acoustic advice

[colin]

Hi, was just wondering what acoustic guitar any of you guys/gals have,and what your opinions of them-- I love all hanks acoustic numbers and just like a strat, its a mine field as to which type to purchase , I know all the issues of woods , pickups, and amps,or micked up, I am planning to purchase a new one next month , Ive had an old washburn for some time now, but I want to get more into it now..... any recommendations ??
Colin

[noelford]

I've had a 1980-ish Washburn Woodstock from new. From time to time I've considered changing it but every time I've realised that what I was considering wasn't as good! The only thing wrong with it was the rather weak pickup, but I had a battery-powered pre-amp fitted a while back and that sorted it.

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[edwardd]

Hi Colin,

I think it really depends on your budget and the style you want to play. My current acoustic is a Takamine Santa Fe, dreadnought shape, great for strumming and the odd fingerstyle piece. It gets a little boomy when plugged in but I think that's just my inexperience with electro-acoustic amplification.

Having listened to a number of acoustics over the years and on an average budget, I'd probably now go for a Guild or Yamaha as all-rounder guitars.

I once bought a Martin D45 which I sent back because it sounded like it was stuffed with cushions. After that I bought a Taylor 914CE and immediately fell in love with the sound, but sadly had to send it back the same day due to a crack in the soundboard.



You could take a listen to some different models on youtube, but I think the best thing to do with any guitar is try them out in person. I've bought several high end guitars over the internet and have been quite disappointed with some of them (learnt my lesson), but I'm very fussy apparently

Kind regards,
Ed.

[rosemary]

Hi Colin
I have a Tanglewood acoustic which was the first guitar I bought when I started learning about 18 months or so ago. It's a solid top cutaway and although I know very little about acoustic guitars (and am still learning about my Strats) I'm very happy I chose it as it gets played most of all, stays in tune really well and looks and sounds good.
Best wishes
Rosemary

[BarryH]

Hi Colin,

It all comes down to budget as usual, there are some really great guitars out there in a wide range of prices.

Two years ago after watching Dave Edmunds in concert I bought a blue Taylor T5. Absolutely top class guitar and looks the part as well.

www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/electric/models/ModelDetails.aspx?modelid=4

[shadfan4]

I can also recommend Taylor guitars, I have an 810ce that is used on all my postings when required.

I always use a pair of AKG C1000s mic's, one at the bottom of the soundhole and one at the 12th fret and record as two separate tracks.

Mike.

[Deleted]

Hi Colin, Good question.

I have a Wasburn Jumbo no pickup just an acoustic but I have a condenser mic to record from it. I bought it new in 1994 its made in Japan. I would match its sound against any Taylor or Martin. The build quality is superb.

One word of warning acoustic playing can take over your life and take your playing and music in new directions. Ain't it great !!

I have another hobby and that's bluegrass acoustic guitar.

George.

[DaveC]

Hi Colin,

I'd advise you to make the neck/fingerboard/fret combination your No.1 priority. If you want to play fingerstyle then you'll be using heavy strings and you'll need room to move on the fretboard without inadvertently catching other(undamped) strings, so it will probably be wider than your electric.

The shape of the neck can be critical. I have small hands and I like the Ovation V-shape (with an ebony fingerboard) --- but you need to try to decide your own preference. Your fretting hand works harder on an acoustic guitar, so comfort and playability really matter.

Even if you can't afford to buy them, check out Taylors, Martins and top end (US) Ovations to see how good a neck can be and what you are aiming for.

Then it's really a matter of how much you want to spend! There are some fantastic acoustic guitars around now for just a few hundred quid. Vintage and Tanglewood spring to mind but there are plenty of others. Five hundred gets you into the bottom end of Yamahas and Takamines. Once you get up to a grand then you're spoilt for choice. Just don't buy anything you haven't held.

