The Watering Hole

What's do you like in the sub $2000 range?  If you have opinions I would like to hear them.

Priorities:
1. Unplugged tone
2. Playability
3. Electronics

Thanks!

Taylor 414CE  is the best I've heard under 2Gs new.  

What do you think of the 314ce?

great!  the 314 and 414 are very nice guitars!  

Takamine, Taylor, Yamaha. And for me, in that order too.

Played one of these the other day. WOW!!! was all I can say.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Takamine-ESF48C-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=516460&src=3LTAWXX1

One thing I will add Tobe is that most acoustics in this price range will darken in tone over the years. My Santa Fe based 97 LTD Tak is now much richer in tone than it was when I bought it new. Also, the new CoolTube preamp in the newer Tak's is f'ing superb.

You'll find Taylor and Yamaha's will also darken with time so it's something to bare in mind when listening to the tone of a new guitar.

IMHO, Stika Spruce top with Rosewood sides and back are a winning combination for construction and try to go for something with a thinner topcoat. More work to keep it looking good but it's worth it, trust me.

Good luck and let us know what you go for.

spud — Aug 30, 2008One thing I will add Tobe is that most acoustics in this price range will darken in tone over the years. My Santa Fe based 97 LTD Tak is now much richer in tone than it was when I bought it new. Also, the new CoolTube preamp in the newer Tak's is f'ing superb.

You'll find Taylor and Yamaha's will also darken with time so it's something to bare in mind when listening to the tone of a new guitar.

IMHO, Stika Spruce top with Rosewood sides and back are a winning combination for construction and try to go for something with a thinner topcoat. More work to keep it looking good but it's worth it, trust me.

Good luck and let us know what you go for.

Thanks Spud!  The tone darkening didn't occur to me.  That Takamine looks sweet - they don't have that one at GC here.

Larrivee!

Great plugged and unplugged, and their less-fancy ones can be had for much less than $2000. They also sound great when you mic them up - I record with mine all the time...and it's a cutaway.

I HIGHLY recommend them.
Tripper

Tripper — Sep 09, 2008Larrivee!

Great plugged and unplugged, and their less-fancy ones can be had for much less than $2000. They also sound great when you mic them up - I record with mine all the time...and it's a cutaway.

I HIGHLY recommend them.
Tripper

Thanks for the suggestion Tripper.  I want something that will record well and not have to be wailed on to sound good.  I found a shop a little over an hour away that has some in stock - I'll check them out before I decide.  They also have some McPherson artwork there.

Tobe

Good call Tripper. They make some good electrics as well.

Seagull is another brand worth checking out Tobe.

spud — Sep 10, 2008Good call Tripper. They make some good electrics as well.

Seagull is another brand worth checking out Tobe.

I agree - when you find a good Seagull, they're pretty awesome. They're not as consistent as some other brands, though.

My Larrivee is a C-03 from around 2000 or 2001 and I love it because it has a really natural, open sound with just a teeny bit of a compressed quality to it, making it great for fingerpicking, wailing on it, or anything in between. And it has Fishman electronics, and they sound great.

I've played a bunch of the bigger (and smaller) Larrivees in a few different stores, and they all have that same quality, but with the variations in overall tone that come from the different woods and body shapes. The key is their neck joint - it transfers a lot of energy/resonance and really gives them a good presence and good volume.

Can you tell I love them?
Tripper

Larrivee, Taylor, Seagull.....in that order.

I've played howie's taylor a few times.....like buttah it plays like.  I lust that guitar.  It is exceptionally nice.  I have contemplated many times just kicking his ass and taking the guitar home.  he's not athletic enough to stop me from doing so. hehehehe


Had a buddy with a seagull in college.....I have to say....bang for the buck it's a pound for pound contender.  It was a very lively guitar with a very pleasant full rich sound.  I couldn't belief he paid so little for it and it easily stood on level ground with big buck guitars.

Larrivee......play those in Nashville at Gruhn......sick sick sick sick.

I like Martins, well, a few Martins. I've played some Yari(sp) that sounded great also, imo.

If you ever get a chance, play a Martin 00015. It's killer for a small body take anywhere guitar. I like it better than my DC16GTE-P. Sound wise. I have both.

I think the Taylors are outstanding looking guitars. I just never liked the sound as well as Martin.

IMO only, acoustic guitars are unlike electric guitars, kinda. They are much more a personal taste, personal choice, kinda thing. It was for me. Everyone kept pointing me towards Taylor, but I just liked the sound of a Martin better. Then, to choose "the Martin" for me.

I've played some $250 dollar Alvarez that impress me for the money.

I would say anything over $500 will sound great, then your personal preference and lable awareness come into play. Brand name kinda thing. I got cought up in that myself. Got stuck on Martin and didn't want anything else.