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If you were going to front a band playing an acoustic:
http://www.rondomusic.com/fg200cena.html

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/epiphone-pr5-e-acoustic-electric-guitar
Or any other suggestion under $300


John
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I haven't played one, but I have heard a few people compliment this one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/yamaha-apx500ii-thinline-cutaway-acoustic-electric-guitar


Now at bandcamp: Crows Say Vee-Eh @ bandcamp or soundcloud: Kevin @ soundcloud
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Quote:

I haven't played one, but I have heard a few people compliment this one: http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/yamaha-apx500ii-thinline-cutaway-acoustic-electric-guitar



That seems like a nice guitar. My friend plays a Yamaha & it sounds great..


John
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Consider the pioneer in electric acoustics--Takamine. I checked Guitar Center. Their cheapest new axe is $349, but they had a bunch of used guitars under $300. One of their twelve stringers was the second most perfect acoustic guitar I've ever owned (first being a 1970s Alvarez by K. Yairi, which I still have), but I traded it for my first PC. Ry Cooder recommended Takamine, too, in an interview in the 80s.


"My primary musical instrument is the personal computer."
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Never buy a guitar without playing it first. Especially on the low end, there is a lot of variation between instruments of the same make and model.


Keith
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Quote:

Never buy a guitar without playing it first. Especially on the low end, there is a lot of variation between instruments of the same make and model.



I know. That's the problem.Not many places here to try.I guess that I'm 100 miles from Atlanta. Take a ride.


John
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Quote:

Never buy a guitar without playing it first. Especially on the low end, there is a lot of variation between instruments of the same make and model.




Great advice.

I'll add that if you do decide to buy online 1st go to a local store and give them all a test drive.

Depending on my playlist of course, I occassionaly play two accoustics in my shows. And both are rather inexpensive: This one Ibanez Classical and this one Ovation . With the latter being a little hard to hold while sitting if you don't have a flat stomach . . . just saying.

Later,

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More good choices. I think I should make an attempt to try some.


John
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The Dean Exotica Quilt Ash http://www.guitarcenter.com/Dean-Exotica...amp;cagpspn=pla
is my go to acoustic-electric guitar. This has a great sound and sounds virtually identical when play as an acoustic or an electric.

But if you buy from reputable dealer like Rondo, Musician’s Friend/Guitar Center, Sweetwater or Music 123 you will be ok. I have purchased or have received guitars as gifts from all four with no problems. You may have to have the guitar properly set up but thus far I have 5 guitars from these dealers and I only had to set up one. I did that myself.

Good luck in your search.

Last edited by MarioD; 01/15/13 07:13 PM.

I think my wife has started to show the first signs of dementia.
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Quote:

Never buy a guitar without playing it first. Especially on the low end, there is a lot of variation between instruments of the same make and model.




I can vouch for that. My first guitar was an Ibanez 12 string (40 years ago). Went into the shop, spent nearly two hours tuning and playing each one of until I found one that was good enough (for me). If I can recall it was about number 11 or 13. Tested chords on each fret, although tuned and sounds good on fret 1 some seemed out on fret 6-10? Could have been my imagination but I still have that same guitar today , still my old favourite acoustic.

My current favourite that I play most is the Epiphone Sheraton II Archtop guitar (natural gold). Did the same, shop had 5 in stock, tried them all before picking one...


I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....

I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)

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Quote:

Never buy a guitar without playing it first. Especially on the low end, there is a lot of variation between instruments of the same make and model.




This is even more true when you’re talking about acoustic instruments. Buying electric guitars online is one thing. Buying an acoustic is a whole ‘nuther ballgame.

You need to play the actual guitar you’re considering buying, … not just the same brand and model.

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If you're going to be in front of monitors, you might also want to get one of these:

http://www.lutehole.com/


Really helps to cut feedback on an A/E.

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You see, that's why I love this forum. I have NEVER realised that you could do/get this? I usually have to do the dance to find my "SPOT"

Now to find it over here ....


I'm doing allright for Country Trash ....

I used to care, but things have changed (Bob Dylan)

BIAB 2026W + RB
M-Audio FastTrack C600, Rode NT2-A
Digitech VoiceLive 4

Epiphone Sheraton, Ibanez 12str, Washburn 6str, Cort 6Str Nylon
Yanagisawa Tenor Sax

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You see, that's why I love this forum. I have NEVER realised that you could do/get this? I usually have to do the dance to find my "SPOT"

Now to find it over here ....






Make sure that you measure your sound hole - they are not all alike. The Lute Hole company makes different sizes.


Regards,

Bob

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There's a pawn shop about 20 miles away that must have 100s of guitars. Going to go and take a look.


John
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John,

Keep in mind that the instruments you may be trying in a pawn shop "in some cases" may have not been treated properly therefore maybe not being the best comparison test you can make. Just saying.

Let us know how it works out for ya.

Later,

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Quote:

John,

Keep in mind that the instruments you may be trying in a pawn shop "in some cases" may have not been treated properly therefore maybe not being the best comparison test you can make. Just saying.

Let us know how it works out for ya.

Later,



Nothing worth having in the pawn shop.
I did try out a Washburn WD 10 SCE in the local Music Store.It sounded nice both plugged & unplugged but the thing I liked the best was the neck. Large radius so it was flat and narrow.Made it easy for me to play. MF has them for $299 - $50 coupon = $249.I won't know until this week end if I'll need one and then it's a case of I may not like playing guitar, which at this point I really am not thrilled,and give it up after a couple weeks.


John
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John, I know everyone has been saying, "never!" but there have been quite a few happy campers who saved money on the Rondo guitars, you may want to investigate that aspect again.

"never say never..."



--Mac

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Second that, Mac

Last year I bought am acoustic-electric from Rondo -- a Douglas. It may have been at your recommendation, Mac. I know you should play them first, but I too live in the boonies.

Anyway, I am not sorry. It was a paltry $109, and it does what it's supposed to. For knocking something out on a stage, especially in front of a band, it does the job, and you can't beat the price. It is a "take it to the beach" sort of instrument. I also bought one of those little toy battery-operated Marshal practice amps -- $50, not bad.

Of course, it can't compete with my Martin D-28, which I have had forever, but it doesn't have to.


Brad -- My FAWM
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