Favorite Acoustic Guitar

[Kestral]

I was curious what people are using in terms of acoustic guitars and why.

I'm in the market for one right now, this is what I had in mind:
http://www.capsulemusic.com/retail/detail.asp?ID=1819

Would appreciate any advice/suggestions as I'm a n00b when it comes to acoustic guitars (I've always played electrics).

[shikawkee]

For me, Santa Cruz, Collings and Martin make the best recording guitars. They are more consitent and have greater clarity than most stuff I've tried. YMMV.

[Realtugs]

I'll second the Martins. Old faithful round here.

[bcarr]

I really like my Taylor 812c (mine is about 9-10 years old). It's a small body and it records well and it's very ballanced. I have picked up many other Taylor's in varrious stores and they don't sound as good as mine. Maybe their quality has gone down or they were the lower models. I have not liked anything by Taylor under the 812 series.

A friend of mine has a James Olson guitar and it is a wonderful guitar. If I was to buy a new guitar I would buy an Olson. They are not cheep and you have to wait in line to get one.

[inaudio]

I'm a sound guy not a player - but recently one of the new Taylors with the fancy-shmacy pickup system came in to the club where i work. It has a TRS jack that just plugs into the mixer with an XLR, just like a mic, and it sounded fabulous all by itself.

Anyone used this here? They cost about $5k but sounded worth it to me... no DI, no mic, and it sounded like a real guitar!

[everybody's x]

I'll second that inaudio, we have one and it's freakin beautiful, well made and sound great.
My first response seeing the TRS out, was "YEAH RIGHT!" but it isn't bad at all

[RinnyTin]

J-50 is a great recording guitar, you'll be happy. I bought a guitar from Capsule, they were very cool, no shipping problems either.

I'll second shikawkee on the Collings, IMO the best guitars being made today, but at this price point it's definitely a matter of taste.

Small bodies can be great for fingerpicking stuff.

On the less expensive side, you can find some great Guilds from late 70's, early 80's for a fraction of the cost, a good D50 can make a great strummer.

[tINY]

Whatever you get, make sure it is at least 5-6 years old if it has a solid spruce top. the grain opens up after several years and sounds quite a bit different...


-tINY

[shikawkee]

A good deal on a hardworking, beautifully-made small guitar is the Santa Cruz OM-PW. You can find it around $2100.00 new or $1500.00 used. I've been playing one for over a month and it's stellar. Records great and much better than most new Taylor's or Gibson's IMO.

I had an unbelieveable small body Collings once that I'm still kicking myself for selling. Damn, that was a sweetie. Perfectly balanced.

[Jan Folkson]

I've got a Larrivee that records beautifully. It's often chosen over much more expensive guitars.

[MichaelT]

James Goodall!

[chadd]

Let me add Breedlove, Lowden and Froggy Bottom to the excellent makers listed above. Like with an electric, the most important thing is that the guitar should suit your playing style. Try small body, concert, dreadnaught, jumbo; cedar and spruce tops; rosewood, mahogany, koa, maple back and sides, medium and light guage strings; wide, narrow, thin and thick necks. One person's dream guitar may not be your cup of tea. Go to the guitar shops and spend hours playing a wide variety of good instruments and you should soon discover what gets you excited.

As an electric player, it may take some time to get used to the higher tension of acoustic steel strings. Most guitars are made with a particular guage in mind; medium gauge strings can eventually warp a ultra-lightly-braced instrument, while light strings will sound wimpy on a more beefy one. Be honest with yourself - if you really don't like playing with medium gauge strings, then find a guitar that sounds great with light ones.

Used guitars:
Keep in mind that there can be a good deal of variety within the same model and vintage, so be wary of ordering a guitar you haven't played. Make sure you can return it if it's not what you were expecting. I have a 1972 Martin D-28 that's just amazing, but there are plenty of mediocre D-28s from that period as well. Old guitars can have maintenance issues (hidden cracks, loose braces, lifting bridges, poor neck angle) so have it checked out by a luthier before commiting.

