what's the best sounding jumbo acoustic guitar for under $1000?

Question

should I go with Epiphone?

Answer 1

I've found that most Jumbo bodied guitars have a tubby sound to them and just generally feel awkward to me. The only Jumbo body guitar I can think of in your range that is worth mentioning are the Epiphone EJ-200. You have to be careful in seeking this guitar. Many dealers tag the Epiphone Jumbos as "J-200" to attract those who desire a Gibson J-200. I know of at least one corporate based retailer that did this with Epiphone's cheaper AJ-200. They tagged it as a J-200 and had it priced above the MSRP of $249 but below the MSRP of the more expensive EJ-200, effectively misleading unsuspecting buyers. The AJ-200 was discontinued by Epiphone, but is still in stock at some places.



Check the label inside the guitar, to make sure it is an EJ-200, if you are hell bent on getting a J-200 for under $1000. If this is the case, you may also want to take a look at used Gibson J-200's. They can sometimes be found for a little over $1000 used. The only other Jumbo that you can get used for under $1000, that is worth mentioning is the discontinued Ibanez AJS1180ECENT Artwood Series Jumbo Cutaway Acoustic–Electric Guitar. This Jumbo has a cut away and has a pickup. I am not certain if that is desirable to you or not.



Taylor and some other smaller high end guitar makers have some nice Jumbo guitars, but unless you get extremely lucky, you're not going to find a used one for under $2000.



You may want to re-think as to why you want a Jumbo. I can honestly only think of a few great guitar players that use them. You usually see Jumbos being strummed on by country singers, just using basic chords. If you just want a guitar with large bout, you may want to consider the Taylor 214 series. They start at $799 and come in several varieties. If you are just looking for acoustic volume, it's not always the body size that does it. The Selmer-Macaferri "egg hole" Design is probably the loudest acoustic guitar out there, but these have a quite small body, compared to typical acoustic guitars. I got a Gitane GJ-10 because of an interest in Gypsy Jazz, but due to it's exceptional tone and volume, it has become my go-to acoustic. You can get these with a hardshell case for around $500. I like the sound and feel of this guitar far better than most higher end acoustics that I have personally played.



So, think and try before you buy. A guitar's brand, style and price does not always determine it's sound.



xx

Answer 2

Takamine makes some nice sounding jumbos under $1000 that you might want to check out in addition to the Epiphone. I certainly wouldn't spend $1000 on an Epiphone though. I think there are better options for that kind of money. But for only $500 the Epiphone Masterbilt AJ-500ME is a good choice.



Breedlove J350 comes in just above $1000 and is a nice guitar too.



If money were no object though, I'd go with a Gibson for a jumbo guitar. You might be able to pick one up used for close to $1000 since most people tend to shy away from jumbos these days and go with smaller bodied guitars.

Answer 3

Best Acoustic Guitars Under 1000

Answer 4

You're talking about an Epiphone EJ-200 or similar...the Chinese knock-off of a Gibson J-200 ? Mass-produced in China/Korea for Gibson - Epiphone is not known for their acoustic guitars, period - and I think you can do a lot better.



Here's the thing... when you start getting into that price range you're into instruments that are solid tone wood (vs. solid top and plywood sides/backs) - and that means that every single instrument is going to sound different. Not just brands - not just models within a brand... but individual examples of a particular model will all be different. One may sound bright - another more mellow... another with a stronger bass... it just depends.



For that reason you should stop worrying about "brand" and go to a good pro guitar shop that specializes in acoustic instruments - and then use your ears and your hands to pick the guitar that's best for YOU. If you have $1000 to spend or even $750-1000 - you'll have plenty of good choices. But never, ever buy a guitar you haven't actually played. Also don't forget about used instruments - a well-played used acoustic will be 'tempered' and broken in - it'll sound the way it's going to sound, and the action/ set-up is probably already dialed in. I almost never buy brand new instruments - I like stuff that's been played by good players and has that 'vibe'. Good luck.

Answer 5

Best Guitar Under 1000

Answer 6

In your price range I recommend the Taylor 214 or 314, the Martin 000-16GT or 000-16RGT, and the Larrivee OM-03 or L-03. If you can spend more get a Collings or a Santa Cruz.

Answer 7

As well as the Takamine, you might want to try an Alvarez, as they have a very "bright" sound.