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Post by sandman on Apr 14, 2005 3:39:35 GMT -5
Ok, looking for input. I've decided i want a new acoustic.
I want something different than my mahogany Epi. I've been looking at the WD washburns, some of then are solid wood and at a decent price, Alvarez has a masterworks line just as Epi does. All i've been researching but haven't had a chance to play. Looked at a few takamines. they get great reviews but i'm not too familiar with models. I'd like to get something with a maple body or rosewood. I see alot of sapele and ovankol i'm not familiar with them enough to know how they will age. I'm hoping to keep it in the $500 range or less..a little more is ok...but i'm hoping under 500.
like to hear any infor in the takamines if anyones familiar.
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Post by CAFeathers on Apr 14, 2005 10:04:38 GMT -5
I have a 12 string Takamine and love it. You have to play a Takamine to understand them. There is just a feeling about them.
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Post by sandman on Apr 14, 2005 22:52:40 GMT -5
there's a GC in virginia beach where i just transferred to. I plan to go look at what they have this weekend. I'll try a couple out if they have them. the others i have researched. the washburn's and the alvarez's they never stock.
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Post by ZacAttack on Apr 15, 2005 15:22:44 GMT -5
How about an Epi Hummingbird? Well ok I admit, that's my G.A.S. lol
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Post by sandman on Apr 15, 2005 16:18:17 GMT -5
well, the hummingbird is mahogany......but i have thought of the dove....  ...its maple |
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Post by ZacAttack on Apr 15, 2005 16:33:34 GMT -5
The Dove is sweet too. ;D
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Post by JoMan on Apr 15, 2005 16:45:19 GMT -5
i can recommend Garrison guitars, but they're a little pricier, they're more like between 500 and 1000 i think.
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Post by mandough on Apr 15, 2005 21:25:43 GMT -5
I think the Takamine would be a sound choice. They started out making copies of really great old Martins, and then got sued for being TOO good, so they changed the headstock shape, and kept on making great guitars. ;D
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Post by sandman on Apr 16, 2005 3:45:10 GMT -5
I'm gonna check the local GC to tinker around this weekend. Hopefully I see something that triggers the drool factor. and is in my price range.
I've read of the Garrison's and would love to try one. I'd like to try a Blueridge too, they are right in that range.
Ya know...the research, and testing are half the fun.
I'm sure I won't see a Garrison or a Blueridge there, but I'd bet I'll see some Takamines.
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Post by hcoll on Apr 16, 2005 15:42:24 GMT -5
...sandman.........
...I too was looking for something different from my Epi AJ-10...I found it............
...the Takamine EG-523SC...it's a flamed-maple w/solid spruce top acoustic-electric jumbo...it comes in either natural or black...there's also a 12-string version............
...enjoy your search...............
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Post by sandman on Apr 18, 2005 10:29:05 GMT -5
ok, went and played a few takamines, the flame maple one, liked it. felt good. but it was a little more i couldn't get them to throw in the case. also played a rosewood model, had me leaning towards a rosewood guitar. i'm thinking of going with a blueridge. cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&category=2385&item=7315603542&rd=1the headstock is a little gaudy. but the reviews on these is impressive. and its solid wood throughout with a case thrown in for less than $500. i'm thinking of pulling the trigger. If i do, i'll post some pics and give a review |
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Post by Smooth on Apr 18, 2005 19:48:47 GMT -5
Sandman have you tried any of the Masterbilt line from Epiphone? Here is one with some decent pics (it's a touch over your $500.00 limit though): www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/DR500R.htmThese guitars are with out a doubt the best SOUNDING acoustics from Epiphone period. We have received in 200 McCartney Texans built in Montana USA. Everyone who was 'allowed' to play these Gibson built guitars were quite turned off by the build quality and tone. I bet i played 50 of the Texans and i'd take (and am planing on getting sometime) either the DR500RE or the Mahogany version over the USA built Texan. Just trying to throw that idea out there. Ps. The Elitists Texans are built with higher quality than the Montana Texans. Some company suits are not too happy about that in Montana either. |
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Post by sandman on May 1, 2005 9:36:23 GMT -5
well, i made a 90 mile drive to check out one of the blueridge guitars. i'm really leaning towards the br160 model. its solid rosewood back and sides and these things are sweeeet. nice laquer finish, not satin. they only thing i don't like...too much scroll work on the headstock. but the sound more than makes up for it. my birthday's in june. i'm still testing out other guitars. i haven't found a shop locally with one of the epi's yet. but still looking out fot one. i checked out the takamines, they are nice. but the blueridge is just so much more bang for the buck. a much nicer guitar.
seems the more i look, the more gas builds...lol
have a great weekend guys
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Post by NattyBumppo on May 1, 2005 21:28:46 GMT -5
I have to second what Smooth said about the Epi MB series. More spefically, you have GOT to try the Epi MB EF-500R. It's rosewood, has a lovely satin finish with a bit extra width at the nut and the v-shaped neck that makes fingerpicking so much easier (at least for me it does). Seriously, last December I purchased a new Washburn acoustic and in the process played about 30 different acoustics over the course of about 6 weeks and the Epi MB kept pulling me back. The only reason I ended up with the WB was $$$. I was really at the store to buy a Christmas gift (Ibanez Jam Pack) for my son so I couldn't spring for the MB for myself. In hindsight, I should have waited till I could get the Epi.
It may end up being a few bucks over the magic number you said you have set but seriously, the EF 500R could well be THE most incredible value in the price range. In fact, why not buy my WB from me so I can right my wrong and go buy the Epi! $300 for the Washburn WD46S with hard shell case and it's yours!
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Post by sandman on May 8, 2005 11:15:13 GMT -5
I found a guitar center with an epi mb. it was the mahogany version. veery nice guitar. I'm still leaning towards the blueridge though. its sounds better and it sells for the same and comes with a hardshell case.
the only concern i have is with warranty support should i need. i've worked with epiphone and they were great.
the blueridge was rated in this years acoustic guitar magazine as being just behind martin and taylor. the nut is slightly smaller on these. but they play very well and have a very deep full tone, loud . there's an older one on ebay i may snag if I can. it is a rosewood laminate . but if I can save $350 and sate my GAS. thats a good thing.
let you know if i get it.
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