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Another acoustic thread. Mid range price question.
Posted on 12/5/20 at 8:35 pm
Posted on 12/5/20 at 8:35 pm
I've decided to upgrade my acoustic game, and while I post on the OT, my status is less than baller.
I went to GC and played on a Taylor 214ce DLX and was impressed with it. The problem is, its $1400 and it has layered sides and back. The 314ce is $1999 and while that is more than I want to spend, it sounds and plays great and is solid construction.
So my questions is, how much does solid wood construction matter to you in an acoustic? I know they require a little more upkeep and I plan to gig this instrument.
Thanks in advance.
I went to GC and played on a Taylor 214ce DLX and was impressed with it. The problem is, its $1400 and it has layered sides and back. The 314ce is $1999 and while that is more than I want to spend, it sounds and plays great and is solid construction.
So my questions is, how much does solid wood construction matter to you in an acoustic? I know they require a little more upkeep and I plan to gig this instrument.
Thanks in advance.
6
Posted on 12/5/20 at 10:22 pm to heatom2
I think you should be checking out some used Taylors. I might be mistaken, but I think the 214 is a Mexican made Taylor, and for that price, I believe you can buy a used U.S. made. I know that I almost bought a used mexican Taylor at GC a couple of years ago for around 700 bucks, and it was really nice. Seems like it was a 214. I backed out though, because even at that price it seemed like a lot of money, to put into a laminated, Non-U.S. made guitar. In reality, as far as sound and durability, the lamination factor isn't as big of a deal as it use to be. Materials and manufacturing techniques have come a long way, but still, the solid guitars will hold value better. Really, I think you should be checking out some Simon And Patrick models, You can get a new, all solid, excellent craftsmanship Canadian made for around 1000 bucks. Give them a look.
Posted on 12/5/20 at 10:33 pm to auggie
Thanks for the response. I have actually been looking for used, and you can find plenty online, but I'm hesitant to buy something I can't play first. In fact I put a used 214 on hold at guitar center and may go with that as it is $500 cheaper than the new one.
I was just curious about everyone's opinions on layered/solid.
I was just curious about everyone's opinions on layered/solid.
Posted on 12/5/20 at 11:16 pm to heatom2
Have you been to any of the better local stores to look around? They are more likely to have the better used stuff. Stores that cater more to acoustic players.
Posted on 12/5/20 at 11:18 pm to heatom2
I love Taylors and Guilds, but I can't justify the new prices.
Seagull or Yamaha are way better values (at least in the new market).
Seagull or Yamaha are way better values (at least in the new market).
This post was edited on 12/5/20 at 11:19 pm
Posted on 12/5/20 at 11:24 pm to Ace Midnight
Is Washburn still around? I haven't been in a guitar shop in years, but back when I would go in to play different guitars, Washburn always impressed me for the price.
Posted on 12/5/20 at 11:25 pm to auggie
Really aren't too many local shops left around here. But if anyone has a rec for a shop in the BR area I'd love to hear it.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 12:07 am to heatom2
The Fret Shack! The notorious Fret Shack poster on here is the owner! With your budget, I bet he can hook you up perfectly. If he doesn't have what you need, i'll bet he knows who does. His shop is in the phonebook and on facebook, and probably some other places that I don't know about. Look him up before you take another step.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 8:38 am to auggie
I know about fret shack, but didn't think they were a retailer. I thought they were just a repair/set up shop.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 9:31 am to auggie
quote:
almost bought a used mexican Taylor at GC a couple of years ago for around 700 bucks,
Used. Used. Used.
You can get a Taylor 800 series for that price. My buddy has one. It’s awesome. His is their pre taylor neck design. Meaning it’s not bolted and shimmed. So it is traditional. Hence if YOU go back that far be wary as neck action and possible resets are definitely in play.
Some laminates are fine IMO. As long as you have a quality solid top wood?
But as others have mentioned I’d not pay near $2000 for laminate anything.
BlueRidge
Eastman
Kremona (mostly classical but their steel strings are great)
Posted on 12/6/20 at 9:38 am to heatom2
quote:
know about fret shack, but didn't think they were a retailer. I thought they were just a repair/set up shop.
He is. But knows a lot of people. Some of his most useful advice is “I see a lot of those on my bench”. That’s your red flag.
I don’t think he is a certified dealer of anything. So I doubt he’d blow smoke up your arse to buy Brand A.
Don’t know how many repair certifications he has.
