I scored mine. Every 16 series guitar I've played has been pretty good, however I lucked out and would consider mine to be exceptional...perhaps I am biased though.

[sgarrity]

A used D-18V is a lot of guitar for the money!

[Darryl Wolfe]

In my book the D-18GE is the best guitar available for 1600-2300

[Steve Perry]

A used D-18V is a lot of guitar for the money!


Exactly!... Nothing against the 16 series but I'd never buy one if a standard model Martin was available in the same price range.

[kirksdad]

Got to chime in....I own a D-18v from 2000; its a Sunburst that originally came from FQMS in Louisville. I have owed everything from Gibsons, to Martins, the Epiphones, RK's, and Crafters, and I have to say that my D-18v is my favorite of all time. If you have a chance to check out a used D-18v or used HD28v, you should, they are very solid.

Got to agree with anyone who likes RK's and Epiphones, as they have neck profiles similiar to the V series Martins.

Good Luck in your search.....

[lenf12]

For Christmas 1998, I bought myself a Martin SP000-16 with all of the upgraded appointments mentioned in the Gryphon and String Shoppe web sites. The advanced X bracing, aging toner, snowflake and slotted diamond inlays and gold tuners are among my favorite features. I love the sound of the solid mahogany back and sides and the smaller body size is both comfortable and gives great tonal balance. I bought it online from a company in Topeka, KS for under $1100 delivered. After nearly 11 years of ownership, I still love this little guitar!!!

Len B.
Clearwater, FL

[Rick Schmidlin]

A used D-18V is a lot of guitar for the money!

Yes and this is great example on whtat to look form they are killers!

[KanMando]

In my book the D-18GE is the best guitar available for 1600-2300

I'll second that. In the Kansas City area I've seen several used ones for sale in that price range. A friend of mine owns one with the most beautiful sunburst I've seen on any guitar. Great volume, beautiful tone and tremendous note definition. As an alternative, you might try to find a used Bourgeois Country Boy. Another mahogany banjo killer.

Bob

[Perry]

I have one of these and I like it very much:

http://www.mguitar.com/guitars/choosing/guitars.php?p=m&m=000C-16RGTE%20AURA

Cost me about $1,500 at Guitar Center last year....it has the Fishman Aura pick-up system. Personally I prefer the tone of the Martin vs. a similarly priced Taylor. The lower priced Taylor's sort of sound a bit thin and dead to me.

It's a good sounding guitar for the money and versatile IMHO.

[Alex Orr]

I have a D-16RGT that I bought used (was like new) for $700 and I love it! I have had it for 6 years now and still constantly get compliments on the sound. I don't think there is a better value out there.
Same here! I got a 2000 D-16RGT about four years ago. I love it. It'll probably be all the guitar I ever need for bluegrass.

What I really do want is a good finger-picker. Something with a wider neck and little less bass that I can string with light guage strings (I like medium gauge for flatpicking and BG rhythm on my Martin).


The lower priced Taylor's sort of sound a bit thin and dead to me.
At the risk of offending any Taylor owners, I've never really felt much affection for any that I've played. Sure, they're good guitars, but I never heard one that suited me enough to consider buying it.

[Santiago]

I'm a big fan of Taylors. Nothing wrong with a D16 though.

[kelvin]

I play mandolin but recently purchased a guitar to have around the house. Because it is not my main instrument I wanted to get a good sounding guitar for bluegrass music without breaking the bank. I was advised by some pretty good players that play vintage martins onstage to get a Blueridge which I did. Very pleased with the sound in fact it is pretty impressive and at under 1000 with a case in my opinion a steal.

kelvin

[Nolan]

In my book the D-18GE is the best guitar available for 1600-2300

That's exactly what I'd be buying.

[Manfred Hacker]

I am surprised that nobody mentioned Larrivee. The biggest bang for the buck, IMHO. The D-03 series, for example.
Manfred

[maj34]

The new Guild guitars from the Tacoma shop are good. Elderly has both a D40 (mahogany) and a D50 (rosewood) in their used section.

