Help me pick a new acoustic guitar

Cafe Society
1

My dog knocked over my acoustic and its neck broke for the second time (the guitar, not the dog). I tried repairing it, but it didn’t work (or at least, didn’t work to my satisfaction).

So, I need a new one. I play 90% electric, and I’m not interested in spending very much on an acoustic. It will mostly be used in situations where the electric is inconvenient, such as camping or getting together with a friend or two to play around.

For that reason, I’d like to stay around the $200 price point–maybe a step up from a beginner model, but nothing too fancy.

Any recommendations? Sound is first and foremost–I just want the best bang for my buck. Versatility is key as well–I’ll be playing some folk, some blues, some bluegrass.

I’m going to head to the music store and play a bunch of them, but want to know what specifically to keep an eye out for.

2

Seagull has great cedar guitars starting at around $300, last time I checked. To my ears, it blew everything in its price range out of the water, and could compete with guitars twice as expensive.

3

At that price point, you gotta just play 'em. The wood and build quality and consistency from pretty much any maker at that price point can vary wildly. You can play dozens of the same model and they’ll stink - then play one which has decent wood and build quality and it’ll jump in your hands when you play it.

4

My favorite cheapie is the Washburn D-10. I bought one a few years ago, and now play it more than I play my 1972 Ovation Custom Balladeer or my Taylor 422R. It’s a super nice, cheap little acoustic.

5

Be sure to test some Epiphones. The one model I have played recently was an acoustic electric EJ-200CE for $450, but the quality of this Indonesian-made guitar was so good that I think their cheaper models would have to be worth a look.

6

I’d avoid the cheapo Ibanez acoustics. I’ve never played one that didn’t sound dead and dull. They sound like a shoebox with strings.

7

You have to play them yourself. If you like a deep full sound with lots of lower end, go with a Seagull. beautiful guitars with a great sound.

If you like yours high and loud an Epiphone might be the answer.

You never know until you pick one up.

You might also look into a pawn shop guitar. Remember to stick with brand names you recognize and carefully inspect the guitar for damage, especially warped necks and worn out tuner pegs.