ShakeNBake wrote: So I'm realizing that I need to part ways with my 2003 Epiphone Les Paul Gold Top '57 Re-issue.
It's a nice to have - but I'm no electric guitarist - so wanna get to the point of selling the Epi.
It's been fun, but it's over now.

My previous acoustic, a cheapy Cort, got shitcanned - long story - so wanna move up in the ranks a bit.

I'm hoping to flog the LP and 35Watt Peavey Backstage for like R3.5k? (Reasonable or not?) And then add another R3k with that to get into another semi acoustic.

What kind of gear am I looking at in the R6k to R7k range? New and used?
I prefer steel strings, mainly rhytum guitar, strumming and picking - lead skills are virtually non-existent, though I do dabble.

Thoughts?
And thanks as always.

Bit of a sidebar - acoustic amps? Intel? 25watt? What to look for?

Hmmm, I'm not really au fait with the going rates for these guitars right now but I suspect you could ask R3.5k for the guitar only, and then add some for the amp.

As for an acoustic in the R6k-R7k price range I would think you could consider a nice solid top Cort. They're great value methinks.

deefstes wrote: As for an acoustic in the R6k-R7k price range I would think you could consider a nice solid top Cort. They're great value methinks.

They are. It's the usual suspects - Cort, Tak, Tanglewood, lower-end Breedloves and troll the shops for good 2nd handers. Personally I think the Taylor Big Baby is pretty good for the tom, but it's not what you'd call "pretty".

you're right bob, the big baby may not be pretty - but it do rock the party, that's for sure. and should be bang in the price range. the other brands mentioned should also be worth considering, but i really love the big baby, had one, loved it to death. only sold it to buy my larrivee.

in terms of the goldtop - i agree with deefstes. you should be able to get your 3.5 at least (depending on condition), and maybe a touch more for your amp (it's not a model i'm familiar with). sell them separately - you'll get more for each than as a package, i rekkin.

good luck, and keep us updated
dh

Thanks for the replies.

Will certainly makes notes - the Epi, aesthetically, is in very good nick! Perhaps a slight scuff on the headstock.
Grover Tuners - not sure about the pups, but they're not the original - I'm the 3rd owner and the guy that had it before more couldn't let me in.
Tone knob is a bit scratchy on the one pup.
Also, according to the serial number, it's Korean made.

Otherwise it's awesome.

Also - I've been trolling Cash Crusaders and the like in the hopes of finding a nice axe, but no luck.
Gumtree too.

Thanks for the suggestions - will be researching them ?

Ok, so been doing a bit of recon wrt to what my options are - went around to a few brick and mortar stores.

From what I saw and played - the Cort NDX 50 really appealed to me - bright, with depth and a looker.
The Yamaha's I saw seemed flat and lifeless.

Epiphone Hummingbird was a bit of a let down - weirdly. Very light in the weight department.
The sound from the Hummingbird I could do - but as a secondary guitar in certain instances or songs.

Played the Taylor GS Mini, great tone - but really small - I wanna feel that I got some Axe under me ?
Baby Taylor's I found were priced at R5k mark, but no stock in store.

Cort NDX 50 comes in at R4750 - well within budget for me.
But I'd like to hear your thoughts - and I'm still researching all of this.
Busy reading up and listening to demos on youtube, etc.

Some more info on the Cort at the link:

http://www.cortguitars.com/en/product/ndx50

CONSTRUCTION: Dovetail Neck Joint
CUTAWAY: Florentine výrez
BODY: NDX Shape, Solid Sitka Spruce Top with Rosewood Back & Sides
NECK: Mahogany
BINDING: Ivory
FRETBOARD: Rosewood
SCALE: 25.3" (643mm)
INLAY: White Ring
TUNERS: Grover Gold with Black Knobs
ROSETTE: Premium Double Abalone
BRIDGE: Rosewood
ELECTRONICS: Fishman Presys Blend - Sonicore Pickup
STRINGS: D'Addario USA EXP16 Light
BRACING: Advanced Scalloped X-rebrovanie

Fishman Electronics with Internal Mic
With two pickups you get your sound. In addition to a pickup in the bridge there is an internal mic capturing the full tone. Fishman Presys Blend and Sonicore Pickup allows you to blend it and even includes a tuner.

