New guitar

[cityondown5]

So, I am going away to college next year, and I would like a semi-cheap electric/acoustic to take away to school. Somewhere under $400. Any recommendations? (links would be fantastic :thumbsup)

[tdowe99]

Man, you should know to do a search.
Alvarez, Takamine, Ovation, etc. :thumbsup

[jdkolles2]

i have an Ibanez which is pretty nice. nice in terms of a budget guitar. It was right around 400 and actually has a Fishman pickup

[cityondown5]

Man, you should know to do a search.
Alvarez, Takamine, Ovation, etc. :thumbsup

Sorry, forgot to say why this one is different.

The other thread was saying that Alvarez is the way to go, and to stay away from Ovation.

The only problem is, I would like a cutaway, and the only Alvarez cutaway I have ever seen in my price range I hated.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Alvarez-Regent-Series-RC20SC-Classical-AcousticElectric-Cutaway?sku=518723

So here were the three I was looking at now:

http://www.guitarcenter.com/shop/product/buy_takamine_g_series_340c_acousticelectric_guitar ?full_sku=516427

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-PR5E-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=518640

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Epiphone-AJ200SCE-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=518367

The last one is probably the one I am really thinking about the most. Any suggestions?

[Liberated1]

im selling my epiphone chet atkins sst guitar for under your price...

[DrinkNoH2O]

Chris,

I have an Epiphone AJ18SCE which I don't think they make anymore but is very comparable to that AJ200SCE.

It's a decent guitar, but I don't think it has that great of a tone. I don't use the pickup much but I guess it's decent.

Does Seagull make an acoustic/electric in that price range? I played a friends Seagull (no clue what model) and it had a richer tone and better action. It was cheaper too.

[jdkolles2]

how much under?

[dmbear]

takamine g-series is a real nice guitar for the price

[bullox005]

i hate epiphone.

[cityondown5]

takamine g-series is a real nice guitar for the price

You think so? I've never actually played it. It was the only Takamine I could find in my price range.

[tdowe99]

Yeah, every Epiphone I've played has been crap.

[TheRealGuyute]

Buy used, you'll get more for the money and if it's already a little beat up, you won't feel bad when it gets dinged at college (it will).

[bullox005]

Buy used, you'll get more for the money and if it's already a little beat up, you won't feel bad when it gets dinged at college (it will).

why are YOU the real guyute?

i thought the real guyute lived inside my head.

[unccrombie]

Buy used, you'll get more for the money and if it's already a little beat up, you won't feel bad when it gets dinged at college (it will).
mine hasnt, as long as it's in the hardshell you're fine. also used may not be the best idea for college as ther may be a lack of warranty and if it gets problems (temperature, etc) you're screwed


as for the alvarez, do you want a cutaway for the electronics or just to get the higher frets? because you can always install a better electronic system than alvarez has. i dont like their CEs either which is why i opted for my own pickup system

[jdkolles2]

watch out for dorm rooms if you live in the midwest. my dorm room last year was so incredibly dry. so if this is the case, do what i did and get yourself a small humidifier. not only does it help the guitar.....helps you to not feel like crap yourself

[TheRealGuyute]

why are YOU the real guyute?

i thought the real guyute lived inside my head.

I don't? :D

[4jimi1]

I heard somewhere that cutaways take quite a bit away from the sound in the low price range. Well all I can contribute to this is that if you're not set on an acoustic-electric, check out the Breedlove Atlas series. I got one recently, plays absolutely great. A lot better sounding than my friends Seagull artist which now goes for like $1000

[TheRealGuyute]

mine hasnt, as long as it's in the hardshell you're fine. also used may not be the best idea for college as ther may be a lack of warranty and if it gets problems (temperature, etc) you're screwed


I dunno, I always suggest used (unless you're getting an amazing price on something new). You just get more guitar for the money. The only caveat I'd stress is that you need to buy with a provision that you can return it after a reasonable inspection period (at least 48 hours). That way, you can make sure the guitar doesn't need serious repairs (neck reset, fret jobs, cracks, whatever) that can set you back a few bills.

