The Bug and How To Feed It

[Fujimo]

My sister tells me she has the bug to pick up guitar, and specifically, acoustic guitar. She'd probably have one by now, except she doesn't have any idea what to look for in buying one, and doesn't want to make an uninformed purchase. I only play electric, which she's definitely not into, so I'm not much help either. I'd estimate her budget to be in the $500-700 range. Any recommendations on particular brands or models to look for? Obviously, picking one up and judging the sound and feel is in order at some point, but where to start? What to avoid?

[Carbatron]

In that price range I would say Larrivee. I've recently purchased both a D-03 and an OM-03 in that price range and they are terrific sounding and playing guitars with all solid woods, ebony board and dovetail neck joint.

[Ed Rafalko]

Definitely the Larrivee. Heya Johnny! :ola

[Carbatron]

Hi Ed. So this is where you've been lately I see.
Nice place, very pleasant.:)

[Ed Rafalko]

Originally posted by Carbatron
Hi Ed. So this is where you've been lately I see.
Nice place, very pleasant.:)
BLame Lily and Nelson, Carbo. It's all their fault.

[Motojunkie]

Seagulls are real nice too.

[Fujimo]

Thanks, guys!

[GeetarGoul]

You can get good lower end used Martins for around 500 bucks too.

[Ed Rafalko]

Not all solid wood ones you cant! The cheapest solid-wood Martin runs around $1400 bucks!

[Spose]

Martin - D1 Guitars model:1-series
solid spruce top dreadnought acoustic guitar with solid mahogany back and mahogany sides, and satin finish with honey gold toner. Includes Martin vinyl laminated hardshell guitar case.
Price: $677.40



The Larrivee probably sounds better :)

[Ed Rafalko]

I think that Martin has laminated mahogany sides, Sposer.

[GeetarGoul]

Originally posted by Ed Rafalko
Not all solid wood ones you cant! The cheapest solid-wood Martin runs around $1400 bucks!

What model are you referring to Ed? The 16 series are about 800 out the door new. And roughly 500 used.

[Gazza]

Martin D15 hands down, I was shopping for a high end Martin and almost took home a D15. They are around $600-$700 new.

[romiso]

Hey my first post on Cafe Wah!

Definitely anything in the Martin 15 series -- all solid woods (mahogony), out the door for well under $700

(oops, Gazza just said the same thing... what he said!)

[Fujimo]

Hey, thanks again. I've passed all of this information along, and it is greatly appreciated.