New Acoustic Guitar---Need some music savy people to help on this one

[iceman_1347]

I'm looking at buying a new electric acoustic guitar. I'm in the market to splurge on this one and spend between 1200 to 1500 bucks and was looking at getting a Martin I think but there are so many wood options, different series options, etc. that I have no clue what would be best. I know it's a preference thing too. I'm looking for some input from musicians out there that would be able to give me some insight. I play mostly country music. I do plan on going some place and playing a bunch of them before buying so that I can choose the one that sounds the best to me. Just looking for any other help I can on this one.

Thanks

 

[lenny]

I have had a few Seagull Canadian acoustics and they are a decent guitar for the money. The last one I got I wanted a cedar top and side for the warmer softer tones and it does that. I use it for doing worship music in our home church. Wood species is a factor, you probably know that already if you are going for a high quality guitar. Certain tones work better for certain styles of music

 

[mezz]

Perhaps BigVin could chime in on this one as he is a musician & country is his forte. He would have some good recommendations for you. BTW, any thoughts on Gibson?-Mezz

 

[chords]

Its really hard to recommend any one guitar or brand with so many choices - even within one brand. Its all about personal preference. The electronics of it , and sound plugged or unplugged ( which amp you use will also affect the sound)
How it feels or "fits" would be a priority to me along with price.
I'm not real picky but last time I played and compared a few at Guitar Center I did notice a big difference with the Gibson Hummingbird.
It played easy, the neck was comfortable and sounded excellent. Of course its up there in price but Gibson does offer a cheaper model that list at $2,000 w/o the signature hummingbird pickguard. Good luck and have fun. You'll know when you find the right one.

 

[iceman_1347]

Thanks for the comments.......Yeah, there are SO many options out there. I'm torn between Martin and Taylor I think. I want to get a brand that you can pick and strum for the type of music that I like to play. I know I have to just go some place and try everything, especially if I'm making a purchase that I'll have for a lifetime. This is a tough one for sure.......

 

[yoopermike]

I'll make you one out of a cigar box, 2x4, and bailing wire. We'll get drunk on your deck, I'll sing. It will be hilarious. HA!

 

[bigvin]

Good to see you are looking at a nice guitar iceman!
Guitar brands are a lot like sled brands to some folks,...
All I can say is,... I have 3 Taylors,....
and my "gigging" guitar is a 410CE,....
Let us know what ya ended up with!
Rock On!

 

[whitedust]

Difficult to go wrong with Gibson, Martin or Taylor all sound good. Sound is most important then feel & action will be important to you. If the axe does not sound good you won't care about action. As far as resale I would say Gibson & Martin are most wanted. Check pawn shops always good deals.

 

[bobt]

Not sure if it is still in the Martin line-up, but I paid about $980 for a brand new "spd16r" with HSC about 8 years ago.

The "sp" stands for special and is a d16 size and "r" for Rosewood, they came in a "w"alnut and a "s"pruce. Gold tuners and "snowflake" fret markers, sounds great with elixer strings.

 

[iceman_1347]

Well, I went with a Martin HD-28. I played a few different Martin's while at Guitar Center, D-35, D-15 and a cutaway style as well as a few Taylors but I kept coming back to the HD-28. I spent a few bucks but I wanted to get a guitar to have for the rest of my life and I found it. Sounds awesome and I don't want to put it down now, ha.

 

[bigvin]

Congratulations Iceman!
Enjoy your Awesome new investment!