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Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217
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Veteran
Joined: Jun 2000
Posts: 2,217 |
.
...oh yes...and never forget...
Have Fun!
[8{>
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Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 27
Enthusiast
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Enthusiast
Joined: Sep 2009
Posts: 27 |
about all can/will say is that I bought a Martin D28 in 1974, I still have it and consider it the Gold Standard when I compare other unamplified guitars to it. I took the action down (bridge, saddle and nut) so it works for jazz, finger and flatpicking. I've owned about 30 guitars over the past 52 years of playing and none compare to this D28. But, I played more than a dozen D28's until I found one that stood out among the others. This will be true for many brands so, it's really about finding a particular axe that you like (no two are the same). I've made a few guitars - you can check one out at my website (and notice, I'm playing a tune with BIAB)... www.GalaxyPoint.com
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Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439
Expert
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Expert
Joined: Dec 2007
Posts: 1,439 |
G'day Peter, I know nothing of any real value about guitars. However, for many years I have heard only good things about the Australian "Maton" range. They are often compared favourably with all the major American manufacturers. Perhaps you could also consider their offerings. Especially as any stock currently in the US would probably have benefited from the exchange rate. Note that new imports won't have this advantage as our dollar has steadily increased against the greenback over the last few months, although we seem to have been pretty consistent against the Canadian dollar over the same period For further information about Maton go here: http://www.maton.com.au/Reflecting comments about smaller bodied guitars, perhaps this starting point might be useful: http://www.maton.com.au/acoustics/mini-maton-series.htmlOf course, the Tommy Emmanuel series may attract... http://www.maton.com.au/acoustics/te-series.html
Last edited by Lawrie; 11/11/09 05:44 PM.
--=-- My credo: If it's worth doing, it's worth overdoing - just ask my missus, she'll tell ya  --=--You're only paranoid if you're wrong!
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Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913
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Veteran
Joined: Jan 2002
Posts: 7,913 |
Peter, pay particular attention to outwest's comment that his particular D28 sounds different than more than a dozen other D-28 guitars.
Make sure that when you audition the guitars, they have fresh strings on them. Most manufacturers now ship their acoustic guitars with some kind of coated strings, as they maintain a consistent tone for a longer period of time - helps with shelf life in showrooms.
Many argue that coated strings dull the sound a bit when brand-new compared to some non-coated strings. There is some truth to that statement, but coated strings have a longer 'middle tone' life compared to uncoated strings.
Again, the key thing to pay attention to is comfort/playability and tone. Brand can only get you in the ball-park in terms of reliability, customer service, reputation, etc. The shape of the guitar - all aspects, fretboard width and radius, body shape, etc. will matter for playability, the latter will matter for tone as well.
Do the following to convince yourself of my points:
1. Pick a brand.
2. Call a local shop that specializes in acoustic guitars and ask how many different body styles they have for that one particular brand.
3. Go to the shop and play the exact same tune on all of the different body styles.
4. You should notice playability and tonal differences between the various body styles. When I did this, it was a real eye-opener to me.
5. Check the strings - are they nice and shiny or do they appear to be dull in appearance? If dull, ask if they will swap out the strings for a new set - similar in type to those that are shiny on the other guitars in that brand that you are auditioning.
There should be many shops in the Vancouver area that carry many brands in many styles.
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Joined: Jul 2003
Posts: 2,296
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Joined: Jul 2003
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Peter: Although I know very little about guitars, a friend of mine (we go back to 1947) plays classical guitar and for the past twenty plus years has made custom guitars. I saw and listened to one first in 1988, and thought is was really nice. At our 50 year reunion last year we were talking about this, and he said, "oh, that was nothing, I've come a long way since". They are likely more than you are looking for, but you may find some very interesting stuff about guitars on his site (any guitarist may be interested): http://www.lazarguitars.com/He is lives in St. Albert, AB, but builds guitars for people all over NA. G
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Joined: May 2006
Posts: 664
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2006
Posts: 664 |
I'll suggest you look at the Martin Eric Clapton acoustic - I've played that one at guitar center and its a wonderful toned guitar and in the price range your wanting. One thing that was mentioned to me and born out in trying different models of that same guitar is that they do not all have the same tone or have the same feel. I'm getting ready to post up a version of 32-20 Blues that I played on a Martin 000-18 Norman Blake guitar. That signature model is a bit more expensive but a wonderful guitar for finger picking - the regular 000-18 might be in your suggested range and you might try it - its a wider fingerboard with a 12 fret to the body size. As they say there's more pretty girls than one. Happy hunting.
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987
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Joined: Dec 2003
Posts: 8,987 |
Nice, bob. thanks for the link.
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Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410
Journeyman
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Journeyman
Joined: May 2008
Posts: 410 |
So---Peter, what did you get??? And have you posted any videos yet? :>)
I finally settled on a Parker P8E and I'm happy with it, but there probably won't be any video. (My playing isn't that good. lol )
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Ask sales and support questions about Band-in-a-Box using natural language.
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