Does anyone here play guitar?
- Thread starter MsManhattan
- Start date
MsManhattan
Well-known member
Hey, thanks everyone!
I always liked Ovations, too, and will definitely check them out.
Of course, I'd LOVE to have one of those Gibsons they make at the factory down in Memphis, where every piece is made by hand and they only output like 500 guitars a year. If you're ever in Memphis, that is an awesome factory tour. But, can't afford one of those.
I checked out a bunch of Web sites last night, but yikes, so much guitar jargon and specs -- I kinda know what some of it means, but I don't know which specs are important to focus on in terms of longevity, quality, etc. Naturally I know I have to hold and play one before choosing, but I always like to do some research first to narrow down the selections before I actually go shopping.
I'll definitely go to Guitar Center -- Blaine, thanks for that link. They are having a big annual sale there until the end of March.
I think that, at least initially, I am going to look at Deans, Ovations, Epiphones and Seagulls. The guy I spoke to yesterday at the guitar store in Brooklyn said he thought Dean had the widest range of quality selections in my price range, and that while low-end/intermediate Gibsons are very popular, you don't get as much for your money.
Anyway, thanks again, everyone! Definitely keep adding your opinions if you haven't... Also, feel free to contribute thoughts on models to be avoided as well as those I should check out....
I always liked Ovations, too, and will definitely check them out.
Of course, I'd LOVE to have one of those Gibsons they make at the factory down in Memphis, where every piece is made by hand and they only output like 500 guitars a year. If you're ever in Memphis, that is an awesome factory tour. But, can't afford one of those.
I checked out a bunch of Web sites last night, but yikes, so much guitar jargon and specs -- I kinda know what some of it means, but I don't know which specs are important to focus on in terms of longevity, quality, etc. Naturally I know I have to hold and play one before choosing, but I always like to do some research first to narrow down the selections before I actually go shopping.
I'll definitely go to Guitar Center -- Blaine, thanks for that link. They are having a big annual sale there until the end of March.
I think that, at least initially, I am going to look at Deans, Ovations, Epiphones and Seagulls. The guy I spoke to yesterday at the guitar store in Brooklyn said he thought Dean had the widest range of quality selections in my price range, and that while low-end/intermediate Gibsons are very popular, you don't get as much for your money.
Anyway, thanks again, everyone! Definitely keep adding your opinions if you haven't... Also, feel free to contribute thoughts on models to be avoided as well as those I should check out....
Chris Messineo
Veteran
I have the exact same guitar. I love playing it, I just wish I was good.John_Hudson said:I have a Yamaha Acoustic (I went through many a guitar in my younger more angry days). I have a Yamaha F-310 I got for $25.00 from a neighbor I had; think it retails at $150.00 ?
Chris
HorseFilms
Look ma no hands
My travel guitar is a Baby Taylor. I love that thing. It sounds better than some full-sized guitars I've played.
Daniel Skubal
Veteran
I've got a 12 string acoustic Fender that my dad gave to me, but I haven't played it in a about a year now. I've been trying to teach myself piano instead. I guess I'm making progress.... I may pull the guitar out of the closet though. I kind of wanna play it again. lol
oneinfiniteloop
Veteran
John_Hudson said:
This is my experience as well for Guitar Center. I go there, but I won't talk to any of those fools. Usually I know more than they do, and when I do ask a question I get a response that makes zero sense.
Yet, it's a good place to go and play all the instruments and see what you like. I would definately look into getting a Taylor, they are awesome guitars made from really good wood. Also, Gretsch makes some nice acoustic/electrics as well.
MsManhattan
Well-known member
Hey, I found the Yamaha F310 in an article listing the Top 5 acoustic guitars for beginners, so given your endorsements, I'll check that one out as well. The Seagull S6 is also on that list.
And thanks for the tips on Guitar Center -- I will use it as a resource for checking out a number of different brands in one convenient trip but will steer clear of the sales folks. I'm kind of torn about buying at a place like that anyway -- I also found a Web site that has great prices (www.musiciansfriend.com), but don't know whether I'd want to buy from there -- because I think it's good to make a purchase like this from a place you can establish a relationship with (like the store I went to in Brooklyn). But, sometimes, when the price is right... Any thoughts from ya'll who play and have purchased a number of guitars on the value of paying a little more but buying from an independently-owned shop where you can trust the owner vs. getting the best price?