[Wiggy Neve Slut]

My beloved 1968 Gibson 'Country & Western' model..... but some KUNT's burged my house 4 yrs ago now and took all of my guitars, 700 cd's, computers, clothes and the whole house basically.

I have been looking for a replacement for years since and have not even got int he ballpark. New ones just dont have the woody and earthy tones that i just loved about it. It was a VERy popular guitar around the studio. Accoustic orgasm.

But in hindsight i guess i cant bitch too much cos the bastads left behind 4 Neumann Fet 47's...

Still on the search
Wiggy

[Telecastr]

that J50 should sound wonderful. a friend of mine has a circa 1948 J50. it was her grandfather's, passed on to her dad, and now to her. she told me she had an old Gibson acoustic and i was expecting a hummingbird or something. she shows it to me and it's J50. too bad she'll never sell it with the sentimental value it's got. i guess it's a good thing she is a good friend. i'm gonna borrow as often as i can for acoustic tracks. larivee's are really nice too. taylors are hit or miss. a friend of mine has a 414 that kicks the crap out of another friend's 810LE.

[HudHudson]

Gotta agree with the Collings votes here. I was fortunate enough to be Bill's neighbor for four years (our lots outside of Austin adjoined) and I have heard some amazing instruments come out of his shop. Too bad I can't afford one! But a nice Taylor or older Gibson works great for me. Another fave of mine are the 70s era LoPrinzi dreadnaughts - well-balanced tone, like a cross between a Martin and a Gibson. The Brazilian rosewood models (LR-12, LR-15, LR-25) can be bought for a fraction of the cost of a Brazilian Martin and have less boom and more top end.

[Kestral]

Originally posted by Telecastr
that J50 should sound wonderful. a friend of mine has a circa 1948 J50.

The 1955 Gibson J-50 in the above link sounds really good tonewise, but it doesn't have as much sustain as the one that the owner of the store's 1958 J-50.

And that's my current dilemma...

The owner's 1958 J-50 was what got me started on this whole trek. I went to a studio to see a friend (who's currently got a platinum record on the Billboard charts) and he had about 5 acoustic guitars all lined up in a row. For some reason, I grabbed a particular one, and it was the 1958 J-50.

I wrote a song right there on the spot and it has to be one of the best acoustic guitars I have ever played in my life. I asked my friend if he owned it and he said it was on rental from the store, so I called the store the next day and I found out that basically, it's the owner's #1 acoustic and according to the salesguy, he would never sell it.

So since then I've played at least 8-10 other Gibson J-50's from the 50's (from 1952 to 1958) and none of them sounded even close to this guitar.

Until this Tuesday, my studio partner called me and said they have a 1955 Gibson J-50 for sale and it's very close to the 1958 the owner owns.

So I went over there with my partner and played them both side by side. The 1955 was good, but it had not been played in 10 years and it had strings on it over 10 years old, and heavier guage than the owner's 1958 J-50 which gets played a LOT and has much lighter guage strings.

My studio partner (who also has a couple of platinum records hanging on the wall) already thinks the 1955 sounds better than the 1958, but that if I put new lighter guage strings on it and play it for a month so it will "open up" (since it hasn't been played for so long), then it will be even better than the 1958. The store is going to re-string the 1955 for me to play and I'm bringing a luthier friend to check both guitars out and see what he thinks.

But now I find out from my studio partner that the owner would be willing to sell his 1958... for $5000 CDN (that's about $4050 USD). The 1955 after taxes is $3550 USD, so there's a $500 difference between the two. So now, which one do I go for? My studio partner also found out that the reason the owner is willing to sell his 1958 is because his plan is to pocket the difference, buy the 1955 from the consignee and that would be his new #1 guitar.

Now this owner has had thousands of guitars cross his path, and he REALLY knows his guitars. I've played a couple of his electrics, and they were the BEST examples of those guitars I have ever played. So if he's willing to give up his #1 1958 to replace it with the 1955, do I go for the 1955? Or do I not take the risk that the 1955 will open up and sound just as good if not better after a re-string and some playing to open it up?

