Acoustic Electric

[doodie]

Looking for opinions on a Acoustic Electric guitar,I don;t know anything about guitars ,just play them,but would appreciate any help on picking one.Not expensive ones,between 600.00 and 1000.00.

Thx for any help

[Sequenzzer]

Hello Doodie,

Being that my main expertise is keyboards,I'm certainly NOT a guitar player(I dabble here and there though)I've played with so many different guitarists in my neck of the woods,and personally IMO for me after hearing countless different guitars in different music settings,the sound that always seems so rich,full,and pleasing to me(both acoustically and electrically) is Martin stuff. Their acoustic stuff to me just blows anything else out of the water,and they make good hybrids. I've also heard some Washburns that get that sweet spot in my ear as well.

What it all comes down to is taking a trip to your local music store,and asking to play and try out different guitars that YOU are happy with,both looks and playing style being what suits YOU personally. What you may find very comfortable to play and happy with the sound,someone else may choose radically different. This way you won't rely too heavy on the opinions of others,and shell out big bucks for something that in the end you may not really be happy with.

But check out some of those Martins. I do find they are one of my favorites for sure.

Take Care

Mike

[frankie]

Get someone to go with you that knows about guitars, action,bridge settings etc.No good getting a guitar that sounds ok but is a real pain with slipping strings and strings that are to far from the neck and you need a vice like grip to play.Sound can be sorted by different effects Tokoi,Washburn, and Yamaha are ok in the middle price bracket.Dont worry about getting one with an eq that can be sorted with the amp.My 2c's worth.

[weeo]

I've had a Yamaha APX for a few years now and for the price £300 (ish) they're very good. The action is excellent and sounds good as well. It depends on how much you want to spend, Takamine are very good and as Mike says Martin are top notch but expensive.
There are so many to choose from so I would take Franks advice and try before you buy.
Good luck

Eddie

[freeway]

Sound advice all round was in the same position myself a few weeks back  so done a bit of research felt like a total newbie after 22 years using the same guitar as things have changed so much since the 90's with so many new companies coming on board and  a lot of the well established companies  manufacturing cheaper guitars catering for those that can afford it  its a minefield  . 

 

Anyway decided on this one stuck to what I'm used to  Takamine tried this model   and a few others out in a local music shop  you need to get the feel of it and play it  not the same watching a pro showcasing it  anyway love the tone, action  and overall warm sound and of course the price   but its  def a very personal thing choosing a guitar what suits one another might hate it . 

 Just a few things I've also picked up in my travels  watch out for ones where you need to loosen the strings before changing a battery can be a right pain if it dies  esp in the middle of a gig mine is easily accessible can be replaced  in a matter of secs....... and graphics although  they look nice on a guitar there's no real need for one as Frank says just work from the amp that's what I do  eventhough I have one on mine as well find it too distracting  although the notch filter on mine is handy if your ever getting feedback . 

 Ask also how long the battery life is approx. a friend of mine also had a Takamine  an EN 10 lovely guitar but it went through the world of batteries after 3 or 4 gigs he needed to change  because of the parametrics he said  he ended up getting a power pack to save money.  These are small things but could save you  money at the end of the day I'm sure your reading reviews as well  not on the website selling them but guitarists forums  you'll get  it from the horses mouth there no bull.

     Anyway good luck in your search I'm sure you'll stumble on something suitable  pretty soon

Rgds

Barry

[doodie]

Thx everyone for your response,The Martins sound like the way to go like Sequenzzer suggested,The Washburns are kind of interesting I;ve heard one them,has anyone played a "Cort" or a "Crafter".

Thx again everyone.