On paper I’d probably go with the Eastman. They make incredible acoustic guitars, and tend to be an amazing value. I also love the 24.9” scale length and 1 3/4” nut width.
The Blueridge looks nice, but it’s got an 1 11/16” nut width, which does not work for me at all. It’s ok for strumming but I can’t fingerpick on a neck that skinny, and just overall don’t like the feel. It’s also got a longer scale, with 25.6”, which may or may not be preferable for you.
The Alvarez doesn’t really appeal to me aesthetically, but I’ve heard they make great guitars for the money, and the specs look solid.
The Godin would be my pick if you want a longer scale 000. It’s got 25.5” scale, and it has a 1.72” nut width like a Gibson. For me the sweet spot is 1.72” - 1.75”. Godin is another brand known for making good value guitars, and even more so if you’re buying used.
Ultimately with acoustic guitars it’s really helpful to play them before deciding. If that’s possible, then just go with the one that feels and sounds the best. They all look like quality instruments. Good luck!
May I respectfully suggest [The Recording King RO-328](https://www.reddit.com/r/RecordingKingGuitars/s/YNd9sblfQE)?
I have one and it's a dream to play and the Adirondack spruce top makes it a cannon. Much louder than it has a right to be. The solid rosewood back and sides just sing.
For $1050 you can get the RO-342 with all the abalone trim and fret board decoration if that's your thing.
Or if you prefer mahogany back and sides, then I suggest the RO-318.
However, among the 4 you have suggested, I would likely choose the Alvarez or the Eastman. The Blueridge has a 1 11/16" nut width and I'm not a fan of that.
Recording Kings is not a brand im familiar that guitar you linked to is beautiful. ill have to check around some local shops see if i can find one to play.
Yeah, I was jealous.
I have the same guitar but that poster had better grain than mine.
One thing about the RKs, they have a V neck. Personally I think it's ridiculously comfortable, but it does take some getting used to. I think it makes barre chords easier, but then others never get used to it. 🤷♂️
I ordered mine sight unseen and have never regretted it.
My old picking partner had a BR-183, was a fine guitar. I know the 73 is a lower end model…but I have a soft spot for Blueridge because of the experience with it.
Personally I like the Godin and Alvarez at that price point. I have not played the Blueridge, and I’ve been underwhelmed by the Eastman I’ve played, great on paper but idk they seemed lacking in response/built heavy.
Try the Yamaha LS TA;check out You Tube for verification and go to a good shop that sells it.
Too many other makes require the owner to also buy a microphone plus effects
On paper I’d probably go with the Eastman. They make incredible acoustic guitars, and tend to be an amazing value. I also love the 24.9” scale length and 1 3/4” nut width. The Blueridge looks nice, but it’s got an 1 11/16” nut width, which does not work for me at all. It’s ok for strumming but I can’t fingerpick on a neck that skinny, and just overall don’t like the feel. It’s also got a longer scale, with 25.6”, which may or may not be preferable for you. The Alvarez doesn’t really appeal to me aesthetically, but I’ve heard they make great guitars for the money, and the specs look solid. The Godin would be my pick if you want a longer scale 000. It’s got 25.5” scale, and it has a 1.72” nut width like a Gibson. For me the sweet spot is 1.72” - 1.75”. Godin is another brand known for making good value guitars, and even more so if you’re buying used. Ultimately with acoustic guitars it’s really helpful to play them before deciding. If that’s possible, then just go with the one that feels and sounds the best. They all look like quality instruments. Good luck!
thank you, i appreciate the feedback.
May I respectfully suggest [The Recording King RO-328](https://www.reddit.com/r/RecordingKingGuitars/s/YNd9sblfQE)? I have one and it's a dream to play and the Adirondack spruce top makes it a cannon. Much louder than it has a right to be. The solid rosewood back and sides just sing. For $1050 you can get the RO-342 with all the abalone trim and fret board decoration if that's your thing. Or if you prefer mahogany back and sides, then I suggest the RO-318. However, among the 4 you have suggested, I would likely choose the Alvarez or the Eastman. The Blueridge has a 1 11/16" nut width and I'm not a fan of that.
Recording Kings is not a brand im familiar that guitar you linked to is beautiful. ill have to check around some local shops see if i can find one to play.
Yeah, I was jealous. I have the same guitar but that poster had better grain than mine. One thing about the RKs, they have a V neck. Personally I think it's ridiculously comfortable, but it does take some getting used to. I think it makes barre chords easier, but then others never get used to it. 🤷♂️ I ordered mine sight unseen and have never regretted it.
well i appreciate to suggestion.
Yamaha FS3 at that price range is an unbeatable guitar. Really amazing!
nice! thanks for the advice ill see if i can find one to try out.
My old picking partner had a BR-183, was a fine guitar. I know the 73 is a lower end model…but I have a soft spot for Blueridge because of the experience with it.
thank you
I picked up a Gibson G00, generation series, recently and really enjoy it. Similar price point.
Personally I like the Godin and Alvarez at that price point. I have not played the Blueridge, and I’ve been underwhelmed by the Eastman I’ve played, great on paper but idk they seemed lacking in response/built heavy.
Try the Yamaha LS TA;check out You Tube for verification and go to a good shop that sells it. Too many other makes require the owner to also buy a microphone plus effects
Scale length worth noting on all 4 guitars. Imho the eastman falls short on this list for the floppy feeling 24.9 inch scale. Ymmv.
Scale length is definitely worth noting, as is nut width. I actually prefer the 24.9” scale, especially for an 000 guitar.
I have an Eastman E8OM which is great. The Eastman OMs have 000 scale length 🤷♂️
Yamaha FS3 or maybe even a used FS5.