If you only had $400, what brand of acoustic to check out?

[doublecut]

A friend just asked me for a recommendation on an acoustic guitar for him to buy for his wife for the upcoming holidays. He has a $400 budget.

I'm a bit at a loss for ideas. I did figure it may be worth getting a OM size guitar, rather than a dreadnought just for size convenience... I'm assuming that the guitars made in China or elsewhere will give him more bang for the buck, and of course, buying used always gets a bit more value for the money. However, I would appreciate any suggestions anyone has. He's a good friend, and I would like to help him figure it out.

 

[Chiba]

Ibanez, believe it or not. The singer in my last band played a full-size, full-depth Ibanez acoustic and it was not only sturdy, but sounded good both in the studio & through the PA.

 

[fisticuffs]

Yamaha, Lag. Ibanez makes some lookers but I haven;t found one I liked the sound of.

 

[guitarz1972]

Seagull.

 

[scottlr]

Also look at Alvarez. I always liked those.

 

[Jahn]

when i had that amount of cash, i found a old USA-made Gretsch folk guitar from the 60s on eBay. took a chance and bingo, only had to spring for new tuners. sometimes it's worth being a little patient and creative at that price point.

 

[Deadduck]

Seagull S-6. Alvarez and Yamaha have some decent ones too. And I've played a good sounding Epiphone that is probably in that price range. He can get more band for the buck by buying used of course.

 

[EricPeterson]

some great suggestions so far, also check out Fender, they make some good solid topped acoustics in that price range, or a used Epiphone masterbilt.

 

[BUTTISLAND]

Used Tacoma. you can't go wrong with this guitar.

the other one i really like around that budget if you want to buy new is recording king

and check at acoustic guitar forum http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/forums/index.php

 

[Beng2040]

I like my Blueridge BR-160 a lot. I bought it used for less than $400.

 

[jonahboo]

Seagull

 

[sleep]

I've only played the one I have, but my Garrison (made in Canada, composite bracing system, buzz feiten tuning system, all solid woods) sounds truly fantastic, and they can be had for well under $400.

 

[DGTCrazy]

I'd actually check out Carvin. I was very impressed by their Acoustic line when I was in their West Covina store. Beautiful woods, good electronics, and super playable. Also, the Taylor GS Mini is a killer guitar. But I can't remember if I paid $399 or $499 for it? I have a Taylor 710BCE, but I wanted something I could travel with( and not have to worry about), that sounded like a Taylor. The GS Mini sounds fantastic.

 

[slugworth]

A lot of acoustic guitars in that price range will look nice and play nice, but if you want something to sound nice, you've got to be more picky.

Used Tacomas sound great but all that I have seen have serious finish issues. If you don't mind your guitar looking like hell, though, and you can actually find one, go play it.

If you have to buy something sight unseen, check out a Blueridge, or a new brand from the same company, Flinthill. A LOT of guitar for the money.

 

[3LittleBirds]

Seagull

 

[jay42]

Recording King and Blueridge. Used isn't romantic...perhaps a consideration, but often the way to go. When I was looking for what turned into a Recording King, I was also advised to look at Yamaha, Takamine, and Larivee.

 

[Trebor Renkluaf]

A few years back I was looking for a guitar for my son. I tried all the usual suspects and then came across a company I hadn't heard of before Art and Lutheire. It just blew the competition away in it's price range. I think it was around $300 for the model we got him. Worth looking into.

 

[GuitarArt1980]

Yamaha > Takamine IMO

 

[pir8matt]

What brick and mortar retailers carry the Recording King stuff?

 

[brb9911]

Seagull or Blueridge