And thanks for the tips on Guitar Center -- I will use it as a resource for checking out a number of different brands in one convenient trip but will steer clear of the sales folks. I'm kind of torn about buying at a place like that anyway -- I also found a Web site that has great prices (www.musiciansfriend.com), but don't know whether I'd want to buy from there -- because I think it's good to make a purchase like this from a place you can establish a relationship with (like the store I went to in Brooklyn). But, sometimes, when the price is right... Any thoughts from ya'll who play and have purchased a number of guitars on the value of paying a little more but buying from an independently-owned shop where you can trust the owner vs. getting the best price?
Kevin Lee
Veteran
Seeing this thread, I had to brag... a friend of mine got into building guitars, and since I play em, I borrowed a guitar on and off for a couple years from him.
He invites me over to his house one day, and says here this one is yours!! (a $3500 value) Stupid tears in my eyes and all... this was just a few months ago. I love the sound but I'm afraid to scratch it.
Its featured Here numbers 3 thru 6 are pics of mine!! made of KOA wood, with a 20 year old seasoned sound board!
Best bet is to be cool to everyone, you never know who might build you a guitar one day
He invites me over to his house one day, and says here this one is yours!! (a $3500 value) Stupid tears in my eyes and all... this was just a few months ago. I love the sound but I'm afraid to scratch it.
Its featured Here numbers 3 thru 6 are pics of mine!! made of KOA wood, with a 20 year old seasoned sound board!
Best bet is to be cool to everyone, you never know who might build you a guitar one day
oneinfiniteloop
Veteran
Wow, that's awesome. Koa is a great wood that has a very nice tone!
Sometime finding a luthier and getting a handmade guitar is worth a little extra dough. Plus, it's always unique to you.
Sometime finding a luthier and getting a handmade guitar is worth a little extra dough. Plus, it's always unique to you.
Beat Takeshi
Two-Hip Shakur
$3500 for a guitar? DAYUM!!!
oneinfiniteloop
Veteran
I've seen some guitars go for 45,000+...real nice custom jobs!
FlintMI
Well-known member
guitars, cadillacs...
guitars, cadillacs...
I'm a guitar tech in a former life... if you can afford it, get a Taylor or Martin. Even the entry level stuff is pretty good. Baby Taylor is great. Yamaha makes good stuff. You generally get what you pay for.
Sorry to buck a trend here, but Ovations never stay on your knee, they slip off. I always thought they sounded a bit thin. But Jim Croce used 'em a lot. And he was a folk guitar god.
don't buy a guitar with electronics/pickups in it, or a guitar with a cutaway, unless you plan on soloing in the upper registers.
just get a GHS soundhole mic -- WAY better sounding, and portable, you can put it in and take it out. will make your guitar sound like a guitar, not a tinny, thin piezzo sounding toy. here's the soundhole mic:
as for the place to buy, the big box stores are cheaper, but lack service typically. the smaller mom and pop stores in the city are way better service wise but generally charge a bit more for stuff. Manny's got bought out but still good. tons of small music stores in the village. try 'em!
sure glad grandpa kept his old D-28...
http://elderly.com/vintage/items/10U-3953.htm
let's jam sometime!!!!!
guitars, cadillacs...
I'm a guitar tech in a former life... if you can afford it, get a Taylor or Martin. Even the entry level stuff is pretty good. Baby Taylor is great. Yamaha makes good stuff. You generally get what you pay for.
Sorry to buck a trend here, but Ovations never stay on your knee, they slip off. I always thought they sounded a bit thin. But Jim Croce used 'em a lot. And he was a folk guitar god.
don't buy a guitar with electronics/pickups in it, or a guitar with a cutaway, unless you plan on soloing in the upper registers.
just get a GHS soundhole mic -- WAY better sounding, and portable, you can put it in and take it out. will make your guitar sound like a guitar, not a tinny, thin piezzo sounding toy. here's the soundhole mic:
as for the place to buy, the big box stores are cheaper, but lack service typically. the smaller mom and pop stores in the city are way better service wise but generally charge a bit more for stuff. Manny's got bought out but still good. tons of small music stores in the village. try 'em!
sure glad grandpa kept his old D-28...
http://elderly.com/vintage/items/10U-3953.htm
let's jam sometime!!!!!
