Who makes the best acoustic guitars?

Answer 1

It depends entirely on what you are looking for in an acoustic guitar and what style of music you're aiming for.

If you want a folk guitar for finger picking and you want it to sound delicate, warm and beautiful you can not go wrong with a hand built guitar from English makers Brook Guitars.

If you're looking for something to bash out chords on in a fairly strident way, you can't go wrong with a Martin dreadnought.

The best thing to do is go to a guitar shop, pick out about 5 or so from the major makes they sell and try them out against each other.

Think about the tone you want, the definition of each range (bass, mids, treble) and work out from there which suits you best.

I play a Tenessee, a little known German make who make fantastic guitars at very good prices. It has a sweetness of tone and a bit of volume as well. I also play a Crafter 12-String which is lovely, but cheap.

I've played guitars made by most of the big names - Taylor, Martin, Gibson etc. but I have to say for beauty and tone the Brook takes the biscuit (it belongs to a friend and I've used it for recording).

Answer 2

Man, that's a tough one! A lot of it depends on what you want and how much you're willing to pay. Martin is probably recognized as the standard since they've been building them forever, and Gibson is also recognized as one of the best because they are one of the biggest names in electric and acoustic guitars (not to mention the fact that prominent musicians like Sheryl Crow and George Strait play Gibson acoustics). However, the really good-feeling and good-sounding Martins and Gibsons have price tags over $2,000.00. For a little less, Taylor makes GREAT acoustic guitars that are also highly touted by musicians. Unfortunately, you can't touch a Taylor for under $1,000.00. Since I don't have that kind of money to spend on guitars, I have had really good luck with Takamine acoustics. My six-string is a Takamine EF-341, just like the "Black Beauty" Springsteen uses when he plays live. My 12-string is the EF-381, which is basically an EF-341 with 12 strings. They sound really nice whether you're unplugged or using an amp, the feel is very smooth, and they look great. Not knocking other brands like Fender or Washburn, but in my experience Takamine gives you the most without costing you a fortune.

Answer 3

It really does depend on personal preference. The 'old school' would probably say Gibson or Martin, but Taylor make some good ones although you will have to pay at the higher end for these. Mr Buckingham from Fleetwood Mac uses Ffylde but my husband swears by Lowden, hand crafted in Ireland, can be expensive though

Answer 4

It's not easy to answer, it all depends on the era the guitar was made, the place and the types of wood used. I would go with pre 1975 Martin and Gibson.

Answer 5

Fender


http://www.fender.com/

Answer 6

Martin

Answer 7

I have known many guitarists in my life, and without exception every single one of them who has tried a Maton guitar (that's the Australian firm, not a misspelling of 'Martin'!) would say Maton.

They are, quite simply and inarguably, the best.

Answer 8

The traditional answer would be Gibson or Martin. I'm a Guild man myself.

Answer 9

Gibson

Answer 10

WESTFIELDS
Well I have an acoustic electric guitar but it's still fab! Had it for 2 years :):):)