5 Acoustic Guitars Under $1000 We Would Buy Right Now
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- čas přidán 15. 06. 2024
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Guitars Featured in this video:
Guild D-120 Acoustic Guitar: sweetwater.sjv.io/QyMDjx
Alvarez MD60BG Masterworks 60 Dreadnought: sweetwater.sjv.io/5gvr53
Taylor GS Mini Rosewood Acoustic Guitar: sweetwater.sjv.io/eKLz1X
Taylor Limited-edition 114ce: sweetwater.sjv.io/AWvZPN
Yamaha Red Label FS3: sweetwater.sjv.io/JzMnK7
Eastman ac222ce: www.eastmanguitars.com/ac222ce
Yamaha FSX830C: sweetwater.sjv.io/ZQMa6g
Yamaha LL16 ARE Original Jumbo: sweetwater.sjv.io/zNoMxW
Here are some of our favorite tools around our shop!
Stewmac Tape Dispenser: stewmac.sjv.io/mgVarM
Stewmac Conductive Copper Tape: stewmac.sjv.io/P0Dm2Y Stewmac Super Glue: stewmac.sjv.io/oeZGPO
D'Addario Bulk Acoustic Strings: stewmac.sjv.io/e4WkOj
D'Addario Bulk Electric Strings: stewmac.sjv.io/a1XrBZ
Stewmac 2 in 1 Straightedges: stewmac.sjv.io/JrNRga Stewmac String Action Gauge: stewmac.sjv.io/gbEavB
Stewmac Pattern Makers Vice: stewmac.sjv.io/mgVa2e JessEm Router Lift: amzn.to/3wa6Tor
Fosi Audio Receiver: amzn.to/3A9zLOE LED
Overhead Shop Lights: amzn.to/3AyFz60
T-Track Railing Used on Island: amzn.to/3Cki29Z
Shop Refrigerator: amzn.to/3A8U1QE
Sure Shot Chemical Sprayer: amzn.to/3A8MO2O
LED Magnifying Lamp: amzn.to/3T2xOMu - Jak na to + styl
Hey, great video, guys! A little over a year ago I was looking for a new guitar, and after much looking, comparing, and prayer I decided on the Yamaha LL16. Beautiful guitar! My dealer was out of stock, so I had to special order with them. After nearly a year of anxious waiting--and reevaluating--I decided instead to buy a burst Yamaha LS16 folk body guitar that they had in stock. Wow, for 899.00, it is incredible! I couldn't believe the sound and playability the first time I played it! I seriously couldn't recommend it more.
Those Taylor GS Mini guitars are incredible value for the sound and look you get from them. Being a travel guitar it makes it pretty versatile as well. I do agree that the Sitka spruce and Rosewood combo is great but I bought a used Koa deluxe model with burst design and Expression system that had a solid top. Gorgeous guitar and sounds amazing to me. Just wanted something different to pair with my Taylor 814ce Builder Edition that came with Adirondack spruce top and Indian Rosewood back and sides.
As for Alvarez guitars… I am a huge fan and so glad someone else appreciates them and that made the list. Alvarez will be the next guitar I would buy. Wish I could find them locally where I live. You really can’t go wrong with an Alvarez. Quality, craftsmanship, value, and sound for an incredible price! One of my favorite guitars I ever owned was an Alvarez!
Very informative. Thank you. Liked and subscribed.
Seagull maritime cutaway. Seagull doesn't get the love they deserve. Beautiful craftsmanship, beautiful tayloresque sound, amazingly playable. I love mine! Got the one with electronics (new its over $1000) used for 500. Without the electronics though you are in under $1000 and comes with a very nice gig bag
I own two seagul guitars and love them. One of the few guitamrs that still have bridge grooves, which hugely improve sustain.
Godin products seldom get the love they deserve....the people who snub them, well it's their loss.
I got a Seagull S6 10 years ago in heavily used but soundwise perfect condition for 150€
I love that guitar and have recorded it a ton. Will never give it away :)
I just watched a video about Seagull guitars: czcams.com/video/rQpqFNVffPM/video.htmlsi=VBbZKrjwSeTkEZEb
Many of us do not like the Taylor sound.
Guys, a nice job on the video. I enjoyed listening to the rational for each choice.
Great video, thank you guys. Hoping you will do more of these. There's a couple of interesting price ranges above 1000 too which I'd love to get your gist on. You could even differentiate in videos between body types or scale length because many people (like myself) are shopping a specific bracket like that.
Great advice and choices I think. Somebody mentioned they wanted to see the 1-2 grand range or similar videos I would check out too for sure
I bought a Yamaha LS-TA 1,129 $, solid rosewood back and sides and solid spruce
Excellent review guys !
