Recommend an Acoustic guitar?

slowjett · 8th November 2006, 10:07 PM

Hello,
I am searching for guitar that would be suitable for recording and playing shows. One with a nice pickup system, or without and I may add my own.

Im looking for a meaty earthy sound, not that tiny sound I keep ketting out of the axes I have bought. But at the same time I want something that I wont have to EQ the hell out of (you know that boxy sound you can get when recording acoustics) in the studio.

I currently play an Alvarez SC70 (or something), its allright, but its too thin for my tastes. I want that good bottom end. It also seems to honk at the mics a bit. I was looking at Cole Clark guitars but cant find any in the area to try, or perhaps Yarri guitars.

Your suggestions would be awesome.

Just to get a feel for my kind of music I write and play, here is a live sample or two

Big Brother

This time

Thanks so much!!!
Josh

Rob King · 8th November 2006, 10:13 PM

As far as recording goes (actually sound in general) Every Acoustic sounds different. You can have 3 of the exact same model and they sound different. I have an old Takamine 341C that has been recorded to death and it just sounds awesome...Seriously you need to play and listen to your prospects. Personally I am looking at a Taylor 814C next. I have heard quite a few that sound amazing.

Oh BTW, The Taylor ELIXER Strings are seriously the best for recording too...Worth the extra money IMHO.

cramseur · 9th November 2006, 12:07 AM

True...Taylor, Martin, Larrivee, Collings...all great sounding guitars. All different sounding guitars...each model different from the others and each guitar different from their siblings.

Play, listen, repeat, until done.

Black Seal · 9th November 2006, 12:34 AM

Try out some of the different Martins'. I like the rich low end they have. Avoid the cheap Mexican made ones. One of my artists just bought one for $700, and before the end of the same evening he found multiple things wrong with it (1/4 in jack became loose, dead spot). They tone was good except for heavy strumming. I assume you're concerned with the internal pickups because you play live. I typically hate all of them for studio use, yuk. It can be the right sound in some instances, ok ,very few to me at least.

Blindside · 9th November 2006, 01:00 AM

If you want a full, earthy sound, you want Martin all the way. Taylors are usually a lot brighter. Also, forget Elixers. The Martin Phosphor Bronze or GHS phosphor Bronze will help you achieve that sound.

If you don't want to pay out the arse, I suggest going to (I know) Guitar Center. They have this series of Martin acoustic that is made specifically for their stores. I forget the model, but it has the letters "GC" at the end. They are well made guitars that sound AWESOME. My friend got the one with the Spruce top and Brazilian Rosewood sides and back with no gloss finish for $1,000, which is a steal. It doesn't have a pickup built in, which is good so that you can choose your own flavor.

This guitar sounds better than ones three times the price, records like a freakin DREAM and sounds great through our crappy PA with whatever pickup he has.

If you don't want to spend a fortune and still want a sweet instrument, I would at least check it out.

Blast9 · 9th November 2006, 01:04 AM

If you're based in the UK, check out www.atkinguitars.com

I have a coulple of those. one is a small jombo which has a lovely full sound.

SteveE9C6 · 9th November 2006, 03:44 AM

Look at some Martins. (Little known fact... My real name is Steve Stallings and I'm the founder of the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum @ www.umgf.com)

Good choices... for cheap

D16 GT ( A poor mans D18)

I have played virtually any model you can name including a score of prewar D45's.

My favorite guitar for recording? A simple D35 using a couple of sdc or one LDC pointed at the end of the fretboard.

Stick a new set of medium strings on her (not elixirs) "volila!" sonic earvana!

mrkz1974 · 9th November 2006, 04:00 AM

McPherson Guitars.

http://mcphersonguitars.com/

This is a no brainer for me after a decade of searching for THE acoustic tone. I have an incredible sounding MG-4.5XP Brazilian Rosewood back / Carpathian Spruce top that sounds HUGE miked or plugged in.

The attention to detail these guys put into each guitar awesome. Once you strum one, forget it- you're hooked.

