Off Topic Acoustic Guitar Advice

[Larry]

Hey guys,

I'm not sure if this will fly but...

Lately I've been playing more and more acoustic stuff and I feel it is time to upgrade myself to a nice acoustic guitar. I really value the opinion of our little slice of the internet so I'm hoping you guys can help me.

I've been looking at two models and for the life of me can't figure which I like more. Both sound excellent to me. The two models are the Taylor 410ce and Martin DC-16RGTE Aura. I'm not trying to start a versus thread but merely get some advice/recommendations.

I'm also open to recommendations of other acoustics models and brands


Thanks in advance!

EDIT: Forgot to mention my budget is about 2k and must be ordered through Sweetwater as I have a gift card that I would like to use.

 

[TonyEVH5150]

Larry,

I personally love Breedlove acoustics. I owned one of their import models, and it was the best acoustic I've ever played. It was a great combination of Taylor/Martin-esque tones.

 

[Slingy]

I can't speak for either model, but cutaways generally have a bit less volume. A friend has the 410ce Taylor and he mentioned volume being an issue when sitting with other players.

 

[paranoid70]

I really like the Martin.

One of these days I will have a nice Martin acoustic to go with my nice Music Man electrics. They had a newer (actually a revised older) model at NAMM this year. It was a very nice cutaway with an updated pickup at a really good price... I think less than your budget number.

 

[Larry]

I really like the Martin.

One of these days I will have a nice Martin acoustic to go with my nice Music Man electrics. They had a newer (actually a revised older) model at NAMM this year. It was a very nice cutaway with an updated pickup at a really good price... I think less than your budget number.

Remember any of the model names/numbers?

 

[colinboy]

Larry i have a very nice Guild semi acoustic with a cutaway and its has a beautiful tone.Also its from the lower end of the guild scale and wouldnt be one of their most expensive models.
Check em out if you get a chance!

 

[tommyindelaware]

for $2k.......there are a gizzlion awesome guitars to pick from. you need to stop asking others which guitar YOU think sounds better and breakout the blindfold. listen to guitars from playing postion.....and from in front.

 

[Sweat]

for $2k.......there are a gizzlion awesome guitars to pick from. you need to stop asking others which guitar YOU think sounds better and breakout the blindfold. listen to guitars from playing postion.....and from in front.

Larry,

Thats quite a large budget, Tommy is right on with his assesment, just get out there and start testing, when I go to my local GC there are at least a 100 acoustics in stock in all price ranges.

 

[balance]

Are you a pick or fingerstyle player? If pick, my vote would be the Taylor 6xx series, which has a Maple Back and Sides. The maple gives a strong, bright, and clear tone. If you are a fingerstyle player, you might want to check out the Taylor 5xx series as the Cedar Top helps with a softer tone.

I've bought from Sweetwater before and it was a good experience, I just wish they'd pick up the Music Man line.

 

[Jack FFR1846]

Larry i have a very nice Guild semi acoustic with a cutaway and its has a beautiful tone.Also its from the lower end of the guild scale and wouldnt be one of their most expensive models.
Check em out if you get a chance!

As much as I love Guild archtops (I have a 69 studio 302), the volume is not there. They have great tone and do whatever you want plugged in, but if you're playing with other acoustic players, you won't hear yourself.

Check high end guitar shops for older Guild dreads or if you need the cutaways, a cutaway model. For your budget, there's a lot out there. With the economy as it is, don't be afraid to offer a silly low price to a dealer. Other guitars to consider....Collings, Seagull and if you don't hate them, Ovation.

 

[jamminjim]

try one of these - impervious to the effects of moisture and they sound great - oh, and stainless frets

GX - Acoustic Guitars - Products

Also, here's a place to start looking at finer acoustics Buffalo Brothers Guitars

 

[kimonostereo]

I'll throw in my $.02.

A few years back I owned a Taylor 310ce and thought I'd go looking for something a bit better. I really wanted to get another Taylor or a nice Takamine Limited Ed. because I liked the necks on those guitars.

After about a month of searching and trying various acoustics, I decided to try some of the cheaper ones in the store. I walked out with an Aria Dreadnought AD-80 because it just sounded so good.

Let your ears and hands do it for you and not what other people say or think. I've still got the Aria and the Taylor has been long gone.

 

[bkrumme]

I'm partial to Taylor, but I agree with Tommy. Your ears and hands need to make the decision for you. Nothing more important than the tone you love along with the feel you love.

 

[DrKev]

I really like some of the Yamaha CPX acoustics. Very comfortable, good sound, acoustic and plugged. Guitars you can't help but play, which is always a good sign;

 

[browndog]

My cousin added a Martin to his band and lost his cheaper acoustic. I don’t know the model but it was expensive $$. When I heard it live in the bar I was blown away by the clarity & tone. I thought the band sounded good before he got the Martin. I could not believe the difference it made. Thats my 2¢

Like most have said... its up to your ears.

 

[shredderbetter]

you'll need to choose yourself but i found these things by accident and really dig them! much fuller sound and volume than the big guys taylor and martin!

Babicz Guitars: Identity Guitars, Octane Guitars, Tribeca Guitars, Electric Guitar TAB, Acoustic Guitar Lessons

 

[Larry]

for $2k.......there are a gizzlion awesome guitars to pick from. you need to stop asking others which guitar YOU think sounds better and breakout the blindfold. listen to guitars from playing postion.....and from in front.

Thanks Tommy, it's just when I walk into a store like GC it's quite overwhelming. I'm not looking for someone to tell me what to buy rather which ones are worth checking out.

Thanks everyone