What is the right acoustic guitar?

Question

I've been playing for about a year. Actually on an electrical. Without using the ammplifier, So I'm use to pressing down on the strings quite hard to get the notes sounding right. I did this cause I know I've always wanted to play acoustic.

I now want to buy an acoustic... I'm thinking a 312ce Taylor £1374 .. but I can put down like a £500 deposit and pay of the rest over a year interest free.

or maybe get something a much cheaper like an Epiphone
like ...
Epiphone AJ-220SCE Solid Top - Electro Acoustic Guitar - Natural £169.00.

It is my first acoustic.. I know I want to play acoustic badly. I'm just not sure if I should go for a really good acoustic now and never look back. or maybe buy a cheaper one... learn how to play on it better and then splash out on like a Taylor, Martin or Gibson.

Yes I know, I should never buy untill going to a store and trying them out. The question is ... how much to spend on my first acoustic. are Epiphones worth a shout? and no I'm not super rich. lol.

Answer 1

Umm...pressing down harder on the strings doesn't make an electric play like an acoustic.



You can only press down so far before your strings are right on the fretboard, pressing harder just wears out your hand for no good reason.



The only way to get used to playing an acoustic is.....play an acoustic.



An electric will never replicate the feel of an acoustic, no matter how you go about playing it.



Go to a music store and spend an afternoon playing every acoustic guitar in your price range. One of them will feel better than all the rest when you play it. That's the one you should buy. The brand is COMPLETELY irrelevant. If you buy a guitar OTHER than the one that feels best because of the brand name, you will regret it later. I can promise you that.

Answer 2

You are right not to be considering cheap, rubbishy guitars but I certainly would't recommend that you spend over £1000 on your first guitar. I would consider guitars in the £150 to £300 price range. If you spend more, what happens if you learn to play and then try a friend's guitar and find that you like it far better because it has a slightly wider or narrower finger board, or it has a different body shape etc? I would say learn to play, develop you own touch and style and then look for a guitar that really suits you.



Don't waste your money on an electro-acoustic and suitable amp unless you really need one (a standard electric guitar amp will not sound good).

Answer 3

Odd that you didn't get a small amp from the beginning as well, not that expensive as what your present budget seems to reflect.



Saying this, because you are after an acoustic electric (American term). The electronics always adds more to the price of any (dreadnought body) guitar. And may hide the real acoustic properties a cheap guitar (acoustics and playing comfort) tries to present.



And to try out (as you must) the Epiphone along with any: Alvarez; Art & Lutherie; Eastman; Ibanez; Lag; Norman; Seagull; Takamaine; Tanglewood; Walden; Washburn or Yamaha, would be in order.



As well, expect to be paying (USD) $125 - $500 for your first acoustic, or 'electro-acoustic' (British term) when you finally decide to buy. These will be of the low-end (but good enough quality) to intermediate, or middle grades of guitars in this price range.

Answer 4

Try some yamahas. Fg730s is £270 . fg700s £200

Id say they are better than the epiphone.

If you got more money then seagull s6 is nice. £399.

If you want something a bit special check out the martin d1gt.

£879. You might only have to pay 200 deposit with the finance.

Ive got one and it sounds the same as a d18.

Answer 5

Epiphone is a decent entry-level brand, also Jasmine (Takamine). Yamahas are my favorites in that price range.



Acoustic guitars vary widely - individual guitars as well as models and brands. Since you haven't had much experience with them, you are not yet in a position where you can tell what is going to suit you in the long run. Go with a less expensive one for now.