[pager]

I will put my 2 cents in for either the Martin D-18 the 18V or the 18GE. Any of these modes are awesome guitars.
jillian

[mandroid]

looks like Peer Pressure ..
Guess its all Dreadnought Battleships for y'all Bluegrassers .
used, but not too old because then the collect-ability factor starts putting a heavy thumb on the scale ...

after Mandolin playing , a 000 feels huge [F30 Guild R.I. plant]

[Sam Bush Fan!]

So martin is the way to go?

[banjoboy]

So martin is the way to go?

Not necessarily. Collings and Santa Cruz are nice. Why don't you get ahold of the Mandolin Store and talk with those folks. I think there is another site, myfavoriteguitar.com or something like that. They sometimes have great specials as well.

[Tom Mylet]

I currently own a bunch of guitars including 4 martins and 4 gibsons but I've got to agree with Big Joe...I played a couple of Recording Kings recently that were great guitars for about half your budget. Unless your looking for something made in the USA, it's hard to come close to the Recording Kings.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

Not necessarily. Collings and Santa Cruz are nice. Why don't you get ahold of the Mandolin Store and talk with those folks. I think there is another site, myfavoriteguitar.com or something like that. They sometimes have great specials as well.

I know i have plated Santa Cruz mandolins and loved them but i have not tried there guitars.

[Ken_P]

I'll put in another vote for the D18GE. In my experience they range in quality from really really good to out of this world. I've played a few that I would have bought in a heartbeat if I had the money.

[EdHanrahan]

Hey Guys!! Forgive me BUT...

Everyone is spouting their favorite makes & models, but nobody is pushing what ALL of you same folks say about mandolins: Get yer butt out there and PLAY a bunch of 'em!
- LISTEN to how they sound.
- FEEL how they fit you hand, arm, shoulder, body.
- THINK how their sound fits your style of music.

Sure all those D-18 variants will cut thru a raging bluegrass volley, but maybe are not best for some other styles.

Personally, I went looking for my first "good" acoustic at a good price (meaning used) in '91 and, having played a friend's Martin and being far from bluegrass, figured it would be a D-28 or HD-28. Found a sightly beaten and therefore "temporary" '72 D-35 that soon blew me away. Added a '68 D12-35 a year later. Love 'em both! Yeah, prices were way lower back then, especially on '68 Brazilian, but the 6-string is still w/in the OP's $2K limit.

But that's just me; there are LOTS of great guitars out there that cost about the same, and I'd probably like most of them. But that doesn't mean that I'd like your favorite or that you'd like mine, OR that they would fit our various styles of play. (The '68 12-string DOES have a baseball-bat of a neck - that works just GREAT, thank you!) So ya gotta PLAY 'em and see what YOU like!

BTW, I did play a D-18GE about a month ago, and strongly agree with all of the positive comments above. But again, that's just me!

Okay... I now see that the OP's question was a setup, and a joke on all of us:

Does anybody know of any good Guitars for $1500-$2000 Range?
The simple & straightforward answer is: "Yep!"

[250sc]

Go out and play some guitars then choose the one you like the most. There are lots of great instrument in the price range you're looking in.

Personally, I play a 000 because a dreadnaught just feels too big to be comfortable for me. It's not that I can't play a dreadnaught, the 000 just feels like the right size for me and the tone and volume are fine for anything I play. I might feel different if I wanted to be heard in a jam of more than 5 people but that's not what I do.

[mandomania7923]

I know i have plated Santa Cruz mandolins and loved them but i have not tried there guitars.
i didn't know santa cruz made mandolins. can someone post a link?

[Sam Bush Fan!]

i didn't know santa cruz made mandolins. can someone post a link?

I'm sorry i was thinking of Breedlove Sorry.....:-(

[kirksdad]

No offense to the Mandolin Store, but if you are serious about a Martin, new or used, you should contact Jon Garon at My Favorite Guitars in Naples Florida. He is one of Martin's largest dealers and his prices are very hard to beat. You can also check out The Ultimate Martin Guitar Forums' Buy and Sell page if you are looking for a used box. The folks are really good, just like the folks here, very helpful.........