My personal collection:

1970s Jedson Dreadnought (a Martin D28 copy)
Ovation 1994 Collectors' Edition
Ovation Custom Legend12-String
Martin Resonator
Martin OM28V
Epiphone Chet Atkins (Nylon Strung)

With the exception of the Epi, all have the V-neck that I like.


Regards
DaveC

[rogerbayliss]

I have a Blueridge dreadnought style simlar to a Martin D45 design but made in China so good price and a great Martin sound. Hobgoblin Music sell them UK

Heres link

www.hobgoblin.com/local/contfram.htm

[colin]

Hi, thanks for all your advice, and yes the neck feel , the price, etc all are important issues, I tried a few guitars this weekend in our local shop,and the one issue I really had was, that the guitars felt like they were 3 feet away from me, and I just couldn't get comfortable stood up...(yes I do have a small middle age spread) I know sitting down is a better option, but if you play in a band, chances are it will be standing up, I know washburn and a few others have the slim line models, what is the guitar size required for instrumental playing, is it dreadnought,is it auditaurium, folk, or what??We all use the internet for guitar reviews, but great sites like this one is far more real and positive...if only we had every acoustic guitar available to try...I would go ga ga ! suppose the same could be said if it were every strat.... knowing me I would still be wishing that I had picked the black one , instead of the natural finish
Cheers Colin

[philmcg]

Hi Colin - I love playing acoustics especially the songs from Hanks Guitar player acoustic album.
There is a big difference in the type of guitar for playing Lead, to that of playing Rhythm.
I use a Steve Toon Montpellier for lead www.stevetoon.co.uk/shop/productdetails.php?id=10&cat=3
It's beautiful to play lead on and is very loud even without using the transducer. But not sweet enough for general rhythm playing.
For that I have a collection of Gibson acoustics. 2 Doves (one 1960's and one 1990's) and a custom 2004 J200.
The 1990's Dove is probably the best value for money all round guitar especially if you can find a good second hand one.
I think it all depends exactly what you want to play. If you want to play a lot of lead you would benefit from a cutaway guitar so you can reach those high up frets.
Good luck... Phil

[colin]

Hi Phil, thats good advice and I will certainly take a look at your recommendations, I know your site ...excellent , and have some of your B/Ts so I know what your saying.
Cheers Colin

[DaveC]

Hi Colin,

After reading your previous post about playing onstage with a band, I'm not sure if you are looking for the right thing. If what you want is the sound of an amplified acoustic guitar --- but with the physical presence of a Strat --- then take a good look at the Line6 Variax range. These are regularly available on the well known auction site.

The original model was the 500. The newer range includes the 300 (fairly basic but sells for about £200, SH), the 600 (a much better quality build, and with a vibrato) and the 700 (a beautiful carved top/vibrato model).

As well as doing a good imitation of a '59 Strat, various LPs, Gretsch's and other electrics they will also emulate the sound of a few top acoustics from Martin, Gibson and Guild. And all in a Strat type package with a slim neck and electric gauge strings!

Whenever I sit down to learn something new (or just noodle), the first guitar I reach for is my 600. It's so playable.

I think Noel Ford has a 700 and he might like to comment.

Regards
DaveC

300:
www.the well known auction site.co.uk/itm/Line-6-variax-300-Guitar-Excellent-condition-/280725285206?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item415c87e956

www.the well known auction site.co.uk/itm/Line-6-Variax-300-/290601433985?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item43a931fb81

www.the well known auction site.co.uk/itm/Line6-Variax-300-Black-Nylon-Soft-Case-/290602533442?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item43a942c242

600:
www.the well known auction site.co.uk/itm/Line-6-Variax-600-/250877791424?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3a697b4cc0

www.the well known auction site.co.uk/itm/Sunburst-Line-6-Variax-600-electric-guitar-/300590690752?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item45fc99f1c0

700:
www.the well known auction site.co.uk/itm/LINE-6-VARIAX-700-/320745403730?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item4aadea7552