I picked up an M-120 Guild a couple years ago, and I love it. I went in to the store to look at some Alvarez models, but the Guild blew me away. It's also one of the few instruments I've bought that impressed my wife (she's a tough customer).
Admittedly, in my 50s, I'm a bit of a guitar store kid. I love to go play just for fun. I tried a $500ish Guild one day and didn't want to put it down.
Takamine makes great guitars under $1000. I went to my local store with a friend who's never played before and we tried a bunch of guitars and he connected with an all solid sapele Takamine NEX which is their grand auditorium cutaway guitar for $449 without a case. $600 plus tax for everything and it's a great guitar for those who like the all sapele/mahogany tones. Would love to see a breakdown on a Takamine. Thanks for the great content guys!
I played one of those a few years ago and couldn’t believe how great to sounded. Felt nice too.
Totally agree. I have 2 Tak guitars. First one I bought new in 1982, still have it, refretted it a few years ago and it still plays amazing. I think I paid $350 in 1982, with a built in pick up.
Bought a modern one, cutaway, with built in tuner, preamp etc that was $1200 (I think) new. I bought this to have while the older Tak was getting new frets. I play them both all the time. The newer one has slightly better action but the older on has a much beefier sound (probably because the wood is now more seasoned and is not a cutaway).
Takamine makes amazing guitars, and I’d take my Taks over any Taylor that I’ve ever played. I prefer the Tak necks better than Taylor necks too.
I´ve been searching for months now for a new westernguitar. Takamine is on the top list so far and i love japan build guitars:) But doing a lot of research about all the different woods out there, i found a couple of them on the red list. Sapele is one of them coming from the rainforest in west and central africa. It does belong to the mahogany family but it is not real mahogany. Thats why it is cheaper (plus coming from a poor country). Sure, getting a used guitar with red listed wood is fine but for me i would not get a new one. But this just my opinion and everybody is free to buy what ever she or he wants:)
I like seagulls, just because the cedar tops have their own warmth.
Recording King also has some very nice, all solid wood, guitars for under $1,000.00 too. I've got the RD-328 and love it. It's designed after the 40's Martin guitar with Adirondacks spruce tops and your choice of either mahogany or rosewood for the back and sides (again, all solid wood). And it has scalloped bracing that's done well. I've made a couple videos on this guitar myself. The deep V shape of the neck took me a bit to get used to but I'm loving it now. It will do just fine until I can afford a Martin HD-28.
I have the Alvarez MD70 (rosewood dread) and it is absolutely one of my favourite guitars at the moment!! Basically an HD-28!! Normally I play Lowdens but it's perfect for when I want that American tone!!
I have the Alvarez MD60BG, opted for the non electronic, mahogany sides and back model. It was $600, it sounds incredible and it’s beautiful. I put a beveled Martin pickguard on it and some bone bridge pins. It’s light, loud, Rings like a bell, and cuts through like a knife. All I ever wanted in a Dread.
I love my Seagull S6.
It has actually a Cedar top so I would have loved to hear your opinion on it!
It's made in Canada from endemic wood and just beautiful
Great video, very good information 👏🏼
Wow! I was thing about the Yamaha FS-820/830 when I was looking for my first guitar as pandemic pause 2020 began, and I no longer was driving to school (K-5)in the mornings as volunteer crossing guard and Friday ALP Math help. Instead my first guitar came from a GC used but excellent (advertised as a 12e, so the managers first back to work packed several extras in the box) Taylor Academy 12 (produced on Dad's 90th birthday) for the then-new price of $500. Shortly after, a 12e appeared from a music store clearing out inventory at $360, then a Breedlove Pursuit Exotic Concert E- Sitka/Koa $360 (added a Gator Cases 000 hard case). My first all-solid wood guitar (and last to leave me) was a Cole Clark Angel 2 Redwood/Blackwood ($1834 in summer 2022 from AMS in NJ). I gave a B-stock Breedlove European spruce/mahogany all-solid guitar to my son-in-law, which has a thinner than semi-gloss finish and some small patches where the finish didn't bond to the plastic binding, which sounds incredibly warm and open for $350 via Reverb. A daughter is taking care of the similar B-stock Jeff Bridges signature concert (Reverb and Sweetwater had these at the same price, so I ordered from my Sales Engineer's Associate) at $425, the embroidered gig bag likely accounting for the additional cost. Gloss finish needs to open up to add the warmth of the non-sig version, but they're all good and appreciated. We bought that daughter a Yamaha FG-730S a couple decades ago, but that felt too big for my learning experience, and guitar collecting (ROFL). My SIL asked me last year, "Did you buy any new guitars?" I truthfully replied, "No, I bought a new banjo." (Gold Tone B-stock AC-5 with bag, to which I added an armrest and a set of better tuners for a future install. Better than the low-end Rogue that I was given by 'Johnny Guitar' of KCHU before I retired from Alaska...)
