Looking for an acoustic guitar for my dad..hes a beginner

[nieveulv]

Looking to get an acoustic guitar for my dad...Hes just finally starting to really like the guitar, and he started learning for a year. Ive never seen him so happy and dedicated, so for his birthday im buying him a high end acoustic model. I am an electric guitar player and have no idea on acoustic specs and size etc etc..but ive done a few research.
Ill be getting the guitar in singapore, so heres a few links of my choices so far. Let me know from your experiences

My criteria:
-Most probable to sound good without our knowledge, so when we finally understand it one day, he'll love the sound difference
-Beautiful and desirable
-Nice playability
-well built and high spec'ed
-Last as long as i live
-He's style is well.....strumming...and hes learning finger picking...he plays classical music and oldies, classic rock..

-http://bgwguitars.com/data/collings13.htm
-http://bgwguitars.com/data/collings05.htm
-http://bgwguitars.com/data/others64.htm
-http://bgwguitars.com/data/taylor162.htm
-http://bgwguitars.com/data/others56.htm
-http://bgwguitars.com/data/gibson41.htm
-http://bgwguitars.com/data/others25.htm
-http://bgwguitars.com/data/others68.htm

These are my choices based on reviews and looks

I know most of you will call me crazy at my choices...But its not about the sound, or price etc. I just want to get my dad the best birthday present, and for me its worth the price even though he literally wont understand whats going on with the guitar ill be getting him. I just want him to have the best guitar i can afford at the moment. I saved up for a year, so need to choose carefully

Thanks all!! Cheers!!!

[Tommy Biggs]

Wow. nice gift!

I don't have any experience with any of those so I won't vote.
My .02:
New Players do dumb things, by accident. Imagine how bad you'd feel if someone gave you a dream guitar, and you messed it up.

We all know a lot of things that we learned the HARD way-

be careful when you put it in the case, cause those lids drop fast.
Make sure your strap is on good before you stand up with a guitar,
Leaning a guitar up against the wall is not safe.
Don't leave a guitar on the floor.
giant belt buckles leave big gouges...

I'd think about a nice short scale small bodied Mahogany guitar, comfort and warmth are a good way to start.
Good luck with whatever you decide...

[Hangfire]

You forgot one great guitar builder;-)

[808Beat]

-Last as long as i live

If I read between the lines it seems like this will eventually be your guitar. Kinda nice to inherit a guitar that you gave your dad as a gift and have the memories of the joy he had playing it and receiving it. Cool.

That said my choice would be the Goodall.

[wilblee]

Originally Posted by Hangfire

You forgot one great guitar builder;-)

+1 on Larrivée. No matter what level you buy (03's, 05's, 09's 10's, etc.) You get a great guitar. I preferred my Larrivée L over several of the models you have listed.

Having said that, out of your list I'd get him one of the Collings.

May my son grow up to be like you.

[BuckeyeBrown]

[QUObeforTE=wilblee;11098182]+1 on Larrivée. No matter what level you buy (03's, 05's, 09's 10's, etc.) You get a great guitar. I preferred my Larrivée L over several of the models you have listed.

Having said that, out of your list I'd get him one of the Collings.

May my son grow up to be like you.[/QUOTE]

I bought a lowly 02 series before they were discontinued - probably mid/late 90's. No frills but great fret finish, very warm, big but defined low end. It doesn't project very loud and its not overly bright but it is intimate and rich. I haven't bought an acoustic since. For what I like my next one will probably be a Gibson Songwriter Deluxe, a Taylor G series or a higher end Larrivée.

[sharpshooter]

I think that a previous poster, Tommy Biggs, has got it, a mahogany Martin, gives the most bang for the buck. A trully classic American instrument, that has a great sound, and will never go out of style.

[JSeth]

I voted for the Goodall... I'm biased, I know; James is a new friend of mine and I LOVE his acoustic guitars! Plus I think the GC shape/size is a good fit for all the styles of music your Dad plays/wants to - and it's a guitar that will fit him, no matter if he's a larger or smaller man.

It is a bit like giving a Ferrari to a new driver, though; if he's a man who takes care of his possessions AND you teach him about setting necks and humidity, general care for a fine instrument... the Goodall GC or the Collings CJ (it IS a bigger guitar than the GC) would be wonderful!

You, sir, are a GREAT son to your father!