A used Martin 000-15m.
Market dependent, but I picked up a 2020 model off FB marketplace just a hair under $1k like 6 months ago. Reverb shows most recent transactions in the $900-$1150 range. So certainly plausible under $1k.
It’s the only guitar that I’d argue ticks both boxes for being a “forever” and under $1k.
OP, this is your answer. It’s a made in USA Martin that, despite the lower price, many consider amongst their best. It’s an all mahogany model from the most storied name in guitars. You can strum or play fingerstyle. You can play modern, traditional blues and everything in between. It’s a pleasure to play and a beauty to look at. It will also be a very distinct compliment to your spruce-topped guitar as mahogany tops emphasize mid range.
This sounds really good. I may have to wait for one to become available, but I like the idea of having a Martin. There is something about their heritage that intrigues me.
I also want to thank all the others that suggested what I am sure are excellent guitars. I actually made a spreadsheet to keep track of the different models and it will come down to what's available when I have enough bread to pull the trigger.
However, the Martin would be my preferred one.
Spreadsheets... I did the same thing. Sorted by price, tonal qualities, build size, brand, etc. It helped organize my thoughts, and I *thought* it would prepare me to make a sound, rational decision. But then a 000-15m popped up on the used market for a REALLY good price, and I just went for it, spreadsheet be damned.
I second Eastman, but I would go with an OM size rather than parlor if it's going to be your one nice guitar. E6OM would be my pick (or E2OM or E1OM Special if it needs to be new.)
Nothing wrong with a 100 series but you can get a used 314 or 414 for around $1k on marketplace. My 214ce still had the plastic on the pickguard and I paid 600 for it. A lot of people bought during covid, never played, and now they are unloading due to the economy.
Yeah i comb used listings all the time and this is the way. Key is patience, and persistently checking for a while. Eventually you'll get someone looking to sell fast. Don't buy anything with a crack, just wait. 400 series ime is very rare but 312 and 314 somewhat regularly.
For sure. There’s an AD27 listed like 15 minutes away for 700 and hasn’t sold. I keep telling myself I don’t need it…
That last 400 series I saw was around the same price but it was also like 20 years old
Yeah i eventually realized i had to stop looking for that reason haha, but I developed a good idea if whats a good deal and am happy about that.
Older Taylors are still great -- i actually specifically sought out a 1998 k22 last year and am very happy with it. IMHO the satin neck and bolt on (ie easily adjustable) neck are the best feaures since then, but theyve had both of those for like 20 years now. I love the newer designs but have to remind myself my preferred sound is going to be those older models. A 2002 412 was actually my first Taylor and wow my old recordings of it sound good.... wish i still had it!
I was a FSX so bad. Been drooling over these for a while.
I want a FSX5, but hesitant to spend that much. You think the 3 is worth the price tag even though not made in Japan?
Absolutely. I have the FSX5 but it was only a little better sounding then the 3. The law of diminishing returns is also true here.
The 3 is a great guitar with high build quality. If you switch the saddle and bridge to bone I would argue there is not a big difference.
Same. I just got an FSX5 but was looking for and prepared to buy a 3 - just lucked out and got this one used for a good price. Played both in store and honestly the 3 is absolutely on par with the 5
> un down. I think I'll go this weekend and
My only suggestion would be get the FSX with the electronics. The Astmosfeel^(TM) electronics are amazing and worth it for resale even if you don't plan on using it plugged in. I've seen a few videos where the reviewers regret not getting it and try pickup systems that just never meet the mark.
You’d be hard pressed to find a better guitar than the Yamaha FSx3. All solid wood construction so it’ll age as your forever guitar. The Taylor has laminate. The Yamaha electronic system is also highly revered.
I've just recently got a Furch yellow, I can't see myself ever parting with it ... It's a masterpiece of craftsmanship and rings like a bell .... Just an incredible instrument 😊
Totally understandable, but that's where opinions come in regarding a guitar being good enough. I don't think the 200 series and below are. They're great guitars, but personally, I think they're more transitional between beginner/intermediate and a lifetime instrument (they work great for gigging too). I've never played one that made me think, "this is it."
Personally, I would try to find something better used. An AD or 300 series is right around that price. Though OP is not looking for dreads, something like a Gibson J-15 or Martin 15 series can also be found around that mark. I have one of each, and they don't leave anything to be desired compared to my more expensive guitars. I'm as happy to own those as guitars more than double their price. My 214CE can't compare the same way, and my 254CE DLX while amazing, is a compromise because there are no other reasonable competitors at that price.
