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View Full Version : Suggestions: Best Acoustic $300-$400

Craftmatic
10-04-2007, 06:59 PM
My 13-yr-old step-son wants to buy his first acoustic. He's thinking of spending $300-$400. I have no idea what's out there. I stopped looking when a dear friend gave me his '72 Martin D-28. Anyone have any suggestions?
utterhack
10-04-2007, 08:56 PM
Used Guild GAD or Breedlove Atlas
tbp0701
10-04-2007, 10:50 PM
The Seagull/Simon & Patrick/Art & Lutheries are great choices in that range (all made by LaSiDo/Godin; probably all still made in Canada). Another option is a used Tacoma 9 series. Those may be the "sleepers" in the used segment, as I've seen some DM-9s go for under $400.

Other than that, Alvarez's look pretty nice.

Depending on his size, I'd look at guitars in the 000/OM or smaller range, too, as Dreads can be a little unwieldy.
Den
10-06-2007, 03:17 PM
Washburns have won awards for budget guitars in Acoustic Guitars annual reader survey for several years. I picked up a D300 that hangs with some guitars 4 or 5 times the cost. You have to pick through them to find a really good one, but for 150 bones or so, it's worth the effort.

My #1 acoustic is a Goodall ... and although that's in another league entirely, I don't mind playing the Washburn at all.
Caretaker
10-06-2007, 03:20 PM
Yamaha makes some great stuff in that range. Check out a 450S, Should be about $300. Solid top. Very nice guitars.
Noisy Novice
10-06-2007, 08:57 PM
I recommend the Washburn D10S. It is always a good idea to try a few then pick the best one.
The Pup
10-06-2007, 09:11 PM
Washburn WD-42S

I got one for my daughter for less than $200 new and delivered via eBay.

It sounded very good and played great right out of the box.

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/RCA6L6GC/IMG_0222sm.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/RCA6L6GC/IMG_0219sm.jpg

http://i11.photobucket.com/albums/a166/RCA6L6GC/IMG_0220sm.jpg
fyrwyr
10-06-2007, 09:41 PM
+1 on the Seagull family of acoustics, lots of bang for the buck and they play great:RoCkIn
re-animator
10-06-2007, 11:01 PM
Yamaha.
JohnnyMac1
10-07-2007, 07:42 AM
Another on the seagull family.Easy to play and sound good for the $$
IanS
10-09-2007, 07:26 PM
I'd think twice before getting a dread size for a 13 year old. You want them to be comfortable. Small body, shallow depth and shorter scales all help a bit towards comfort and easier playability, IMHO.

$200 gets you into one of these:

http://www.artandlutherieguitars.com/ami.htm