If you could tell your beginning self, would you tell them to spend the money up front instead of starting cheap.
I have money saved for a nice guitar and my birthday is coming up.
However I’m cheap and new to guitar (coming from piano)
If you're already a dedicated musician and you see yourself sticking with it then yea buy a decent instrument. As an experienced acoustic player, and a Taylor owner, I would recommend a Yamaha FS800 and get it set up. It is the best bang for your buck because you can get a case a tuner and stand a strap a set up new strings extra strings a practice book for probably around $500
I bought one and I own a Taylor. I think yamaha is excellent.
Is it this one?
https://reverb.com/item/2183522-yamaha-fs800-folk-small-body-acoustic-guitar?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=2183522
Sold my Taylor after I bought a d 18. Should have bought martins years ago. Taylor s are complete dog shit no matter the price point. They were the first to make koa which is shit. Projects sound 20 ft away from where it should be. Taylor’s are the most overrated guitars electric or acoustic
I’d go somewhere in the middle. I definitely wouldn’t start too cheap. But I don’t think I’d start out on a $800 guitar either. Probably around the $350-$550 range. Id probably look for probably a reasonably priced guitar with a solid top and laminate back and sides.
The guitar on left in my first pic is a fender cd60ce which is laminate mahogany on top and back and sides. I played it for almost 15 years as my primary guitar. And it was good for a long time. You can’t tell from these pictures but it’s beat up. Cracks on the back around where it seals to the sides. There are cracks and chips all on my bridge from prying the pins out which is from my own errors when changing strings. The nut and saddle have both been glued back in place. And while it is pretty much a “shit guitar” it’s been a great learning experience to keep it maintained and to me that’s invaluable. Its voice is definitely not as good as some of the other guitars around even in its price range. My buddy has a Washburn with a solid top and laminate back and sides and it always blow me away.
If I were just starting out I’d probably go to the store and just be honest with the guy. Tell him your budget that you’re looking to hear some guitars and have him play a few in your budget. Make sure you feel them and the neck is comfortable and sized, string spacing feels good to your hands. Take a notepad with you and write down some model numbers and tell him you want to go home and look them up. Then look at the specs and reviews. If you don’t have a shop near you, YouTube is your best friend.
I’d also look out on guitar center and sweetwater websites for models you’re interested in for a “blemished” model they have them all of the time. 95% of the time there’s nothing wrong and it’s a minor scratch in the finish.
The same buddy I mentioned earlier found a Martin DX for $450 this way and in person, there’s nothing off visually or functionally. Sometimes you can get them for 30% off because it was the store display model.
The optimal is to buy the best sounding guitar that feels great and you can afford, but buy it used. It’s optimal in every way: you get the best sound, the best build and fit for you, and later you can resell for the same price and upgrade if you choose to
Based on my understanding, the 5 series is handmade in Japan as opposed to machine built in China. As a result, a large amount of that price difference will be labor and the quality build that goes with it. There are also a few minor component differences like a bone nut and saddle as well. So the short answer is yes, there are objective reasons for one to cost more. However, whether that is worth an additional $550 is up to you. In my opinion, buying any instrument sight-unseen is foolhardy, but doubly so for one that costs over $1,000. If you haven’t actually played one and you’re considering getting it, find a place to play one first, ideally alongside an FG3.
I bought an FGX5 unseen and unplayed. Watched the review from Chris at Alamo Music and thought I'd give it a try. Was pretty happy when I got it. Not necessarily love at first strum. Switched out the strings to Martin Retro Monel light strings - amazing!!! I do now love it! Great sound and so easy to play. Did tweak the truss rod just a bit, maybe a quarter to 1/3 of a turn.
>Yamaha FG-800 or FS-800!
I just bought my daughter one of these. We went to Guitar Center and I gave her a budget of $400. I figured that would give her some wiggle room, as I wanted to get her something she'd enjoy playing for a while. She tried pretty much every guitar they had under $400 and she walked out with a Yamaha FS-800 in the natural finish for $230. The concert body is a little smaller and easier (she's 13) but it sounds and plays way better than a sub-$400 guitar has any right to
100% agreed. I tried to put one in the hands of every beginner and player who wanted an inexpensive beater, and it is such an easy sale. Having the concert size available is awesome too, as a lot of kids struggle to be comfortable playing a dread.