Windtaken · 9th November 2006, 04:14 AM

my primary instrument is the guitar and I chose a taylor 810-L7.
Taylors are brighter than Martins and I think Martin could be your better choice. However, I really enjoy the Taylor pickup system. In the Martin, you could try some stuff from L.R. Baggs but you'll still need to EQ at least two bands

One thing you could try is to put some brands customs on your guitar to boost the low end (bigger contrast of thickness from the high strings to low strings)

For strings I really push Newtones - hand made strings that sound amaaaazing. They're lower tension strings too so it'll make playing a lot easier. I don't know how to describe it...I guess 'shimmer' or 'zing' would be it.

If you're going for biiiig bass take a look at some of the larrivees out there. You can feel the bass in your chest when you're playing that thing

Windtaken · 9th November 2006, 04:18 AM

Oh, and don't use elixirs...ugh...

a problem with lower end taylors (300 to 600) is that they sound reaaallly sterile when new. You'll have to really work it in.

If you want to go the taylor route, a dreadnought may be right for you. 310, 410, etc.

not_so_new · 9th November 2006, 04:27 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by slowjett

Hello,
I am searching for guitar that would be suitable for recording and playing shows. One with a nice pickup system, or without and I may add my own.

Im looking for a meaty earthy sound, not that tiny sound I keep ketting out of the axes I have bought. But at the same time I want something that I wont have to EQ the hell out of (you know that boxy sound you can get when recording acoustics) in the studio.

I currently play an Alvarez SC70 (or something), its allright, but its too thin for my tastes. I want that good bottom end. It also seems to honk at the mics a bit. I was looking at Cole Clark guitars but cant find any in the area to try, or perhaps Yarri guitars.

Your suggestions would be awesome.

Just to get a feel for my kind of music I write and play, here is a live sample or two

Big Brother

This time

Thanks so much!!!
Josh

Hey Josh

Just wanted to say, good song there.

rowdy322 · 9th November 2006, 04:44 AM

I love my Guild!

dreamsongs · 9th November 2006, 04:56 AM

I'm surprised nodody's mentioned the J-200 for live work and bigness...

Also, about 4 years ago I bought a Martin SPJC-16RE, it sounded good then but now 4 years later it sounds better. Not great for studio work though. For that, I go to the Taylor 814. Especially in a busy mix...

Different animals...

daaronhoffman · 9th November 2006, 05:08 AM

Best acoustic I have ever played is by Kevin Ryan.
AMAZING!
not cheap...but worth it.

I lik it over two Olson's that I played.

I recommend getting one without electronics so you can record without the fear of wires buzzing on the inside. You can always put a sound hole pickup in for live work( or just mic it)
On the "cheaper" side... try a Taylor 514(preferrably used and played for awhile).
They have great balance.

Good luck!
Aaron

Third Story · 9th November 2006, 06:38 AM

taylor 614 is nice!

The Super Dead · 9th November 2006, 10:59 AM

I have a "Lakewood" which is very nice, i must say at the moment i seem to have a problem when plugging it in and picking up the bottom strings, im not sure if its because i have put 2 diforent sets of strings on, or if the pick up is broke.... will re string it and go from there...

but apart from that it sounds great, German hand made guitars.... I sat in an acoustic guitar shop and tried out all the top brands and the lakewood had the best sound and felt great.... allthough did cost me £850 (meant to be £1000 so they said)

http://www.lakewood.de/

Marshy · 10th November 2006, 01:10 AM

Hi every one,
I play just a Fender Catalina dont know if any one is familiar with one (Krean made). I had new tone electric guitar strings on it and it was giving a dull sound, so i went and got a set of Martin bronze strings same light gauge as the privious ones (11 - 52) and it sounds much much better but Im getting a buzzing as I play
along spacially on bar cords that I wasnt getting with the other strings at all unless hit a cord wrong, what do you guys think? Im not a very experienced
guitarist, anyones thoughts would be much apreciated.

Marshy.

