Considerations when buying acoustic guitar? brands? styles? costs?

[EMY]

I have been looking for a guitar for the last month or so and it seems like the Seagull S6 is pretty good. Any thoughts on this?

 

[oldseed]

Originally Posted by EMY

I have been looking for a guitar for the last month or so and it seems like the Seagull S6 is pretty good. Any thoughts on this?

i've had mine for over 10 years. great guitar.

 

[DentistCare]

Well, first we do not like the used gift.

If your nephew just going to start taking guitar lessons, a new guitar would be fine with a low cost, there are millions of cheap brands, because most of the time they lose interest in a few weeks
If over time your nephew is still interested, then you can give him a used guitar of good quality, fender, ibanez, etc. Used musical instruments has often more expensive than a new one.
DC

http://desperesdentistry.com

http://www.justinbshortdentistry.com/

 

[BBSLM]

Is it possible to mute or dampen the sound of an acoustic so your roommate doesn't hate you?

 

[milosz]

Originally Posted by BBSLM

Is it possible to mute or dampen the sound of an acoustic so your roommate doesn't hate you?
Smaller acoustics are quieter. Dreadnoughts and jumbos are boomier (as they had to be, to heard without mics), 00s are the quietest normal-sized acoustics. Pretty sure nylon-string classical guitars are quieter as well.

 

[BBSLM]

Originally Posted by milosz

Smaller acoustics are quieter. Dreadnoughts and jumbos are boomier (as they had to be, to heard without mics), 00s are the quietest normal-sized acoustics.

Pretty sure nylon-string classical guitars are quieter as well.

I may have to look into an 00, or possibly even an electric guitar sans amp just so I can sit in my room and entertain myself.

Does any product, possibly a plug or hole cover of some sort, exist to dampen the sound of acoustic guitars?

 

[milosz]

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=132319

mentions something called the feedback buster, which I'm guessing is a soundhole plug of some sort.

 

[Jekyll]

You could try putting a cloth underneath the strings near the bridge.

 

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by Sherman90

At the low end of your range, you might want to consider something like: http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/p...tar?sku=519049
I think I'm gonna get this one. Checked it out locally today and it sounded good. Should I get Tobacco Sunburst or Natural? I'm leaning toward the former.

 

[BBSLM]

Originally Posted by Jekyll

You could try putting a cloth underneath the strings near the bridge.

wouldnt that throw the sound off completely?

maybe an un-amped electric would be better for practicing on.

 

[Jekyll]

Originally Posted by BBSLM

wouldnt that throw the sound off completely?
Possibly.

 

[amnesiac]

Originally Posted by milosz

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=132319

mentions something called the feedback buster, which I'm guessing is a soundhole plug of some sort.

It's a rubber plug that keeps the sound from coming out of the sound hole. works pretty well to mute it a bit.

I'd +1 the yamaha 700 series. it's a great guitar with a solid top, and i've found that the yamahas have some of the best guitars for the money. I actually picked out that same model for my best friend when he was learning how to play the guitar. I would go to guitar center or a store and play as many of the same model as you can find and pick the best one.

be looking for the string tension, how easy it plays, any buzzing, action. finish should be good. inside the scalloped bracing should be pretty clean and no big glue drips. neck should be straight. etc. etc.

also, think about getting the guitar set up or if you feel comfortable, setting it up yourself. it's a great way to learn about how guitars work and with a non-electric acoustic it's not that hard. simple truss rod adjustments and lowering the action isn't that hard.

later on you could also make a new saddle for the guitar. you'd just have to get a few saddle blanks (in case you mess up) and get some sandpaper of various grits and carefully copy the original saddle then sand it down to lower the action. A bone saddle or even tusq (artificial bone) will make a big difference in the sound.

 

[yirayira]

If your nephew already plays guitar I strongly suggest letting him in on the decision making. I have found guitars to be very personal. For recommendation under the $500 mark I like Seagull, Blueridge, and Yamaha.

 

[yirayira]

Originally Posted by svelten

Much prefer new over used (hygiene really, though I could just swap out the strings).

I have never heard of hygiene swaying a guitar purchasing decision (think of vintage guitars). It wouldn't be far-fetched to think that most guitars in music shops, handled by countless people, are filthier than those owned by a musician. And if not a little elbow grease will clean up even the most neglected guitar. By the way, strings should be changed every few months depending on the amount played.


Don't dismiss the used market. I have successfully sustained my guitar addiction by buying used and then turning a profit reselling down the line for a different used guitar.

Happy picking,
Spencer

 

[impolyt_one]

Originally Posted by BBSLM

wouldnt that throw the sound off completely?

maybe an un-amped electric would be better for practicing on.

when i was interested in playing and lived in places where volume was a concern, I got into buying archtop electrics (were cheap locally, have had a gaggle of those made for Guitar Center Gretsch archtops and an Epiphone Casino, all of which I bought new and none of which I paid more than about $300 for) and playing them unplugged - not as loud as a full on acoustic guitar by any means, and a tad more satisfying than playing a solidbody electric unplugged... but overall, still pretty unsatisfying, in hindsight. I think playing some sort of solidbody through a preamp with a headphone out (maybe just one of those little $50 micro-Marshall pocket things they've had for years) would be better.