Off Topic: Acoustics

[colinboy]

I just bought a Taylor 814ce last week and I love it. I had no intention of spending that much money. I spent several weeks playing Taylors, Guilds, Martins, and Larrivees at my local stores. I tried a few Gibsons and Takaminis as well. I planned to spend less than $1,500....ooops...should have never picked up the Taylor 814ce

If you're going for a straight-up acoustic with no electronics, I think Larrivee is the best bang for the buck. Handcrafted guitars with fantastic build quality and they're made either here in the US or in Canada (03 series). I loved the Larrivees, but felt the electronics weren't as good as the Taylor Expression System. To me, the Larrivees had WAY better build quality than the few very expensive Gibsons I played.

If you're on a budget, the GAD series from Guild are quite nice. I know I'm a crack-pot, but I have a personal preference to avoid products made in China (when ever possible). That being said, the GAD's were extremely well made guitars and sounded quite good -- possibly the best in their respective price range.

Ive got a GAD series GUILD and its a fantastic guitar for the price.the action feel and tone is very impressive.

[glockaxis]

I've got a Martin D28 and an Ovation Custom Legend w/ a shallow bowl (and a JP w/ piezo). Both are awesome. I've tried a Cordoba flamenco and a mid level Taylor but returned those because they just didn't feel/sound right to me. I have yet to try a Collings but would love to in the future.

[jamminjim]

BP has a great recommendation - Collings acoustics are super nice. Check out the Collings 00-1SB, man is that a nice guit!

If anyone wants to check out great acoustics I recommend this site..
buffalo bros
Great guitar photograpy on this site.

[radrock]

Collings are AMAZING. No question about that.

I have three acoustics and a uke.

1) I have a Taylor 810CE. To be honest, I don't like it at all. It is just is too bright and has no low end whatsoever. Which is a shame because it is a large dreadnaught size and I have 13s on it. People say you can EQ it for that, but I believe it has to come from the guitar itself. For fingerpicking and girly folk type music, it's fine, but for anything aggressive, forget it. I've debated selling it for a LONG time, but I don't play acoustic to justify selling it and buying another. I'm closer to selling it than I've ever been. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockfor...7594310298525/

2) I have a Yamaha APXT-1 Travel guitar. This sounds amazing plugged in. Best $125 I've ever spent on ebay. I have gigged with this weekly for years. Unbelievable little guitar. I HIGHLY suggest finding one. People freak out when they hear it. It has more bass than my Taylor. Not kidding. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockfor...7594310298525/

3) Wechter Travel guitar. If you want a great travel guitar at a good price that you don't intend on plugging in, go Wechter all the way. The 1710 is just a great, fun little instrument. I use it alot too. I walk down to the river or park and just plunk around with it. It has served me well. http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockfor...7594310298525/

Last but not least, I have a Flea ukulele. Hell cannot contained such a force as this. It rocks the jiggy!!
http://www.flickr.com/photos/rockfor...7594310298525/

[Jack FFR1846]

I'm a tupperware guy. I have a 2000 mid bowl Ovation S771 Balladeer Custom. Made in New Hartford, CT. I played a ton of acoustics before picking it up.

My Guild is sort of acoustic....semi-acoustic hollow body. It's certainly a LOT louder than an electric-only. 69 Studio 302 that I've had since new.

jack

[DaveB]

I collect acoustics I have several old Martins but when it comes to new guitars Collings guitars are the class of the market. Bill collings is a genius

Oh aint that the truth - the Collings guitars we stock are all amazing. They arent cheap but you can see what you are paying for in the sound and the attention to detail. Little things like the ferrules on the machineheads all line up...

I met Bill for the first time at the LIMS show recently. He has an obsession for tone and quality that I think only PRS and EBMM have got anywhere near to so far.

I wish him all the success he deserves.

Dave

[kompressaur]

1/Ovation Custom Legend. I've always liked Ovations,and from pretty much having used all the Ovation preamps (bar the VIP) I like the Optima on this one best. gig wise its childs play getting a great transparent sound out front.

2/Tacoma JM9 jumbo. picked this up about a month ago,It was brand new & on special now that the Tacoma name seems to have gone. probably wanted the polar opposite from the Ovation and I got it with this. I was actually looking for a Takamine the day I bought this - but no regrets at all - this is a terrific guitar!

so I now own 2 brands of acoustic guitar that F****r messed up.

a shame really

Komp