RusRant · 10th November 2006, 01:56 AM

Depends what your into and looking for. I'm pretty partial to Seagulls and Gibsons myself.

Marshy · 10th November 2006, 04:10 AM

Hi everyone,
Any one out there familiar with the guitar Takamine AN10?

Marshy

dreamsongs · 10th November 2006, 04:29 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Marshy

Hi everyone,
Any one out there familiar with the guitar Takamine AN10?

Marshy

Top of the line Takamines are pretty good although I don't own one. But I've played a few and liked them. Glenn Frey is one among many that uses it.

They have a bright sound much like a Taylor but there is a certain sound quality to a good Taylor that is hard to match. Also, it has better playibility.

But if you can't shell the big bucks for a 6 or 8 series Taylor, a Takamine would do you just fine...

Marshy · 10th November 2006, 05:05 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by dreamsongs

Top of the line Takamines are pretty good although I don't own one. But I've played a few and liked them. Glenn Frey is one among many that uses it.

They have a bright sound much like a Taylor but there is a certain sound quality to a good Taylor that is hard to match. Also, it has better playibility.

But if you can't shell the big bucks for a 6 or 8 series Taylor, a Takamine would do you just fine...

Thaks dreamsongs

There is one im going to see second hand Au$650 2 1/2 years old about Us500 hope is in good condition and see what it feels like , I let you know man

Thanks Marshy

zakco · 10th November 2006, 07:34 AM

It's been my experience that when it comes to strummed/jangly type stuff, mahogany bodied gtrs tend to sound a little clearer and are quite a bit easier to record than rosewood which can be a bit too boomy/undefined for my tastes.

For single note or sparse picking/fingerstyle rosewood can be really nice though, adding a some richness that can be mising from a brighter mahogany gtr.

I'm REALLY happy with my Morgan Concert style mahogany/spruce.
http://www.morganguitars.com/

It's very balanced with an amazing depth and clarity. It rarely needs any EQ (just the right player and mic) to sit perfectly in a track. Morgan guitars are made in Vancouver by a former Larivee lutheir. I highly reccomend them.

Fwiw, ALL of the takamines I've played have sounded boxy, thin or both. Tak electronics for playing live may be OK, but acoustically there are MUCH better gtrs IMO. Taylors usually underwhelm me too, but I've heard a few gems from them. I actually like their entry level, mahogany 410 dreadnaught better than many of their prettier/more expensive models.

So many choices...

-Z-

Pasta4lnch · 10th November 2006, 02:44 PM

I have a Martin HD 28 - it's good but nothing crazy. when I bought it i was tossing it up w/ a gibson songwriter deluxe . . . i wonder if that might have been a better choice . . .

Gravity8058 · 10th November 2006, 02:57 PM

I've found that while Martins excel for recording finger picking, Gibson's are my favorites for recording. I've got a Gospel that's won MANY an engineer's shootout. Also a J 150 (similar to J200) that has that Beck "Sea Change" sound. Also, if you're strumming and the mix is already pretty dense, then a parlor size or OM size guitar may fit into the mix better without much eq.

Similar Threads
Thread	Thread Starter	Forum	Replies	Last Post
Can anyone recommend a guitar teacher	malawk	instruments, guitar, bass, amps	0	21st August 2006 02:09 PM
Recommend an acoustic designer/architect?	Shandy	Bass traps, acoustic panels, foam etc	18	9th August 2006 04:01 PM
quintessential mic/pre combination for voice, acoustic guitar, acoustic piano	kissingonstilts	Remote Possibilities in Acoustic Music & Location Recording	1	20th May 2006 10:06 AM
Neve Portico 5012 on Acoustic Guitar, Electric Guitar, Drum OH clips	nukmusic	So much gear, so little time!	6	2nd December 2005 08:05 PM
SansAmp Acoustic or Avalon U-5 for acoustic guitar	lesique	So much gear, so little time!	4	30th June 2005 12:32 AM