I love watching you guys. Your depth and knowledge really helps me as an so so self taught guitar player. I bought an Ibanez performance guitar back in the 90s because that was all I could afford at the time. I mainly played electric but as I’m getting older I find myself playing acoustic more. My father-in-law had a Martin 000d-28. Which sounds awesome but I’ve played Taylor’s at the local shops and feel like I pull toward them more. I see in here you mentioned the Taylor 114. Do you think the 214ce is also a good bang for the buck? I almost bought a Taylor 814ce used for 2700.00 but the wife would have killed me. Anyway love your content and just wondered about your thought about the 214ce. Keep up the awesome content. You are like the Bible for guitar knowledge. 😉
Great, informative video! I also think the Taylor Academy 20e (walnut) really should be considered at this price point.
Fantastic info gentlemen! I would love to see your breakdown of electric guitars under $1,000. There are so many choices out there.
I have the older MD70CE.
It is a stellar guitar.
I mostly buy used. But my best new guitar purchase was from a store that was going out of business, unfortunately. He sold me a brand new Takamine P3DC for under $1k.
I love that guitar.
I got Recording King RD328 for ~700 bucks and I am very impressed. All solid, basically Martin guitar for a fraction of a price, you cannot go wrong with this one. I did some upgrades myself, like install K&K in it, bone bridge pins, slotted the bridge pin holes, better compensation on the saddle, etc. After a month or so of playing this guitar rings like a bell, I can imagine stripping the poly finish and apply some nitro would help even more.
Steve Earle’s son, Justin Townes Earle played Recorder King almost exclusively. They def make some gems.
It's a Martin style guitar... But it's got it's own character.... Not saying it's a worse sounding instrument, but why do people also have to say it's basically another guitar.... For one thingi believe that recording king uses forward shifting bracing in their dreads, which Martin switched away from a long time ago.... It's a bit of a different sound. No doubt recording King is a guitar that offers a whole lot of bang for buck.... I hear they need a setup and that the tuners are frustratingly not sensitive enough and could use replacing
Great content, guys!
I'd really love to see you go into depth on some of the high end stuff too. If you end up doing a video on those, or if you end up cutting another guitar in half again, may I make a request?
You did the LL16D and I can definitely see why the LL16 made it to this list. However, apparently the LL26, 36, and 56 (made in Japan) take it quite a few steps further. Apparently, they're handcrafted by a single craftsman and include something like voicing (that they call tap tuning) -- I'm really curious to see just how handcrafted these really are, and how they compare to something a master luthier, such as yourself, would make. Moreover, I'd love to hear how you think they compare to similarly priced options from Breedlove, Taylor, Martin, etc.
Oooh, a factory tour reaction would be cool too
The whole list could be Yamahas
Does you know what else I’d need to buy Mike daws style
acoustic electric guitar (Yamaha ) and to get similar microphones and pickups INSIDE and anywhere else I’d need to get a similar sound around the entire guitar? Can you please guide me?
Hey guys, enjoyed this video. Quick question, the Yamaha LL16D that you reviewed in a separate video is a higher end guitar than the LL16 ARE mentioned in this video. Is the LL16 ARE still your recommendation? From what I can tell it only has cosmetic differences to the LL16D (abalone binding, hardshell case, abalone fingerboard inlays)
I love my Yamaha Red Label FS5, but it was a bit over $1K. I tried some Taylor and Martin guitars first, but that Red Label sound got me.
Another gem that is incredible value is the Simon and Patrick Woodland Pro Folk, well under a thousand, made in Canada and all solid. A great compliment to my Yamaha Ll16D as excels in different ways. What are your thoughts on StewMac kits, just got one but more as a way to learn to build, curious how good the finished project will end up.
I saw your breakdown of the Taylor Academy 12e and put it on my list to track, it's a very nice guitar for the money. I was leaning to the Yamaha's you mention here but when the Taylor showed up locally used I pounced, I am very happy with the Taylor.
Good choices. I happen to own two Taylor’s: the first GS Mini on the market, with Spruce top. It’s better for strumming than my 1980s era Taylor 412ce, which is better for finger style and writing. And I have a Yamaha FG 720S, with a cherry burst top. All are great guitars. Thanks for your reviews.
New to the channel, loved this vid and the simple guitar hack on improving tone via slotted bridge! Really interested to hear your sub $2000 list!
I would pick Yamaha AC3M over FSX800. All solid wood, great pickup with impulse response simulator and auto feedback suppress on board.
