Budget 000-shaped guitars?

[KFBR392]

I love the feel of the smaller-bodied Martins, such as the 000-15 or the Eric Clapton and John Mayer Signature guitars, but I'm finding that basically all of the 000 shaped guitars are all higher-end models. I'm aware of the Martin 000X1 and think it is a decent guitar, but is there anything that is in the sub-$500 range besides that? I need a steel string acoustic guitar to round out the arsenal and want an 000 shape and would like to check out different manufacturers.

 

[DoctorBob]

You can try Blueridge BR-43 or 143 (laminate vs solid)--both fairly inexpensive-but not ,IMHO, as good as the ones you mentioned. I have seen in some shops some Martin 000-15 (not 000-15M, but plain old 000-15 which are sapele, not true hog)go for fairly cheap since they are sort of leftovers at this point, and they are every bit as good as the true hog model.

 

[Brien]

Blueridge make great OOO guitars.

 

[martyncrew]

I've been on the same quest. If $500 really is the magic number, you'll need to look at used options, if you can go a little bit higher then the solid wood Blueridge 000s are great vfm options as is this Potomac (Eastman) model http://www.ebay.com/itm/130632384785?ssPageName=STRK:MEWAX:IT&_trksid=p3984.m1423.l2649#ht_548wt_1270

 

[flapjack]

I realize that you are looking for alternatives to the Martin 000X1, but I will tell you that I was on a similar search to yours a couple of years ago and brought a 000X1 home with me. The best, to my ears, in this class.

 

[davenumber2]

Recording King makes a few.

 

[mark norwine]

Seagull Maritime....all-wood construction, made in Canada

I am amazed that such a great guitar costs so little

 

[KFBR392]

I realize that you are looking for alternatives to the Martin 000X1, but I will tell you that I was on a similar search to yours a couple of years ago and brought a 000X1 home with me. The best, to my ears, in this class.

The 000X1 is still very much an option, but I just wanted to see if I could get a better made and better sounding guitar for the same price. The 000X1 I played a while back sounded really good. It's just so stripped down and budget minded, and that sort of takes away from it.

 

[Ribar]

Seagull Maritime....all-wood construction, made in Canada

I am amazed that such a great guitar costs so little

I have the Seagull SWS cut away model, i was also very impressed with these guitars. I was prepared to spend about 1K on a nice acoustic guitar during my search. As i side tested Seagull and Martin dont remember the model now but it was in the 1100 range price, i walked away with Seagull and 500bux extra in my pocket.

These are great guitars and i definitely recommend OP check them out.

Ribar

 

[pacemaker]

Some interesting refurbed budget parlor guitars here: www.vintageparlorguitars.com

 

[dmagalhaes]

Ibanez Grand Concert is 000 sized and less than 200 bucks. It's a great guitar for the dough. You can also look for a vintage Takimine F-307 but those are gonna cost you around 3-500 bucks. Speaking from experience, the Takimine's are every bit as good as a Martin from that era.

 

[arthur rotfeld]

Definitely check out Recording King....I played a bunch at NAMM. Really nice guitars and good guys.

 

[KFBR392]

Some interesting refurbed budget parlor guitars here: www.vintageparlorguitars.com

Awesome site. Thanks for the link. More recommendations?

 

[flapjack]

The 000X1 is still very much an option, but I just wanted to see if I could get a better made and better sounding guitar for the same price. The 000X1 I played a while back sounded really good. It's just so stripped down and budget minded, and that sort of takes away from it.

Yes, it does have very simple appointments. I actually have a 1979 Martin M-38 and prefer the 000X1 aesthetically due to its minimalist simplicity. Just goes to show, we all have different tastes. Good luck on the search...

By the way, there is a gloss top, rosewood HPL version of the 000X1 with a fancier rosette. Here it is...

http://www.elderly.com/new_instruments/items/000X1RGT.htm

 

[John Thigpen]

I haven't heard much about them lately, but at one time the Silver Creek guitars were supposed to be pretty good. 45 reviews with a 4.5 of 5 average. $299 plus case.

http://www.musiciansfriend.com/guitars/silver-creek-t-160-acoustic-guitar/512727000010000

 

[Payne]

+1 for the Silver Creek. I bought a T-160 about 2 years ago for $200 and paid $60 for the HSC. Great guitar for the money. I really dont think you could go wrong with it.

 

[Walter Broes]

The Recording Kings I've played were pretty amazing guitars for the money.

 

[monstermike]

I have a Recording King ROS 16 (old-style 12-fret 000 slothead). It's such a great guitar that I imagine their later styled 000s would be very good.

 

[DaveSemach]

Takamine GS430S

I'm really a guitar snob like most people here.
But I played one these in a downtown shop and Loved it!!! I looked online for a cheaper price, and ordered it from amazon for 250! No shipping cost. It arrived in 3 days.

Because of low quality build, I had to make a slight repair myself, the tuners might not be the best, and I carved a new bridge saddle (my own taste). But the wood is great. The frets are good, and it sounds amazing! No finish, so it feels smooth and is very loud for it's size. Loving it.

 

[Revive]

Voyage Air VAOM-04 is one of the best options in your price range.