[J.Albert]

In the $2,000 range?

If you don't mind buying used, might I suggest:

- A Bourgeois "Vintage Dreadnought" (rosewood) or "Country Boy" (mahogany). Look for one with an Adirondack top. It may cost you a little more than $2k, but you will NEVER regret having spent the extra $$$ once you try a Bourgeois. They are "a cut above".

- A Martin D-18GE, if you're into mahogany. It may not be a "D-18 Authentic" (which duplicates everything in the prewar guitars), but it's durn close.

- I've seen some nice used Martins here in the Classifieds, including a custom model that Dennis Vance had done for the Mandolin Store (I think Buffalo Brothers has done some similar models).

I've never tried a Recording King, but I'll take Big Joe's comments as very interesting, particularly about which instruments are getting used in the studios. I'll bet that Chris Martin gets the heebie-jeebies about these things!

- John

[John Gardinsky]

I paid 2,300 for a new Martin D-18GE in 2001. I really like it.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

In the $2,000 range?

If you don't mind buying used, might I suggest:

- A Bourgeois "Vintage Dreadnought" (rosewood) or "Country Boy" (mahogany). Look for one with an Adirondack top. It may cost you a little more than $2k, but you will NEVER regret having spent the extra $$$ once you try a Bourgeois. They are "a cut above".

- A Martin D-18GE, if you're into mahogany. It may not be a "D-18 Authentic" (which duplicates everything in the prewar guitars), but it's durn close.

- I've seen some nice used Martins here in the Classifieds, including a custom model that Dennis Vance had done for the Mandolin Store (I think Buffalo Brothers has done some similar models).

I've never tried a Recording King, but I'll take Big Joe's comments as very interesting, particularly about which instruments are getting used in the studios. I'll bet that Chris Martin gets the heebie-jeebies about these things!

- John

I would rather buy used.

[John Kinn]

Wasn't this supposed to be a mandolin forum? :grin:Just joking...I second Hanrahan about playing a lot of them if you have the opportunity. Although the high-end brands like Martin turn out a more even quality, there is not one instrument that sounds and feels exactly the same, there must be something happening between you and the instrument..I own two Ibanez guitars from the seventies(they made better instruments in that period, I think), and we are happy together, but then, of course, you never get rid of the GAS. Same problem as with the MAS. But you should play them first, I think.
John
PS:Big Joe:I sent you a mail!;)

[evets3]

Just the other day we had a similar question asked. Truthfully speaking, go out and try as many guitars as possible, in your price range, above your range and below your range. Give it an honest shot, and then determine which is best for you. Make and model does not determine which "may" sound better. Its your ear, your posture, and your need. You be the judge. If status is important as to which make you should play, then that is your choice on status alone. Myself, I lucked out on a guitar that I paid $279.00 for, and it is played by my peers when their hi-priced status guits sit in their cases.

[Bob DeVellis]

This is the golden age of lutherie and, as much as that means to the mandolin world, it enables an even broader range of choices in the guitar world. There are probably a dozen or more companies making superb guitars and scores of individual builders on top of that.

The marketplace breaks into three broad classes: Factories making upward of 50,000 instruments a year (that would be Martin, Taylor, and perhaps Larivee; if you count all the various Godin models, they're actually the biggest outfit). Gibson is obviously another option. Other relatively big companies include Guild (a Fender subsidiary) and Breedlove, both of which have both domestically-made and imported offerings. All of these companies make some great guitars, especially in their American plants. But the volume seems to make quality a bit more variable. The philosophy at most of these companies is to build the best possible guitar that is compatible with maintaining a high output volume. Some of these brands are very familiar to players and, consequently, hold value well. This is especially true of Martins, which depreciate probably least of all on the used market.

