How much should I expect to spend on...

[Scott Whigham]

So I have recently finished building out my little home project studio with high-end recording gear for recording electric guitar. Now that I'm "finished" with electric guitar gear and studio gear (gasp!), I have some residual gear lust for an acoustic. I'm looking for advice/ideas on what I should be looking at in terms of brands/models. I know the main brand names and some of the models but have almost no experience with acoustic guitars.

Things that are important to me:


As for build quality, I want an acoustic that complements my electric setup in terms of "quality of sound". I have a Gibson CS-356 currently and the quality is outstanding. I plan on buying additional mics but that's a separate topic; first I need the guitar.
Has to have good availability in the used market. I will be buying used so I want something that I can find within 1-2 months once I decide
Has to have good resale value. If I don't like it after six months, I don't want to lose too much
Has to resell quickly (1-2 months is "quickly" to me). See point #3

This is mostly for recording and light gigging purposes. I love a big bass sound with gorgeous high end. I can pinpoint specific sounds/recordings that I like so feel free to ask.

So any idea of a range of dollars that I should start saving up? My budget maxes out at $2500 but it's totally fine if that's what I have to spend. I just really want to know what I should target. I'm not ready today (just spent too much on the studio) but I like to have a "What I'm saving my money for" type of thing :)

[Peppy]

"Big bass with gorgeous high end"...Santa Cruz D/PW.

[Scott Whigham]

"Big bass with gorgeous high end"...Santa Cruz D/PW.Okay - thanks. Are they easily found used in the $2000 range?

[Ogre]

Guitars with "big bass" do not generally record well. They may be fun to play, but they create problems in the studio.

[Scott Whigham]

Guitars with "big bass" do not generally record well. They may be fun to play, but they create problems in the studio.Interesting - good to know. Do you just control that w/ mic placement + EQ?

[Peppy]

Okay - thanks. Are they easily found used in the $2000 range?

Yes.

[Scott Whigham]

How about this: am I on the right path with $1000 budget or is $2000 that much better? As I said, I can and am willing to go up to $2500 but I just want to make sure that it's worth it sonically. If a $2000 acoustic is only 1% better than a $1000 one, it isn't worth it to me. If it's 20% better, then it's a must to me.

[clemduolian]

I would try to find a 000 or 00 size guitar for the broadest spectrum of recording uses (unless you're doing a lot of bluegrass stay away from dreads...they are recordable but very boomy/bass heavy).

That said, there are a myriad of ways to go. Mahogany back and sides will sound different from rosewood. 12 fret vs. 14 fret clear of the body, etc. etc.

Spend as much as you can afford. If you are truly concerned about resale, stick with Martin, Collings, Santa Cruz, Taylor or vintage Gibson.

My advice would be to not be so concerned with resale and play a LOT of guitars. There are a lot of GREAT guitars that will be harder to resell. Buy the guitar that sounds best to your ear and feels best for the way(s) you play. Better to buy a keeper than a "flipper."

Good luck.

[Scott Whigham]

Thanks to everyone for the advice/help - it is much appreciated. I have follow-up questions that I will post in another thread.

[riffmeister]

$2000-$2500 budget? Lots of choices....

Me? I'd be OM shopping......Santa Cruz, Collings, and the like would be a good starting point.

[otterhound]

00028 or 00018 Martin with martin bluegrass strings for in the studio . The heavy lower strings will get the bass out . OM's are a good choice as well .

[whomad1215]

Larrivee.

[thesjkexperienc]

Martin Jumbos are great for a big sound that record well and you can easily get a great rosewood model in your price range. They can usually be had for a good price and come up fairly often. Stick with Martin or something based around a Martin, like Santa Cruz, for the bigger sound with great trebles.

For a bigger sound typically rosewood is the best choice as mahogany is a bit woodier and less complex sound. But it is best to try a few different brands and wood combinations to get a feel for what YOU like.

To me Taylor and Collings have a more modern sound with a tighter, less resonant (big) sound, but that may actually benefit recording and all comes down to personal taste.

[go7]

Used for that coin you could get a 000-18GE. Excellent guitar check out the martin forum buy and sell or post a WTB. Good luck.

[Scott Whigham]

Thanks all for the advice/tips :)