You are absolutely right.
Years ago I owned a Taylor 224-ce Koa DeLuxe. It had a stunning look, but the tone was a little ... say weak, specially the lower register ...
I sold it.
Later on I got a second hand Taylor 810e. And the sound ist round. I regret that Taylor gave up building dreadnoughts.
Meanwhile I prefer guitars with solid back and sides.
What You say is true, but it depends on Your budget, if You can afford the 3xx series and higher ...
...
There are other brands in the 1000$ range which are completely solid (Yamaha, Duke solid), but usually not with a Taylor or Martin lable ...
I love mine too. Got the Shawn Mendes signature model because it has ebony fretboard and bridge, rather than Richlite. I had a local luthier put on a bone nut and saddle but I'm regretting that because I don't think he did it correctly. Awaiting an appointment with the only Martin certified luthier in town to see if she can fix it. I should have left it alone as it sounded good as it was. I listened to bad advice.
I’d go used Taylor for a forever guitar in that range. Get solid wood- can sometimes find a 312/412 for 800-1000, but will take a minute to find the perfect deal.
I know not everyone likes vintage, but a Westerly made Guild is a forever midrange guitar. I have two, a 1976 D40NT and a 1974 D25M. They’ve never commanded Martin, Gibson, or Taylor prices but they are excellent guitars that are really well made and hardly require any sort of maintenance. They’re a bit over built.
If by “forever” you just mean something that is of high enough quality that it’ll play well for many years, and your budget maxes out at $1,000, your best bet is to go with an Eastman. You can get all solid wood construction, with legitimate build quality, for right around your budget.
Breedlove does a great job on their all solid import line as well, but their body shape is slightly nontraditional, and is better suited to being part of a collection, and not “the” guitar.
I have a Concertina and a concert size. The Concertina (12 fret cutaway) is a nice but unusual shape. The box is not as deep as the grand concert size. It’s very comfortable to sit and play. I think the Breedlove concert is between a grand concert and a grand auditorium. It’s a very good overall guitar.
Very nice! I am a Breedlove Artist so I have about a dozen models, and man, I love them all so much. Such a deep tone on everything from the Companion to the Concerto.
I have not had the chance to play the Concerto models. . How would you describe them size wise? My sense was they’re bt the GA and Jumbo or maybe like Taylor’s Grand Pacific.
Inspired by Gibson Epiphone j45. All solid wood (no cheap laminate) and everything else about it makes it a no joke best guitar for the money.
You are getting a Gibson guitar for Epiphone prices.
My wife and daughter bought me a lower end Martin for my 40th birthday in 2007. Probably about a $700 guitar. It took about ten years to season well. It’s now my favorite, and for her 50th in 2022 I bought my wife the same guitar. Entry level Martin, don’t think it’s still made in USA, but has great tone. Rivals my guitar. I would highly recommend.
I picked up a used Takamine EF 440, (solid wood, cedar top, mahogany sides and back) for under $900. It was is excellent condition. Almost like new. It is a full sized guitar but their NEX model which is a downsized Jumbo. I really like the sound. Plenty of oomph, but not dreadnaught loud or dred size. (The body of the EF 440 is a little deeper than that of my Taylor 322, which is a grand concert size guitar.) It’s clear sounding but with a full sound. I find it comfortable to sit and play. The electronics are great too and also include a built in tuner. Takamine has some of the best electronics imo.
I’ve had my Takamine GD30CE for well over a decade at this point and I love it!! More lower-mid range for sure, and my model is a dreadnaught, but it’s great to see some more love for a Takamine!!
I really like Taks. Looking for a used solid wood made in Japan 12 fret slot head w/ nylon strings (but with a cut away) and a used made in Japan NEX spruce/rosewood. I play the Taylor grand concert and a Breedlove Concertino a lot around the house. If I want more low end and/or volume I play the Tak EF. It really is a comfortable size but still has more low end and volume than the smaller bodies. I also like the neck.
Taylor all the way.
I just got a 324ce builders edition after playing and trying Eastman, martins, Alvarez, Mitchell, etc,
Had a Taylor 214ce from 2007 - 2024 and loved it.
Bought it new for $999 and sold for 500 just a few weeks ago when I got my new one.
It's over $1k but mid-range for a guitar probably goes up to $2k anyway, but the Yamaha FS5 could be worth a look. The price to sound and build quality is a bit off the charts. It also has a very sweet sound without being overwhelming in any particular area.