8th November 2006, 10:07 PM	#1
slowjett Gear nut Join Date: Feb 2006 Posts: 101	Recommend an Acoustic guitar? Hello, I am searching for guitar that would be suitable for recording and playing shows. One with a nice pickup system, or without and I may add my own. Im looking for a meaty earthy sound, not that tiny sound I keep ketting out of the axes I have bought. But at the same time I want something that I wont have to EQ the hell out of (you know that boxy sound you can get when recording acoustics) in the studio. I currently play an Alvarez SC70 (or something), its allright, but its too thin for my tastes. I want that good bottom end. It also seems to honk at the mics a bit. I was looking at Cole Clark guitars but cant find any in the area to try, or perhaps Yarri guitars. Your suggestions would be awesome. Just to get a feel for my kind of music I write and play, here is a live sample or two Big Brother This time Thanks so much!!! Josh

8th November 2006, 10:13 PM	#2
Rob King Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: Sherman Oaks Posts: 754	As far as recording goes (actually sound in general) Every Acoustic sounds different. You can have 3 of the exact same model and they sound different. I have an old Takamine 341C that has been recorded to death and it just sounds awesome...Seriously you need to play and listen to your prospects. Personally I am looking at a Taylor 814C next. I have heard quite a few that sound amazing. Oh BTW, The Taylor ELIXER Strings are seriously the best for recording too...Worth the extra money IMHO. __________________ Rob King Green Street Studios http://www.greenstreetstudios.com http://www.myspace.com/greenstreetstudios

9th November 2006, 12:07 AM	#3
cramseur Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: Cedarhurst, NY USA Posts: 505	True...Taylor, Martin, Larrivee, Collings...all great sounding guitars. All different sounding guitars...each model different from the others and each guitar different from their siblings. Play, listen, repeat, until done. __________________ :::: Craig Ramseur :::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::::: "Whoso would be a man must be a nonconformist." - Ralph Waldo Emerson

9th November 2006, 12:34 AM	#4
Black Seal Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2004 Location: Indianapolis, IN Posts: 287	??? Try out some of the different Martins'. I like the rich low end they have. Avoid the cheap Mexican made ones. One of my artists just bought one for $700, and before the end of the same evening he found multiple things wrong with it (1/4 in jack became loose, dead spot). They tone was good except for heavy strumming. I assume you're concerned with the internal pickups because you play live. I typically hate all of them for studio use, yuk. It can be the right sound in some instances, ok ,very few to me at least. __________________ www.snapjoint.com www.myspace.com/snapjoint

9th November 2006, 01:00 AM	#5
Blindside Gear addict Join Date: Aug 2006 Posts: 483	If you want a full, earthy sound, you want Martin all the way. Taylors are usually a lot brighter. Also, forget Elixers. The Martin Phosphor Bronze or GHS phosphor Bronze will help you achieve that sound. If you don't want to pay out the arse, I suggest going to (I know) Guitar Center. They have this series of Martin acoustic that is made specifically for their stores. I forget the model, but it has the letters "GC" at the end. They are well made guitars that sound AWESOME. My friend got the one with the Spruce top and Brazilian Rosewood sides and back with no gloss finish for $1,000, which is a steal. It doesn't have a pickup built in, which is good so that you can choose your own flavor. This guitar sounds better than ones three times the price, records like a freakin DREAM and sounds great through our crappy PA with whatever pickup he has. If you don't want to spend a fortune and still want a sweet instrument, I would at least check it out.

