Fingerstyle acoustic under $1500

[Wolfboy1]

I'm looking for a decent OM body size style fingerstyle acoustic. No problem looking used either. I have looked at and played several Martins, Larivee, Takamine, Breedlove and Taylors. I am kind of leaning to the Taylor 313CE-514CE models. I also like the Martin 000 but I know I am missing a bunch of candidates.

I have a few electric possibilities for trade as well if anyone has something that fits the bill but am mostly looking for recommendations....thanks.

[justonwo]

At that price point, I know Larrivee guitars get a lot of attention. I would check them out. That being said, when talking about acoustic guitars . . . much more than with electrics . . . it's critical to actually play the instrument before making a decision. The best thing you can do is go to a store that has a wide variety and play as much as possible. You can't look at a spec sheet for an acoustic guitar and predict how it will sound.

I would try all the guitars you mentioned and anything else I could find at that price point.

[choucas09]

For that sort of money Eastman are definitely worth checking out. I've just bought a used archback jumbo and am blown away. I've also got one of their jazzers and a mandolin and can vouch for their quality.

Here's a couple;http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eastman-ET5-SS-Small-Body-Guitar-Vintage-Sunburst-SN-13805-/220914878509?pt=Guitar&hash=item336f8d882d#ht_8098wt_1398

http://www.ebay.com/itm/Eastman-E10P-Traditional-Series-Parlor-SN-10093-/300637917393?pt=Guitar&hash=item45ff6a90d1#ht_7408wt_1398

[Wolfboy1]

I have purchased 4 guitars online. From both the forums here (1) and ebay (3) plus an acoustic from Musicans Friend. They were all great except the acoustic, I just have not bonded with it.

I went in to a Guitar Center in Cincinnati this weekend and played probably 20+ guitars. The only ones I consistently enjoyed playing were the Taylors. Everything else was hit or miss. Some of the Martins were great, the 2 Takamines I tried were dissapointing and the Breedloves were also hit or miss. Even the Taylors were hit or miss on sound. It has to feel right, play right and have a rich harmonic overtone ( and preferably be used for my price range).

I think you are absolutely correct, I really need to play the one I am going to buy. With that being said I know there are many return options if I do buy by mail. I really want to try out a Martin OO28 Eric Clapton model but I would have to get that used as it is so costly. Same with the Taylors. I went in a month ago to GC in Columbus and played a new Taylor 814ce and been in love ever since.

[Wolfboy1]

Never heard of Eastmen Guitars I will check them out....thanks.

[JosephN0624]

+1 for Larrivee

[DRS]

+3 for Larrivee.

[kingturkeylord]

Taylor DDX. Great finger picker for about 1200!

[Blanket Jackson]

Martin OM-28V is consistent quality, glorious sound, and plays like you want it too. You might find a used one in that price range.

[Sandy Cheeks]

Larrivee L03, although I'd get a cutaway version.

[Rotten]

At that price point, you should be able to find a used Lowden. Typically, they have a cedar top, which makes for a lush, shimmering fingerstyle guitar.

[JackButler]

At that price point, you should be able to find a used Lowden. Typically, they have a cedar top, which makes for a lush, shimmering fingerstyle guitar.

Really? I've only seen them for around 2500 used, but haven't looked very hard. I'm somewhat in the market for something.

[Rotten]

Really? I've only seen them for around 2500 used, but haven't looked very hard. I'm somewhat in the market for something.

Lowden used to make all of their guitars. He then sold the company and they were made over seas, I believe. Then, he bought it back and had a team in Ireland building them. I think that team went on to form Avalon. That era of Lowden's are great and you can get a good deal. The past few years, I believe he is back to a smaller operation and they are very expensive.

[dvilla76]

I've owned (and Sold) a Larrivee OMV10 and while it was a fine well crafted instrument with a huge bang for the buck I didn't care for the neck at all. It was on the thinner side, like a R0 Gibson Les Paul and similar to the Taylor acoustics which I don't like overall because of this. I also don't care for baseball bat necks but like them a just a little thicker on an Acoustic.

With that being said I bought a Martin 00015S all Hog 12 fret to the body Slotted headstock and fell in LOVE with it. It has a wider fingerboard and tone that KILLS. Martin hit a grand slam home-run with this model. Try and find something better playing and sounding at it's very realistic price-point with used being a fantastic deal - and - oh yeah, did I mention - it's a Martin!! :rotflmao

[JackButler]

Lowden used to make all of their guitars. He then sold the company and they were made over seas, I believe. Then, he bought it back and had a team in Ireland building them. I think that team went on to form Avalon. That era of Lowden's are great and you can get a good deal. The past few years, I believe he is back to a smaller operation and they are very expensive.

Excellent to know! I'll have to start looking.
Appreciate the info sir.

[FFTT]

Wildwood Music and Guitar Adoptions are excellent reliable vendors for New & Used Larrivees.

I picked up my P-10 New from Guitar Adoptions

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/larrivee-guitars.html

http://www.guitaradoptions.com/larrivee-acoustic-guitars/

I can't finger pick fershit, but these guitars record like a dream,
even ultra Low Fi just through a camera mic.

v=6B-GB_IQtfY

[mark123]

I've owned (and Sold) a Larrivee OMV10 and while it was a fine well crafted instrument with a huge bang for the buck I didn't care for the neck at all. It was on the thinner side, like a R0 Gibson Les Paul and similar to the Taylor acoustics which I don't like overall because of this. I also don't care for baseball bat necks but like them a just a little thicker on an Acoustic.