Well, specs are decent. Dual pick up a big plus in my books. If you like the tone (which is what it's all about) then it sounds like a definite option.

You had me at mmmm goldtop..... I love those.

There are so many amazing acoustic options. But pay attention to the nut and bridge material of the guitars you try. I've heard bone can make a big difference to an otherwise bland guitar.

I'm no steel string fan though so my advice is tainted by all sorts of "mmmmm goldtop......"

Sean wrote: Well, specs are decent. Dual pick up a big plus in my books. If you like the tone (which is what it's all about) then it sounds like a definite option.

+1 to all that. If the Cort sounds, feels and looks right, what are you waiting for? ?

Really try and get your hands on a Tanglewood. They superb for the price...

Alan Ratcliffe wrote:

Sean wrote: Well, specs are decent. Dual pick up a big plus in my books. If you like the tone (which is what it's all about) then it sounds like a definite option.

+1 to all that. If the Cort sounds, feels and looks right, what are you waiting for? ?

I swear - I make so many impulse buys, its scary - I'm gonna pay it a visit again today - but that sound twas awesome ?
I liked the look, the dual pickup, intrigues the heck out of me - never played with one - but can only be a good thing ?

Also - I still kinda need to flip my LP - been chatting with an interested party from JHB - so holding thumbs.

Brentcgp wrote: Really try and get your hands on a Tanglewood. They superb for the price...

I was playing with some Tanglewoods at Marshall Music - but it sounded about as lifeless as another Fender in the same price range - though Marshall is quite a large space - and that might have thrown me off.

Still under consideration.

Sorry for the double post:

But been browsing online and then came across very similar Cort the NDX 20:

http://www.cortguitars.com/en/product/ndx20

CONSTRUCTION: Dovetail Neck Joint
CUTAWAY: Florentine
BODY: SFX Shape, Solid Sitka Spruce Top with Mahogany Back & Sides
NECK: Mahogany
BINDING: Ivory
FRETBOARD: Rosewood
SCALE: 25.3" (643mm)
INLAY: White Ring
TUNERS: Die cast Nickel with Black Knobs
ROSETTE: Premium Double Abalone
BRIDGE: Rosewood
ELECTRONICS: Fishman Presys - Sonicore Pickup
STRINGS: D'Addario USA EXP16 Light
BRACING: Advanced Scalloped X-rebrovanie

It's cheaper - but why?
Am I missing something in the wee hours - cos it seems like the same specs compared to the NDX50... ?

ShakeNBake wrote: Sorry for the double post:

But been browsing online and then came across very similar Cort the NDX 20:

http://www.cortguitars.com/en/product/ndx20

CONSTRUCTION: Dovetail Neck Joint
CUTAWAY: Florentine
BODY: SFX Shape, Solid Sitka Spruce Top with Mahogany Back & Sides
NECK: Mahogany
BINDING: Ivory
FRETBOARD: Rosewood
SCALE: 25.3" (643mm)
INLAY: White Ring
TUNERS: Die cast Nickel with Black Knobs
ROSETTE: Premium Double Abalone
BRIDGE: Rosewood
ELECTRONICS: Fishman Presys - Sonicore Pickup
STRINGS: D'Addario USA EXP16 Light
BRACING: Advanced Scalloped X-rebrovanie

It's cheaper - but why?
Am I missing something in the wee hours - cos it seems like the same specs compared to the NDX50... ?

M


50 has rosewood back and sides, 20 has mahogany
50 has grover tuners, 20 has die cast probably generic brand

Small things like this are used as a chance to boost prices on "higher end" models even though they're virtually the same... And when it comes down to it, that fishman Presys is phenomenal.
Tonally the mahogany may sound better to some people and really corts die cast tuners are not bad at all...

ShakeNBake wrote: Baby Taylor's I found were priced at R5k mark, but no stock in store.

There's a difference between the Baby and the BIG Baby

The BABY is a 3/4 size, short-scale guitar, tuned higher than a regular guitar. a BIG Baby has a 7/8 body, full scale neck and is tuned to standard. I'm not saying that there's anything wrong with the Baby, but understand what it is and what the Big Baby is.