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Post by vinman on Mar 5, 2024 12:28:55 GMT
Before I get to the main point of this post. I successfully replaced the strings on my Kentucky 150 mandolin. This time around I fitted a set of GHS Bobby Osborne signature medium lights and they're brilliant, bright, loud enough and the intonation is very, very good. I also dropped the action a tad as well. Actually, the action has been lowered significantly since I bought the instrument, I think Hobgoblin could have done a better job setting the instrument up in the first place.
The main point is. I'm thinking of upgrading my guitar, now I've only been messing about with guitars for a few months but I'm surprised at how good "economy" guitars are. I found a new Vintage Statesboro' for £70 on ebay and for seventy quid and it's not bad at all. Anyway, as I have a mild case of instrument acquisition syndrome, I was wondering if anyone would suggest a make or model that would be "good enough". I'm not prepared to spend a shed load of money.
Around £500 for a target price. Say a hundred or so either way £650 would'nt get a face from The Boss, but £1k would! £500 would get a well done dear! You know the story. The level of discounting in the guitar retail world is eye opening to an accordionist.
Small bodied, Parlor or Orchestra.
Electric amp gizmo would be very helpful, but not essential
Preferably with a case or decent bag
ideally all solid wood, a solid top is a must, laminate sides seem to be ok
I've found I prefer the looks of darker instruments, Mahogany or a Dark Sunburst. BUT a paler instrument at the right cost, spec etc would be fine.
So far the following have made it to the short list Epiphone l-00, Sigma 00-15M, Fender Paramount P220 sunburst or mahogany, Vintage parlor VE880PB. I really like the looks of the Epiphone it sounds good on YT too,. We live between Brighton and Worthing, so there are several retailers within easy reach. GAK, Bonners, Andertons etc . Thanks in advance..
Finally, the lessons are with Guitar Guru Ged are going well... several tunes can be picked out fairly safely and simply, strumming is.....a work in progress. Even by ear is going well. Pleased.
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Mar 5, 2024 13:14:28 GMT
Rather than recommending a specific guitar, I reckon the best plan would be to spend as much time in those retailers as possible and play everything they have in your price range, checking for the sound you like/want, obviously, but also the playing comfort of the neck (profile and width) and body size (standing and sitting). If something you really like has a highish action then they should be able to adjust for greater comfort, especially if they think there's a good chance you may actually buy - it's about seeming keen, but not too keen, and that you are comparing with instruments in other retailers too. Ditto if the strings are dead.
By all means seek out the guitars on your shortlist, but keep an open mind and play loads of others too.
Always ask for a discount - they can always say no, and may well say yes. If no cash discount possible then "extras" can often sweeten the deal - strap, capo, strings etc - always worth asking.
It's fun hunting out a new guitar - don't forget to look at any used models in your price range too - good luck, and let us know how you get on.
Keith
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Post by delb0y on Mar 5, 2024 14:00:28 GMT
Hi Vinman
It might be very slightly bigger than what you're after but there's a lovely Yamaha LJ16 (secondhand) at GAK. I keep my eyes out for these as one day I could well be tempted! Could well be worth a strum when you're in the shop.
Great news re. the lessons, too. What sort of tunes are you playing?
Derek
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Post by vinman on Mar 5, 2024 16:15:52 GMT
Thanks. I hadn't really considered Yamaha, the LJ16 sounds gorgeous. Yes, it certainly would be worth a strum when I'm passing. Thing is the world seems to be full of used acoustic guitars. It's sorting the good'uns from the dross. The right one will come along at some point, I'm in no particular hurry at the moment. I bought a second hand "The Loar" F style mandolin form Hobgoblin a couple of years ago, it wasn't what I went into the shop for but it was by far the best sounding mandolin in the store at the time. Good advice to play as many instruments as possible, I might well be surprised at what eventually sticks.
I'm working on some old time tunes, Shady Grove, Over the waterfall, Cripple Creek, Old Joe Clark, Flatbush waltz, that kind of thing, there's a couple or three Trad French dance tunes that get my dubious attention as well.
Strangely learning tunes by ear, or partially so , not something I'm good at or even like doing particularly, seems to be a damn sight easier on a stringed instrument than on an accordion. Cheers
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Post by fred7 on Mar 5, 2024 17:23:44 GMT
I don't think Yamaha know how to make a bad guitar and for the right price.
That said, Pay attention to Keith (ocarolan above) and play as many guitars as you can. The look of the guitar comes below comfort and sound on the priorities list so get a feel for every bit of it.
Learning by ear will get much easier and feel more natural with experience. Of course you should learn the tunes you want to play but the important thing is to learn to play the guitar, not just the songs.
You should have no trouble finding the ideal instrument for £500 - good luck and post pictures when you have it.