I love Yamaha and Alvarez Guitars. You can't beat them.
I've owned the Yamaha FSX830C natural for several years now. Over time I've done a few upgrades: ditched the undersaddle piezo pickup for a K&K pure mini (K&K tech support explained how to connect it to the existing onboard preamp) , installed a Graphtech nut, bone saddle, Stewmac ivoroid bridge pins, and gold Grover tuners. The guitar responds very well to upgrades - they made a huge difference in tone and looks, very happy with this guitar.
Can you send me exactly what you got guitar wise and where to buy it please and Do you know what else I’d need to buy Mike daws style
acoustic electric guitar (Yamaha ) and to get similar microphones and pickups INSIDE and anywhere else I’d need to get a similar sound around the entire guitar? Can you please guide me?
I'd really like to know how to ditch a piezo and do that myself! Did it require soldering?
Question,, do you think the Yamaha LL16 is worth the extra cash to get the deluxe model? What is the up grades for the deluxe? Thanks,,love watching your videos,, I too didn’t want you to cut the LL16d
Hi there, love your videos even though I'm not into luthier-ing or wood work because you sound genuine.
I started my life long dream to learn guitar and music theory 6-months back.
It'd be appreciable if you can make a video on best full size cutaway acoustic-electric guitars one can buy around $1000 if possible.
Keep up the good work!
Im jumping back into playing after a 7 year break for my grandson, i am having a problem i never had before...
Most of these guitars im lookikg at are 1.69 nut, its not string spacing but these distance from the high E to edge of neck is super crucial or ill unintentionally fat/skin/old man palm/skin fold ( can you tell im frustrated) mute the high E on C-F ect...
I played a mid to intermediate level Takamine for 13 years unfortunately it was stolen by family at 52, i don't want to adjust grip much any opinions? Can i just measure some of these? Get a copy with the high E inboard more? Get luthier to cut a nut that way? Im leaning towards those gibsons and takamine i had were 1.75 nut?
Any guidance is appreciated...really enjoy these videos
Is a Stewmac kit worth it if you want to see if it's something you want to do, or is that not a legitimate step towards building a custom guitar?
Seagull. I have the S6 flame maple with the LR Baggs system. Fabulous sound, both plugged in and acoustic.
The LL and the LS 16 are such good value guitars.
Great video for sure very informative lol. Loved seeing some Yamaha features but I honestly can’t get behind them yet haha some day maybe lol. I wanted to say that the jab at the gs mini Koa was unexpected haha. I have a mini Koa and I absolutely love it and it’s tone is great. It has become my go to Acoustic in my collection lol.
Taylot 114ce. Do you prefer natural sapele or do you think the others would sound good too?
I have guild OM 150ce, a bit over 1000 bucks but I love it. What are your thoughts about it’s construction? Thanks!
I have a Yamaha LL16, a Red Label FSX5 (the slightly more expensive Japanese cousin of the Chinese FS3, with a pick-up), and a Taylor GS Mini (the version with the lam quilted sapele back and sides). I understand that there are those who wouldn't touch Yamaha, but I have always gone for what sounded the best to me within a certain price range. I thoroughly enjoy playing all of them, but especially love the Red Label, as you mentioned, for the sound. An amazing instrument.
People are idiots about Yamaha.... Great
Pedigree.... Once you get into their solid wood guitars.... They are world class.... And their hand-built bench stuff is just as good as the custom shop stuff from the big three. Much better bang for buck.
Recent gift of a Yamaha AC3M gave me an appreciation of the quantity I was ignorant & somewhat biased. Loved my Tailor Martin Eastman acoustics but this Yamaha for the money has em tapping out. Thx for review.
I have a Yamaha AC3M like a dark sunburst colour.
Changed the nut and saddle to bone and got it set up.
This thing literally belts the sound out, with loads of midrange .
Around £750 here roughly 1000 usd with a solid wood body. Absolutely love it.
You didn’t mention the the Yamaha LL16 has solid rosewood back and sides. I’ve just bought one and it is a cannon that blasts out very sweet tones. Super impressed and surprised after always favouring my Gibsons and Martin in the past,the LL16 is currently my acoustic of choice.
Have you played it out? It's a nightmare trying to EQ in some bars.
@@cugir321 Agreed. I found the built in electronics can be really harsh and brittle but the answer for me was to play it through an acoustic amp (in my case a Marshall). But played acoustically it sounds terrific - the sustain for instance is huge.