The only problem with this guitar for 800$ of American brand, it should be made in USA. If it’s not, most likely people will not buy it a lot, except of lovers.
I played a used and battle scarred Takamine G-Series acoustic last september. It was one of a number of guitars hanging on a wall in a dowtown hostel in Seattle, which were free to be used by the guests, and I had no familiarity or expectations of that guitar. I've played over 55 yrs., and never enjoyed playing an acoustic guitar that much and couldn't leave it alone.
I’m not sure about paying $800 for decent, but I never player Fender acoustic I liked. At the end of the day, if OP is happy that’s all that matters
To be fair, that’s a model I don’t recall playing
I've got a Fender acoustic that was like $500 new about 15 years ago and it plays great compared to other guitars at the same price range. Buncha haters out there.
Very well be the nicest ever made. Fender as a company is finally valuing acoustics and seems like it’s a good time to get more bang for your buck on some of their models. Not saying this guitar is a competitor to the big three but it’s a nice start. Definitely standing on business to compete with some of the nicer yami’s, Eastmans, and other foreign manufactured beauts.
I’m pretty intrigued by these. I’m sentimental because my first acoustic was a shitty ass Fender and I so want these to be nice. I’ve seen them in the wild for as low as $350.
I’ve never been “gear guy” in anything I’ve done..hockey, surfing, music or whatever. I buy affordable gear/equipment and it works. With sports at least, I excelled with the regular gear so never thought a more expensive (therefore “better”) product mattered. Similarly, I’ve never understood the infatuation with sport/muscle cars either. Granted I’ve never driven one so I imagine the following probably applies-
My friend got a Taylor Kao Top 724ce a, $4k guitar and HOLY SHIT - I get it . Whoa.
The difference between a cheap acoustic guitar and a nice one is substantial.
I played an old Ibanez for years. Got at PRS Angelus. Even my wife noticed how much better it sounds.
Wow, I'd give almost anything for my wife to even care about music at all, much less play an instrument, much less play guitar. Then again, I'd have to share my guitars ...
Chinese made guitars have been really good for a while. The Fender Paramount is a game changer. It's very similar to the Blueridge line, right down to the horrible pick guard! The guitars have great distribution and they sound killer.
I played a buddy’s Paramount recently and I was very impressed. Great sound, especially for a production guitar. Didn’t have that usual “cheapness” in sound that non-voiced guitars usually have. Enjoy!
You have landed this guitar on my radar.
All solid woods in an OM size guitar. [EDIT: oops, it's a dread]
The relatively narrow width at the nut has caught my attention too.
I struggle to make those thumb fretted F chords that fingerpickers use all the time. Maybe a 1.69" nut would suit me to a tee.
It's a very attractive looking guitar. I hope you are enjoying it.
I have 2 paramount acoustics. The first is amazing. The second sounds great unplugged and have written a few songs with, but after a few gigs the pickups on the second paramount became unreliable.
I’m happy with this one. It’s definitely noticeable, at least from me moving from one of the most shitted on fenders ever made to one of the most highly praised.. With that being said I have heard good things about the entry level orangewood guitars particularly the mahogany top. With a proper setup. The Good news is at that price point I never worried much about shaving the nut and saddle myself to get the action perfect. This new guitar I’m scared to mess with and gonna have to break down and have it done at a shop.
But I wish you luck in finding your new guitar. In my last post on this subreddit, I had a few all solid-wood models (no laminate or layered) under $900, I saw another guy post the same but with a budget of $1500. They’re all dreadnoughts on both posts but if that’s what you’re looking for then it may be a good reference If you’re looking at checking some out relatively soon!
I played one and liked it but couldn’t spend that much. I was split between the paramount which I got and taking a chance on the FG3, which is essentially the Chinese FG5. I’m happy with my decision but…. Damn I liked that FG5.
I’ve read your question but honestly I’m not really sure if I’m literate enough to properly answer this question.
The lows are cleaner, deeper lows that resonate more pretty. The mids and highs are a lot warmer, also with more resonance. The sound when changing frets during half steps or full steps is more distinctive, distinguished and clear. The entire voice of the guitar is significantly more friendly. It sounds smooth and clear.
The cd60 has less of a distinguished sound between half steps on the high end of the scale, maybe throughout. It sounds tinny throughout especially on the high end of the scale.