I guess I'll have a better idea when I go in next week to try the two guitars out, but I would really appreciate some advice - this is gear slutting after all, but while I'm more knowledgable on my preamps and compressors, acoustic guitars are a lot more personal and a completely different ballgame.

[Kestral]

PS: I'm working on a Pros list to help me with this difficult decision.

Pros of 1955 Gibson J-50
- Looks cooler than the 1958
- Less Expensive than the 1958
- The owner of the 1958 is looking to replace his #1 with this one
- More 'vintage' than the 1955

Pros of 1958 Gibson J-50
- Has more sustain than the 1955
- Had what Jack Kerouac called, "IT". The 1955 may have this as well, but I need to try it again with the re-string

[shikawkee]

Originally posted by Kestral
acoustic guitars are a lot more personal and a completely different ballgame.

You said it yourself.
My advice is buy the one that sounds and feels best in your hands regardless of brand, model, age or spin. Take your time. You'll know it.

[chadd]

I agree. Get new strings on both guitars and go with the one that inspires you most. Listen to the guitars, not the dealer or your partner. Try not to think about it ahead of time.

[mpr3]

Who here has heard a James Goodall guitar?

Thoughts? Opinions?

I have a chance to pick up a blem from him that sounds original, though he is on a different island so I would have to buy sight unseen... with a return policy of course.

It is a Parlor.

[shikawkee]

Originally posted by mpr3
Who here has heard a James Goodall guitar?

Thoughts? Opinions?

I have a chance to pick up a blem from him that sounds original, though he is on a different island so I would have to buy sight unseen... with a return policy of course.

It is a Parlor.

Goodall's are very fine guitars and from what I've heard he is a fair man.

[seriousfun]

Originally posted by mpr3
Who here has heard a James Goodall guitar?

Thoughts? Opinions?

I have a chance to pick up a blem from him that sounds original, though he is on a different island so I would have to buy sight unseen... with a return policy of course.

It is a Parlor.

I have had a Goodall Grand Concert Koa for about 15 years - build by James Goodall alone when he was in Ft. Bragg, CA.

It's light, responsive, records great, looks fabulous - I'm not worthy!

I wouldn't worry about a blem - that's just character.

As long as you have a return policy, I would give it a whirl.

[MichaelT]

"Who here has heard a James Goodall guitar?"


I've got a Goodall. I forget what model...it's not near me right now to look either. All I know is that I love it to death! I literally spent months going to every guitar store I could find, big and small, looking for the perfect acoustic for my tastes. I played almost every Taylor, Larivee, Mcpherson, Martin, Gibson, you name it. I eventually settled on the Goodall. Mind you, some of the other guitars were phenomenal, but I just couldn't get them to do everything I wanted them to do when I was playing, but with the Goodall... Is it the perfect, 100% guitar I was looking for...no. If my favorite guitars from other companies got me 90% of what I was looking for, the Goodall was the only one that took me to 95%.

Well, take that for what it's worth. Don't buy one cause I said so (they're expensive!). I love mine, but it may not be up your alley...depends.

[Kestral]

Jane Goodall, isn't that the monkey lady? :D

[Kestral]

Just wanted to inject a little levity there :D

But seriously, I've played quite a few different acoustics, here are my thoughts on them in general (keep in mind these are imo and worth the price you paid for it):

Taylors - wow, these sound great! I prefer vintage gear but if I was forced at gunpoint to buy a brand new acoustic guitar, this is what I would most likely go for. It'd be a shootout between this and a modern Martin.

Martins - this is a weird one. I know the "classic" and "quintessential" vintage acoustic guitar is a Martin, but I have played many vintage Martins (probably >50 of them), and of that 50, I'd say I liked 3. I once went into a store that had 8 pre 1960 Martin D-18 and D-28's, and of the 8, I liked none of them. The one that really stands out is one of the gadzillion Martins that the Jim Cuddy of Blue Rodeo owns. However, the modern Martins are quite nice, I have to admit - when they age, I predict in 20 years or so, they're going to sound better than the vintage ones.

