Acoustic Guitars

[GoodStix]

Like others above, highly recommend you consider the Martin D-28.  Have American LP R9 and Strat.  But to “save” money, have gone through less expensive acoustics, when I’ve always enjoyed the D-28 far more.  Wished I’d bought it in the first place — haven’t saved a dime as I f’ked around with others through the years.  Now that arthritis has blessed my hands, it no longer makes sense to buy the D-28.  Should have bought it decades ago.  Good luck with your search 🙂

[MoeFOH]

2 hours ago, dangarneau said:

Just throwing in my two cents here...but I love Breedlove. It was started by a luthier who left Taylor to start his own company. They are gorgeous, well-built in Oregon, and sound and play amazing. And best of all they have a great range of guitars to fit any budget. I own two.

Cool. Was not aware of them at all... Looks like gorgeous gear. And The Dude abides! 

Thanks! 

[Capn_Jackson]

I’ve got a good Martin acoustic and a cheap Takamine. The Takamine was my first, but the Martin is far superior. I have a Classical guitar, too. It’s a sweet mid-level Cordoba.

[rascalmonkey]

Bought a Taylor 710 in '93 for $1000 off some dude in Hollywood that was coked to the gills - super memorable experience! 🤣

[Grateful13]

Just buy used. Saves money and they sound better as they open up with time anyways. And the way things are going, odds are they’ll be worth a little more than you paid in a few years. I’d probably aim for a D-18 if on a lower budget.
 

Personally, I just bought my third acoustic. A Brazilian D-28 style made by an associate of Wayne Henderson. Beast of a guitar for flat picking. It joins my other two, a 2008 Gibson Advanced Jumbo and a 1933 0-17 shade top Martin, plus a host of electrics of various vintage. 

[Ford2112]

Im looking forward to seeing what you choose @MoeFOH

[GoodStix]

2 hours ago, Grateful13 said:

Just buy used. Saves money and they sound better as they open up with time anyways.

Well said.

@MoeFOH if buying used, suggest you have guitar tech inspect it, unless you really know what to check for yourself.  I don’t know what sellers are like nowadays, but in past times with high end guitars (after agreeing on price subject to inspection) people were willing to meet you at the local shop, or drop off their axe there.  The fact you’re paying for an inspection (or using up a favour) indicated you were likely a serious buyer.

[Bords]

Just buy used. Saves money and they sound better as they open up with time anyways. And the way things are going, odds are they’ll be worth a little more than you paid in a few years. I’d probably aim for a D-18 if on a lower budget.
 
Personally, I just bought my third acoustic. A Brazilian D-28 style made by an associate of Wayne Henderson. Beast of a guitar for flat picking. It joins my other two, a 2008 Gibson Advanced Jumbo and a 1933 0-17 shade top Martin, plus a host of electrics of various vintage. 

Wow is that an apprentice of Wayne’s? Dude is a legend. Getting one of his guitars is next to impossible unless you find one used. I know a guy who has been on his list for over a decade and still no guitar. You basically need to have something he wants in trade like a vintage shotgun. There are a few FS at dreamguitars.com, all over 50k US. Wayne probably sold them to the original owners for 4k or less.

One other brand to seriously consider is Pre-War guitar company. I have a Brazilian/Adirondack 000-28 that kills and it’s only 8 months old, just beginning to open up. Their mahogany guitars are less than 6k, a true bargain for what you get if you are into the vintage tone.


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[Man D'olin]

Everyone here is giving you good advice in my opinion.  You don't get to choose your speaking or singing voice, but you do get to choose your guitar - and they all sound different.

I've got a couple of Martin acoustics (one is a D-28HDV and a 000 with a cutaway).  I've got a no name fhole guitar form the 1930's- nobody knows what it is, but it sounds GREAT= cost $175. I love em all for different how they sound and play differently- for different types of music.