The next tier (one down in size but arguably one up in quality) are the small shops. This includes Collings at the large end, and other smaller shops such as Goodall, Bourgeois, Huss & dalton, Santa Cruz, Froggy Bottom, Lowden, and others. Many find this size of operation to be the "sweet spot." The instruments get lots of individual attention. Bourgeois, Goodall, Huss & Dalton, and others in this category have their tops hand graduated, use only the finest materials, and are immaculately crafted. It's not unusual in this tier for the principal owner to personally pick the wood sets for every guitar (Dana Bourgeois and James Goodall, for example). Most of these outfits produce a few hundred guitars a year (Collings is more like a thousand) and each step is executed by a skilled craftsman who takes the time and effort he or she feels the task needs. These guitars are also typically available in high-end music stores, ready to be tried and purchased. These instruments will be in your reach on the used market, especially if you can stretch your budget a bit. New ones probably won't be.

Individual luthiers offer fantastic guitars and a potentially endless range of options, although they tend to cost more and may take a while to get. If you want something exotic and unique, and you have patience, this is a great way to go. They may be entirely or largely built by one individual, although an assistant or two or three isn't unusual. This class is also a hotbed of innovation, the place where many new ideas in guitar construction arise. Not many of these will be in your price range, although some builders who are just getting started may be.

Some outfits are hybrids. Martin's high-end instruments are made on the same assembly line as other instruments but the job is flagged with a colored sticker that alerts the workers at each station to take special care. Also, there's lots of opportunity for customization. Taylor has a boutique shop within its main company, the R. Taylor line. Breedlove similarly has a custom shop.

Point is, there are scads of choices. Take some time to find a place that gives you an opportunity to try various options. Let your hands and ears (and, secondarily, your eyes) be your guide.

Just one guy's point of view.

[Dfyngravity]

I will throw in another vote for a used D-18v or D-28v. It's amazing how different the sound is by simply moving the bracing.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

This is the golden age of lutherie and, as much as that means to the mandolin world, it enables an even broader range of choices in the guitar world. There are probably a dozen or more companies making superb guitars and scores of individual builders on top of that.

The marketplace breaks into three broad classes: Factories making upward of 50,000 instruments a year (that would be Martin, Taylor, and perhaps Larivee; if you count all the various Godin models, they're actually the biggest outfit). Gibson is obviously another option. Other relatively big companies include Guild (a Fender subsidiary) and Breedlove, both of which have both domestically-made and imported offerings. All of these companies make some great guitars, especially in their American plants. But the volume seems to make quality a bit more variable. The philosophy at most of these companies is to build the best possible guitar that is compatible with maintaining a high output volume. Some of these brands are very familiar to players and, consequently, hold value well. This is especially true of Martins, which depreciate probably least of all on the used market.

The next tier (one down in size but arguably one up in quality) are the small shops. This includes Collings at the large end, and other smaller shops such as Goodall, Bourgeois, Huss & dalton, Santa Cruz, Froggy Bottom, Lowden, and others. Many find this size of operation to be the "sweet spot." The instruments get lots of individual attention. Bourgeois, Goodall, Huss & Dalton, and others in this category have their tops hand graduated, use only the finest materials, and are immaculately crafted. It's not unusual in this tier for the principal owner to personally pick the wood sets for every guitar (Dana Bourgeois and James Goodall, for example). Most of these outfits produce a few hundred guitars a year (Collings is more like a thousand) and each step is executed by a skilled craftsman who takes the time and effort he or she feels the task needs. These guitars are also typically available in high-end music stores, ready to be tried and purchased. These instruments will be in your reach on the used market, especially if you can stretch your budget a bit. New ones probably won't be.

Individual luthiers offer fantastic guitars and a potentially endless range of options, although they tend to cost more and may take a while to get. If you want something exotic and unique, and you have patience, this is a great way to go. They may be entirely or largely built by one individual, although an assistant or two or three isn't unusual. This class is also a hotbed of innovation, the place where many new ideas in guitar construction arise. Not many of these will be in your price range, although some builders who are just getting started may be.

Some outfits are hybrids. Martin's high-end instruments are made on the same assembly line as other instruments but the job is flagged with a colored sticker that alerts the workers at each station to take special care. Also, there's lots of opportunity for customization. Taylor has a boutique shop within its main company, the R. Taylor line. Breedlove similarly has a custom shop.

