Acoustic guitars - Epiphone or Fender?

Question

I'm currently looking for a guitar. It will be my first guitar, so I'm not looking for top-of-the-line - but at the same time, I plan on playing for a long time so I want it to be pretty good for my price range. I plan on spending around $500 or less.

I've been looking at a couple Epiphones or Fenders and I need some opinions...

Epiphone AJ-200SCE: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Acoustic-Instruments/Round-Shoulder/Epiphone/AJ-200SCE.aspx

Epiphone DR-200CE: http://www2.gibson.com/Products/Acoustic-Instruments/Square-Shoulder/Epiphone/DR-200CE.aspx

Fender CD-280SCE: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0960280021

Fender CD-60CE: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0960620232

Fender CD-100CE: http://www.fender.com/products/search.php?partno=0961006021

Also, all of the Fenders are acoustic-electrics. What exactly is the difference between regular acoustics and acoustic-electrics? Do I need an amp?

Answer 1

All the guitars you mention are decent, but you really need to go to to your local music store and see, feel and hear everything they have in your price range. Take a friend or relative with you that can play so you can hear what they sound like, really being played. Looking at new, Ibanez has many excellent acoustic and acoustic electric guitars in your price range. Shopping at the music store also opens you up to the wonderful world of used guitars. You might find a more advanced model in your price range. I stress... Try every one that's in your price range. Brand means nothing. In the end, it's all in how it sounds and feels to you that makes it the best choice for you.



No you don't need an amp to play an acoustic electric. The only real difference between the two, is you can use an amp with an acoustic electric, if you want or need to, which may be a good option to have as you advance.



I also recommend that you establish a relationship with your local music store. Buy your picks, strings and other small stuff there. It may cost a tiny bit more than at a big box/chain store, but when you have questions and/or problems, you will be glad they know you. Also, down the road, as an established customer, you're likely to get better deals on gear, should you wish to purchase an amp, another guitar or maybe effects down the road.



xx

Answer 2

Epiphone Electric Acoustic

Answer 3

I have a fender and my friend has an epiphone. We've both had a go on each others and I def prefer the fender and he prefers the epiphone! I think the best thing to do is try them out in a store and you'll know which one you personally prefer. I've always though Fender was teh best guitar brand though myself.

Answer 4

I strongly recommend going to a guitar store and test driving a bunch of different brands before buying, since there's no such thing as a one-size-fits-all guitar. You'll find that the width of the neck varies greatly from brand to brand and some guitar bodies are too huge to be played while sitting. Since you're a beginner, you'll probably have a much easier time playing a guitar that has a thin neck and low action (strings close to the fretboard). Epiphone guitars are known for having really chunky necks that make them challenging for beginners, many females and people with small hands to play. Fender necks are sort of medium sized -- thinner than Epiphones, but fatter than brands like Ibanez and Jasmine by Takamine. If you compare a bunch of guitars side by side, you'll be able to choose one that feels like it was custom made for you, which will make it much easier for you to learn.



Acoustic-electric guitars are acoustic guitars, so you don't need an amp to play them. But an acoustic-electric has a built-in pickup that enables you to plug it into an amp or PA system if you find you need more volume. Most acoustic-electric players only use the electric part of the guitar if they're playing live shows at clubs or coffee houses. But when they're at home, they just use the guitar as they would an acoustic.



It's definitely worth checking out some Ibanez guitars, since most beginners find them incredibly comfortable to play. They're built like rocks, sound amazing and are often nicer than guitars costing twice as much. I've been playing for more than 20 years and Ibanez guitars are my instruments of choice. They've got really thin necks and low action, which makes it much more comfortable to form chords and move smoothly between them. And though the company is known primarily for its electric guitars, the acoustics and acoustic-electrics are gaining popularity because Ibanez offers a lot more bang for the buck than other brands.



I'll post some links to guitars worth considering, all of which have thin necks, low action and overwhelmingly favorable reviews. Honestly, there's nothing very remarkable about Fender acoustics and I've never known a professional guitarist who was impressed with Fender acoustics or acoustic-electrics. They sound bland and generic, rather than rich and resonant. Epiphone guitars sound much warmer, but they're difficult for many people (including myself) to play because the necks are so fat. The only way to find the right guitar for you is to compare a bunch of them side by side and determine which one feels like it belongs in your hands. And you'll want to try them while you're sitting, since that's probably how you'll practice. Guitars with gigantic bodies are great for live shows where you'll be standing, but they can be impossible to play while sitting. But there are lots of guitars with smaller or thinner bodies that can be used for both live shows and practice.



Here are some of my recommendations, so you can read the reviews and have more information when you go to a guitar store:



http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-AEG10E-Cutaway-AcousticElectric-Guitar-?sku=519982 (This guitar has a slightly thinner body than the ones in your links, so it's really comfortable for most players. And it sounds absolutely beautiful.)

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-PC258ECEWC-PF-Series-Acoustic-Electric-Guitar?sku=H12879 (Physically similar to the ones in your links, but with a nice, thin, user-friendly neck and slightly smaller body.)

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-Mini-EW-Body-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=514862 (A fantastic full-size guitar with a smaller body. I own the fat-bodied version of this, which is great for live shows but too huge to play while sitting.)