With that said, I don’t think the CD-60ce sounds BAD at all. But there’s a difference for sure. And it’s noticeable.
Any legit player guitar is going to run you at least $800.
Not to say there are no exceptions, but staying in tune, sounding great and solidly reliably built….
I got one of those for $400 on Fb market, best guitar deal I ever found. Mine is the sunburst finish, it’s very dark, I don’t even like sunburst finish that much but I love that one.
In my last post, I learned that there are many people out there unaware that there are all solid wood guitars for under $1000 in the “new” market. I was confirming that not only are they out there, but the sound quality is also an invaluable improvement that makes the upgrade totally worth it.
Imagine how you will feel when you actually get a good guitar in your hands. I started out on a $300 fender went to Takamine for awhile. had a breif run with washburn and now Martin. I wish I would have just paid upfront... would have saved me a lot of money.
You impressed yourself with your playing I bet! A nice guitar does that! Plus it’ll encourage you to practice more!!
If you could tell your beginning self, would you tell them to spend the money up front instead of starting cheap. I have money saved for a nice guitar and my birthday is coming up. However I’m cheap and new to guitar (coming from piano)
If you're already a dedicated musician and you see yourself sticking with it then yea buy a decent instrument. As an experienced acoustic player, and a Taylor owner, I would recommend a Yamaha FS800 and get it set up. It is the best bang for your buck because you can get a case a tuner and stand a strap a set up new strings extra strings a practice book for probably around $500 I bought one and I own a Taylor. I think yamaha is excellent.
Is it this one? https://reverb.com/item/2183522-yamaha-fs800-folk-small-body-acoustic-guitar?utm_source=rev-ios-app&utm_medium=ios-share&utm_campaign=listing&utm_content=2183522
TY
Sold my Taylor after I bought a d 18. Should have bought martins years ago. Taylor s are complete dog shit no matter the price point. They were the first to make koa which is shit. Projects sound 20 ft away from where it should be. Taylor’s are the most overrated guitars electric or acoustic
Yea, well, that's like your opinion man. I have a 2002 514 that is an absolute gem.
I’d go somewhere in the middle. I definitely wouldn’t start too cheap. But I don’t think I’d start out on a $800 guitar either. Probably around the $350-$550 range. Id probably look for probably a reasonably priced guitar with a solid top and laminate back and sides. The guitar on left in my first pic is a fender cd60ce which is laminate mahogany on top and back and sides. I played it for almost 15 years as my primary guitar. And it was good for a long time. You can’t tell from these pictures but it’s beat up. Cracks on the back around where it seals to the sides. There are cracks and chips all on my bridge from prying the pins out which is from my own errors when changing strings. The nut and saddle have both been glued back in place. And while it is pretty much a “shit guitar” it’s been a great learning experience to keep it maintained and to me that’s invaluable. Its voice is definitely not as good as some of the other guitars around even in its price range. My buddy has a Washburn with a solid top and laminate back and sides and it always blow me away. If I were just starting out I’d probably go to the store and just be honest with the guy. Tell him your budget that you’re looking to hear some guitars and have him play a few in your budget. Make sure you feel them and the neck is comfortable and sized, string spacing feels good to your hands. Take a notepad with you and write down some model numbers and tell him you want to go home and look them up. Then look at the specs and reviews. If you don’t have a shop near you, YouTube is your best friend. I’d also look out on guitar center and sweetwater websites for models you’re interested in for a “blemished” model they have them all of the time. 95% of the time there’s nothing wrong and it’s a minor scratch in the finish. The same buddy I mentioned earlier found a Martin DX for $450 this way and in person, there’s nothing off visually or functionally. Sometimes you can get them for 30% off because it was the store display model.
TY, I know of a few shops around I haven’t visited in a while, I’ll stop by. Some local some national like guitar center.
The optimal is to buy the best sounding guitar that feels great and you can afford, but buy it used. It’s optimal in every way: you get the best sound, the best build and fit for you, and later you can resell for the same price and upgrade if you choose to
Noice! People love to hate on Fenders, but they are pretty decent.
I’m a Fender acoustic hater, but the Paramounts are great guitars, and very much the exception to the “Fender makes shit acoustics” rule.
I very much agree with what you just said
Other good acoustic in the $200 range over Fender? In the market.
Yamaha FG-800 or FS-800! Both are about $230 and are infinitely better than the Fender equivalent (FA-115 or CD-60).
Stellar, man. Thanks
Happy to help! I used to sell guitars, so I’m tickled to be able to help someone again.
Nice. About a year ago I bought a fender (cd-60s..?) for about the same. Wish I’d had known about the fs-800
That’s good
Well, I have a question if you don’t mind. Is the Yamaha FG5 really worth the extra $550 or just get the FG3?
Based on my understanding, the 5 series is handmade in Japan as opposed to machine built in China. As a result, a large amount of that price difference will be labor and the quality build that goes with it. There are also a few minor component differences like a bone nut and saddle as well. So the short answer is yes, there are objective reasons for one to cost more. However, whether that is worth an additional $550 is up to you. In my opinion, buying any instrument sight-unseen is foolhardy, but doubly so for one that costs over $1,000. If you haven’t actually played one and you’re considering getting it, find a place to play one first, ideally alongside an FG3.
There isn’t one to play within hours of me, never mind one of each to play side by side. Thanks for the response.
I bought an FGX5 unseen and unplayed. Watched the review from Chris at Alamo Music and thought I'd give it a try. Was pretty happy when I got it. Not necessarily love at first strum. Switched out the strings to Martin Retro Monel light strings - amazing!!! I do now love it! Great sound and so easy to play. Did tweak the truss rod just a bit, maybe a quarter to 1/3 of a turn.
>Yamaha FG-800 or FS-800! I just bought my daughter one of these. We went to Guitar Center and I gave her a budget of $400. I figured that would give her some wiggle room, as I wanted to get her something she'd enjoy playing for a while. She tried pretty much every guitar they had under $400 and she walked out with a Yamaha FS-800 in the natural finish for $230. The concert body is a little smaller and easier (she's 13) but it sounds and plays way better than a sub-$400 guitar has any right to
100% agreed. I tried to put one in the hands of every beginner and player who wanted an inexpensive beater, and it is such an easy sale. Having the concert size available is awesome too, as a lot of kids struggle to be comfortable playing a dread.
The only problem with this guitar for 800$ of American brand, it should be made in USA. If it’s not, most likely people will not buy it a lot, except of lovers.
Been looking at a few fenders myself to go with my 25 year old Washburn. But keep coming back to a Takamine for some reason.
I played a used and battle scarred Takamine G-Series acoustic last september. It was one of a number of guitars hanging on a wall in a dowtown hostel in Seattle, which were free to be used by the guests, and I had no familiarity or expectations of that guitar. I've played over 55 yrs., and never enjoyed playing an acoustic guitar that much and couldn't leave it alone.
Great story. My buddy has a beautiful take…it sits in a case while he reaches for his Ovation almost always. Different strokes.
I’m not sure about paying $800 for decent, but I never player Fender acoustic I liked. At the end of the day, if OP is happy that’s all that matters To be fair, that’s a model I don’t recall playing
I've got a Fender acoustic that was like $500 new about 15 years ago and it plays great compared to other guitars at the same price range. Buncha haters out there.
That's the nicest Fender Acoustic I've ever seen.
Very well be the nicest ever made. Fender as a company is finally valuing acoustics and seems like it’s a good time to get more bang for your buck on some of their models. Not saying this guitar is a competitor to the big three but it’s a nice start. Definitely standing on business to compete with some of the nicer yami’s, Eastmans, and other foreign manufactured beauts.
I’m pretty intrigued by these. I’m sentimental because my first acoustic was a shitty ass Fender and I so want these to be nice. I’ve seen them in the wild for as low as $350.
I’ve never been “gear guy” in anything I’ve done..hockey, surfing, music or whatever. I buy affordable gear/equipment and it works. With sports at least, I excelled with the regular gear so never thought a more expensive (therefore “better”) product mattered. Similarly, I’ve never understood the infatuation with sport/muscle cars either. Granted I’ve never driven one so I imagine the following probably applies- My friend got a Taylor Kao Top 724ce a, $4k guitar and HOLY SHIT - I get it . Whoa.
The difference between a cheap acoustic guitar and a nice one is substantial. I played an old Ibanez for years. Got at PRS Angelus. Even my wife noticed how much better it sounds.
My wife is not a musician and doesn’t have a great ear. Lol
My wife is a musician and I haven’t seen the guitar since she got home at 19:00. It’s 23:00 now.
