Sean
You also don't necessarily HAVE to spend 7k either. Solid back and sides? Meh. But that's just my opinion ? How the thing sounds is what it's about. Like many have said, play them, see how they sound to you. You get less expensive guitars that punch above their weight, not unheard of. No use buying a 7k guitar that sounds average and thinking "At least it's an expensive guitar" Play and listen, play and listen. If you happen to find a guitar for 5k that to you sounds great or as good as the one for 10k with better specs, then you've scored. But obviously if tonally the more expensive one floats your boat, well, blow the budget ?
LeonC
I've tried the Takemine, and i love the feel and sound of it
I am going to have a look at the Breedlove on Saterday +- R6000
I might just buy it ?
Can't wait!
Thanks for all the help!
Really appreciate it! :?
Sean
Also consider what you'll mainly be using it for. Plugged in or out. For example, if I were looking, that internal mic on the Cort would catch my attention (I'm assuming it's a dual system) Comparing all the guitars plugged in would be more important to me, since I'm playing through a PA every weekend. So decide where you want the strength of the guitar to be. And yes, generally, if you can get a 2nd hand guitar that ticks all your required boxes, you can save plenty ronds ?
LeonC
It's 50/50
Allot of playing at home, and then jamming with a friend x2 times a week and occasional gig once in a while
I will report back on the Breedlove,it looks really promising!
Nitebob
Not sure about the Atlasses...but the original Breedlove's are awesome. Friend of mine has one and it's very nice. However he was offered R19000 by a music shop the other day for his used, so in THAT case you get what you pay for...
chris77
It is impossible to say really. We all have a different idea of how a good acoustic should sound and play, and just by going on brand or model won't guarantee that a specific guitar will float your boat. Play as many as you can and decide from there. Within the price range you mention, you can choose from a fair few different makes and models and remember to NOT PAY STICKER PRICE if you buy new. If 7k is your budget, you can even look at guitars priced in-store for around 9K (maybe even more) if you're prepared to haggle a bit..... Second hand will get you even more bang for buck, but the available options will be far less. That Breedlove looks great though. I think PaulE has the same model and he is pretty chuffed with his if I recall correctly.
Mind you, I owned an EW20 as well, albeit the WNe model. Beautiful guitar. Reasonably well made and felt solid as a rock, but I just couldn't get it to sound good. :'( I am convinced that whatever you decide will be a huge improvement over the Ibby! ?
Bob-Dubery
Nitebob wrote
Not sure about the Atlasses...but the original Breedlove's are awesome. Friend of mine has one and it's very nice. However he was offered R19000 by a music shop the other day for his used, so in THAT case you get what you pay for...
Breedlove have a pretty broad range of models and of prices. You can put down 40 grand for a top end, limited edition model. But the Atlas models are at the more reasonable end of the scale.
DaFiz
I always wanted a Takamine. A lifelong ambition was to get a Takamine. Two years ago I bought a G-Series for about R4K and the lable says "Made In China"
This causes me problems (admittedly my own bias) ... if a Cort is being built in Korea rather then I would choose that instead as the build quality is usually better the the Chinese.
:-\
Squonk
DaFiz wrote
I always wanted a Takamine. A lifelong ambition was to get a Takamine. Two years ago I bought a G-Series for about R4K and the lable says "Made In China"
This causes me problems (admittedly my own bias) ... if a Cort is being built in Korea rather then I would choose that instead as the build quality is usually better the the Chinese.
:-\
Although this range of Chinese made Takamine is good stuff, my Nylon EG522sc is well made
Psean
So far I'm happy with my G-Series. It was under 4K retail. To me it seems well made for a guitar in that price range, although I don't have much experience with acoustics.
arjunmenon
That is very nice Breedlove Atlas.
I've got one and she sounds wonderful.
LeonC
My friend has a Takamine G Series and a Tanglewood
That Takamine is very good, and sounds great
So i will play the Breadlove and compare it the Takamine
If its better i'll take it ?
I tried running the EW through a pedal just to get a better sound out of it, but it just does't sound right
I plays nice, but i cannot get the sound i want, so i'll have to go :'(
refuogee
domhatch
the DMs are pretty good. my dad had a D-1, which is pretty similar, but the DMs are finished a little better i think. i'd imagine r7k to be a relatively good price for a guitar in superb condition (as in like new), but i'd also try to knock off a couple hundred, maybe r500 to r1000 if you're feeling daring.
and that's not a flight case, it's a hard case. if it's in good nick, you'll have yourself a good deal.
good luck
dh
Gearhead
Always prefer top notch brands second hand over other brands new at the same price point. Even if you don't think there is a quality difference between the A-brand entry level instrument and the B-brand higher echelon, the amount of money you will drop on an A-brand is zero between buying and selling second hand. I know I can sell a Gibson I bought earlier this year for more than I paid for it, any time; I actually will enjoy it a while longer knowing it's for free ?
ftcl
I agree that one should shop around as much as possible.
I was looking for an acoustic a couple of years ago, and after going to all the music shops close by, eventually got my Walden (with solid back and sides, btw..) at the music store in Melville. Paid R1200 since they had a sale on. Was looking to pay quite substantially more...
Only regret is that it has no electronics, purely acoustic, but that's only when I really look for something to complain about ?
Really love this guitar.
Shibbibilybob
ftcl wrote
I was looking for an acoustic a couple of years ago, and after going to all the music shops close by, eventually got my Walden (with solid back and sides, btw..) at the music store in Melville. Paid R1200 since they had a sale on. Was looking to pay quite substantially more...
Really love this guitar.
Awesome, you lucky bugger ?
Bob-Dubery
ftcl wrote
Only regret is that it has no electronics, purely acoustic, but that's only when I really look for something to complain about ?
You can always add electronics. The installations usually don't involve lots of cutting of body work, and especially at that end of the market you will probably end up with better electronics. Installation can make a difference, so take it to somebody who knows that they're doing. Often you'll be able to have the electronics removed again before selling the guitar.
Nitebob
Dreambow, these look awesome, dunno how they perform though.
Any experience guys?
http://www.greatmusic.com.cn/EnProduct4.asp?ClassID=5
Squonk
Never heard of them - looks like good quality