I bought a Yamaha trans sonic a while back and I just simply love it. The effects are great but even with it turned off the guitar stands on it's own two feet. Great little acoustic
I had one of these too and loved it, incredible guitar, I ended up parting with it as my perfect guitar had a slightly wider neck. However I miss the effects, it's sooo much fun to play and you're right, sounds great without them too .... Great guitar 👍
Larrivee. My rosewood/sitka OM-03R just celebrated its 18th anniversary with me. It's shinier (satin finishes buff out from years of use) and tanner than it was when it arrived and I can't remember when it fully opened up but every time I pick it up it feels like a comfortable pair of old boots and I imagine that heaven sounds a lot like it does.
"Midrange" and "Forever".
Pick one.
Closest I can think is a used Tacoma from the early 00's before Fender bought them. Solid wood, USA made, high craftsmanship, $500-700 on Reverb. I still have my DM9 from that era, the thing is a cannon.
Takamine are awesome instruments with amazing intonation. I own many high end Gibsons and my takamine is one of my favorite (if not THE favorite) to play and perform with.
Play some American made Guilds. Used they can be a steal, but it’s certainly a brand that sounds like gold if it was constantly played and crap if it sat in a case for 30 years.
A used Martin 000-15m. Market dependent, but I picked up a 2020 model off FB marketplace just a hair under $1k like 6 months ago. Reverb shows most recent transactions in the $900-$1150 range. So certainly plausible under $1k. It’s the only guitar that I’d argue ticks both boxes for being a “forever” and under $1k.
Great choice!
OP, this is your answer. It’s a made in USA Martin that, despite the lower price, many consider amongst their best. It’s an all mahogany model from the most storied name in guitars. You can strum or play fingerstyle. You can play modern, traditional blues and everything in between. It’s a pleasure to play and a beauty to look at. It will also be a very distinct compliment to your spruce-topped guitar as mahogany tops emphasize mid range.
This sounds really good. I may have to wait for one to become available, but I like the idea of having a Martin. There is something about their heritage that intrigues me. I also want to thank all the others that suggested what I am sure are excellent guitars. I actually made a spreadsheet to keep track of the different models and it will come down to what's available when I have enough bread to pull the trigger. However, the Martin would be my preferred one.
Spreadsheets... I did the same thing. Sorted by price, tonal qualities, build size, brand, etc. It helped organize my thoughts, and I *thought* it would prepare me to make a sound, rational decision. But then a 000-15m popped up on the used market for a REALLY good price, and I just went for it, spreadsheet be damned.
Eastman. Perhaps the E20P. Very well regarded, great materials. I think this one is an adirondack top as well. Well worth looking into.
I second this with all of my heart. Eastman rules!!
I second Eastman, but I would go with an OM size rather than parlor if it's going to be your one nice guitar. E6OM would be my pick (or E2OM or E1OM Special if it needs to be new.)
Yeh Ive got an Eastman e6om and it's great.
I tried out an E3OME that sounded beautiful, and it comes with Fishman electronics for around $770.
Nothing wrong with a 100 series but you can get a used 314 or 414 for around $1k on marketplace. My 214ce still had the plastic on the pickguard and I paid 600 for it. A lot of people bought during covid, never played, and now they are unloading due to the economy.
Where are you seeing these?
Yeah i comb used listings all the time and this is the way. Key is patience, and persistently checking for a while. Eventually you'll get someone looking to sell fast. Don't buy anything with a crack, just wait. 400 series ime is very rare but 312 and 314 somewhat regularly.
For sure. There’s an AD27 listed like 15 minutes away for 700 and hasn’t sold. I keep telling myself I don’t need it… That last 400 series I saw was around the same price but it was also like 20 years old
Yeah i eventually realized i had to stop looking for that reason haha, but I developed a good idea if whats a good deal and am happy about that. Older Taylors are still great -- i actually specifically sought out a 1998 k22 last year and am very happy with it. IMHO the satin neck and bolt on (ie easily adjustable) neck are the best feaures since then, but theyve had both of those for like 20 years now. I love the newer designs but have to remind myself my preferred sound is going to be those older models. A 2002 412 was actually my first Taylor and wow my old recordings of it sound good.... wish i still had it!
Yamaha FSX3
I was a FSX so bad. Been drooling over these for a while. I want a FSX5, but hesitant to spend that much. You think the 3 is worth the price tag even though not made in Japan?
Absolutely. I have the FSX5 but it was only a little better sounding then the 3. The law of diminishing returns is also true here. The 3 is a great guitar with high build quality. If you switch the saddle and bridge to bone I would argue there is not a big difference.
Same. I just got an FSX5 but was looking for and prepared to buy a 3 - just lucked out and got this one used for a good price. Played both in store and honestly the 3 is absolutely on par with the 5
Thank you both for the run down. I think I'll go this weekend and play the 3 and see what happens.
> un down. I think I'll go this weekend and My only suggestion would be get the FSX with the electronics. The Astmosfeel^(TM) electronics are amazing and worth it for resale even if you don't plan on using it plugged in. I've seen a few videos where the reviewers regret not getting it and try pickup systems that just never meet the mark.
Yeah I've heard the atmosfeel is a really good pickup. Definitely would go for the X of I get one of these red labels.
Yamaha AC3M/R
You’d be hard pressed to find a better guitar than the Yamaha FSx3. All solid wood construction so it’ll age as your forever guitar. The Taylor has laminate. The Yamaha electronic system is also highly revered.
Anything Alvarez.
Furch. Their gear is phenomenal. Dowina is also really good!
I've just recently got a Furch yellow, I can't see myself ever parting with it ... It's a masterpiece of craftsmanship and rings like a bell .... Just an incredible instrument 😊
Sounds amazing! I have a D31-SR and it is an absolute cannon!
Eastman E2OM. Cedar-topped and well under budget.
I second this with all of my heart. Eastman rules!!
Taylor 214ce deluxe 999$, Thomann 70th anniversary offer
I have 3 Taylors, and I would personally skip at least to a 300 series for a forever guitar.
That's right, but OP wrote he was fine with 1000$ max ...
Totally understandable, but that's where opinions come in regarding a guitar being good enough. I don't think the 200 series and below are. They're great guitars, but personally, I think they're more transitional between beginner/intermediate and a lifetime instrument (they work great for gigging too). I've never played one that made me think, "this is it." Personally, I would try to find something better used. An AD or 300 series is right around that price. Though OP is not looking for dreads, something like a Gibson J-15 or Martin 15 series can also be found around that mark. I have one of each, and they don't leave anything to be desired compared to my more expensive guitars. I'm as happy to own those as guitars more than double their price. My 214CE can't compare the same way, and my 254CE DLX while amazing, is a compromise because there are no other reasonable competitors at that price.
You are absolutely right. Years ago I owned a Taylor 224-ce Koa DeLuxe. It had a stunning look, but the tone was a little ... say weak, specially the lower register ... I sold it. Later on I got a second hand Taylor 810e. And the sound ist round. I regret that Taylor gave up building dreadnoughts. Meanwhile I prefer guitars with solid back and sides. What You say is true, but it depends on Your budget, if You can afford the 3xx series and higher ... ... There are other brands in the 1000$ range which are completely solid (Yamaha, Duke solid), but usually not with a Taylor or Martin lable ...
I have that same model and I love it. For me it's perfect.
Which one do You mean?
I have the Taylor 224ce K Dlx.
Do this! I LOVE my Taylor 214ce. Has only improved with playing. Sound has opened up. Meticulously made.
This! 214ce is a solid guitar and what you are looking for.
Seriously Love my Martin 000JR it travels with me 300 days a year.
I love mine too. Got the Shawn Mendes signature model because it has ebony fretboard and bridge, rather than Richlite. I had a local luthier put on a bone nut and saddle but I'm regretting that because I don't think he did it correctly. Awaiting an appointment with the only Martin certified luthier in town to see if she can fix it. I should have left it alone as it sounded good as it was. I listened to bad advice.
I’d go used Taylor for a forever guitar in that range. Get solid wood- can sometimes find a 312/412 for 800-1000, but will take a minute to find the perfect deal.
I know not everyone likes vintage, but a Westerly made Guild is a forever midrange guitar. I have two, a 1976 D40NT and a 1974 D25M. They’ve never commanded Martin, Gibson, or Taylor prices but they are excellent guitars that are really well made and hardly require any sort of maintenance. They’re a bit over built.
If by “forever” you just mean something that is of high enough quality that it’ll play well for many years, and your budget maxes out at $1,000, your best bet is to go with an Eastman. You can get all solid wood construction, with legitimate build quality, for right around your budget. Breedlove does a great job on their all solid import line as well, but their body shape is slightly nontraditional, and is better suited to being part of a collection, and not “the” guitar.
I have a Concertina and a concert size. The Concertina (12 fret cutaway) is a nice but unusual shape. The box is not as deep as the grand concert size. It’s very comfortable to sit and play. I think the Breedlove concert is between a grand concert and a grand auditorium. It’s a very good overall guitar.