Yamaha LL 16 is well built but ,..it's harshness is annoying :/ Cheaper version L6 sounds the same having solid top only. And that passive pickup is a piece of crap
It's okay...still a little bright when not amplified. I was playing it outside at a bar last night in a jam...unplugged. I use a fishman loud mini....so it is an acoustic amp. I'm still not sure what to do to tame it....the magnetic soundhole setup does some but don't love the tone.@@martifingers
I'm thinking a bass preamp....saw online that they make a difference with the harsh piezios.@@martifingers
I found you guys after you appeared on Rhett's channel. Love your work. Fuunny you mention the Yamaha Red Label, my first guitar is 1968 Yamaha FG-300 that I inherited from my dad. It was his main and only guitar for 20 years before he passed. When you say "cannon" you aren't kidding, it kills it in the low end and though it is fully laminate it is a great guitar. I have a video of an acoustic gig where my buddy is playing a Martin OM, and it completely takes over the mix. It is the only guitar I will never part with. Recently had some maintenance done by a local tech (one fallen brace, bridge plate re-build, full setup and unfreezing the truss rod) and it has new life.
I bought a Yamaha FG-300 in 1970 while on R&R in Tokyo ($85 American with case), shopping on the Ginza (Godzilla was there in Godzilla Minus One last year). It still plays good after over 50 years it has lasted while past my fingers. Has that darn compensating bridge which I set 50 years ago with the 6 E string above the A string as we played Johnny Cash songs all the time in the Barracks and I used the hell out of the top 4 strings doing the Luther Perking/ Bob Wootton one note at a time thing on an acoustic
Thanks for another fun video!
A few favorite all solid woods that fit this quest:
Guild m-120 love it!.. guild m-140 is also very nice and one might pick up the pair for near the 1k mark street price
Guild f-150 impressive clarity, playability, projection with picking, heavy strum, even fingerstyle
Alaverez Masterworks Elite 70 Folk - surprisingly exceptional experience
Epiphone inspired by Gibson line: J45, J200, Hummingbird… spent quite a bit of time with these and impressive though haven’t won me over… lots of folks love them.
I own 5 Yamahas 3 red labels, one is original FG180 I bought in Japan. Love my yamahas
Does you know what else I’d need to buy Mike daws style
acoustic electric guitar (Yamaha ) and to get similar microphones and pickups INSIDE and anywhere else I’d need to get a similar sound around the entire guitar? Can you please guide me?
Need some advice looking for my next guitar, I’ve been playing for just under a year looking to stay right at $1,000. Looking for a Sitka top and mahogany back and sides. . I’m eyeing the Yamaha FG3 and Eastman AC322ce. Thoughts on those two and other options. Tbanks
What about the Epiphone J45 you reviewed? It seems like a GREAT guitar in this price
I bought an Epiphone Hummingbird for $ 300 bucks. This guitar is awesome, great action,great sound and looks great. Very happy with it.
that's what i'm looking at..
@@ComeOnPeopleThink highly recomended, stays in tune sounds better as it ages. Ive had mine 10 years
@mikebarker7626 thanks, I had a masterbuilt and really liked it but for some stupid reason I sold it..
@@ComeOnPeopleThink i hate it when that happens..lol
My daughter’s Inspired by Gibson Hummingbird blows me away every time she plays it. It is truly a great option at $850.
I’m not surprised you guys pulled so many Yamahas. They’re so good
Love my Alvarez. Had another one that I bought ten years ago and the top started lifting behind the bridge. Sent it back for repair but they couldn’t fix it so they called me back and said pick out another guitar on us. I forgot they had a lifetime warranty. Good company, great polite people, too. Highly recommend them.
Great video guys. I have played some $500 Eastman e2d guitars with phenomenal sound that have cedar tops. Solid top and sides.
i own e2om, for that price you can't beat it
Hear a lot of good things about Eastman but can’t find anyone selling them near me to try out. Breedlove I have been told are great but haven’t had same experience as others I guess.
I own the E2OM and couldn’t be happier. Great sound
At my local shop I have the option of the spruce/sapele or the mahogany GS Mini, which one would you guys recommend?
What do you think of the Taylor GT (or 11 series or whatever they call it now)?
I would definitely look at the Orangwood guitars. I just bought a Sage Torrified Spruce Live on sale for around $750. That guise id over $1000 normally. I bought that guitar based on your breakdown video
Amen! Yamaha and Alvarez Masterworks are the best!!! Thanks for the great video.
I'd love to know what you guys make of the Recording King RD-318 or RD-328.
Thanks, useful overview. Any recommends for OM or OO/OOO size acoustics? And yes on electric guitars review on a budget..
Yamaha makes the L series in an OM size... The LS-16 and LS-16M (mahogany) both beautiful solid wood guitars for under $1000.
I’ve owned 2 Yamahas and they sound unbelievable for the money. Great list guys
All good choices. Spot on concerning the gs-mini Koa
I wish yall would have done this video a few months ago. What do you think about a Martin 000-15sm?
