Having recently posted regarding flogging one of two amps I don't use, I thought I might start to entertain the idea of buying an acoustic that I won't use. I'd have about 2.5k and would want something that will sell when I've had enough of not playing it OR, maybe, just maybe, something I might take to. I haven't much knowledge of acoustics and prob the best I had was a 90's US Guild which I flogged as i found, when I did play it, it was just too bulky. I'd like something that felt like an electric neckwise. Any suggestions? Ta
Comments
Personally, the old adage of - go for used if you can, and really REALLY get out and try some
apart from that - there are 100000001 choices, of which you'll get that many suggestions about body size, electrics or not and tone woods - some of which will be no use what so ever.
just because you do, doesn't mean you should.
if you're close to Brizzle, youre welcome to come and have a tinkle............
just because you do, doesn't mean you should.
The quality of acoustic you get for your money these days is pretty incredible, so you can't go far wrong as long as the ergonomics and setup suit you.
And either way a big +1 to buying used
You'll read that a lot on here but it makes perfect sense. PMT, GG, Coda, Peach, Guitar Village, try 'em all if you can.
And good luck. Let us know how you get on
Good luck with your search.
If you want something that plays and feels like an electric, I agree with Bertie - Taylor is a good place to start. Also Ovation. (Awful things in my book, but try one for yourself.) Be aware that, to a certain extent, the more electric-like the feel of a guitar, the less acoustic-like the sound of it. This is just physics. You can squeeze the strings closer together and curve the fretboard a little more, and thin the neck profile. None of these do any real harm. But the big difference in feel between electric and acoustic is the action - for our purposes this is both the height of the strings above the fretboard and their gauge. Once you go to lighter strings and a very low action ("very low" by acoustic standards, which isn't all that low for an electric) you just don't get the tone. You get a weak, anemic sound which doesn't inspire you to pick it up.
On the other hand, if you get something that is a no-compromise acoustic and sounds wonderful, you have to put some work into it and develop a bit of muscle. It doesn't take so very long, but are you that committed?
Even if there is, remember that it'll be *your* guitar. Listen, take on board any issues they point out over quality etc and listen to what else they say but tone, feel and looks, that's for *you* to decide, not them
Also took a Gibson or two off the wall but they didn't really feel special.
That is a narrow nut. Modern Strats have a 43mm nut, vintage ones are a crazy-small 42mm, barely wider than a Rickenbacker. Standard width for steel string acoustic nuts is 44 to 45mm; 43mm was common in American acoustics for a while around the 1960s but is moderately uncommon now, except in Japan. Some Japanese companies also make 42.5mm nuts (Takamine New Yorkers are an example). In Europe, 44mm is most popular but 46mm is also common.
12-string nuts are nearly always 50mm or 48mm. Classical nuts are 52mm or 50mm with very little variation.
That Bedell looks like a corker! It has already had the big price drop so you should be able to resell it at break-even (round about). Outstanding value for money and doubtless a lovely guitar.
Red Spruce (aka Adirondack) has a wonderful clear, crisp tone with a lot of attack. It is the go-to timber for bluegrass players, pretty much always on a big dreadnought. It is also very unforgiving and not very good at quiet, relaxed, melodic playing. In short it can be be quite a handful. Coupled with rosewood, you are going to be hearing wonderful rich, sweet, bell-like tones.
That guitar might just be a brilliant choice. Or it might be too much of a good thing. (Or it might not play at all the way one would expect from the timbers - there are many other factors the maker can adjust as he or she sees fit.)
Assuming it is what one would expect from looking at it, if it wasn't for the narrow nut I'd love it, but that would be as one guitar among several where I could pick it up when the mood took me and later put it down in favour of something more gentle and forgiving. As an only guitar ... not so sure.
But this is you. It might be exactly right for you. It is certainly a guitar to put on your short list.
When I'm playing (guitar OR banjo) I don't like to feel the neck pressing into the palm of my fretting hand either, puts me right off. I like a bit of space, bit of freedom to move freely.
just because you do, doesn't mean you should.
FS: 2012 Guild F-20 USA - Acoustics £ Discussions on theFretBoard
2004 Yamaha LL-500
1995 Yamaha LA-8