Larivee - they sound completely different than any other acoustics I've ever played - they have this bright shimmery thing happening with them. People either love or hate the sound. I'm happen to be in the latter camp, but I can respect the fact that the maker took a chance and did something unique, and I'm sure they're well built. Just not my cup of tea.

Gibsons - these are by far my favorite - the vintage ones. I don't like the modern ones at all (imo, the Gibson that has existed since the 80's is not the same company that used to exist in any way, shape or form). I love all the J-series (though I find the J-200's too big in size and boomy in sound for my preferences). But I love the J-50's from 1955 to 1958. Pre-1955 they had the smaller tear shaped pickguard that doesn't look as cool, and after 58 (or maybe 59) they changed the necks from a thicker neck to this thin neck that I don't like. Modern Gibson guitars (whether acoustic or electric) I completely avoid.

Yamaha - they have some cheap guitars (FG series?) in the $500-600 range that surprisingly sound quite good.

Takamine - they started off in the 70's making Martin knock-offs. I was fortunate enough to try a couple of them and was very impressed - I preferred them to the real thing of similar years.

Fender - I love their electrics but the acoustics just don't do it for me.

[RobMacki]

ROTF!!!

I'm surprised no one has mentioned Breedlove.
Best guitar I ever played was a Special order Breedlove Walnut back/sides and Redwood top.

BTW I own a '80 Guild D-50nt w/Old growth Rosewood/Spruce. Love it! and a Taylor 540c. Love it too.

[Steffmo]

Wiggy...

I feel your pain.

I have a 1968 Gibson Countrry Western......(no...I didn't) which I drove 100 mines in a blizzard in a 1965 Corvair (the deathtrap....to buy for 100.00 in 1973.

Its probably been on 1000 songs I've recorded over the years. Wonderful instrument.

I recently had a Takamine with a new pick up system which had a mic in the guitar, and a pickup with a blender....not sure who made it. This was probably the best sound I'me heard from the plug in jack on an acoustic.

Martins of course are wonderful, and I've had several Larravees lately what have been reaaly good.

[JTR]

before choosing either of the J50's you're torn over, I'd suggest you record each in whatever context you'll most often be using them - after first restringing each with a new set of the same strings; assuming the setups are close, this will help you make an informed choice.

if you just want a writing guitar for the livingroom, go with whatever one you like the sound of when playing it

If you want a recording instrument, go with whichever sounds best to you in a mix - big diff between the 2 situations

I wouldn't dismiss new Gibsons quite so quickly; they've got some nice stuff out there from the 90's that record and play well.

The original L series Larrivee models used to be real popular with lots of engineers and studio players; very balanced and easy to track

most electric players gravitate towards Taylors on account of the necks being very comfortable; although that feature is now common on other brands too

[Kestral]

Originally posted by JTR
before choosing either of the J50's you're torn over, I'd suggest you record each in whatever context you'll most often be using them - after first restringing each with a new set of the same strings; assuming the setups are close, this will help you make an informed choice.

if you just want a writing guitar for the livingroom, go with whatever one you like the sound of when playing it

If you want a recording instrument, go with whichever sounds best to you in a mix - big diff between the 2 situations

Thanks for the tip! For the 1958 J-50 that the owner owns, it's been on enough major label tracks to confirm that it records really well.

My studio partner (who also does major label reocrds) is convinced that the 1955 J-50 will record even better and is more balanced sounding.

In the end I just want the one that is the most inspiring, feels the most right, etc. It's like being torn between two women - they both great people, but you just want to make the right choice, and one you (and both of them ideally) can live with.

[chrisgraff]

Gibson has been good to me in recent years....

Picked up a '73 J-50 Deluxe for $600. 70's Gibson's are so under-rated; so much better than 99% of what's manufactured today.

....also married into a 1970 Hummingbird. Used to belong to Hank Snow's guitar player (my Grandfather in-law, in fact).

By the way, another guitar maker you might want to check out is Jay Duncan. He worked for Larrivee for years, and now makes his own. Real nice.

www.duncanguitars.com