Great information! I would definitely like to see a similar video for electrics.
Hi
Long time believer of Yamaha and Eastman in this price range. Love what they’re putting out! Also, yes to the electric list!
I own and ride a 2008 Yamaha FJR1300A that I bought brand new. they definitely make great motorcycles!
I will never get rid of my 1967 red label. Bought new when I was 12 for 100 dollars that I earned from mowing lawns.
I wonder what percentage of guitars were bought from money made by junior high school boys who mowed lawns. My first was a Samick Strat.... paid for by cutting the neighbors lawns at 16 to 20 bucks a pop.
What do you guys think about the Guild DS240 and the cheaper eastman j45 style guitars? Both are under 700 bucks and I won’t really have a chance to test them before buying.
Love the Norman Blake reference, he lives just down the road from me. I have one of his 1963 OO16c's. It is such a cool guitar.
Good list. Thx
...big fan of your channel. I bought a "new" Yamaha LLTA last month after watching your breakdown video on the LL16. I assume that they are essentially the same guitar other than the TA system. I got the sunburst and I love it. Thanks for saving me about $500 - I was looking at an Eastman E20OM-TC...also a very nice guitar, but I just didn't want to spend the extra cash. a side note - I own an Eastman E8D-TC, (I feel like you were referring to this guitar when speaking about Eastman's just over $1K price point) it is an exceptional instrument. To your point about good guitar's on the used market - I found a 97ish Yamaha LS-400VT for about $1K and I wouldn't sell it for twice that. Don't pass over solid wood Yamaha's (not just the red labels) - they will likely be hanging on the affordable side of your local guitar store's acoustic room.
I tried a ton of guitars in this price range last summer (ended up with a Taylor 214CE Deluxe for a bit more $$) but the one I almost went with was a Seagull. Fantastic guitar with some very cool innovative features and I liked it better than anything else including several Yamahas and Takamines. Seagull is a little-known brand from Quebec that also has Godin and a couple of other names under its umbrella. BTW- Godins are fantastic electrics with one of the best necks I've ever played. Did not like any of the low-end Martins at all. Washburn makes some good guitars in this price range. Agree on Guild- every one I've ever played has been stellar.
Editing to add that I had actually ordered an Eastman through my local music store, but the shipping kept getting pushed back by several months a couple of times, and it would have been over a year when all was said and done. So I cancelled my order and used the credit. I was really looking forward to the Eastman- not too much info on them around so good to see your opinion of them is high.
Yes! I just commented above, I have the S6 flame maple. Superb deal for the money, mine got a thumbs up from a notorious tone snob.
You mentioned Seagul. I have been playing a Seagull guitar since about 1996 and it sounds great. Real sweet sound. What’s neat about them is they euse local woods. They use cherry for the back and sides sometimes.
@@philomelodia I absolutely love mine, it sounds great both acoustically and with the LR Baggs system that came with it. In fact I had another Seagull that I traded for it, with a cedar top. I loved the sound but the string tension was ridiculous, it hurt my fingers to play.
Also went with the Taylor214, first tried an Ibanez off Amazon, but it had a warped fretboard. Obviously try to see the guitar in person, but if not, go with one of the bigger names with a good return policy. My bud has a nice Orangewood, you get a good guitar with nice setup for very low cost.
Can someone help me? I’m doubting between the Taylor 214CE-SB DLX or the Martin Johnny Cash DX? Which one would you pick? Take in consideration the following I play a lot of pop songs. But I also love to play groovy patterns and rhythmic guitar style. I also want to use a loop station and be able to use a Fender Musting Micro Amp so I can practice in silence with headphones. Because I still live with my parents and sometimes I will need to practice late at night due to my difficult work schedule. Also take in consideration the material which guitar is scratch sensitive? Can someone advice me on this? Or if you know a better guitar for my needs you may always recommend another one in this price range but nothing over the 1200 euro’s mark. I thank you in advance!
In view of the closeness in price of the two non cutaway yamahas, how would you compare the sound of the LL-16 to the FS3? I'm interested in both, but would only buy one. i've been drooling over those red labels for months now.
It never fails to amaze me that nobody ever picks Seagull. I have a friend who is a professional guitarist, he has 15 or 16 acoustics including a $3000+ Martin. He plays the same guitar I usually do, a Seagull S1 Original. We were shooting the bull between sets one night and I mentioned that he seemed to use the S1 as his "go to" acoustic. He leaned in like he didn't want anyone else to hear and said, "It sounds better than pretty much all of the others, including my Martin." I have heard him play both (and many others) and I have to agree.
Seagull guy here. I agree with this.
