faetal on 5/9/2013 at 13:17
Hey TTLG. My PhD time commitments have all but destroyed my ability to do anything musical - most of my spare time is dedicated to relaxation (gaming). However, once I'm finished, I am determined to finish writing some of the songs I have in the pipeline and put together an album. One tool which is sorely absent from my arsenal is an electro acoustic guitar. Now I know that it is best not to use them and just mike up a standard acoustic, but since I'm not trying to win awards, just get something recorded, I was hoping I could get some advice from those who know their guitars (I don't, except I know I love Yamaha).
I'm not after the acoustic being the focus - I want it as an accompanying instrument, so I'm not looking for big warmth or finger picking type stuff, just strumming and maybe some low melody work on the coiled strings. I know nothing about pickups or anything. I'd say my budget is £400.
Nicker on 5/9/2013 at 19:13
Your best value is probably going to be an Ovation. Very consistent quality. Lots of options as far as the thickness and shape of the neck, body depth and shape. Good electronics and most now have built in tuners.
Leave enough room in your budget to get brass pegs (assuming you get a steel string) if you want to maximise the sound and of course a really decent, hard shell case.
faetal on 5/9/2013 at 21:11
It'll be a steel string yeah. I want to get a 12-string and a nylon as well, but I figured the one I'll use the most gets priority.
Cheers for the tip. I may have a dig around on eBay I think. You think I should replace the pegs?
PigLick on 6/9/2013 at 00:58
Ovations are good, I dont have the budget for that though. I purchased a Yamaha FGX720 last year at around the $500 mark, as I needed a knock-around acoustic to do some gigs with, and it performed admirably, guitar feels really nice. The one thing you are probably losing out on due to cheapness is the pickup quality, but it still does the job. The gigs I did werent miked up, but straight into the desk, couple of tweaks with EQ and the front of house sound was decent.
Nicker on 6/9/2013 at 06:16
It's probably not worth replacing the pegs for your intended use.
But getting a hard case is definitely a worthwhile investment.
If you have a guitar buddy, take them to the shops with you and find the right fit (body and neck wise).
Remember that a 12 string is twice the work tuning and changing strings and not as easy for picking, unless you intend to learn some very precise techniques. But a 12 will give you the thicker sound.
Rather than E-bay watch local want ads so you can do a hand's on before buying. Plus you save tax and shipping. There are usually a few bargains to be had. Again, take an experienced player along if you can.
Personally I'd buy from a shop before I'd buy on Ebay. At least you can take it back if there is a problem.
demagogue on 6/9/2013 at 06:20
If I got an electric-acoustic, I'd think about getting a nice archtop. I love the way they look & sound. But they are pricey. At the top of my wish list is the Gretsch Anni Jr. The standard size of archtops is a bit big & unwieldy, although that pays off in the extra resonance you get, but I'm happy with the sound of the smaller one.
Volitions Advocate on 6/9/2013 at 09:29
The best sounding acoustic guitars I have ever heard, ( and I've played a lot ) are from Simon and Patrick. They are Canadian, manufactured in Quebec and the price point is very affordable.
Godin owns them and you should be able to buy them anywhere you can buy a Godin, of course you might have to order one in, but I highly recommend it. 400 - 600 range and it'll include a hardcase.
(
http://www.simonandpatrick.com/intro.htm)
Take a look at what they have. Ask your local store that deals with Godin.
faetal on 6/9/2013 at 12:46
Thanks guys. I think a look around my locals shops will help a little. I do have some guitar buddies I can take.
I had a 12-string electric (Burns double 6) for a while and it was great, but I just don't think electric 12-strings are good for anything other than compressing and picking melodies with - I'm after the shimmering chord strums, so an acoustic is the only option. I'll save that for down the line though - for now, I'm just in the market for a solid 6-string. I think Yamaha make amazing instruments, my AES820 might be the nicest electric guitar I've ever played, and I've played a US Gibson Les Paul (my previous favourite). The custom pickups in it are worth the £200 I paid for it alone.
theBlackman on 9/9/2013 at 00:02
Play everyone in the store, regardless of make. When you find one that feels and sounds right, buy that one. Not a similar model from stock but the one you have in your hand. Remember that all the ones in the store probably have Medium strings. And that changing the strings will change the sound and feel.
DO NOT buy by price. Stay in your budget but don't decide it's going to be a $2000.00 or $200.00 guitar. Play everything in your price range and then buy the one you Play and Like. Not a same model from stock!
theBlackman on 9/9/2013 at 00:06
I know, double post. Mine is a 72 Takamine copy of a D-18 Martin. I've had it since 72 and it sounds better every year. I have six including two 12 strings, and also two 5 string banjo's and a six string.
I use Martin Silk and Steel strings.