I recall some dude brought him one of Johnny fricking Cash’s guitars to work on. Or he was a collaborator on the restoration. So there’s that. Lol
He will be polite about it but he will tell you if something sucks. At least polite on here. Maybe a one on one call or email he will tell you “that’s a turd”.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 9:41 am to lazy
quote:
Washburn still around?
Yes. Not as easy to find but kind of like Yamahas. Pick one up, cringe, pick up the next one, “how can it be that affordable??”
Posted on 12/6/20 at 11:10 am to LSU alum wannabe
quote:
LSU alum wannabe
Good stuff. I'm not married to Taylor or anything, it was the best guitar in in my price range that fit my needs at the BR GC.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 11:34 am to heatom2
quote:
Good stuff. I'm not married to Taylor or anything, it was the best guitar in in my price range that fit my needs at the BR GC.
Taylor’s are great. Better than Martin in the under $1000 range IMO. Get into high end then it’s a BMW vs Mercedes argument.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 12:22 pm to heatom2
I can't answer your question but I have a Taylor 214ce (non deluxe). Bought it a few years ago new for 1000. I haven't played the deluxe, but I love my 214. It's probably my favorite guitar of all of the guitars I own, electrics and acoustics. It is my only taylor fyi.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 12:34 pm to heatom2
You looking for a mahogany back and side or desiring rosewood?
That'd be my first concern being you probably have the ear to hear the difference. I could try to describe but it takes a listen to determine a preference. And this guy does it much better: Paul Davids
Get some good speakers or headphones.
That'd be my first concern being you probably have the ear to hear the difference. I could try to describe but it takes a listen to determine a preference. And this guy does it much better: Paul Davids
Get some good speakers or headphones.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 12:50 pm to awestruck
Love Paul Davids.
I'm leaning towards mahogany/sapele over rosewood.
I'm leaning towards mahogany/sapele over rosewood.
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 12:55 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 3:49 pm to heatom2
You can get a solid wood Eastman or Blueridge for cheaper than that.
I had a Taylor 200 series once that I got for $400 but got rid of it after awhile because the laminate didn't project enough for me.
I have a solid wood Eastman now that is the best guitar I've ever owned.
ETA: The Martin Road series would be a good solid wood sapele option under $1000
I had a Taylor 200 series once that I got for $400 but got rid of it after awhile because the laminate didn't project enough for me.
I have a solid wood Eastman now that is the best guitar I've ever owned.
ETA: The Martin Road series would be a good solid wood sapele option under $1000
This post was edited on 12/6/20 at 3:51 pm
Posted on 12/6/20 at 3:53 pm to awestruck
quote:some great picking
And this guy does it much better:
To me, the rosewood is much brighter and the high notes ring better, but so do the little mistakes. Mahogany always seems much more forgiving and seems like a more blended tone.
Posted on 12/6/20 at 5:08 pm to auggie
I'm a by-appointment-only repair/upgrade/resto workshop, I am not a retailer. The only sales I do is consignments between my clients. I only get involved if I know the seller AND if I have a buyer in my client base for his ware(s).
Google "The Fret Shack" and you'll find my e-mail address in the header of every page on my website. If you let me know what you're looking for I'll add you to my BOLO ledger.
I don't stress that much about lams or solids in the case of the sides and back. The soundboard, sure, it's the vocal cords of the box. But the sides and back, think of them as the diaphragm, the amplifier, the projector of the tone. Does lam vs. solid construction make a tonal difference? It's slight but sure. Lams also reinforce rigidity and strength, and make the box less vulnerable to warping, cracking, separating, etc. That's something a gigging player may seek rather than avoid. But simply put, your choice regarding sides and back is not one you'll necessarily screw up.
Taylors generally are voiced bright for my tastes, but the occasional darker ones tonally absolutely delight me. Those magical darker Taylors, the back and sides could be made out of cardboard for all I care.
Google "The Fret Shack" and you'll find my e-mail address in the header of every page on my website. If you let me know what you're looking for I'll add you to my BOLO ledger.
I don't stress that much about lams or solids in the case of the sides and back. The soundboard, sure, it's the vocal cords of the box. But the sides and back, think of them as the diaphragm, the amplifier, the projector of the tone. Does lam vs. solid construction make a tonal difference? It's slight but sure. Lams also reinforce rigidity and strength, and make the box less vulnerable to warping, cracking, separating, etc. That's something a gigging player may seek rather than avoid. But simply put, your choice regarding sides and back is not one you'll necessarily screw up.
Taylors generally are voiced bright for my tastes, but the occasional darker ones tonally absolutely delight me. Those magical darker Taylors, the back and sides could be made out of cardboard for all I care.
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