I came here looking for this exact comment
Love my Seagull. Would really like them to do a deep dive on a seagull
Headstocks….
Americans usually have a lot of built in biases towards Taylors, Gibsons, Martins and Guilds etc. They like the Taylor GS mini, which is overpriced and doesn't sound as good as a parlour guitar. They don't pick anything else because they all drink the koolaid and are basically brainwashed. I have one excellent American made guitar, a 2016 Breedlove Oregon....all my others are Canadian ( I have 19 Godin guitars, including a Seagull in there with some A and L's, an S and P, etc etc. ), Japanese ( three Yamahas ), and Spanish ( two Alhambras ).
Glad to see eastman on there and they should be. I have a 00 and it's awesome. This was a very good topic. Well done
This is a fantastic video. Definitely appreciate the insights. One thing I'll say though is that playability often gets overlooked when people are sizing up guitar options. The best way to find your guitar is to go to a shop, hold the instrument in your hands, and play it. There is nothing more valuable than having the experience of actually playing a guitar to know if it is the one for you. If you can find the guitar that allows you to play your best, it will beat out any $5000 dollar instrument that isn't comfortable or enjoyable to play, even at sub $1000 price points. Definitely consider purchasing any one of these great guitars, but go out and play them all. Your experience with each one will tell you which one was made for you.
I have a Guild acoustic 12 string, love it!
This was encouraging to see. I recently played two Yamaha guitars, the Transacoustic model with a cutaway at the $679 price point, and an LL16. Those things just exploded..talk about cannons! I'm now shopping for a Yamaha!
I have a Yamaha LJ16, I have also owned the LL16, they are fantastic guitars.
Would love to see a best acoustic guitar under $2000 from you guys.
It will always be used
I bought a handmade guitar from Canada for under $1900
Absolutely, would be great to see their list. And yeah, like someone wrote above, I'd tend to go used once the price goes above $1000. But I think my picks would be similar. At the at the top of the price range, I'd choose a Furch Vintage 1 OM or a used Furch Vintage 2 or Guild D-40. Yamaha FS5 at the bottom of the price range. Guild M-20 in the middle. For me Guild, Furch and Yamaha own that price range. Since Gibson J-45s, really good Martins and Taylors all hang out in the 2-4k+ range. And to be honest, I'm not really sure it's worth paying the premium.
@@compucorder64 Can't disagree with any of that. I own both a FSX5 and Furch Yellow Series.
@@josephryan5396That's interesting, how do you find the difference between the FSX5 and the Furch Yellow after spending time at home with them? At the moment, I've played four quite different guitars I really like and trying to decide between them. Guild OM-120, Epi IBG J-45, Furch Blue OM and Yamaha FS3. I tend to like not too much bass, more woodiness, projecting bell-like mids, and a slightly rolled off treble (NOT a fan of the shimmery metallic Taylor sound).
@@compucorder64 The FSX5 is a little brighter, probably due to the smaller body. It isn’t too bassy and I would say it’s very well balanced. Out of the two, the Yamaha is definitely more traditional sounding, the Furch is more modern sounding. The Furch is a grand auditorium body size, so it is louder, but I would imagine the OM Furch would still be louder than the Yamaha. The Yamaha is sitka/mahogany and the Furch is cedar/rosewood, so both very different sounding. The Yamaha has more mid-range and the Furch more lows and highs. I tried the Furch blue cedar/mahogany in a store before and it is incredible, lovely and warm sounding. The Furch is definitely not metallic like a Taylor, it has a much fuller/resonant sound. The Furch has a LR Baggs Anthem pickup which is one of the best out there, but I was honestly shocked how good the FSX5 atmosfeel pickup sounded, it’s just as good in my opinion.
The necks are very different on the two. The Furch has a shallower, wider neck. The Yamaha neck is a bit fuller and a perfect width for me. I find the Yamaha has less strain on my fretting hand. You can special order Furch with different nut widths though. The Furch is standard scale (25.5) and the Yamaha is shorter scale (25), so I find the Yamaha is a little easier to play due to the reduced string tension. I think Furch guitars are more gear towards fingerstyle with the wider nut and string spacing, although, you can play anything you want on them. My nephew tried both guitars and he found the Furch easier to play because of the extra spacing.
It would all come down to personal preference, you would be best off trying out both if you can. If I had to choose one purely based off sound alone, it would be the Furch. I don’t know how they’re not way more expensive, they’re like boutique level guitars at affordable prices. However, for me, I find myself playing the Yamaha more just because the neck is so easy to play. I think both would meet the requirements you listed, you would just have to try both and see which you prefer.
need some advice, How would the Yamaha LL16 compare to a Taylor 414ce Special Edition Rosewood? I am a lefty so my choices are limited for all solids. Which would hold its value over time? Which is more versatile? I love both but can only buy one, the price doesn't matter.......i mean is the Taylor really worth $2000 more???
