Favorite Acoustic under $1k?

[oid]

Getting ready to buy an acoustic to hold me over until I find or build the right one for me. Getting sick of wadding through the endless options, I am going to need some assistance thinning the herd. Not picky on sort of guitar, just nothing massive and deadnaught like, only needs to make some volume without an amp and have six strings, new or used.

So far I have been considering
Godin 5th Avenue
Cordoba 45 or C9/10
Something in a 00

Love to hear any comments any of you have on these or any guitars under $1k USD.

[marqueemoon]

I like the Martin 00-15M. Can be found used for sub $1K, and not much more new.

The Guild M-120 would also be in the budget and sounds and plays well (made in China I think). I just don’t care for the glossy finish.

[oid]

Looks like there is one of those guilds on the local used market, will try and check it out this week. Always loved playing the OOs, I tend not to be quick enough to get the sanely priced Martins, they go quick, but they are on my list. Almost got a 30s oo-17, or was it 18, about a decade ago, was saving up for it but a certain red headed stranger beat me to it! It went to a good home at least.

Thanks for the guitars.

[UlricvonCatalyst]

Under 1k what? Yen? Pounds? Kronor? Not giving your location makes guessing your local currency impossible.

[oid]

Under 1k what? Yen? Pounds? Kronor? Not giving your location makes guessing your local currency impossible.

USD, thanks for pointing that out, it was in there, guess I changed direction mid sentence and forgot about it.

[Despot]

I'm not sure what they go for in the US ... but for a lot less than 1k USD you'd have to give Sigma a go. I've been very surprised with the quality of these Chinese made instruments - I played a J200 type of theirs a few months back that sounded better (to my untrained ear) than the Gibson J200 I'd tried right next to it.

Their prices vary depending on the model and whether it's all solid construction or uses laminates. Even the laminate models are pretty decent.

Worth checking out - they're a lot better than their price point would suggest. What I would say is that I'd try them out in a store that is more likely to have set them up - I've played a few right out of the box and there's a 50/50 "needs a set up" ratio.

[oid]

That is interesting, every Sigma I have encountered was the cheapest of the cheap and poorly constructed, thick dead plywood tops with little sound, was not aware they made solid wood guitars or anything other then beaters and kids guitars. I will keep my eye out when I hit up the local shops and not just ignore the brand as a rule if I see any, do not think anyone carries them locally though. Thanks.

[UlricvonCatalyst]

Since you're looking at Godins, you might also consider their neighbours Seagull, Norman, La Patrie, Art & Lutherie, etc. which offer great price-quality ratio due to Canadian government subsidy.

Recording King guitars are reputed to range from okay to exceptional value for money too (pretty much all made in China, I think).

Also if you see any Yamahas on your search, check the label for 'Made in Japan'. Though I don't think I've seen any Yamaha acoustics that weren't either dreadnoughts or classicals. Their outsourced ones will still be good quality, I would think, but probably not what you're looking for.

I play a cheap Takamine which I think was pretty exceptional for the price. Again, it's a dreadnought, but I'm pretty sure they make allsorts.

[UlricvonCatalyst]

Also check out the vintage Epiphones in this thread. You might get one on your budget.

[Despot]

That is interesting, every Sigma I have encountered was the cheapest of the cheap and poorly constructed, thick dead plywood tops with little sound, was not aware they made solid wood guitars or anything other then beaters and kids guitars. I will keep my eye out when I hit up the local shops and not just ignore the brand as a rule if I see any, do not think anyone carries them locally though. Thanks.

Yeah ... they have that reputation from days gone ... but I've been really surprised by their solid guitars. I've had Collings, vintage Gibsons and Martins, Lowdens (etc etc) pass through my hands over the years. Sigmas are (obviously) not a patch on really high end stuff - but the qualitative difference doesn't track the price difference - I bought one for 400 euro for a friend for her birthday a few years back and it was nice - really really nice. Some of their 'higher' end stuff can be really nice - but it's still a 'try before you buy' guitar - but certainly one to keep in mind.

[DavidG]

Not sure in US, but I snagged an Eastman for cheap over here in the UK. Unbelievable for the money and very well regarded on the acoustic forums. All solid woods, nitro, hand made.

[MechaBulletBill]

Also check out the vintage Epiphones in this thread. You might get one on your budget.

yep, a 60s Epi/student model gibson would be my suggestion, especially if you like smaller necks than most modern builders seem to offer.

[mackerelmint]

Arias are fantastic value. My old nylon string Aria punches way, way above its weight. They just play and sound good.

[jakeisjake]

i have a Takamine NP17 that i got in 1995. i think it was right around $1k.

it's been around the block...still sounds sweet as can be.



the hole was just about the whole way thru (you could stick a pick through it. so, recently i put a clear pickguard on it.

[Maggieo]

I played one of these Recording King Century33 acoustics at the local GC and I really liked it.

Here it is at MF