geemobee wrote:
AW40ECE (I prefer the darker finish)
AWS1000ECE ... this costs the most! ... didnt really want a glossy finish
AW15ECE (nice low gloss finish - solid cedar top) ... why is this one so cheap??
Well you're not comparing apples with apples here. The 1000 is all solid wood. Which will push the price up.
The 1000 and the 40 both have more bling on them than the 15 - inlays on the neck, abalone rosettes etc. This should be apparent just by looking at them.
The 15 has a low gloss finish. Saves some time and labour in the factory.
The 40 has a special bridge that allows for extra adjustments.
Putting the cosmetic issues aside you still have
- 15 - cedar top
- 40 - spruce top, ramparts bridge, I suspect the electronics are a little better than on the 15
- 1000 - spruce top, all solid wood, probably better electronics than the 15.
Depends on your own personal scorecard. How does each feel? Sound? Look? TO YOU. What weight do you give to each factor? How long do you plan to keep the guitar for?
Didn't you want a nylon string? None of these are nylon string guitars.
I haven't seen or played these. Based on the specs the 1000 looks the best long-term bet, but
don't buy just on specs. Play the things. If you're not sure what you're looking for but you have a friend who knows about guitars then take the friend along.
What extras do you get thrown in? Do any of these come with a case or gig-bag?
Maybe ask the sales guy in the shop to play each instrument whilst you stand a couple of meters away - that'll give you an idea of the sound. The cedar and spruce tops should sound different. The spruce tops will change more with age and playing. I'd expect that they used a better grade spruce on the 1000.
Take advice from the forum, but treat it as advice and as opinions. Make sure you stay in charge of the decision making process.