MsManhattan
Well-known member
Update 4-5-06
Update 4-5-06
Well, after much obsessive research and going to various guitar stores, I have picked up a used Yamaha F310 (Craig's list, $75 with gig bag, stand and chord book). I am very rusty... And now the fingertips on my left hand ache all the time, but that's a good thing -- kinda like being sore after finally getting back to the gym.
Anyway, I'm using this guitar to test my resolve. If I really keep at it, I'm going to reward myself with the Seagull M6 Cedar GT http://www.seagullguitars.com/productm6cedargt.htm. I tried it out at Rudy's Music Shop in Manhattan and it sounds like honey. So warm (mahogany back and sides).
Anyway, thanks again for all the great tips, and to John and Chris, thanks for turning me onto the Yamaha F310. BTW, they have discontinued that model -- you can find it online for $140-$150, sometimes alone and sometimes as part of a starter kit. But they aren't making them anymore so hang onto yours!
Update 4-5-06
John_Hudson said:I have a Yamaha Acoustic (I went through many a guitar in my younger more angry days). I have a Yamaha F-310 I got for $25.00 from a neighbor I had; think it retails at $150.00 ?
CMessineo said:
Well, after much obsessive research and going to various guitar stores, I have picked up a used Yamaha F310 (Craig's list, $75 with gig bag, stand and chord book). I am very rusty... And now the fingertips on my left hand ache all the time, but that's a good thing -- kinda like being sore after finally getting back to the gym.
Anyway, I'm using this guitar to test my resolve. If I really keep at it, I'm going to reward myself with the Seagull M6 Cedar GT http://www.seagullguitars.com/productm6cedargt.htm. I tried it out at Rudy's Music Shop in Manhattan and it sounds like honey. So warm (mahogany back and sides).
Anyway, thanks again for all the great tips, and to John and Chris, thanks for turning me onto the Yamaha F310. BTW, they have discontinued that model -- you can find it online for $140-$150, sometimes alone and sometimes as part of a starter kit. But they aren't making them anymore so hang onto yours!
Last edited:
Thomas J. O'Hara
Senior Citizen
seagulls sound really nice and they don't run too high in price. I've had one for several years, and it gets better with age.
also check out simon and patrick guitars.
also check out simon and patrick guitars.
Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
I'd agree with FlintMI about Ovations. I have a very nice one, and although I love the sound when I plug it in, it sounds a bit thin unplugged and is uncomfortable to play.
I have lost count of all the guitars I have owned, but I never buy without playing one first. Sometimes you can get a cheapie that sounds great. Conversely, I played a $4200 Ramirez in Guitar Center last week, that did not sound nor feel nearly as good as my 600 dollar Raimundo.
I have lost count of all the guitars I have owned, but I never buy without playing one first. Sometimes you can get a cheapie that sounds great. Conversely, I played a $4200 Ramirez in Guitar Center last week, that did not sound nor feel nearly as good as my 600 dollar Raimundo.
I second the suggestion of going to Guitar Center or another place and play/demo. I never was a big fan of Ovation...don't like the sound as noted...a little thin. But that's why I would suggest playing and finding one that you like the feel and sound.
I'm playing a Guild (nice full sound) and my electric is an 89 Fender Strat American of course. Don't rush into buying something...but enjoy what you purchase and good luck.
Long live the BLUES!!!
I'm playing a Guild (nice full sound) and my electric is an 89 Fender Strat American of course. Don't rush into buying something...but enjoy what you purchase and good luck.
Long live the BLUES!!!
Jim Brennan
VHS Member Old Skool
MsManhattan,
i love Rudy's. I used to cut school to go up to 48th street and hang out there, Sam Ash, Manny's....But that was about 20 years ago. My old guitar teacher used to work at Rudy's, but then he switched to Mandolin Brothers on Staten Island.
That amount of quality musical instruments in one place is one of the few things I miss about NY.
Congrats on the purchase. :beer:
i love Rudy's. I used to cut school to go up to 48th street and hang out there, Sam Ash, Manny's....But that was about 20 years ago. My old guitar teacher used to work at Rudy's, but then he switched to Mandolin Brothers on Staten Island.
That amount of quality musical instruments in one place is one of the few things I miss about NY.
Congrats on the purchase. :beer: