Mid-range acoustic guitars

Tweek_1984 · 18 Aug 2006 at 02:21

I'm looking to buy an acoustic. I'm a guitar player who's been on an extended hiatus of a couple of years so I'm basically looking re-learn, but I don't want to a beginners guitar. I've only ever played electrics and I'm pretty ignorant as far as acoustics are concerned.

Can any of you guys vouch for your laminates/solid tops etc etc?

I tried out a laminated tanglewood td-8 today. I loved the warm sound. I also tried a washburn d10sce which was a solid top, the sound was brighter but seemed slighty hollow.

Anyways, I'm looking to spend around the 200 quid mark.

Any suggestions?

sinister_stu · 18 Aug 2006 at 08:55

My preference would be for solid-top over laminated as they tend to have a richer sound. More important is the shape though. Definitely do not go for a small body acoustic, you'll regret it (maybe this is the difference between the two you've already tried out?), I'd go for either a Dreadnought or Jumbo (or whatever they're calling it now) shape as they produce a much more pleasing tone.

Also, I wouldn't call £200 mid-range.

Fusion · 18 Aug 2006 at 09:16

sinister_stu said:
Also, I wouldn't call £200 mid-range.

Nah, I wouldn't. I was ready to recommend a Martin!

Tweek_1984 · 18 Aug 2006 at 14:11

Can you recommend any makes or models?

georges · 18 Aug 2006 at 14:44

Fender DG14 (could get a better version for your money)

Takamine G330(ns or something).

I have the fender, my dad has the takamine, both very nice and solid topped.

I prefer the sound of the tak, but the playability of the Fender.

Don't buy for looks, and if you like the one you try, ask to buy that one, not one from the storage room in a box as it will certainly not be the same.

Even if it has a chip or something, if you like the way it plays/sounds I'd buy it still.

If you can't get around the chip, ask to try out all their stock of that model so you can find the one you like most.

Make sure you like it 100% and aren't buying it just for the sake of it. Shop around in different shops as they all have different versions.

Both of those guitars were under £200 (Fender was £130 I think and the Tak was £150 or something around that.)

I'd suggest getting a dreadnought body style as they're very full and as a result good for strumming or fingerstyle folk stuff also.

Definately get a solid top, sides and back is less important. Make sure the soundboard is solid and not laminated at least though!

Tweek_1984 · 19 Aug 2006 at 16:44

sinister_stu said:
More important is the shape though. Definitely do not go for a small body acoustic, you'll regret it (maybe this is the difference between the two you've already tried out?), I'd go for either a Dreadnought or Jumbo (or whatever they're calling it now) shape as they produce a much more pleasing tone.

Well, I've played the Tanglewood TW145SC twice now. tanglewood describe the body as 'super folk', i believe it is '000 OM' or grand auditorium. Its a lot smaller than a drednought but the sound it creates is terrific. I'm thinking of buying it at 220 quid.

Initially I'd rather have a dreadnought or a jumbo because they look nicer and granted, this guitar looks small on me, but the sound has won me over.

Here is a picture of it, just in case it rings any bells:

Can you guys persuade me otherwise?