D18's and D28's are made out of different kinds of wood- mahogony and rosewood respectively, and that makes a big difference. The guitar player in my band bought a Martin D-28, the most basic model of that guitar off the shelf in a local music store. She asked a few people to come and look at it. Which is a great idea. That particular one is one of the best new guitars I heard at any price.  

If you like the sound, and it's made out of solid wood (I would avoid a laminate:plywood), plays in tune, has a straight neck, and feels comfortable (Martin D 28s are large!), then you are in good shape. To hear how different guitars sound in comparison, check YOUTUBE.

I've never heard anybody complain that they spent too much, anybody with a guitar they love.  

[Islandboy]

When I bought my 814ce about 30 years ago, it was definitely considered one of the first really big purchases of my life. And I didn’t even play very well, so it was as much about the hype of being a Taylor...and it really did have amazing tone. I’ve still only managed to reach a high level of farting around on a guitar, but man what a great companion my Taylor’s been over the years.

In the early years, I was basically afraid to take it out of its case, haha. These days? Well, the bottom photo is from about a week ago, and it’s one of my favorite pairings with a cigar and some bourbon most nights. Just don’t expect to hear much other than the 12 bar blues in E 

[SCgarman]

For those who reside in Australia, I'm curious as to the availability of USA made guitars and how much more they sell for than the US market? Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, are they all readily available? Here in the US I purchased my Gibson Les Paul Standard with a mouse and laptop from a large online/B&M music retailer. Of course the FedEx man can deliver a full size Marshall stack right to your front porch if that's your desire.

[MoeFOH]

16 hours ago, Islandboy said:

When I bought my 814ce about 30 years ago, it was definitely considered one of the first really big purchases of my life. And I didn’t even play very well, so it was as much about the hype of being a Taylor...and it really did have amazing tone. I’ve still only managed to reach a high level of farting around on a guitar, but man what a great companion my Taylor’s been over the years.

In the early years, I was basically afraid to take it out of its case, haha. These days? Well, the bottom photo is from about a week ago, and it’s one of my favorite pairings with a cigar and some bourbon most nights. Just don’t expect to hear much other than the 12 bar blues in E 

Love this. Pretty much exactly where I'm aiming... "a high level of farting around on a guitar". 

Budget wouldn't permit me approaching the 800 series, but Taylor definitely the frontrunner at this stage. Probably looking most closely at the American Dream and 300 series. I feel that's a really nice (American made) coupling of quality and my skill level/budget. 

Appreciate the pics, Brad! 

[MoeFOH]

3 hours ago, SCgarman said:

For those who reside in Australia, I'm curious as to the availability of USA made guitars and how much more they sell for than the US market? Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, are they all readily available?

Most US made models are available but limited by the dealer's range. I.e. Dealers order in what they think will sell, and if you want something outside of that then you can order it but might be dependent on the dealer placing a minimum order, plus you're going to have wait time, etc. That said, there are some pretty significant stockists out there, but not necessarily in your local area, which restricts you to an online purchase... so yeah, it's got some limitations. Price wise it's pretty much a straight conversion plus a bit of shipping, though this again depends on the dealer and what they want to tack on. 

[JohnS]

4 hours ago, SCgarman said:

For those who reside in Australia, I'm curious as to the availability of USA made guitars and how much more they sell for than the US market? Gibson, Fender, Martin, Taylor, are they all readily available? Here in the US I purchased my Gibson Les Paul Standard with a mouse and laptop from a large online/B&M music retailer. Of course the FedEx man can deliver a full size Marshall stack right to your front porch if that's your desire.

If you live in the big main cities of Australia, then yes, those brands are all readily available. As MoeFOH stated, it depends furthermore then on the supplier for exact models.

[BlueRidgeFly]

I only noodle around on a guitar occasionally, but as a piano player my whole life I’d generally recommend getting the best instrument you can afford, maybe even a little above what you think you need. I’ve had some mid-range keyboards and pianos and there is often some little annoyance or flatness that grates on you after enough repetition. But a great instrument you just want to keep feeling it and hearing it. It’s addictive. It’s going to make you a better player, I think.