9th November 2006, 01:04 AM	#6
Blast9 Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2003 Location: London Posts: 2,804	If you're based in the UK, check out www.atkinguitars.com I have a coulple of those. one is a small jombo which has a lovely full sound. __________________ :: my band is called protoangel My guitars: Atkin OM (sitka spruce top walnut back: sweet mids):: Atkin Small Jumbo (cedar top, rosewood back: big bottom, sparkly top):: Jap Tele with fat frets (rude and fat):: . My amps: 1973 Hiwatt DR504::Framus Dragon ... Latest purchases Kel Audio HM-2d TC Electronic Nova System, Chameleon Labs 7602 Digi 002 + PTLE, Addictive Drums

9th November 2006, 03:44 AM	#7
SteveE9C6 Gear maniac Join Date: May 2005 Posts: 162	Look at some Martins. (Little known fact... My real name is Steve Stallings and I'm the founder of the Unofficial Martin Guitar Forum @ www.umgf.com) Good choices... for cheap D16 GT ( A poor mans D18) I have played virtually any model you can name including a score of prewar D45's. My favorite guitar for recording? A simple D35 using a couple of sdc or one LDC pointed at the end of the fretboard. Stick a new set of medium strings on her (not elixirs) "volila!" sonic earvana!

9th November 2006, 04:00 AM	#8
mrkz1974 Gear interested Join Date: Nov 2006 Location: Woodstock, MD Posts: 21	McPherson Guitars. http://mcphersonguitars.com/ This is a no brainer for me after a decade of searching for THE acoustic tone. I have an incredible sounding MG-4.5XP Brazilian Rosewood back / Carpathian Spruce top that sounds HUGE miked or plugged in. The attention to detail these guys put into each guitar awesome. Once you strum one, forget it- you're hooked. __________________ Regards, Marcos Montenegro

9th November 2006, 04:14 AM	#9
Windtaken Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 263	my primary instrument is the guitar and I chose a taylor 810-L7. Taylors are brighter than Martins and I think Martin could be your better choice. However, I really enjoy the Taylor pickup system. In the Martin, you could try some stuff from L.R. Baggs but you'll still need to EQ at least two bands One thing you could try is to put some brands customs on your guitar to boost the low end (bigger contrast of thickness from the high strings to low strings) For strings I really push Newtones - hand made strings that sound amaaaazing. They're lower tension strings too so it'll make playing a lot easier. I don't know how to describe it...I guess 'shimmer' or 'zing' would be it. If you're going for biiiig bass take a look at some of the larrivees out there. You can feel the bass in your chest when you're playing that thing

9th November 2006, 04:18 AM	#10
Windtaken Gear maniac Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Toronto Posts: 263	Oh, and don't use elixirs...ugh... a problem with lower end taylors (300 to 600) is that they sound reaaallly sterile when new. You'll have to really work it in. If you want to go the taylor route, a dreadnought may be right for you. 310, 410, etc.

9th November 2006, 04:44 AM	#12
rowdy322 Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2004 Location: Jackson, Tn Posts: 1,051	I love my Guild!

9th November 2006, 04:56 AM	#13
dreamsongs Lives for gear Join Date: Dec 2005 Location: FL Posts: 1,418	I'm surprised nodody's mentioned the J-200 for live work and bigness... Also, about 4 years ago I bought a Martin SPJC-16RE, it sounded good then but now 4 years later it sounds better. Not great for studio work though. For that, I go to the Taylor 814. Especially in a busy mix... Different animals... __________________ Dreamsongs BMI Dreamsongs Productions Dreamsongs Publishing BMI Dreamsongs LLC " The dream don't come any closer on it's own, you have to go after it "

9th November 2006, 05:08 AM	#14
daaronhoffman Gear maniac Join Date: Sep 2004 Location: VA Posts: 210	Best acoustic I have ever played is by Kevin Ryan. AMAZING! not cheap...but worth it. I lik it over two Olson's that I played. I recommend getting one without electronics so you can record without the fear of wires buzzing on the inside. You can always put a sound hole pickup in for live work( or just mic it) On the "cheaper" side... try a Taylor 514(preferrably used and played for awhile). They have great balance. Good luck! Aaron

9th November 2006, 06:38 AM	#15
Third Story Gear maniac Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 153	taylor 614 is nice!

