What's a good acoustic, professional-level guitar?

Question

I'm looking for a guitar that's potentially for some shows... I want a guitar I can be proud of but not spend the money for a Martin or anything like that. Is it possible to get a decent 12-string or steel string acoustic for around $400? What models, brands, etc.? I've been looking at Ovation, Takamine, and (for no particular reason) Seagull.

Answer 1

I just picked up a really nice Yamaha a few months ago for $400. I wanted something to play live and i shopped around a lot and this one had the best tone for the price. I'ts got the built-in pre-amp so it's ready to plug into a P.A. but it also sounds great unplugged. Here's a link.

http://www.yamaha.com/guitars/products/productdetail/0,,CNTID%25253D451519%252526CTID%25253D600023%252526CNTYP%25253DPRODUCT,00.html

Answer 2

Takamine and Ovation are made by the same company. I used to own an Ovation and presently own a Takamine. Takamines are about 600 to 1500 i'ld say. I got a little Ibenez at the guitar center that was under 400 with a case. It had cheap tuning machines and I replaced those. It's ok now. Acoustic/eletric

Answer 3

I live in the UK, so I don't know what prices are like in the US, but I use Ovations for performing. I have a 6 string which I got second hand and a 12 string which I got new. I love the sound both acoustic and plugged in. The Applause range is, I think, cheaper. I need a travel guitar for next year, so i'm looking in to getting an Ovation trekker, but they might not be available over here. Hope this helps.

Answer 4

Ovations would be cool. Pick the one with the built in equalizer, pickup,tuner,and reverb presence. And also pick the one with the trush rod.

Answer 5

look around in your local shops, sometimes in they will have used taylors or gibsons for less. if not, i started out on an alvarez and it sounds a little bit tinny compared to my taylor, but it's still a quality guitar

Answer 6

Epiphone. All the way.