Point is, there are scads of choices. Take some time to find a place that gives you an opportunity to try various options. Let your hands and ears (and, secondarily, your eyes) be your guide.

Just one guy's point of view.

Good Advice, Thanks

[Alex Orr]

$279.00 for, and it is played by my peers when their hi-priced status guits sit in their cases.
A buddy of mine got a Breedlove about four or five years ago for around $300. To my ears it's one of the best guitars I've come across for country-blues fingerpicking. I've even tried to buy it off him. No luck whatsoever. He loves that thing, and rightfully so.

[jim simpson]

It's funny to remember the acoustics available at a low budget during the 60's and 70's. I had a Harmony, an Emporador, a Yamaha, and a Fender. Some were better than others plus I don't think any of my friends or myself knew how to set-up a guitar for optimum playability. Currently there are so many reasonably priced options for acoustic guitars. I'm thinking Blueridge, Morgan Monroe, Masterbilt Epiphone's, etc. I have a 000 rosewood Recording King that compares favoribly to my Martin OM21. Perhaps I appreciate the current offerings as a result of going through some of the gems of the old days?

[Rob Gerety]

I would be talking myself into the 2000 to 2500 range and I'd be looking at good clean used Bourgeois, Collings and Santa Cruz guitars on forums. Beautiful guitars.

[Stamper]

A lot of us seem to like the idea of going used: if I had 2K to spend I'd look for a used Collings in particular. I had a chance at one, Mint, last summer, but blinked. Bourgeois, Santa Cruz, Collings -- what's not to like?

I also think the Baden is a really interesting take on the acoustic -- I've played a couple, very pretty and elegant and rich. I think you can find a nice mahogany for under 2K (new).

[ApK]

If you go to a reliable dealer, I think you 'd have to work hard to find a BAD guitar in this price range.
It would strictly be a matter of preference.
If I had $2000 to spend on a guitar, it would be on a Martin HD-28.
Not everyone cares for for warm, lush thunder that is a Martin D, though.
ApK

[swampstomper]

Bob Develis' post really hit home to me. I agree completely with the analysis, and I own instruments in all categories: Martin, Furch (=Stonebridge), Ithaca Stringed Instruments. With Martin you get consistent good quality and it can be great on an individual guitar. They stand by their instruments. Plenty to try at dealers. A wide range of models and prices. With Furch you get closer attention to detail and different woods/approaces, but still in a small factory setting. With ISI you sit down and design your instrument with the luthier (Eric Aceto) and anything is possible.

Let me second the advice to try lots of instruments to find the one that speaks to you and your style. I don't think Jimmy Martin or Del McCoury would sound very good on Joan Baez' guitar or vice versa! Are you John Lee Hooker or Segovia??

[Ole Joe Clark]

I posted a MartinD-28 in the classified adds, a good guitar, I still have it. It's, (the add) probably gone now. If you are interested contact me back channel. The only reason I want to sell is because I purchased a HD-28 recently.

You also might check out your local graigslist for guitars.

Joe

[sean808080]

no no no..i did not read this thread. UNREAD!! REBOOT! My takamine is just fine!

[fatt-dad]

Jon at www.myfavoriteguitars.com or Maury at www.maurysmusic.com are great on-line dealers of Martin guitars. They both typically sell their Martins 40 percent off of the list price. You can look at Martin's web page and get some ideas of their model lineup and refer to Martin's retail pricing and then consider 40 percent discount for the street price.

I've owned an HD-28V in the past, but have no desire to ever own a dreadnaught again - their just too big for sofa enjoyment. I'd consider some OM or 000-sized guitar. I also like the wider nut of these instruments (1 3/4 in at the nut) as I enjoy finger picking the blues.

Spend some time understanding the Martin, Taylor and Collings model offerings. Go play a few and enjoy the hunt!

f-d

[Dusty]

Go to a Guitar Center or similar store (NFI) that has a large selection of guitars and compare apples with apples. You can compare neck sizes and shapes, tones, and even body sizes , as well as getting to A_B similar priced models. Most times they will have mainly new guitars, but you can compare different guitars face to face. Go early, spend lots of time, and even take a friend you trust that can compare the type of tone you pull on a different guitar. As with buying a mandolin or a car, try the many brands available, have fun and see what is available new, or whether you want to watch the want ads for something used. At least, new offers a warranty and you can see and feel what you are buying. Have fun and good luck.

[Gail Hester]

The hot new guitar in Nashville is the Edmonds by maker Jimmy Edmonds. We saw a new D18 ($1500) and a D28 ($2000) while we were there last week. They are really great guitars at that price. I was told that George Gruhn ordered about 20 of them. NFI.

www.edmondguitars.com

[Mootin]

I do not care for the newer Martins but instead prefer Collings, Bourgeois and Santa Cruz. My next guitar will be the Bourgeois Slope D- you will be amazed at the tone. Used price is around $2,500. If you really want to stick to your original price range, I would look at a used Mike Long guitar. They are hand made and are quality clones of older Martins.

[Philphool]

......
I've owned an HD-28V in the past, but have no desire to ever own a dreadnaught again - their just too big for sofa enjoyment. I'd consider some OM or 000-sized guitar. ......
f-d

Call me wimpy, but my 2 favorite guitars are my Santa Cruz H model and my Martin 00-18V. Small bodies but great sound and comfortable to play.

[tburcham]

Buy an Eastman AC 520 (I've compared mine to many in this thread...its as good or better than most). Put the remaining $500-$1,000 in the long term mutual fund of your choice.

[Capt. E]

I know it doesn't address the thread, but for me, my Epiphone EL-00 vs that I got used for $125 works fine.
Living in Austin, Collings is the king, but I played a Martin 000-18 recently that just killed.

If you are in Austin, go by Fiddlers Green. They are a new Martin dealer.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

What about any small builders?

[Steve Perry]

What about any small builders?


Hey, Isaac... Like someone said above, You might want to check out Mike Long Guitars. I've noticed several top Bluegrassers using them.

http://trco1.com/mlg/

[tree]

There are LOTS of excellent guitars in that price range. When I was on my Quest, I took my time and enjoyed the journey - I played everything I could get my hands on for over a year. It's definitely the way to go, you will learn a lot during the process and hopefully, you will be patient enough for it to really sink in.

In retrospect, I'm sure I'd be happy with a great number of the guitars that I passed over. The point is that they're all different, and sometimes it's just difficult to make a decision if you think this has to be "the one".

I still enjoy perusing high end music stores and attending guitar shows, but these days I don't "need" to own another acoustic guitar (or mandolin, for that matter). I do really enjoy playing them all and appreciating the many differences.

There is literally a world of tone out there that falls into the "great" category. Sooner or later you'll find the tone that speaks to you, and hopefully in an instrument that suits your tactile preferences/playing style as well. One of the nice things about buying a high quality used instrument is that, if you take good care of it, you can generally get your money back at resale if it turns out not to be "the one" for you.

[Capt. E]

As far as small builders, I love the work of John Allison here in Austin. He worked for Collings originally and still does their sunbursts. You can get one hell of a great guitar from him. They start at $2500 for a parlor size. OM is $3500 etc/ www.allisonguitars.com

[Caleb]

I am surprised that nobody mentioned Larrivee. The biggest bang for the buck, IMHO. The D-03 series, for example.
Manfred

I second the Larrivee recommendation. Not really due to the "bang for the buck" reason, but simply because they're great guitars. And they happen to cost a bit less than the other high-end makers. Or at least they used to.

Everyone it seems has a Martin or Taylor. I say take the road less traveled and get a Larrivee, Breedlove, Guild, or something that stands out from the crowd a bit.

[SChase@EastmanStrings]

Everyone it seems has a Martin or Taylor. I say take the road less traveled and get a Larrivee, Breedlove, Guild, or something that stands out from the crowd a bit.

Dont count us out. Has anyone here ever played our new AC320B?

