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Post by 68blues on Apr 3, 2014 9:54:30 GMT
I need a bit of help from you acoustic guitar veterans. What should I buy? Here's my space specifications. Price up to £400, not electro, not a booming loud sort of sound, not classical, not a parlour type. I know it's not much to go on but and you probably get this question every day but all help will be much appreciated. The best comment gets a mention on my first album liner notes. ??
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Post by kevmc1180 on Apr 3, 2014 10:31:12 GMT
I need a bit of help from you acoustic guitar veterans. What should I buy? Here's my space specifications. Price up to £400, not electro, not a booming loud sort of sound, not classical, not a parlour type. I know it's not much to go on but and you probably get this question every day but all help will be much appreciated. The best comment gets a mention on my first album liner notes. ?? In your price range you cant really go wrong with any of the Sigma models. They are priced very well. You get tremendous value for money. I have 2 different models. The 000r-28v in particular is a fantastic buy for 380 pounds... They also do an equivelent Dreadnaught if thats your thing...
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ocarolan
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Post by ocarolan on Apr 3, 2014 10:31:43 GMT
Hello, and welcome to the Forum 68blues ! Hope you'll have fun here. Best advice has to be get into as many shops as you can and play as many instruments in your price range. Ask yourself questions like "Does this guitar feel comfortable to hold and easy to play?", "Do I like the sound it makes when I play it?" "Does it play in tune in all the places on the neck I'm likely to be using?", "Will the shop give me a discount?" There's a lot available up to £400 and most are well enough made and sound like acoustic guitars so it really comes down to what floats your boat, or brings a smile to your face - I'm not going to specify any particular makes/models - they may well not be to your taste. If you haven't bought an acoustic guitar before, play lots, play lots, play lots. And, play lots more. You'll soon develop an ear for the kind of sound you like. Let us know how you get on. Keith
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benfreeman
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My main instrument is: Larrivee LS03R
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Post by benfreeman on Apr 3, 2014 10:31:58 GMT
Always difficult to advise. Don't be put off or unduly influenced by names on the headstock - if you like it then it is good. Unlike most things we buy, a well looked after guitar (except very cheap all laminate wood models) should improve with age, so don't be shy about buying a second hand guitar, with some care. Check out the classified section on here.
Also, go to a guitar shop and play lots of guitars. Get a good idea of what you like in terms of body size, neck profile etc. Everyone likes something different, there is no good or bad.
And try to enjoy buying a guitar. In that price range you should be getting something with a reasonable re-sale value, so don't panic. I've bought and sold guitars in the £400-£700 price range and normally broken even (if buying used to start with), so if you buy and it isn't right, you can trade in due course. It's all part of the fun.
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Martin
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Post by Martin on Apr 3, 2014 10:34:28 GMT
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Post by 68blues on Apr 3, 2014 10:57:24 GMT
Thank you guys for the superb, prompt and informative response. Now I have narrowed it down to a medium body. Is the Sigma a medium body guitar?
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Post by slasher on Apr 3, 2014 11:07:43 GMT
Hi 68blues and welcome. I think that where you live will have some bearing. As most of the replies have said the best thing to do is try as many guitars as possible and go for what sounds, and feels good. You therefore need to be living within reasonable distance of one, or more decent sized guitar shops! If you know any experienced players it might be useful to take one with you when trying out instruments especially if you are looking at used guitars as well as new ones. I hav'nt tried Sigma guitars but their reputation is good. I have played Faiths. They have some non electros in their range and are quality at a reasonable price. Enjoy and Good Luck!
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Post by the23rdman on Apr 3, 2014 11:10:20 GMT
I honestly think that the Faith Naked Venus is the best guitar in this price range by a mile.
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benfreeman
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My main instrument is: Larrivee LS03R
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Post by benfreeman on Apr 3, 2014 11:45:52 GMT
Another thumbs up for Faith guitars - such good value for money.
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Post by kevmc1180 on Apr 3, 2014 13:18:49 GMT
The sigma like most manufacturers come in all shapes and sizes when you say medium i would presume you mean 000 size like the guy plays from lumineers or eric clapton for reference. Faith are good all solid guitars the ones in your price range (the naked) are very good but the finish is very basic. The Sigma inthe price range you stated would be a really good finish but laminate backs. However since 80% of the tone comes from the top soundboard i dont think it matters unless your getting a really high end guitar. The sigma pictured above the Sigma S000M-15 is all solid mahogany which is cool too... 500 pounds though. Im contenplating getting this myself, but id say the spruce is the best all rounder...
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Post by the23rdman on Apr 3, 2014 13:38:21 GMT
The basic finish on the Naked Faith's is the best thing about them - it allows the wood to breath better than the glossy finishes.
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benfreeman
Strummer
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My main instrument is: Larrivee LS03R
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Post by benfreeman on Apr 3, 2014 13:48:35 GMT
Nothing wrong with satin finishes in my opinion either. They are thinner for a start. Another preconception about guitars, and most things, is that shiny is better. It's a guitar - looking good doesn't make it sound better
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Post by kevmc1180 on Apr 3, 2014 14:17:11 GMT
I never said shiny or glossy is better in fact i dont like the faith high gloss series. I like satin finish had it on my Lag and Tanglewood. The faith naked is a really fine finish almost like the handrubbed finish on martin x series. If i were to own a faith id go with natural, a small bit of laquer but not too much. The naked doesnt have bindings or inlays either. I have to like the look of a guitar. I know its all about tone but you gotta like the look too. Thats why id never buy a seagull with that ugly headstock. Guitars with a laquer finish force the tone out of the sound whole more giving it a different tone not inferior, in my opinion.
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leoroberts
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My main instrument is: probably needing new strings
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Post by leoroberts on Apr 3, 2014 19:15:34 GMT
Hi, 68blues.... I'd concur with those suggesting Sigma and Faith ... I'd also throw in 'Vintage' (the brand, not the age!) guitars... they constantly get good write-ups and come in many shapes and sizes. The Vintage V880N might interest you. Vintage guitars
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Post by 68blues on Apr 3, 2014 19:24:50 GMT
Thank you guys for your help. Obviously if you are a good guitar player, going to a shop and trying all sorts is the best idea. Myself, it would only embarrass me. I looked through many guitars yesterday but thought this place was the best to ask questions. An electro was never on the cards so I have ordered a sigma. I look forward to it being delivered. There will come a day when I will want to upgrade and that's when I will ask you people again for advice. As promised, if I ever make an album, every one of you will be in the liner notes as a thank you.....stranger things have happened lol. Thanks again guys? ??
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