Lack of warranty might be an issue, I'll agree with you there, but the question is, how much are you willing to pay for a warranty? Most warranties don't cover damage from temperature or humidity problems (mine doesn't). So whether you buy new or used, that's something to be careful about (assuming you're buying a solid guitar).

At any rate, it's just a suggestion and buying used isn't for everyone. If you're willing to assume a bit of risk, it may get you a better instrument than you'd otherwise be able to afford.

[cityondown5]

I want the cutaway more so for the frets than the electronics.

Humidity shouldn't be a problem, I just bought this:

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/Planet-Waves-Acoustic-Guitar-Humidifier-with-HTS-?sku=420981

I never even thought about buying used. That may become an option. I'm sure 99% it will be in the hardshell, so damage isn't a problem, but I may be able to buy a better instrument for the money. Where do you check for used guitars Chris?

[TheRealGuyute]

Well, there are a couple places I'd check.

Craigslist is a pretty good place to start because generally you can check it out in person before committing. Sometimes music stores have used stuff, but usually they're more expensive than a private party (although almost all of them can be talked down if you try).

Other options are the various guitar forums out there. Most of them have a classified section. Google the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum (UMGF) - I can't remember the URL. Acoustic Guitar Forum, actually when I think about it the Larrivee Forum would be a good place to start as they might have a few different ones in your price range.

You might go to some of those forums and post a WTB in the classifieds section.

If you're going to buy online, just make sure you communicate with the seller and make sure they're willing to give you an approval period. Ask lots of questions and even talk to the seller on the phone if they let you. The more research you do, the more likely you're going to get a good guitar at a great price.

Come to think of it, if you're willing to bump your price about $100, I might know of a guy who's selling a 214e (actually new, but no warranty since he's the original purchaser). I'll check on that...not sure he's still got one.

[unccrombie]

I heard somewhere that cutaways take quite a bit away from the sound in the low price range. Well all I can contribute to this is that if you're not set on an acoustic-electric, check out the Breedlove Atlas series. I got one recently, plays absolutely great. A lot better sounding than my friends Seagull artist which now goes for like $1000
the difference is not audible to the human ear, id find the thread rob proved it in, but i lack time right noe

[Liberated1]

i'm only looking to get between $275-$300 delivered for the Chet Epiphone SST guitar I have. nothing wrong with it at all... i just paid $350 for it about 3 months ago, but have went more "acoustic-unplugged" in my style... if anyone here is interested hit me up on pm or emial!

[cityondown5]

i'm only looking to get between $275-$300 delivered for the Chet Epiphone SST guitar I have. nothing wrong with it at all... i just paid $350 for it about 3 months ago, but have went more "acoustic-unplugged" in my style... if anyone here is interested hit me up on pm or emial!

I obviously am. I will send you a PM.

[tompeas13]

Get an ovation celebrity, its right under your price and kicks ass. Although I'm partially biased because i own one.

[tdowe99]

I love Ovations; not sure why they get so much hate on these boards.

[icanfeeltherain]

i say takamine

[DaveHead36]

eh, avoid musiciansfriend if you can. Every product I've gotten from them has been crap. I'd highly recommend

http://www.americanmusical.com

Their prices are close to if not cheaper than musicians friend and you rarely have to pay tax. I picked up a Behringer console from them for $620 for overnight delivery. Musiciansfriend wanted $610 for standard shipping after taxes and whatnot.

There is also:

http://www.sweetwater.com

They sell more high end stuff, but when you place an order, they assign you a personal sales rep who KNOWS gear. They're not just phone jockeys taking down orders. They'll give opinions and recommendations and will get you what you need in your price range. They even called me a week after I received my Mac and recording equipment to see if everything was satisfactory and to make sure there were no problems. The only reason I didn't buy my Berhinger board from them was because they don't carry Behringer. But I'd highly recommend them!

Good luck!

DH36

[jester29]

...how 'bout this? It even has more cowbell...