[Caleb]

Dont count us out. Has anyone here ever played our new AC320B?
I tend to forget you all make guitars (I do the same thing with Weber as well). But come to think of it, I played some kind of Eastman archtop guitar in a local shop a couple years ago that had some serious tone.

[SChase@EastmanStrings]

I tend to forget you all make guitars (I do the same thing with Weber as well). But come to think of it, I played some kind of Eastman archtop guitar in a local shop a couple years ago that had some serious tone.

Not just archtops, our flattop line is a driving force! :grin:

[musicguy]

I love my Taylor 514-CE.

Not all will agree, but I would recommend buying a used
guitar. Your money always goes so much further with used.
Even if you get one that's only a year old, you save a bundle.
Obviously, you should play it before you buy it, and give
it a thorough inspection.



Rob

[terzinator]

You can see by my sig I'm a Martin guy.

I looked through the posts, and it's not clear if you're looking for a Dread or what... But I'd concur with the others on Martin's Golden Era (GE) series. I have an 000-18GE, and it's the one guitar I'd keep if the others had to go.

When I got my CEO4R (goofy Adi/rosewood slope-shouldered Dread; looks like a Gibson AJ but sounds like a Martin), I also considered an HD-28V (sitka/EIR) and a D-18GE (Adi/Hog). I went with this one because I liked Adi, and I didn't have rosewood. I love it, and it works just fine for bluegrass stuff. (I'm not a bluegrasser by any stretch. It's just my main jam guitar.)

If I was going to add a guitar to the stable, however, it would for sure be the D-18GE. Slightly wider neck at 1-3/4", so that's a consideration, but all of them I've played have been amazing. And used, they're right in that $2000 range.

[Randy Smith]

This is the golden age of lutherie and, as much as that means to the mandolin world, it enables an even broader range of choices in the guitar world. There are probably a dozen or more companies making superb guitars and scores of individual builders on top of that.

******

Just one guy's point of view.


But much for your one informative view, Bob.


Randy S.

[jimbob]

I wish I was in the market right now....there's tons of good gear out there. $ 2K will buy a killer guitar in this market. Look around and play a bunch of them. This is for sure a buyers' market for just about anything...guitars and mandolins included.

[fiddlesticks86]

well if you are willing to wait and save your money THE BEST acoutic guitar on the market is a mcpherson but it does cost a pretty penny like $5000 dollars worth of pretty pennies lol. It is a VERY nice guitar and comes with a hardshell case with a built in humidifier. You may have seen some major country artist playing a mcpherson, its the guitar with the offset sound hole. It has alot of structurle differences like the neck bracing that are the reason it plays and sounds so great. It gets alot of praise from studio and road musicians ( Brad Paisley plays one) they say its the best. you should defintily check out their website they will send you a free catalog and a cd. I sooo want one but its way out of my price range lol.

Taylors are great too and more in your price range.

[Northern Pike]

Call me wimpy, but my 2 favorite guitars are my Santa Cruz H model and my Martin 00-18V. Small bodies but great sound and comfortable to play.

I am a recent arrival to the guitar and was very interested in learning about different body styles and sizes. From what I gathered, being smaller doesn't mean the guitar is quieter. It just doesn't have the same depth in bass. It can actually be more vocal in its smaller dimension that projects the middle and treble strings and not so spacious where noise can wander. When you have a monster guitar with big bass that overwhelms the treble strings, that kinds of makes it wimpy in a different sense.

The hangup I have with smaller guitars is I assume these were made for fingerpicking. I play with a pick because even short nails are untenable. And the fact these guitars lack a pickguard makes me think they're designed for fingerpickers. I am aware that even the Auditorium sized guitar I own - which DOES normally have a pickguard - was too intended for fingerpicking. The more I learn about acoustic guitars, the more I sense that steel strung styles besides the Dreadnought and (maybe) Jumbo are still intended for fingerpicking. Man, it would be great if someone would chime in how wrong I am, that Parlor, Concert, Auditorium guitars were just as much made for picks. As much so - that you can be a good fingerpicker w/o nails. But for the time being, everyone knows that a mandolin in the U.S. is always played with a pick. :)

[allenhopkins]

I have two "smaller" guitars, a Martin 00-28V that's been converted to a 00-42, and a Taylor XX-MC 20th Anniversary model, which introduced their Grand Auditorium (smaller than dreadnaught) size. And, also, a c.1860 "parlor" size guitar, maker unknown. No hesitation about flat-picking any of them. As stated, the smaller bodies avoid the bass emphasis of dreadnaughts and and jumbos, so if you're flat-picking lead in treble or mid-range, the notes are loud and clear.

If the main use of a flat-picked guitar is to play bluegrass or fiddle-band rhythm, the strong bass of a dreadnaught is very welcome, and I have a couple of Martin D's that work very well in that role. For vocal accompaniment, finger-style, or lead flat-picking, a good smaller guitar works excellently.

[Sam Bush Fan!]

Do you know of any guitars that a FULL tone?

[lmartnla]

Manuel & Patterson (Abita Springs Guitar Company) have a couple of new 'demo' models for sale right now at a considerable discount near this ballpark. I bought my son their 'Dixie Flyer' model a couple of years ago as an affordable demo, and every time we play together I am glad I did.

http://www.abitaguitar.com/News.htm

[Patrick Sylvest]

Nice sounding Guitars. I'll have to trek up to Abita Springs and take a tour of the shop!

[lmartnla]

I think the shop is actually in Folsom, LA.---Lou

[mcasey]

I recently bought an Eastman AC320B mahogany dread with adirondack top and braces. The thing is a canon. I have played and owned vintage martins, collings, santa cruz, etc. The AC320B actually sounds just as good if not better than some of the higher end makers out there. It lists around $1000 I think. Worth checking out! Great bluegrass guitar.

[leathermarshmallow]

I only saw Blue Ridge guitars mentioned one time. They make some great guitars and have a great selection. The peg heads really will get your attention too~!

[Jim Ferguson]

Obviously you will get as many different recommendations as there are posters to this thread. Here is my 2 cents worth: There are some absolutely wonderful Martins in the price range you mentioned. Many have discussed this already. I wanted to mention Breedlove & Taylor as well. I bought my son a Breedlove which was listed for about $1,200-$1,500 if I recall correctly.....I got it half off.....it is a gorgeous sounding guitar for the $$$$. Now......on the higher end of your range......I got my wife a Taylor guitar (738-CE or something like that).......it listed for close to $3 K and I got it for just over $2 K and it is the nicest sounding guitar I have ever played. It is a beauty with an amazing richness to the sound.
Bottom Line though.......go play these and other guitars and see what sounds good to you and what feels good to you. There are lots of great guitars out there in that price range.
Peace,
Jim

[Philphool]

Originally Posted by Philphool
Call me wimpy, but my 2 favorite guitars are my Santa Cruz H model and my Martin 00-18V. Small bodies but great sound and comfortable to play....

I am a recent arrival to the guitar...
The hangup I have with smaller guitars is I assume these were made for fingerpicking. I play with a pick because even short nails are untenable. And the fact these guitars lack a pickguard makes me think they're designed for fingerpickers. ...

Oops. Looks like I lost this thread for a month.
BOTH of my small bodied guitars have a pickguard and are meant to be flatpicked. The SC-H is my favorite flat top.
As for bottom-end, I'd match my 00-18V with most guitars for bottom end. Sometimes too much for me.:)

[Tim Bowen]

I am surprised that nobody mentioned Larrivee. The biggest bang for the buck, IMHO. The D-03 series, for example.
Manfred

Me too. Having played acoustic-electric gigs weekly for at least the last ten years of my life, nothing is as comfortable as Larrivee for me. I haven't played every model mentioned within the thread, but I've certainly played a few.

For actual acousic-electric gigging, I'd choose Larrivee over Martin, Gibson, Taylor, Guild, Takamine, and others, without question. I think Larrivees are like the Fender Telecaster of the acoustic-electric world. Nothing I've played in real world scenarios has even come close. They're the best, for my money.