Acoustic search

[Mahoot]

So I'm looking to get myself another acoustic, new or used for under £1000 / $1200.

I have a Guild GF60-RC from 1988 which is my main go to. And an Applause/Ovation which is not often used.

The Guild is pretty rare and showing signs of age. I would like to preserve its current condition so don't want it as a daily player. The action is a little high. But this guitar absolutely 'Booms'. The Applause is a really nice player and a pretty big sound, especially for what they cost. I just don't like the bowl back.

So question is, what brands should I start looking at? I've played my daughters Epiphone J200 which is ok but just sounds dull after playing the Guild. She also has a PRS (P50 maybe) small body thing that I've not played but may have a go to see what the quality is like.

Are there 'cheaper' acoustics out there that will stand up to the Guild? Or is it the classic case of you get what you pay for?

My Guild

 

[LocoTex]

If you want less expensive but still nice check out Seagull.

 

[PAPADON]

That's a beautiful Guild you've got there. My advice would be to check out the Guild Westerly series. I bought my 72 Guild D40 new and it was my lifetime keeper until I gave it to my Grand Daughter last year. My budget to replace it was about the same as yours and I decided to go with an all wood Guild D140CE = $900. It comes in a cut away or full body version. I have to say that my satisfaction never missed a beat. With the extra money left over I also added a Fishman Aura Spectrum pedal that kills the peizo quack and makes the guitar sound like it's being played through an expensive microphone. Yes there are some who still suffer from the made in China syndrome but my experience from this one and the reviews that I've read about Blueridge and Eastman as well tells me that those days are long gone.

 

[Wuuthrad]

Martin! All day every day.

C.F. Martin invented the instrument (steel string acoustic) which all others copy, or use as a template, and their company continues to make strides and at the same time stay true to it’s roots.

Road series looks to be in your budget range.

Martin Road Series Guitars | Martin Guitar

Shop Martin Guitar Road Series and a variety of guitars, apparel, accessories, and more!

www.martinguitar.com

Breedlove is another US company I would recommend, as well Ibanez or Yamaha for foreign makers, in that order.

 

[Neffco]

Alvarez is another brand to look at. Especially the yairi’s

 

[dc007]

Alvarez is another brand to look at. Especially the yairi’s

My buddy's yairi plays better than my taylor

 

[BRMarshall]

With your budget, Seagull would be something to consider. I have an S6 (with a spruce top) and it’s real nice. S6 with cedar tops generally get good reviews and they have higher priced models like the Maritime which should still be where you’re looking.
I have a made in Mexico Taylor that is a very nice guitar.
Blueridge is made in China. I’ve had a BR180 (lots of bling) for several years and it has very strong volume. The BR160 (“santos” rosewood) and BR140 (mahogany) are probably priced in your price range.

Good luck on your search.

 

[Thundermtn]

Blueridge BR-140 Historic Series Dreadnought Guitar - Saga Music

www.sagamusic.com

Best sounding acoustic I've played in my whole life under $1K.

 

[Neffco]

When I got my yairi DY 61, I played it next to a d55. A lady’s husband had passed and she was selling his collection. The guild was more than I wanted to spend and on first impression, the yairi was more full sounding to me. I told her I was interested in the yairi, she told me I could have both the d55 and the yairi for $1000, I took that deal. Playing and recording both, I think the d55 is more complex, but the yairi is no slouch.

 

[Dilver]

So many choices depending on what kind of tone you’re after… warmer vs. brighter, mid scooped vs. mid forward, jangly vs. chugging, etc. ….and how you play… strumming vs. fingerstyle, … and genre… folk, rock, blues, country, bluegrass, and if you’re more apt to play solo or in the context of others. These factors will help you focus on construction, body size, scale, and woods. Some brands like Taylor, are characteristically brighter and easier to play.

Whatever you do, try before you buy: acoustics all vary and you’ll get more for you money of you buy used. If you’re patient, you might be able to find a used Gibson J15 or a Taylor 315 for around $1,200-1,300 or a Martin 00015M for even less. All three are good guitars, but sound and play VERY differently. The new Yamaha Red Label series that are made in Japan are also very good.

 

[Mahoot]

All great advice guys.

Couple of additional things to consider is I need a cutaway. The two acoustics I've owned both have and when playing something without, I get stuck. And I'm not blessed with availability. I'm an hour away from nearest shop in Aberdeen Scotland and they aren't greatly stocked. They have the usual but share their stock with 3 other stores across Scotland. No Seagull, Alvarez, Guild etc. Will need to look further a field for some brands. Will be my first visit though.

I'm not bothered about brand and where its made. My mission is to find the best I can for around my budget. If its right and over a bit, that's ok. And I'm in no rush. I'm working in south of England in summer and will be near Andertons, Guitar Village where I'll be spoilt for choice.

As for style, I gravitate toward finger picking but do strum a bit. Rock ballads mainly.

Always good to hear opinions though. Keep em rolling.

 

[Side Burns]

A3 series Yamaha are just about the most affordable solid wood acoustic. I bought an AC3R with a solid rosewood back. Also has a great preamp built in. That said, try to play a bunch at a big store if possible.

A Series - A3 - Yamaha - United States

The Yamaha A-Series takes your acoustic performance to the next level with dynamic, natural amplified tone; a refined, powerful acoustic voice and outstanding playability.

usa.yamaha.com

 

[Steven]

I would consider Yamaha or a used older Guild Starfire

 

[The_Gibboboy]

Taylor or Martin, also as this is a Gibson forum the new Gibson G-Writer EC Electro Acoustic falls within budget