With that being said I bought a Martin 00015S all Hog 12 fret to the body Slotted headstock and fell in LOVE with it. It has a wider fingerboard and tone that KILLS. Martin hit a grand slam home-run with this model. Try and find something better playing and sounding at it's very realistic price-point with used being a fantastic deal - and - oh yeah, did I mention - it's a Martin!! :rotflmao


Man I've alway's wanted one of those, alway's loved Norman Blakes tone on the 12 fret slot head Martins. I've just NEVER seen one at any of the many guitar stores in the area in stock. I have never mail-ordered a guitar in my life, alway's want to play it for a few mins before letting go of my cash - but the 00015S I've been drooling over for years, getting ready to order one soon.

[alexanderplatz]

Larrivee L series or OM series is a good bet. For example: http://elderly.com/vintage/items/20U-13719.htm

[coldfingaz]

Martin 000-15

[Wolfboy1]

I tried a few "Lakewoods" out last night. Not bad at all. The store I was at had a couple Lakewoods and Martins. I found 1 of each I really like and they had a Taylor T-3 that played horribly, I was suprised. (not that I am looking for that at all.)

I've decided I am going to make a trip to Wildwood Music. They seem to have a huge selection and great prices. I'm going to sell a couple of my guitars and head up there cash in hand in a couple of weeks (about a 90 minute trip). Thanks for all the advice. I had never heard of Wildwood Music, that was a great post!

[dspellman]

I'd personally go with the Taylor in that price range. Aside from their *very* consistent quality, their factory "refresh" service is like no other. And their ability to reset the neck quickly and easily (you do realize that the Taylor has a "bolt-on" neck, right?) and the generally higher-tech construction methods have convinced me that it's just a better all-round guitar at anything from $1200 up.

[Wolfboy1]

Bolt on neck??? Really???

Seriously, I didn't know that.

[Wolfboy1]

Okay the quest is over and I want to say thanks for all the help. A special tip-o-the-hat to FFTT for the advice on Wildwood Music. Several of you recommended Larrivee' guitars and it turns out Wildwood was a 2 hour drive away, had a huge selection and 2 of the nicest people you ever want to buy a guitar from.

I ended up with a Larrivve LV-03E custom, Italian Alpine Spruce, East Indian rosewood beauty....here it is:

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3424.jpg

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3413.jpg

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3423.jpg

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3415.jpg

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3422.jpg

http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/wp-content/uploads/wppa/thumbs/3421.jpg

"Here's the Custom Italian Alpine Top model with East Indian Rosewood, the one you all have been hoping for! What power, what depth of dark tonality this possesses! And, with the L.R. Baggs Stage Pro Element Pickup--which has an on-board electronic tuner--this great Johnny Larrivee creation (he hand-signed the label personally) really cranks out harmonious, full-voiced melodies! The special cosmetic touches of the beautiful herringbone trim, and the hand-inlaid Maple Larrivee script and Maple border in the headstock are wonderful bonuses.You will be seriously impressed when you play this Custom Larrivee!"
http://www.wildwoodmusic.com/

These folks are great! They have an antique house for a shop with a special heating and cooling system. A front room with some beautiful and expensive guitars and banjos behind glass (which you can take out and play). Then 3 rooms upstairs with probably 200+guitars hanging on the wall and in cases right below them. Mostly Larrivee and Martin in one big room, Taylors in another and banjos in a third. Play anything you want just wipe it down when you are done (cloths provided all around the rooms). There are good acoustic amps to use as well. Limited hours but I went on a Saturday and it was quite busy.

When my son and I picked out the right one, Don took it down to the register and I found out they take cash only. Turns out they do this to keep prices low. They only take an 8% markup on their guitars and no credit cards to save buyers some bucks. Well I offered to give him $650 cash I had on hand if he held the guitar for me then I would send him acheck and he could mail it (2 hour + drive one way). He said "no one drives this far with their son, and spends that much time picking out a guitar to steal it. Take it home and send me a check."
Customer for life!!!!

Also the guitar it self is unique in it's own way. Mr. Larivee was able to aquire a rare Italian Alpine spruce log from the area where Stardivarious harvested his violin woods. He asked Marty and Don if they wanted any guitars from it and they bought the whole log. Then they commisioned 60 guitars to be made from it, each one a hand signed original to their specs.

Just a fantastic sounding labor of love. I can't recommend these folks or these guitars enough....and the price....wow! Not all 60 have come in yet and they keep getting more in. Have a look at their site if you are in the market, and thanks again folks!!!!


($1499.00 :) )

[r9player]

Lots of great rec's here. I'll add another.
If you can find them, try a higher end Alvarez with an Engleman spruce top. (at one time I had two of these and they were amazing, got them as factory second so they were cheap cheap cheap!)

[BigPapiFan]

Try to find a used Martin OM-21.

[DRS]

Nice choice Wolfboy. I have the same git but without the cutaway.