9th November 2006, 10:59 AM	#16
The Super Dead Gear nut Join Date: Mar 2006 Location: London Posts: 144	I have a "Lakewood" which is very nice, i must say at the moment i seem to have a problem when plugging it in and picking up the bottom strings, im not sure if its because i have put 2 diforent sets of strings on, or if the pick up is broke.... will re string it and go from there... but apart from that it sounds great, German hand made guitars.... I sat in an acoustic guitar shop and tried out all the top brands and the lakewood had the best sound and felt great.... allthough did cost me £850 (meant to be £1000 so they said) http://www.lakewood.de/ __________________ Shivery My Space

10th November 2006, 01:10 AM	#17
Marshy Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 6	buzzing stings Hi every one, I play just a Fender Catalina dont know if any one is familiar with one (Krean made). I had new tone electric guitar strings on it and it was giving a dull sound, so i went and got a set of Martin bronze strings same light gauge as the privious ones (11 - 52) and it sounds much much better but Im getting a buzzing as I play along spacially on bar cords that I wasnt getting with the other strings at all unless hit a cord wrong, what do you guys think? Im not a very experienced guitarist, anyones thoughts would be much apreciated. Marshy. Last edited by Marshy; 10th November 2006 at 01:12 AM.. Reason: correct spelling

10th November 2006, 01:56 AM	#18
RusRant Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2006 Location: B'ham, AL Posts: 578	Depends what your into and looking for. I'm pretty partial to Seagulls and Gibsons myself.

10th November 2006, 04:10 AM	#19
Marshy Gear interested Join Date: Oct 2006 Location: Melbourne, Australia Posts: 6	Takamine Hi everyone, Any one out there familiar with the guitar Takamine AN10? Marshy

10th November 2006, 07:34 AM	#22
zakco Lives for gear Join Date: Jul 2003 Posts: 918	It's been my experience that when it comes to strummed/jangly type stuff, mahogany bodied gtrs tend to sound a little clearer and are quite a bit easier to record than rosewood which can be a bit too boomy/undefined for my tastes. For single note or sparse picking/fingerstyle rosewood can be really nice though, adding a some richness that can be mising from a brighter mahogany gtr. I'm REALLY happy with my Morgan Concert style mahogany/spruce. http://www.morganguitars.com/ It's very balanced with an amazing depth and clarity. It rarely needs any EQ (just the right player and mic) to sit perfectly in a track. Morgan guitars are made in Vancouver by a former Larivee lutheir. I highly reccomend them. Fwiw, ALL of the takamines I've played have sounded boxy, thin or both. Tak electronics for playing live may be OK, but acoustically there are MUCH better gtrs IMO. Taylors usually underwhelm me too, but I've heard a few gems from them. I actually like their entry level, mahogany 410 dreadnaught better than many of their prettier/more expensive models. So many choices... -Z-

10th November 2006, 02:44 PM	#23
Pasta4lnch Lives for gear Join Date: Nov 2005 Location: NYC Posts: 1,180	I have a Martin HD 28 - it's good but nothing crazy. when I bought it i was tossing it up w/ a gibson songwriter deluxe . . . i wonder if that might have been a better choice . . . __________________ http://myspace.com/stevebuonanotte "There should be a single Art Exchange in the world, to which the artist would simply send his works and in return be given as much as he needs. As it is, one has to be half a merchant on top of everything else, and how badly one goes about it." -Beethoven F/S Voodoo Labs Super Fuzz & Proctavia

10th November 2006, 02:57 PM	#24
Gravity8058 Lives for gear Join Date: Feb 2005 Location: Chicago Posts: 905	I've found that while Martins excel for recording finger picking, Gibson's are my favorites for recording. I've got a Gospel that's won MANY an engineer's shootout. Also a J 150 (similar to J200) that has that Beck "Sea Change" sound. Also, if you're strumming and the mix is already pretty dense, then a parlor size or OM size guitar may fit into the mix better without much eq. __________________ Doug McBride www.gravitystudios.com

Thread Tools	Search this Thread
Show Printable Version Email this Page	Search this Thread: Advanced Search
Display Modes	Rate This Thread
Linear Mode Switch to Hybrid Mode Switch to Threaded Mode	Rate This Thread: