How much did your main axe cost ya?

[iDavid]

I have a Larrivee OM-2 which cost me less than 500 buck several years back...

I've been moving more and more to acoustic so I thought maybe I would treat myself to a second acoustic with a "different" voice than the OM.

I've been looking around at the different brands on this forum and the most recommened builder and WHOA!!!!!!!!

Beautiful guitars to say the least, but oh man, are these babies expensive...

I was wondering what people paid for their main acoustic axe and are these high ticket guitars really worth money? Looks aside, do they play better? Do they sound better, I know that is a matter of taste...

Music is my thing and I play a few hours a day and writing songs is my main outlet. I live in Germany and most of the guitars I read about are not so easy for me to try out....

I guess I'm looking for recommendations on brands that aren't over the top expensive, but are a step up form what I have.... but, I do love this guitar and I had it set-up by one of the best guitar techs in these parts....

Still curious to what you guys have sunk into our guitars

[raz]

Originally posted by iDavid
I guess I'm looking for recommendations on brands that aren't over the top expensive, but are a step up form what I have.... but, I do love this guitar and I had it set-up by one of the best guitar techs in these parts....

Still curious to what you guys have sunk into our guitars

My Martin HD-35 cost me $1700. A friend who is a luthier built me a terrific small-body that I paid him $1500 for.

My next will likely be a Santa Cruz and I'm expecting to drop about $3K. But it's gonna be a while.

[clarkram]

I picked up a Martin OMC Aura about 2 months ago new for $2300. I gig weekly and this guitar has been great fun.

My 95' Taylor 810 cost about $1700 in 1995.

Clark

[Scott Peterson]

My Tacoma DR-38 is an artist relations model that toured the world with Gary "Bisquit" Davis (Dolly Parton) and has some bumps and bruises, but it is a cannon. I paid $800 for her. It was a STEAL.

My stage acoustic is the Line 6 Variax 700 Acoustic; paid $1200 for it in May, 2004. Many, many gigs and never a hiccup. Fantastic live guitar.

[jayn]

I paid about $1600 for my main squeeze, a Martin HD-28V. I got it used, but virtually new condition (maybe 5 months on it). I'd love to have a mahogany dread, but the ones I like are around $2000 used (Collings D1 or Martin D-18GE).

Good acoustics are expensive, but think of all the labor involved and the experience to know what to do with those thin pieces of wood. There's isn't much in the guitar world that sounds as sublime as a great acoustic. A lot of what I'm willing to pay for is tone. Sure they play a little better, but it's mostly the tone that you pay extra for, IMO.

[Old Tele man]

...my electric-acoustic Ovation EA68 Viper was $1400-plus tax.

[Avenger]

I don't have a very expensive guitar. I paid $1000 in 2001 for my Taylor 410-K, which is lower end Taylor dred with satin finished koa sides and a three piece back.

[onemind]

I have a Taylor 412 I bought years ago, for a keyboard (I think it was a Korg X3, or somthing like that, plus about 600 bucks), Nice as much acoustic as I need I haven't picked it up in ages, it's actually looking at me from the corner taunting. I did buy a used Breedlove for 1000. last year but couldn't get used to the neck.

(s)

[Seegs]

I've had a couple of expensive Acoustics...a Santa Cruz Vintage Artist and a Guild F50 Jumbo...both were really great guitars and for some reason they didn't stick around...

I guess because I was concentrating on the electric at that time and and I couldn't really justify such high dollar items sittin' around and collecting dust...

Now that I am starting to do some acoustic projects I picked up a Tacoma DM18 for $700 and I love this guitar more than my high dollar ones from years past...beautifully balanced tone and it's just getting better the more I play it....it's starting to really open up...

I just got done installing a K&K Ultra Pure pu system in it and while this guitar has always sounded great acoustically...it now sounds great when plugged in...great pu!!

Chow,
Seegs

[jjfields]

I paid $2300 for my '99 614CEab. It is a fantastic fingerstyle guitar. I have become more of a dred player because I prefer the volume and lower end, and usually play out with my '92 K20CE that I paid $1400 used.


I don't play bars, but if I did I would probably use something along the lines of a Taylor 410CE.

Not too expensive, so you wouldn't worry about it getting dinged up, but still all of the playability of a Taylor. They were built to be gigged, IMO.





Jeff

[KRosser]

Dana Bourgeois dreadnaught - $1295 new/closeout from McCabes in Santa Monica about four years ago.

[erksin]

$900 for a lefty Montana-built 1994 Gibson Gospel new. I dig it, but acoustic is not my first love. If it was, I'd be all over a Collings 12-fret model - there is no other guitar that compares to my ears...

[Outbound]

I got a pretty nice Simon & Patrick Rosewood CW for CAN$890 (with tax) this summer in Toronto.

It's actually my first steel string acoustic. I love it. Keep it in DADGAD most of the time.

[Brakhage]

I have a Alvarez Yairi WY-1SB that I paid $970 for. Great guitar for the price.

[r9player]

I use a Takamine EF-341SC .. not the greatest but very functional and good acoustic and plugged sound. "only" $600.
At the time for the same price I also could've gotten a big bodied Ovation (but someone else in Church already had one of these)
Besides that since you are in Germany.. guess Lakewood, Lowden would be two more local brands right?

[Fishin'Musician]

I own a Martin 0018E I picked up in mint condish in 1990 for $450. My main acoustic, however is my Santa Cruz Tony Rice; I paid 3K, and I'm not well off by any means, but I decided I'd step it up to the point where I didn't need to upgrade again. And I don't. This guitar simply has incredible tone and is a joy to play.

[Funky Chicken]

Originally posted by Brakhage
I have a Alvarez Yairi WY-1SB that I paid $970 for. Great guitar for the price.

I played a WY-1 for YEARS that I bought as a new "second" with no warranty for $800. The "2" stamp was due to a small indentation on the bass side of the neck just back of the 12th fret side dot. Killer guitar-I miss it a lot. I traded it plus a Music Man bass plus a few hundred for my 2002 Taylor 514-CE. I love the Taylor, but should have kept the Yairi...

[AnthonyL]

I paid $2600 for my Bourgeois Vintage D; $1600 for my Lakewood, and $1400 for my Lowden - it's 8yrs old...

Anyway,

For the money, Lakewood is a fine instrument and they're made in Germany! I noticed www.eddiesguitars.com has a few left and they are offering great deals on them. I was thinking about it myself, but I've got GAS for a tele at the moment.

[riffmeister]

Originally posted by iDavid
I have a Larrivee OM-2 which cost me less than 500 buck several years back...

I've been moving more and more to acoustic so I thought maybe I would treat myself to a second acoustic with a "different" voice than the OM.

I've been looking around at the different brands on this forum and the most recommened builder and WHOA!!!!!!!!

Beautiful guitars to say the least, but oh man, are these babies expensive...

I was wondering what people paid for their main acoustic axe and are these high ticket guitars really worth money? Looks aside, do they play better? Do they sound better, I know that is a matter of taste...

Music is my thing and I play a few hours a day and writing songs is my main outlet. I live in Germany and most of the guitars I read about are not so easy for me to try out....

I guess I'm looking for recommendations on brands that aren't over the top expensive, but are a step up form what I have.... but, I do love this guitar and I had it set-up by one of the best guitar techs in these parts....

Still curious to what you guys have sunk into our guitars

$1000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 00000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000000 0000000000000000000000000000000000000.00

and worth every penny.

[Droffie]

I paid Euro 2200 for my Gibson CL-50 Supreme. It's around
US$ 2650.
It's as well my main acoustic as my only acoustic.
;)

[hemlock]

$1500 for my Martin HD 28. Before that, I played a solid top red label Yammie for about 20 years. I paid $200 for it.

[Jokald]

I bought a Gibson J-100 xtra about a year ago brand new for $1600. I gig weekly with it, has a great plugged in sound straight in, and I have not found another guitar for any other price that I would trade it for.

[itsjustgas]

I'm lucky to have a nice stash of acoustics......

'94 Breedlove C5 Northwest - $2700
'00 Morgan Custom Dred - $2000
'01 Collings D-42 - $4500
'02 Goodall Tradition D - $3600

No wonder I'm broke :D

------------
jeff

[thintele]

$450 for a Guild D55...love this guitar !

[beatlenut]

My favorite acoustic I own is probably my Taylor 814ce. I bought it used for $1,650 last March. Didn't look like it had ever been played.

[fatback]

$2400. for my Lowden F-32, bought in Santa Cruz seven years ago.
I love this guitar, but only play it a few days a month.

$280. for my Martin LXM, made in Mexico "little Martin" traveler.
This one stays in the trunk of my car and gets played in the park all the time.

[exhaust_49]

$850 for my Simon And Patrick pro flame maple. Plays like a dream and can do fingerstyle to blues to rock and roll to....

Best $850 I've spent.

[Scott M.]

My main git is a 2000 Martin OM-28V Custom I bought used for $1,950. It pretty much dusted a $4,500 Goodall CJ and a $3,500 Beneteau, both of which I sold and took a bath on :mad:

Damn GAS. . .

[r9player]

wow! Dusted a Goodall and a Beneteau that is pretty amazing

[Scott M.]

Yeah, it's really got this cool complex deep bass thing going on and the rest is pretty balanced. The trebles could be a little fatter, but as Nigel Tufnel might say, well that's nit picking, isn't it?

I wish I could post a recording but my old computer that had the file crashed.

Nice collection of gear, btw:dude

[Aeromonk]

$2150... Suhr Classic.

[flicker180]

my andy cobra cost $2600.00
my andy HDTC was traded for (but valued at $1900.00)
my new Schroeder DC is going to be $3000.00

:)

dave

[8nthatK]

Gigging with a Breedlove Atlas SC25SR Plus for acoustic numbers...best bang for the buck out there IMHO. Love it.

Under $900.00

[Comfort Player]

$2500 for a custom built Northwood OM80.
Cocobolo back, sides, and headstock overlay. Western Red Cedar Top with Rosewood body binding and Ebony fretboard and headstock binding. K&K Pure western P/U.

Sweeeet.

[Antero]

Carvin DC135 on sale at Hollywood store: $420. :D

Not that I wouldn't want a Suhr or a Koll (oh I do, so badly), but until I'm no longer a Poor Student i'm heading bang-for-buck, karu? ;)

[Old Tele man]

...has anybody ADDED up all these prices yet?

[waxnsteel]

My main live acoustic, a blue Taylor 614CE was $1700 in like 98. I should have boought two of them. How much does a 614 go fo now?
My favorite sounding one, unplugged would be my 914 which was $3000, also in 98

[Bonedance]

I'm assuming we are just talking acoustics here. Over the past 30 years, I've run the gammet from fairly high end to dumpster lows in acoustic guitars. The most I ever paid was $200 for a 1956 0-18 Martin back in 1978. I managed a few music stores from 1975 to 1985, so I always seemed to come across some deals. After the Martin, I received a solid wood Washburn Timber Ridge
( their take on high end guitars that ended after a few years ) that had a small split in the back. I got a great deal from the rep...around $175, if I recall correctly. For many years, my only acoustic was a 50's Gibson small body L I found for $100.

since then, I've been blessed to have some very nice ( and some not so nice ) acoustics.

My sister in law moved to Mexico 4 years ago. Before she left, she gave me her beautiful 1978 Larrivee L-09. WOW! I was stunned. This guitar looks brand new and has a wonderful, rich, inspiring tone.

Since she was going to be guitarless, I found a used Takamine Grand Concert for her. IT needed cleaning and a set up, so I got it for $65.00. Did a good cleaning, adjusted the neck, nut and saddle, threw on a new set of light guage and it was ready to go. She was happy as a clam and four years later, I still have a smile 10 miles wide everytimg I pick up Larry.

Found a very old Recording King acoustic at "Bargain World" for $7.00 a few years ago. The action is pretty high ( a bridge Dr is in order! ) but it sings for slide. I'm anxious to here how it sounds with the action lower as it seems to be a little cannon with a ton of volume in reserve.

I played a new Martin D-Aura a few weeks ago and fell in love with it's tone and playability. I do belive my L:arrivee sounds a bit better, but the playability on the D-Aura was outstanding. Perhaps the best playing acoustic I've ever put my mitts on.

[MJR]

Originally posted by r9player
wow! Dusted a Goodall and a Beneteau that is pretty amazing

Especially considering it's a modern Martin.

I've never played a modern Martin that I've liked. Too stiff, dull and muddy.

YMMV

[bobeau]

Originally posted by Scott M.
My main git is a 2000 Martin OM-28V Custom I bought used for $1,950. It pretty much dusted a $4,500 Goodall CJ and a $3,500 Beneteau, both of which I sold and took a bath on :mad:

Damn GAS. . .

I bought my acoustic from Buffalo Bros. here in San Diego... one of the largest acoustic shops from what I understand (have like 1500+ guitars in stock).

I always wanted a Goodall. But none ever did it for me. Spent a day trying out like 50 guitars, price range up to $5k. Walked out with a used Huss and Dalton CM for $2750. They had a new one for just a few hundred more but this one was 'special'.

Bought that mostly with a trade actually, which was a Santa Cruz Vintage Artist, also bought from them a few years prior. That was a nice guitar but lacked balance like most dreds. The Hussy is ridiculously balanced and punchy for a guitar of its size and volume.

[Scott M.]

Originally posted by MJR
Especially considering it's a modern Martin.

I've never played a modern Martin that I've liked. Too stiff, dull and muddy.

YMMV

I've felt the same way about the newer Martins. I played an OM-28 Eric Clapton that I thought was pretty lame. Pretty surprising actually. I have heard the upper end Golden Era intruments are pretty nice, though. Actually had a 000-28 GE from '96 that was pretty nice.

[Dave Orban]

Mine is a blonde 1953 ES-175, in very fine condition. Cost about $5500 a couple of years back.

My main acoustic is a '97 Collings C-10 with a mahogany body and an old-syle Gibson sunburst on an Adirondack top. I bought it used, and it cost me about $1750 about 6 years ago.

[rul8agn]

Bought my 2003 Martin HD28V for $1800. Nothing dull or muddy about this one. After the tone, my favorite part of this guitar is the "V" shaped neck. It just fits. That's all I can think of to describe it. Here she is.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v469/rul8agn/Safeinthecase.jpg

[vince a]

I also own a Simon & Patrick Rosewood CW "Showcase" model . . . paid $1250 out-the-door for it!

[stephenT]

I have a Merrill OM-18 Koa. Cost the original owner was $4400.00 (a steal), 4 years ago.

Through a series of trades I have $1300 into it. I'm not going to tell you'all what an amazing guitar she be,..oh.....ok, truely ******* amazing.

A keeper. Best acoustic I've ever played.

Most paid? Just shy of 3K for a new Collings OM1, long gone, a distant memory to the Merrill.

[Scott M.]

I've heard the Merrills are amazing. I'm trying to decide whether to pull the trigger on a Franklin OM, but there's a Merrill OM-28 in Honduran and Adirondack that looks pretty awesome for less money. If I can't get what I'm looking for for my Tippin, I may opt for the Merrill.

[stephenT]

Scott, You can't go wrong by checking 'em out.

http://www.merrill-and-company.com/home.php

Kilmarnock, VA 22482

[bobeau]

Originally posted by Dave Orban

My main acoustic is a '97 Collings C-10 with a mahogany body and an old-syle Gibson sunburst on an Adirondack top. I bought it used, and it cost me about $1750 about 6 years ago. [/B]

Sweet! I always wanted a C-10, just couldn't connect with a handfull I've played. An Adirondack/Mahogany might be the ticket though.

[srepetto]

Larrivee OMV-05e 1300 shipped to AK

[Joe Gamble]

Martin OM18-VC custom w/ Adirondack top- $1950. I paid only $250 for my '62 Gibson LG-2!

[Da5Id]

$4,700 for a Goodall grand concert in claro walnut and german spruce top...

[arriba]

Have a Handmade Hohner which was made for a Music Fair in Tokyo in the early 70's. After the Fair, it was given to a well known German artist, who sold me the guitar in the 80's for $750.
It has a German Spruce top and the back and sides are Brazilian Rosewood.
Very nice sounding guitar.:)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/Hospelt/HohnerAccustic.jpg

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v431/Hospelt/HohnerBack.jpg

[Scott M.]

Originally posted by stephenT
Scott, You can't go wrong by checking 'em out.

http://www.merrill-and-company.com/home.php

Kilmarnock, VA 22482

Looks like the Franklin may head back to the owner. Not exactly what I was looking for. :(

On to the Merrill?

Also saw a Huss & Dalton reasonably priced. Anyone ever play one?

Hope I haven't hijacked the thread. . .

[jimmybcool]

I recently bought a McPherson 5.0. Amazing tone, feel, and looks. You can get the standard McPherson for about $4200 I think. Mine was a bit more with a quilted Maple back and sides.

Every McPherson I have seen is an incredible musical instrument. Just incredible workmanship. Here is a few photos of mine:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-5/1007615/mc1.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-5/1007615/mc3.jpg

Here is their webpage.

McPherson home page (http://www.mcphersonguitars.com/activea.asp)

[elambo]

My main acoustic is a Collings dread. With customizations it was right around $3,500. After four years of opening up and the addition of ivory hardware, no guitar will ever replace this one.

I wanted to. I played D-28s from the 1950's and all the new high-end brands which all sound great as I was playing them, but then I'd get back to the Collings and there'd no longer be a reason to keep shopping. Even so, I still try to replace it about every 6 months to no avail.

[MichaelK]

Mine is a Santa Cruz OM/PW. Bought it when they first came out, paid about $2300 as I recall. I take it everywhere, stage and studio.

Its sound is surprisingly big for an OM, though it ain't what I'd call a cannon.

[DavidE]

$350. Shipped. With a hardshell case.

Not my most expensive guitar, but my "main" guitar. This is the one that has been going to every gig since I got it. It's a Korean Alvarez jumbo with laminated maple back and sides and a solid spruce top. No fancy inlay; in fact only a single inlay on the fretboard. I use this at all of my plugged in acoustic gigs which have been numerous this year. The guitar plays like buttah. The pickup system is great with the under saddle piezo and built in tuner, but it sounds even better with the K&K triple transducer system plugged into the aux input and then blended in with the onboard pot. All on the guitar. I get compliments on the amplified tone from other guitar players all the time.

Freaking $350. Used, but mint. With the K&K installed.

My other acoustics are WAY more expensive, but don't do this job quite as well. They are a 1980 Martin HD28, Taylor 714 BCE (2 piece back); Taylor 355CE (replaced my fancy guild that looked killer but was a bear to play); Ovation Custom Legend; Godin steel string acoustic/synth controller. The Godin is my gig backup.

[Bryan T]

I'm an acoustic guitar junkie. I've got a pair of Santa Cruz guitars from the PW series, a dread that I've had for a few years and an OM that I purchased last month. Both were in the low $2K range. My biggest expenditure was a Goodall baritone, though I try not to think about how much it cost! I had to sell off several of my other instruments to be able to afford that one, but it was worth it.

I was mixing my album in a studio yesterday and both the Santa Cruz dread and the Goodall sounded great.

Bryan

[mad dog]

This was my luckiest find: 1943 Martin 0-18 (wartime, with inlaid ebony truss rod instead of steel) for 300 bucks in 1981. Little, light as feather, the sweetest sound and so much of it. The whole thing vibrates when you play, neck and all.

Good think I got it them. Can't afford the high-end, quality stuff now. Having worked as a craftsman for years, I do understand the price/quality/personal attention equation of the high-end stuff. Just can't pay for it.

[IIIBOOMERIII]

I got a steal on a CA Legend. The store had it for about 2 years and were sick of it. I got it for $850 w/case

[thelionsden]

I recently bought a McPherson 5.0. Amazing tone, feel, and looks. You can get the standard McPherson for about $4200 I think. Mine was a bit more with a quilted Maple back and sides.

Every McPherson I have seen is an incredible musical instrument. Just incredible workmanship. Here is a few photos of mine:

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-5/1007615/mc1.jpg

http://img.villagephotos.com/p/2005-5/1007615/mc3.jpg

Here is their webpage.

McPherson home page (http://www.mcphersonguitars.com/activea.asp)

I have this same guitar...for a new guitar, very resonant...I am hoping it opens up even more...I haven't had a chance to play it much yet...

Dennis

[DiazDude]

My Martin 000038H was $1650 and I added a LR Baggs Dual Source $250.

[jimmybcool]

Dennis,

I have the same problem. A lot of my practice is sitting on the couch with friends and watching TV. I'm not about to treat my Mc that casually. I use another guitar for that. I need to give it more play time.

Someone told me that you can also get some of the same effect of playing time by placing an acoustic next to a stereo speaker. Not sure if that is true or not.

[Colt]

about 3g's after tax etc. Got it for GRaduation.

taylor K24ce.

It's a 14 body shape, top back and sides all koa.

[rockon1]

650$;)

[colinm]

I bought a NOS Yamaha LS500 (000 style) a few years ago for 450 dollars with a new case. It was part of the brief Yamaha Handcrafted (in Japan) series put out in 2000-2001. For a Yamaha, it is pretty remarkable with solid woods, 7 ply binding, and vintage style bracing. Of course I lust after more expensive guitars, but for the price, I always end up going back to being satisfied with my little Yamaha.

[A. Tad Askew]

My custom shop Martin D-45 with BZ back and sides cost $10,700 and worth every penny. I do wear my "soft suit" to play, however...

[padols]

Hard to beat the Tacoma guitars. In 1997 I was looking for an acustic and money was not an object. To be honest I didn't care what the cost was. I looked and shopped for almost 2 years dragging my girlfreind in and out of music stores until she just didn't wnat to go in them anymore. We happened to go into this one store one day and there it was in the glass case. I ask the man to try it out and sat there for two hours playing it against the most expensiev Martin and Taylors he had on site. The Martin mahogony and the taylor an 810 rosewood canon and just fell in love with the playabelity and tone of the Tacoma. The Martin listed at 2300$ and the Taylor was listed at 2150.$ the Tacoma was 825 out the door and it sounded better then the Martin and played better that both guitars. I bought the Tacoma and have alot of fun trying to find a guitar that will beat that old Tacoma. When ever I go to any picking parlors here in Virginia it always gets looked at and handled by the die hard Martin owners with awe and wonder. They can't believe that the thing is real. A extreemly good value for the $.

[Jon Silberman]

My sole acoustic guitar at this point is a $135 (in '84) Yamaha. Sounds better than the $2K custom-ordered Taylor I sold a couple of years back (don't get me started on that).

[davidkiddmusic]

I use a Collings OM3 cutaway which cost me $4,000.00. Some of my friends think Im crazy for using it as my main guitar but I say, hey, if Im gonna pay $4k for the damn thing, Im gonna get my use out of it. And I do. Best sounding OM I have ever played, and I own it.

[TheArchitect]

I paid $1800 for my Larivee J10E Jumbo in 2000

[ceyuh]

I don't have any high end acoustics (yet) and this is not my most expensive guitar but for my most often used acoustic guitar I traded an old bolt action 30.06 rifle which I owned for $100.00 to a stranger for a Sigma DM2 with a hardshell case about 15 years ago. Best deal I ever made in my life--make that the second best deal after marrying my wife.

I realize that just because it says CF Martin on the inside it doesn't make it a real Martin, but it still sounds pretty good to me, and that's what counts I guess.

I have a Regal resonator which my wife gave me for my birthday a year and a half ago, I have an old Yamaha SJ-180 I got on my 18th birthday---that---was a long time ago.

I have an old Guild D62-nt I kind of inherited from a neighbor who lives elsewhere most of the year, returning for 3 months every summer. I keep it along with a standup double bass of his in my guitar room where the humidity is controlled and I get to use them 9 months a year. (I don't much care for the Guild though). I also have a couple of electrics and a banjo.

The beauty of all of this is that I have a bunch of instruments at my disposal, but I don't have much money tied up in them. (except for the G&L electric that I NEVER use)

Sometime soon I hope to add a Taylor 710ce L9 short scale. My wife is encouraging me to sell something off first---Soooo, bye bye Cinelli road bicycle! Buh Bye G&L!

Cheers!

[Serious Poo]

My #1 acoustic is a 2000 Taylor 712CE with a cedar top and an extrawide neck. IIRC, it ran me about $2,400.

[JamonGrande]

My main acoustic is an older Larrivee C-09, cedar/walnut. I used to work at an acoustic shop in St. Louis and got it for around $1500 I think. Actually, I wasn't really looking for an acoustic at the time, but after having worked there for 3 years at the time ('97 I believe) I knew it was special. I loved it so much that when I saw a regular customer who bought and sold like crazy eyeing it, I had to snag it from him. not much has had that kind of impression on me since. unfortunately I don't think the newer Cali made Larrivees are the same.

joe

[mrfjones]

I thought i had replied to this thread before but i can't seem to find it if i have. So here it is.

My main and only acoustic is one of a custom run of martins, mine is 93 of 150. It is just slightly different than the production model(different saddle material, bone, back and sides brazillian rosewood). I emailed martin about it and they told me what all i had since i bought it used and didn't have any info. I paid $900 and there wasn't a scratch on it. It is the best martin I had ever laid my hands on.

[tthompso7]

I paid $2000 for my used Froggy Bottom D (http://ftp.hbcommunications.net/ebay/Ted/lp%20web/Froggy2.jpg). It's banged and bruised but this is the "one" guitar that won't go.... There's some finish checking and a repaired crack but it's plays and sounds like sweet butta...

I had Andy at Froggy Bottom put in a Headway pickup when he repaired the crack and it works beautifully. Sounds great no matter what I plug into.

My Santa Cruz (http://hipomelet.com/images/Gear/scclose.JPG) which runs a close second was $2650.

If you ask me...you can always find good deals and gems at lower prices and just because you pay two grand for a guitar doesn't guarantee it will sound good. I always find this to be the case particularly with high end Martin's... I've never played a Collings guitar I liked either. Feel and sound can be subjective. Build quality probably not as much! I've looked long and hard for my acoustics and I'm very lucky to live and work in the same neighborhood as some great guitar shops. The Froggy (which was $3200 new) and SC Tony Rice (which now go for more than $3000) simply sound and play amazing. There are more expensive guitars out there but these cost quite a bit.

I've also owned a Gibson J45 rosewood, Taylor 410 and Songwriter Deluxe (rosewood) these were all pretty good sounding instruments and all well under 2k. They're just not in the same league as the FB and SC TR. Maybe part of the diff is Gibson's and Taylor are mass produced as compared to Froggy Bottom and Santa Cruz which are small custom buiders. I've been to Froggy's shop in the hills of VT. There's basically one or two guys building everything...

[Scott M.]

If you ask me...you can always find good deals and gems at lower prices and just because you pay two grand for a guitar doesn't guarantee it will sound good.

I agree. I got my Froggy for $1,500 (new) in '97. Michael wasn't especially happy to hear of the great deal, but. . . That was my main guitar for several years.

[ceyuh]

I got my Froggy for $1,500 (new) in '97.

That IS a sweet deal. I went over to the website to check them out...They're only a few hours away from here and I thought I might like to visit them. Then I saw the price list...WAAAAY out of my league. Are the guitars really THAT good?

[tthompso7]

Froggy Bottom guitars are amazing... The build quality, tone, playability everything, just awesome. I think most everything is custom order these days. They don't really have a "shop". It's literally a cabin in the woods where a couple of guys build guitars. Mapleleaf Music in Brattleboro, VT is close by and they always have a few. This is probably the best place to check them out.


http://mapleleafmusic.com/instruments.cfm?sub=1 (http://mapleleafmusic.com/instruments.cfm?sub=1)

My Froggy Bottom Dreadnaught with Rosewood B/S w/maple binding (body).... they're building very few of these. Micheal & Andy are focusing more on H, K and Parlor models these days...

http://ftp.hbcommunications.net/ebay/Ted/lp%20web/Froggy640.jpg


http://ftp.hbcommunications.net/ebay/Ted/lp%20web/Froggy2640.jpg

[ceyuh]

Wow...Nice. I'm more than a little envious. There is no doubt that Froggy guitars are very well built, I just haven't had the pleasure of hearing or playing one. My next acquisition will be in the $2500 range so I am not in the running for one of their fine instruments anyway. Mapleleaf music is just about 3 hours south and west of me in a direction I don't usually travel. Next time through however, I'll make it a point to get in there.

[tthompso7]

Mapleleaf music is just about 3 hours south and west of me in a direction I don't usually travel. Next time through however, I'll make it a point to get in there.

Where are you located? I would say try and find some to play and then look long and hard for a used one. They don't come up very often but they're out there. I've seen one or two at Mapleleaf and The Music Emporium in Lexington/Boston

http://themusicemporium.com/

[Scott M.]

I just haven't had the pleasure of hearing or playing one.

For what it's worth, here are some clips from my CD. http://www.guitar9.com/journeysm.html

Recorded the entire thing with the Froggy K - Indian and Sitka - and was pretty happy with the results. Not sure how much you'll be able to tell with computer speakers, but give it a shot.

Michael and Andy are great guys and build a super guitar. I'm not sure what their list prices are these days, but used ones come up on ebay every once in a while.

Feel free to send me an email if you have any specific questions.

[tthompso7]

For what it's worth, here are some clips from my CD. http://www.guitar9.com/journeysm.html (http://www.guitar9.com/journeysm.html)

very nice...sounds great

[joeh77]

Mine is a 2002 Taylor 314KCE that I paid about $1400 for. I had never really owned a solid wood acoustic before that. I had gone through a series of Ovations including a 1984 Collector's Edition. I guess my taste in sound changed and the Lyrachord back just wasn't doing it for me any more.

http://pg.photos.yahoo.com/ph/hajducky@snet.net/detail?.dir=f62c&.dnm=f9bb.jpg&.src=ph

The Koa back is the next photo in the album.

Joe

[ceyuh]

Where are you located?

I live so far north santa has to look up at me.

I haven't had a chance to listen to the audio clip from Scott M yet, but I will. I live in the land of painfully slow dial up so be patient.

[Jon Silberman]

BTW, I always thought electrics are axes, acoustics are boxes.

[ceyuh]

BTW, I always thought electrics are axes, acoustics are boxes.

The original poster of this thread asked others in the acoustic instruments forum to recommend an "acoustic axe". Why pick nits? we know what he means.

[Jon Silberman]

Some advice for you, Bub: chill out long enough to get to know the people here and our overall forum style. :rolleyes:

[ceyuh]

Thanks for the 'advice' but I'm plenty chilled.

And it's MISTER bub to you

[Scott M.]

very nice...sounds great

Many thanks. Notice you live in Guilford. Probably a dumb question, but ever get over to Acoustic Music? My wife bought me my first steel string (a '76 Larrivee 12 fret) as an engagement gift there and I recently bought an incredible Beauregard OM-C from Brian (which is now my main guitar).

[kwaves99]

I wanted to give myself a 10th anniversary present (after buying my wife an expensive necklace) so I bought a new Taylor 814ce that I paid 1800 for in 1996.

Jeff

[Jayssan]

Hey mr. Bub,

good to see you learning about all the great guitars out there, If you can convince mom to buy one while in Ireland, ummm why not 2????


Jay

[clothwiring]

Alvarez-Yairi DY-53 - ~$600 in 1995.

[asv]

I have one of the 414 CE L10 Limited guitars from last fall. It's just like a regular 410 except it has Indian rosewood back and sides. I paid $1600 for it. The odd thing is, I was willing to pay the $2600 for a 814 or similar, but I found that this particular guitar just sounded amazing. My guitar is the same as the 814 aside from the gloss back and abalone inlays.

I played pretty much every guitar I could find for up to $3000, and this $1600 Taylor really sold me. They are still available if you look around, but won't be for long...

I also really liked the Gibson Advanced Jumbo. Great sounding guitars. However, I didn't really care for the shoddy workmanship, and I had convinced myself that I want a cutaway.

[exhaust_49]

$800 cdn. 5 years ago for my Simon and Patrick Pro flame maple. Great Guitar!

[eric-d]

I only have 2 acoustics... one's an old parlor acoustic made by airline... was passed down from my grandfather who passed away. and the other is a 99% mint '68 J45 for 800$ from some dude at my dads work...

[qtuner]

$4500 mcpherson 4.5 XP with African Mohagany and Adorondak spruce.

[deluxemeat]

gmp roxie II in 1999-2000 cost me $1799.

[Roach]

My 1972 Martin D-28 cost me a 79 Les Paul Custom in trade and $200--about the equivlent of $1200-1300. Well worth it. It wasn't the increase in playability that grabbed me...lots of cheaper guitars are playable (some more playable). It was the tone. Really rich in a way I have not heard from any recent manuf. guitars I've played. It's aged nicely (and had a neck reset already when I brought it).

You get what you pay for if your careful, but as you go up the high end on guitars, it costs a lot more to get just a "little better." Depends on what a "little better" is worth to you.

[Dave Orban]

My acoustic time is divided pretty evenly between two:

'97 Collings C-10 custom with old-style Gibson sunburst and mahogany back and sides. Paid $1750 for that one about 7 years ago.

'56 Gibson LG-2 (also burst/mahogany, etc.). This one's a real beater, with several stabilized top cracks and replaced frrets, but it sounds amazing. Paid $675 for that one about 8 or 9 years ago.

I *love* smaller-bodied mahogany guitars...!

I also have a '41 Gibson L-50 with a MASSIVE (no trussrod) neck, and that, too, is a joy to play. That one I paid $525 for about 7 years ago.

[u12drag]

Nice ones are pricey. My main acoustic is a Langejans R6 Cutaway with Indian sides and back and an Englemann top. Holy cow, it is huge, but with clarity. I paid 3495 6 years ago, with the optinos it would be around 5 g's today. I am waiting on my Tom Bills Genesis. Talk about awesome. Indian/Adirondack. You can see pics and get pricing ideas for either of those at www.guitargal.com Robin there is awesome and unbelievably knowledgable. I think these guitars are worth the money. I have had Taylors, martins, collings, Larrivee, etc... I love knowing that one guy built my guitar and is going to stand behind it until he dies. The tone and playability are phenomenal. But, I really really like Larrivees. I sold mine and wish i hadn't. They are playable and have a great woody tone. you might not go wrong just working your way up the larrivee ladder.
kc

[mt10]

Seems like acoustics get really good around the $2000 price range. I have a Martin Clapton Signiture OM $2500 and a Weber OOO $2000. My first acoustic was a $350 Ibanez, after I upgraded, I fell in love with playing all over again. The playability on some of the more expensive guitars is incredible, granted you have to find one that plays well since even with expensive guitars, some are harder to play or less toneful. I like the Weber, nothing like a hand built guitar, made be someone you can actually chat with and who puts pride in what they build. The Martin is great too, but there is something extra about a guitar made by someone who hand builds around a hundred guitars a year.

[Fripperton]

I spent $3200 on my CFox H-12 about 6 years ago. Of course it has Cocobola back and sides and an Engelperson spruce top.

[7String Thing]

My Breedlove was somewhere around 5500 - 6000
The alembic was 10,000 dollars.
prs was 1400, i got a nice deal
and the parker was 2700
two rock was 4200
pedals ran me about 2000
and i always add about 1000 for nick nacks

DID I WIN? JK!

heres a kicker, im 18 and i paid for it all by myself. and im not a drug dealer.

[exhaust_49]

My only acoustic which is also my main guitar cost me $1200 cdn. including a hardshell case and a $300 under saddle pickup system. It's an 01' simon and patrick and it's the best acoustic guitar I've played.

[thesedaze]

$500 for my Alvarez MF90. Brand new, w/ one of those cool Alvarez travel cases. I put on some Thomastik-Infeld strings, and Gotoh 510 Delta gold tuners w/ amber knobs.

$350 before I 'upgraded' it. Stock Ibanez neckthru Artist Custom. Included hardshell case. It's good to know people at music stores who sell it to you for trade in value.

[PunkyBub]

I waffle between two: a Martin OM-28LJ, $2800 and an '86 Guild GF60, $1450.00. Each for different applications - the Martin just barks with the adi top and won't give in no matter how hard you hit it.

The Guild is more full-range, more full bodied for fingerstyle and actually better balanced at this point, with a richer low end.

[pickaguitar]

Martin D28 Marquis Amberburst - 3300

[DualRectifier]

I think the best small-gig acoustic is mine, of course--Taylor 514CE. Under a couple grand used. Great versatile sound for flatpicking, fingerstyle, or up to medium strumming. Action's too low, and the cedar is too soft, though, if you're a heavy strummer. That's what dreads are for.

The Expression System beats any other acoustic pickup/transducer I've ever used, hands down.

PS I saw a used Santa Cruz dread at GC in ATL last night for $2,199.

[bluesmain]

TAYLOR 714 CE Here 2500 New and it is some kinda sweet! Picked it up last summer.

Johnny>>

[StratTone]

My main axe is an electric and it is a Eric Johnson Strat. $1500 shipped

Your probably talking about acoustics though so that would be my Taylor 310ce. $785 shipped Great acoustic for the gigging musician.

[alanbass1]

I have recently picked up a new Martin John Mayer for $2500 as I wanted an onboard pick up for live work as I was using a Takamine which didn't really inspire me. For recording I have used a Martin '92 D45 for many years which I picked up second hand from a store in the mid 90's for £2000. This guitar is still my absolute favourite and has proved to be better (for me) than several other D45's, as well as many other boutique guitars, that I have subsequently played. And this could be a problem for you as there are more variances between acoustic guitars of the same type and make than there is for electric guitars. As such, you really need to get to a store that has a reasonable selection as you might just get that better than normal Martin, Taylor, Santa Cruz etc. If you buy mail order you might just get that less than average guitar.

[mavrick10_2000]

Zero! My wife bought if for me last Christmas. Takamine EAN-10C. It's a nice acoustic with a really warm tone from the cedar top which is what I prefer.

It's not a fancy looker, just an understated plain top, no pickguard or fret dots, but it plays nicely and sounds great.

I think it was on sale for $799.00 with the hardshell case.

My main axe is actually a Buddy Guy USA Strat (Tobacco burst) modded with Custom SHop Fat 50's. I bought it for $650 used from a TGP member, I love this guitar and the vintage tuners are now my favorite. I rarely do it, but I can wank away on the trem and have zero tuning issues definitely a plus when I feel the need for the trem.

[Noah]

I've got tons of guitars, but my fave is a 1972 GIbson Les Paul custom sunburst I bought off a fellow TGP member several years ago for 1200 bucks. I wish I remembered who it was, because I'd like to thank them. It's been my favorite guitar for years!!!:BEER

[nashvillesteve]

Amalio Burguet (Spanish) classical, a cosmetic 2nd, used $400.

Bourgeois OM-18 style, (not import), used, ebay, $1200

PRS McCarty Rosewood, used (TGP), $1900?

[mikeo2]

My Taylor 310 I have about $1100 wrapped up in (counting my pickup and some custom inlay work).
My mandolin I have around $1500 in.
My Martin 00-15 cost me nothing. It was a birthday present last week :)

[crimson on pink]

'73 guild bluesbird-$643.00 simply amazing

[johneeeveee]

My Martin 00-15 cost me nothing. It was a birthday present last week :)
Congrats and happy Birthday Mike.

I bought my Martin 00-15 about 8 years ago for $600. I've played over a thousand shows on it, flown all over with it, and it has held up without blinking and sounds better than ever.

You gotta love those little mahogany gits... balanced tone that records like a dream.

Peace - jv

[Chris Scott]

I'm a player/luthier, and I am lucky to have been GIVEN a '73 Guild D-35 that someone left, caseless, to languish at a club I regularily play at. It needed a neck re-set BADLY, as the action was a good 3/8" high with the saddle actually level with the bridge, (which was pulling up as well) and whoever owned it had never played it past the 5th fret. It needed tuners, which was the extent of my out-of-pocket expense, and a re-fret. After getting the re-set part of the repair scheme under control enough to do a provisional string-up with my handy little bar clamp, I was blown away-- this is the BEST sounding flattop acoustic I have ever owned, and one of the best I've ever played-- rich resonant lows, spankin' midrange, and smooth, shimmering highs-- and all for the dealer cost for a set of keystone button Grovers from ALLPARTS. Am I stoked? YES!!!!!!

[mikeo2]

Congrats and happy Birthday Mike.

I bought my Martin 00-15 about 8 years ago for $600. I've played over a thousand shows on it, flown all over with it, and it has held up without blinking and sounds better than ever.

You gotta love those little mahogany gits... balanced tone that records like a dream.

Peace - jv

Thanks! I am looking forward to getting a K&K Mini passive in there and trying some recording on it. I'm expecting it to be great. That's awesome to hear you've put that many miles on your 00!

[Iralovesguitars]

'00 Taylor 310ce. $1275 w/SKB HS and Fishman Blender. Add $90 for a fishman stereo blender preamp and take out original blender. Add $55 for Gold grover rotomatics and ebony buttons (www.fqms.com---ask (http://www.fqms.com---ask) for Chris Rodgers), $109 for Taylor Brown/Monkey black interior luggage case, and $55 for used Capt. Bill Nichols ebony/abalone Chalice TRC. Soon adding $85 for K&K Pure Western mini. Phil Keaggy and Pat Kirtley signature exactly a year apart from each other? Priceless and free :)

[johneeeveee]

Thanks! I am looking forward to getting a K&K Mini passive in there and trying some recording on it. I'm expecting it to be great. That's awesome to hear you've put that many miles on your 00!
I have had the K&K in there for the last couple years and I love those pups. Nothing beats a great mic, but the K&K is the closest thing I've found for live use. Probably not as good as my old Sunrise for louder situations, but for solo or small (acoustic) ensemble shows, the K&K is awesome.

Have fun and enjoy! - jv

[davess23]

'96 Santa Cruz custom OM, with German spruce top and Braz back and sides. The price was a bit over five and a half large, but that was ten years ago, and what I paid involved a trade (another Cruz OM) plus lots of cash.

No regrets, best damn guitar I've ever played. If I pro-rate out the hours of use and pure enjoyment I've gotten out of it over the past decade, it's probably the best investment I've ever made, too.

[Troubleman]

Hmmmm....
My main axe is a Collings CJ - mahogany with an adirondack top. With a B-band under saddle transducer it was $3700.
Gee, don't divulge that to the Mrs...

jb

[nashvillesteve]

$1200 for the Bourgeois OM-18 style guitar, but it was right after the shop he'd signed a bad contract with had started selling imported guitars with his name on the headstock, so all the values of his stateside instruments were out of whack for a while...

My other main (acoustic) guitar is an Amalio Burguet classical guitar. It's a cosmetic 2nd (burl in the wood, sort of), he (awesomely) exports these from Spain to a dealer in the states who sells the cosmetic seconds to students at far lower prices. The guy I bought it from for $400 paid $800 originally, it's a great guitar, too.

[ivers]

My Admira classical, which I bought here in Norway, cost the equivalent of roughly 600$, and sounds nice enough so that I use it as my main axe.