Hi all, Gary here.
I'm looking at purchasing an acoustic to practice/learn on & seeking advice on my shortlist so far.
I can play a few chords & scales & it would be for home entertainment only. Budget is up to £250(ish).
In an ideal world I'd go & try them out for feel, sound, weight etc, but with the current lockdown will probably order one online. (If I don't do it now, once back at work It'll not happen). Anything will be better than the Dreadnought Encore I'm using with a very high action. I like the Dreadnought style (with cutaway) & electro-acoustic (mainly for the built-in tuner), but neither are a "must".
So, pro's & cons of the following would be much appreciated (or other suggestions in the same range?)
Yamaha F310 / Yamaha FG800M NTII
Epiphone AJ100-ce Natural
East Coast D1SCE
Fender CD60 SCE (Natural Walnut Fingerboard (Ex Demo)
Simon & Patrick SP6 (used)
N.B. I originally had this post in "Guitars" (& thanks for all the replies / advice from there), just wondered if this area was better suited?
Thanks in advance.
Comments
Second, I would recommend de-emphasizing electronics and focus on getting the best acoustic specs you can get. A clip-on headstock tuner can be easily had, if a tuner's your primary interest in electronics.
Third, have you looked into getting your current Encore set up a little better? You might be surprised what a little neck adjustment or shaving a mm or two off the saddle can do for action and playability. If I lived around there and was a friend, I'd do either of these things for you no problem, no charge, they are that basic.
Fourth, just a personal preference regarding tone woods, at your budget I wouldn't be bothered at all by laminated back/sides, but I would do my absolute best to get a solid-top acoustic, even if it meant stretching the budget a little bit.
Enjoy the shopping!
https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/Tanglewood-Java-TWJP-S-Parlour-guitar-spalted-maple-back-MINT-/143924326076?_trksid=p2349624.m46890.l49292
there is one for £149 on eBay too. Bargain.
I've dismissed the electro part (although I do like the Epiphone Lil' Tex).
Also, seen a Simon & Patrick S&P6 Mahogany Spruce on Gumtree for £150 which I've read good reports about.
Does anyone have any thoughts / experience of either?
I have thought about getting the Encore fixed but presumed I couldn't during lockdown (& for how much it would be is the money not best used towards something better?). Plus, I really want to start practicing again whilst I've got the time in lockdown.
The only thing is it's for sale via a private ad on Gumtree. I'm just working out the best courier option (from Wales to Northumberland). I've seen the same model on another retailers website for £299 which doesn't look as good condition as the Gumtree one (which is £150)