I'm glad the GS Mini made the list.
I've had a mahogany top version for 10 years and it just plain works every time I pick it up. I stuck a Fishman Rare Earth in it, threw some smoked nickel Taylor tuners on it, and a graphite saddle.
Guys what do you think about Maton Guitars, would you do a review video and your opinions on some of them? Cheers
Im seriously got the trigger finger on my 1st Alvarez..and my 1st all solid mahogany guitar the "MD66CE"
Im just afraid it will sound too dull and i dont know...muted.compared to my other Sitka topped,mahogany backed acoustics.
Any thoughts folks?
For a workhorse / gigging guitar, I'm a big fan of Ibanez' Talman acoustics. They can take a bating, are pretty inexpensive, don't sound too bad and are pretty consistent across the range. Not your home centerpiece, but a decent gigging guitar.
What are your thoughts of the Furch Violet and Blue series. They are right at the $1,000 mark?
I would love to hear your opinion on the Alvarez ADE90CEAR and the Yamaha FG-TA TranAcoustic. Both are sub-$1K and both have astonishing sound quality.
love my FG-TA. its already a great sounding guitar but the transacoustic makes it really great sounding.
Do guys have experience with Zager guitars?Thanks
Ive had a Yamaha FG730S for over a decade now and love it. Definitely need to play it more!
Does anyone know what else I’d need to buy Mike daws style
acoustic electric guitar to get similar microphones and pickups INSIDE and anywhere else I’d need to get a similar sound around the entire guitar? Can you please guide me?
Since you guys are with me on Yamaha, might I suggest the AC3M. Solid mahogany back and sides, Solid sitka top with their ARE treatment, electronics, and it's about 1/2" deeper than the FSX830 so you get a bit more lower mids. Yamaha build quality, very classy appointments, all solids, coming in at just under a grand, it's hard to beat.
AC3M sounded a bit too mid boomy to me.
A3R was my favorite within the lineup. I never thought dreads could have such a transparent and sparkly yet spacey mid/highs
W o O w! Nothing like blowing your own horns (careful of neck pain here) (laughing). Great video guys. You gave the shoppers the information they need while looking for that beginner guitar. I settled on the Recording King acoustic-electric 9 series 000 body (white poplar back, rosewood board, and sitka spruce sound box) for my beginner guitar. I got it for 125 bucks (390 dollar retail) from B inventory with fret sprouts, dry fretboard, high string height, loose saddle bone (trough cut too wide) and a small smudge on the underside of the body. I did the research and spent 80 dollars on various luthier tools and did a complete set up. I wedged the saddle, oiled the board, filed and polished the fret ends (35 degrees), tweaked the truss for a lower string height and added some 11 - 46 silk n steel strings. It's been 3 weeks and I am in love with the clear and smooth sound of this guitar. Thanks for giving me the information and confidence I needed to look for that perfect pick.
I am kind of surprised that you didn't have an Orangewood on your list! Also, can you do a breakdown of a Breedlove? Thanks guys!!
The Breedlove AC25/SR Plus from 2005 (in my opinion) is the best sub $1000 guitar ever made/sold by a major brand. Made in Korea. Solid Sitka top and Indian Rosewood Back. Laminate Rosewood sides (which are a good thing, as you guys know). Sounds AMAZING, very, very playable, and because of the bridge truss they used back then, it will last decades with little to no issues. Fishman pickup system with great features. Both body and fretboard bindings, along with Abalone purfling. Incredibly airy, rich, 3-dimensional tone. A truly gorgeous instrument all around, with a long life span.
You can still find them all over for $500, and all the ones I've played used sound almost identical. I believe they were built at the Crafter Factory in Korea, which is a high end factory over there. I know this isn't a current production guitar, but to me it's the best I've ever played in this price range. Just for kicks, here's a clip of a guy playing fingerstyle on one -- czcams.com/video/iJdECFz16M8/video.html
I have one of these myself, and I continue to be surprised at how well it sounds compared to other guitars well above its price point. At one point, I did opt to have a bone nut and saddle upgrade which made it even more impressive. I highly recommend finding one of these in good used condition for anyone exploring this price range.
Any opinions on where the Epiphone Inspired by Gibson J-45 lands in your comparisons. List price is $749 includes electronics. Thanks!!
Yes I agree about the top (about 85%). Mahogany is great although not my choice. BTW why no cedar??? I have a great Guild D-5 E, though I've never tried an imported Guild. My dream guitar is a mid '70s Guild D-50.
Have you ever done one of your tests on a zager zad80?