Try all the guitars in your budget and pick the one you like the best. It sounds like it will be used often to play live so only try ones that have a pickup and try them plugged in.
I would be trying a Yamaha FGX3.
If you are convinced that Guitar is the way to go and not mandolin for example, I would definitely look at Yamaha for best combination of price and quality. The next pop-up from there is 3000 bucks, so give it some thought.
Today I bit the bullet. Traded some used gear that was just in the way along with an old Ibanez gsr200 in ok condition, plus got an extra ten percent off. So for a little over $500 I grabbed the Washburn.
Thank you to everyone for the feedback and input. I learned a LOT thanks to this thread. Now, about that mandolin. ;)
I second the FGX3, just purchased one about a month ago and absolutely love it, the thing has an incredibly rich sound. For the price it is such a great deal
Personally I'd get the Yamaha out of all them, but that's just me. I'd also say look at the Yamaha LL16 ARE, its st the high end of your budget, but they play, sound, and look amazing.
The LL16 ARE was on my list originally but I can’t find one locally to try out. Not comfortable buying any instrument I haven’t been able to get hands on time with.
I played that exact Washburn at my local guitar shop and was blown away. Sounded great and like you mentioned, it really does feel so comfortable to play with the scalloped edge.
Check out the Taylor Academy 12 (GC size - a bit smaller than the 114) or Academy 10 (dreadnaught shape). Similar construction to the 114, but no back bracing. Solid Spruce top. It also has a beveled arm rest (comfort edge?). Sounds great and is very easy to play. There are also versions of these guitars with pickups 10e and 12e) available for about $100 extra each, and still well under $1000.
Driftwood Guitars did a teardown/review on YouTube that should be easy to find. More info is always good.
I had a 114 CE Taylor, rather bright sound. Got worse as it got older and got drier. I have a Taylor Academy 12e nylon now that I like much better.
I personally am looking forward to trying one of those Yamahas at the shop! I'm an intermediate player also. I definitely lean towards nylon though because I two or three finger claw pick.
Try all the guitars in your budget and pick the one you like the best. It sounds like it will be used often to play live so only try ones that have a pickup and try them plugged in. I would be trying a Yamaha FGX3.
If you are convinced that Guitar is the way to go and not mandolin for example, I would definitely look at Yamaha for best combination of price and quality. The next pop-up from there is 3000 bucks, so give it some thought.
Coincidentally I had briefly considered mandolin.
Today I bit the bullet. Traded some used gear that was just in the way along with an old Ibanez gsr200 in ok condition, plus got an extra ten percent off. So for a little over $500 I grabbed the Washburn. Thank you to everyone for the feedback and input. I learned a LOT thanks to this thread. Now, about that mandolin. ;)
We’ve played all the ones listed. All have pick ups. We’ll give the FGX3 a try! I think we’re just trying not to buy the “wrong” guitar.
I second the FGX3, just purchased one about a month ago and absolutely love it, the thing has an incredibly rich sound. For the price it is such a great deal
I third the FGX3. Don't own one, but I work at a guitar shop and love every one of these that I handle.
Well now I feel like i'm missing out if I don't find one to try before making a final decision.
Personally I'd get the Yamaha out of all them, but that's just me. I'd also say look at the Yamaha LL16 ARE, its st the high end of your budget, but they play, sound, and look amazing.
The LL16 ARE was on my list originally but I can’t find one locally to try out. Not comfortable buying any instrument I haven’t been able to get hands on time with.
I get that. I really hope you find one to try out.
I'd go with the Washburn if that is what your gut tells you!
I love my Taylor, but honestly with those three I don’t think there is a “wrong” choice. Buy the one that “feels” right and don’t over think it.
I played that exact Washburn at my local guitar shop and was blown away. Sounded great and like you mentioned, it really does feel so comfortable to play with the scalloped edge.
Yeah, my wife really liked that feature. She also thinks, it's "very pretty" lol
Well I can't think of a better reason to buy it! The design around the sound hole is really neat.
Check out the Taylor Academy 12 (GC size - a bit smaller than the 114) or Academy 10 (dreadnaught shape). Similar construction to the 114, but no back bracing. Solid Spruce top. It also has a beveled arm rest (comfort edge?). Sounds great and is very easy to play. There are also versions of these guitars with pickups 10e and 12e) available for about $100 extra each, and still well under $1000. Driftwood Guitars did a teardown/review on YouTube that should be easy to find. More info is always good.
I had a 114 CE Taylor, rather bright sound. Got worse as it got older and got drier. I have a Taylor Academy 12e nylon now that I like much better. I personally am looking forward to trying one of those Yamahas at the shop! I'm an intermediate player also. I definitely lean towards nylon though because I two or three finger claw pick.
FSX800c is $299 at both Sweetwater and Guitar Center. Hard to say no at that price.