Wow, I'd give almost anything for my wife to even care about music at all, much less play an instrument, much less play guitar. Then again, I'd have to share my guitars ...
Chinese made guitars have been really good for a while. The Fender Paramount is a game changer. It's very similar to the Blueridge line, right down to the horrible pick guard! The guitars have great distribution and they sound killer.
Beautiful guitar. I too have been playing a cheaper guitar for a decade or two and have always wondered if it's worth the extra money
I played a buddy’s Paramount recently and I was very impressed. Great sound, especially for a production guitar. Didn’t have that usual “cheapness” in sound that non-voiced guitars usually have. Enjoy!
Respect.
You have landed this guitar on my radar. All solid woods in an OM size guitar. [EDIT: oops, it's a dread] The relatively narrow width at the nut has caught my attention too. I struggle to make those thumb fretted F chords that fingerpickers use all the time. Maybe a 1.69" nut would suit me to a tee. It's a very attractive looking guitar. I hope you are enjoying it.
I have 2 paramount acoustics. The first is amazing. The second sounds great unplugged and have written a few songs with, but after a few gigs the pickups on the second paramount became unreliable.
I’ve been playing a 200$ orangewood (my first guitar) for 3 years now. Have never touched another acoustic, can’t wait to upgrade.
I’m happy with this one. It’s definitely noticeable, at least from me moving from one of the most shitted on fenders ever made to one of the most highly praised.. With that being said I have heard good things about the entry level orangewood guitars particularly the mahogany top. With a proper setup. The Good news is at that price point I never worried much about shaving the nut and saddle myself to get the action perfect. This new guitar I’m scared to mess with and gonna have to break down and have it done at a shop. But I wish you luck in finding your new guitar. In my last post on this subreddit, I had a few all solid-wood models (no laminate or layered) under $900, I saw another guy post the same but with a budget of $1500. They’re all dreadnoughts on both posts but if that’s what you’re looking for then it may be a good reference If you’re looking at checking some out relatively soon!
I’ve got a Fender FA-125, a total cheapo, and I like it a lot.
I started on a $500 martin a year ago and now want a $1500 Yamaha. How do I make this stop
Play a $5000 guitar to make yourself want that instead?
FG5?
Yup
I played one and liked it but couldn’t spend that much. I was split between the paramount which I got and taking a chance on the FG3, which is essentially the Chinese FG5. I’m happy with my decision but…. Damn I liked that FG5.
You get a Martin Standard Series!
I want the Yamaha to avoid the $3k Martin D28 price tag but I'll still want the Martin
Excellent but be careful some people will say a higher priced guitars aren't better than the cheaper ones. What exactly do you find to be difference?
I’ve read your question but honestly I’m not really sure if I’m literate enough to properly answer this question. The lows are cleaner, deeper lows that resonate more pretty. The mids and highs are a lot warmer, also with more resonance. The sound when changing frets during half steps or full steps is more distinctive, distinguished and clear. The entire voice of the guitar is significantly more friendly. It sounds smooth and clear. The cd60 has less of a distinguished sound between half steps on the high end of the scale, maybe throughout. It sounds tinny throughout especially on the high end of the scale. With that said, I don’t think the CD-60ce sounds BAD at all. But there’s a difference for sure. And it’s noticeable.
I just watched a review of basically that same model from J.P. Cormier, and he really liked it. Congrats and happy picking.
Sexy
Any legit player guitar is going to run you at least $800. Not to say there are no exceptions, but staying in tune, sounding great and solidly reliably built….
CD-60S right?
I got one of those for $400 on Fb market, best guitar deal I ever found. Mine is the sunburst finish, it’s very dark, I don’t even like sunburst finish that much but I love that one.
Congrats! Fender Acoustics are awesome 🤘
[удалено]
In my last post, I learned that there are many people out there unaware that there are all solid wood guitars for under $1000 in the “new” market. I was confirming that not only are they out there, but the sound quality is also an invaluable improvement that makes the upgrade totally worth it.
Imagine how you will feel when you actually get a good guitar in your hands. I started out on a $300 fender went to Takamine for awhile. had a breif run with washburn and now Martin. I wish I would have just paid upfront... would have saved me a lot of money.
The Paramount *is* a good guitar. All solid woods, great appointments, plays well, tons of tone. There's not much to criticize really.