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Post by borborygmus on Mar 5, 2024 18:00:29 GMT
You might get a Furch or an Eastman second hand at the top end of your price range. These brands and Yamaha are where I’d be looking over the brands you mention. Above all, buy what you like, and Keith is right - make sure the feel of the neck and the size of the body are comfy for you. It might be easy to get impressed with the initial sound of the instrument in the shop, but what might sound “bright” at first listen might turn out to be “tinny” after a few hours at home. Good luck with your search, and have fun. Take a friend.
Peter
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Post by Onechordtrick on Mar 5, 2024 18:20:31 GMT
You might get a Furch or an Eastman second hand at the top end of your price range. These brands and Yamaha are where I’d be looking over the brands you mention. Above all, buy what you like, and Keith is right - make sure the feel of the neck and the size of the body are comfy for you. It might be easy to get impressed with the initial sound of the instrument in the shop, but what might sound “bright” at first listen might turn out to be “tinny” after a few hours at home. Good luck with your search, and have fun. Take a friend. Peter Another brand to consider is Faith. But don’t get hung up on the name on the headstock or the construction; 5heres nothing wrong with laminate. And definitely do as Keith says and go out and play as many as you can.
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dogwheel
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Post by dogwheel on Mar 5, 2024 22:09:11 GMT
Among my small collection of Guitars, two were purchased following classified For Sale Adverts on this Forum, one is a very lovely Yamaha LJ16, which I have enjoyed an hour this evening, to remind me just how good it is, the other is a Recording King ROS 616 12-fretter, I've never had a moments regret about those two, nor has my pal who I went with, a couple of weeks ago, to buy a very nice Craftsman made Dreadnought from Francis Milsom, all were within your price range, and I'm of the opinion that you should be able to trust the nice folk on this Forum, should you see one you fancy. By all means visit all those tasty Guitar Shops to help you decide what you really want, but do keep an eye on the Classifieds on here. I only have one sort of "If only", I wish all my guitars were cutaway models, although the lack of which does not spoil my enjoyment. ps. Faith are nice, I have a Naked Venus 12 String, I just think they are a bit overpriced. pps. Dowina are absolutely wonderful, and outstanding value at the moment, they will surely get more expensive as people learn about them and demand outstrips production.
Good luck, Robin.
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minorkey
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Post by minorkey on Mar 5, 2024 22:26:25 GMT
Couple of good budget brands to look out for, Tanglewood and Brunswick
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tangledfool
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Post by tangledfool on Mar 6, 2024 0:47:37 GMT
A few potential used/end of line models you may encounter: Vintage V300 - folk/orchestral-sized with solid top. They do a model (V300MH) with a solid 'hog top. Tanglewood TW130 ASM - orchestral-sized body, solid mahogany top and back, laminate sides. I have both the V300 'hog and a TW130. The V300 plays very well after being setup, but I'm still to have the TW130 setup to get the best out of it. I'd also say the TW130 has a bit of a chunky neck in comparison to other acoustics I own. Lots of great suggestions above and with a healthy budget you'll find plenty of guitars from which to choose The One. Good luck!
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minorkey
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Post by minorkey on Mar 6, 2024 6:55:20 GMT
I wish all Tanglewoods had that fancy T logo on the headstock! Looks so much nicer
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Post by grayn on Mar 6, 2024 7:16:19 GMT
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Post by Wild Violet on Mar 6, 2024 10:26:38 GMT
I'd recommend looking at Eastman guitars. You can get an all-solid one for £599 brand new, or one with laminate back and sides for £359. I have an Eastman PCH1-OM (approx 00 size) bought secondhand for £175 and it's a spectacular guitar with a vintage Martin vibe.
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Post by scorpiodog on Mar 6, 2024 11:09:37 GMT
One guitar I bought for curiosity's sake a year or two ago astonished me for its quality compared with the price. I suspect the body size is a little larger than you need, but it has a brilliant pick up in it. Andertons are the UK agents, and it'll be well worth a try out if you happen to be there. Here it is: Sire A4. I bought the A3, which is laminate back and sides, but this one's all solid. Having said that, I fully agree with Keith. Lose all sense of urgency and try as many guitars as you can in as many different shops as possible. Only then can you be absolutely sure the guitar you buy suits you as well as possible. And it's fun.
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Post by PistolPete on Mar 6, 2024 13:31:15 GMT
Having played a couple of the Epiphone L-00s when they first came out and heard one used in anger at a theatre gig I was very unimpressed with them, but it depends what you're after. If you want a decent budget acoustic that looks old fashioned they are fine, but they don't really sound much like an L-00.
I wouldn't necessarily be rushing to move on from the Statesboro myself - I've always been impressed by Vintage at the price point & the Paul Brett models in particular (I have a Statesboro 12-string & a VEC500 for open mic night use), after putting some hours in on that you might have a clearer idea of what works for you. I'll echo the advice here to play as many instruments as possible. Also don't discount second hand, there are definitely fine instruments to be found via Facebook marketplace and eBay, along with the ones you wouldn't wish on your worst enemy, although it does help if you can take along someone who knows what to look for.
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