acoustic recommendations?

[nakedwithyou]

I’m looking to buy my first acoustic guitar and was wondering if any of you kind folks have any recommendations. Being my first guitar, I’m not really looking to break the bank, would prefer to spend somewhere in the $300 range. At my local guitar shop I’ve played Yamaha, Seagull, and Epiphone—all of which sounded pretty nice. I really liked the guitars that were all wood and didn’t look or feel all that cheap. I’ve been eyeing the Seagull guitars, which not only sounded incredibly warm, but looked and felt like a well built guitar.

Any other ideas? I’ve been looking at musiciansfriend, but plan on buying something in person at one of the many local retailers. Thanks for the help!:)

[MGH4007]

Seagull is an excellent guitar for the price. From personal experience I have enjoyed the Ibanez pf series, ~300, although if your not looking for acoustic electric than i don't think i would suggest it.

[jaltmyer]

Seagull is an excellent guitar for the price. From personal experience I have enjoyed the Ibanez pf series, ~300, although if your not looking for acoustic electric than i don't think i would suggest it.
I agree, Seagull's are great guitars for the price; they are made in Canada and are great sounding guitars. I own a seagull twelve string, and it plays beautifully. They really are a good deal. If you have the money to spare, you might want to check out the lower-end Martin guitars. In my opinions Martin's are the best, and even the low-end ones have a beautiful tone. If you're looking to stay around $300 though, go with the seagull.

[Mikey Dreamer]

The Seagull S6 is a great guitar, but I think it costs around $400. Get it if you can afford it, but if $300 is your limit, I'd suggest a Washburn D10S. Nothing fancy or flashy, but a solid, good-sounding guitar.

[nakedwithyou]

I agree, Seagull's are great guitars for the price; they are made in Canada and are great sounding guitars. I own a seagull twelve string, and it plays beautifully. They really are a good deal. If you have the money to spare, you might want to check out the lower-end Martin guitars. In my opinions Martin's are the best, and even the low-end ones have a beautiful tone. If you're looking to stay around $300 though, go with the seagull.

I played one and really liked it-- but, as I said, the Seagull is more in my price range. The Martin was much more comfortable to play, whereas I found the neck of the Seagull a bit too big. It seems that this is the case for all of their guitars? Might be worth getting used to as the S6 was the only guitar (aside from the Martin) that I really enjoyed. Thanks again for the imput, I'll continue looking around.

[PleaseOrAppease]

Try out a Takamine.

[djpfive]

I echo the Seagull recommendation.

[rantingthespian]

Samick acoustics are pretty good, actually. For $200 you get a dreadnaught with a solid spruce top. It's surprisingly good for the cost, and it looks really nice. It's my back up guitar.

[Dooks]

You're definately getting value with Seagull...I also suggest checking out Takamine as suggested above, if you haven't already.

[MGH4007]

Taks are great guitars as well but I for some reason have always strayed away from their "cheaper" (~300) guitars.

I still like the seagull for a first guitar.

[cotton#36]

just picked up a Taylor 110e for 350 it was a steal!!!! its a beautiful guitar I love it cant put it down.

[KAK1154]

All good suggestions above. Yes, all Seagull necks are like baseball bats, to my knowledge.

I've got an Ibanez AW100CENT that I'm looking to get rid of. It would be well within your budget. Nice guitar with a solid top, onboard electronics, and a case. Let me know if you'd be interested.

[ericmonroedmb]

I have went through sooo many guitars over the years. I believe I have owned around 11 total. I would highly recommend an Art and Lutherie. They are made in Canada and sound just like a cheaper Taylor. Great action and sounds perfect.

[nakedwithyou]

starting to consider the Yamaha FG730s. anyone ever use one?

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-FG730S-Solid-Top-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=519049#new

[mdhimsey]

I've got an FS720S and I've got no complaints. I'm a very beginning guitar "player," but my other friends have said its a decent guitar for the money. I like the way it sounds too.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-FS720S-Folk-Acoustic-Guitar?sku=513385#new

[JCpatriot66]

Washburn. The single most underrated guitar brand out there.

If you can find a D18, buy it. It's pretty much a Martin for a fraction of the cost. Washburn never talks about it though, because of a lawsuit from Martin, and they stopped making it I think 20 years ago.

[jiac_69]

i have an oscar schmit and i got it for 300 and its beautiful. ill upload in a sec

[jiac_69]

here ya go

[airon26]

Also check out the Washburn D10s. Mines got such great sound on both highs and lows.

[Mikey Dreamer]

Also check out the Washburn D10s. Mines got such great sound on both highs and lows.


I agree. It's definitely an overachiever. :thumbsup

[Bowlanachos]

1 word, a wovel and a number: Cort E70

[TSilk]

My Washburn D10S is still alive and kicking and sounds better than a lot of my friends 4-700 dollar guitars. I take mine to school with me so my good acoustic doesn't get destroyed in the dorm room

[hkyplayr10]

I've got a Yamaha f720 and love it. I added white bone bridge pins and a bone saddle and it added to the look and sound. A friend of mine smiled at me when I showed it too him and then played it and tried to keep it. Yamaha's are definitely a good guitar.

[arriflex]

Whatever you buy make sure you negotiate into the deal (unless the dealer offers it as a standard service with a new guitar) a good setup by a tech. Getting everything dialed in for you makes a huge difference in playability- you'll probably want it set up with low action and lights for w hile till you gain hand strength and callouses.

[nakedwithyou]

I've got a Yamaha f720 and love it. I added white bone bridge pins and a bone saddle and it added to the look and sound. A friend of mine smiled at me when I showed it too him and then played it and tried to keep it. Yamaha's are definitely a good guitar.

Great to read this... I'm going to get the FG730s and get a bone saddle from Bob at http://www.guitarsaddles.com/ As you mentioned, I think it will not only look great, but will also add to the already impressive sound of the Yamaha. Can't wait! Hopefuly I can put the saddle in myself!:multi

[dvalukis]

Taylor 314ce. Nice, cheap, and sturdy guitar.

[KAK1154]

Taylor 314ce. Nice, cheap, and sturdy guitar.

[x] Nice
[x] Sturdy
[ ] Cheap
[ ] $300 range

[rantingthespian]

I still say Samick acoustics are great for their money. $200 for a dreadnought with a solid wood top: http://www.gregbennettguitars.com/d5.html

[broydan]

Dean Acoustics are a good deal if you get the less expensive ones, plays like a dean sounds comparable. I got one 325. but you're gonna want a guitar thats sturdy and stays in tune most importantly for your first guitar.

[WiseManSay]

Anybody ever got their hands on a Baby Taylor? $300 US I believe. I've heard good things.