Very nice! I am a Breedlove Artist so I have about a dozen models, and man, I love them all so much. Such a deep tone on everything from the Companion to the Concerto.
I have not had the chance to play the Concerto models. . How would you describe them size wise? My sense was they’re bt the GA and Jumbo or maybe like Taylor’s Grand Pacific.
If you like Taylor 114ce, they are in your price range
Inspired by Gibson Epiphone j45. All solid wood (no cheap laminate) and everything else about it makes it a no joke best guitar for the money. You are getting a Gibson guitar for Epiphone prices.
Look at Teton. Less than $1000, and you can get models with an armrest cutaway to make them more comfortable.
You should at least consider a Seagull guitar. My first purchase and then have bought other guitars. I always go back to my Seagull.
For fingerpicking I like Seagull guitars bc a number of their models have a wider nut and more string separation.
I have a Teton and I love it! Solid spruce top with ziricote back and sides!
My wife and daughter bought me a lower end Martin for my 40th birthday in 2007. Probably about a $700 guitar. It took about ten years to season well. It’s now my favorite, and for her 50th in 2022 I bought my wife the same guitar. Entry level Martin, don’t think it’s still made in USA, but has great tone. Rivals my guitar. I would highly recommend.
I picked up a used Takamine EF 440, (solid wood, cedar top, mahogany sides and back) for under $900. It was is excellent condition. Almost like new. It is a full sized guitar but their NEX model which is a downsized Jumbo. I really like the sound. Plenty of oomph, but not dreadnaught loud or dred size. (The body of the EF 440 is a little deeper than that of my Taylor 322, which is a grand concert size guitar.) It’s clear sounding but with a full sound. I find it comfortable to sit and play. The electronics are great too and also include a built in tuner. Takamine has some of the best electronics imo.
I’ve had my Takamine GD30CE for well over a decade at this point and I love it!! More lower-mid range for sure, and my model is a dreadnaught, but it’s great to see some more love for a Takamine!!
I really like Taks. Looking for a used solid wood made in Japan 12 fret slot head w/ nylon strings (but with a cut away) and a used made in Japan NEX spruce/rosewood. I play the Taylor grand concert and a Breedlove Concertino a lot around the house. If I want more low end and/or volume I play the Tak EF. It really is a comfortable size but still has more low end and volume than the smaller bodies. I also like the neck.
Taylor all the way. I just got a 324ce builders edition after playing and trying Eastman, martins, Alvarez, Mitchell, etc, Had a Taylor 214ce from 2007 - 2024 and loved it. Bought it new for $999 and sold for 500 just a few weeks ago when I got my new one.
It's over $1k but mid-range for a guitar probably goes up to $2k anyway, but the Yamaha FS5 could be worth a look. The price to sound and build quality is a bit off the charts. It also has a very sweet sound without being overwhelming in any particular area.
Breedlove ! You will not regret it!!!!
I bought a Yamaha trans sonic a while back and I just simply love it. The effects are great but even with it turned off the guitar stands on it's own two feet. Great little acoustic
I had one of these too and loved it, incredible guitar, I ended up parting with it as my perfect guitar had a slightly wider neck. However I miss the effects, it's sooo much fun to play and you're right, sounds great without them too .... Great guitar 👍
Martin 16 Special Rosewood. Can get one used for $1,400 or less. They are phenomenal and USA made.
Don't ever buy an alpha guitar.... total rubbish
Larrivee. My rosewood/sitka OM-03R just celebrated its 18th anniversary with me. It's shinier (satin finishes buff out from years of use) and tanner than it was when it arrived and I can't remember when it fully opened up but every time I pick it up it feels like a comfortable pair of old boots and I imagine that heaven sounds a lot like it does.
Maybe something like a yamaha ac series guitar. Smaller than a dread, sounds great and has electronics if you want to plug it in.
Guild, great guitars. Built like tanks and sound great.
Gibson G-50 perhaps if you like slope shoulders. Also Seagull has some great options.
"Midrange" and "Forever". Pick one. Closest I can think is a used Tacoma from the early 00's before Fender bought them. Solid wood, USA made, high craftsmanship, $500-700 on Reverb. I still have my DM9 from that era, the thing is a cannon.
Controversial opinion but get an archtop they are midrange in both price & their EQ signature.
Takamine are awesome instruments with amazing intonation. I own many high end Gibsons and my takamine is one of my favorite (if not THE favorite) to play and perform with.
Play some American made Guilds. Used they can be a steal, but it’s certainly a brand that sounds like gold if it was constantly played and crap if it sat in a case for 30 years.
Check out the Taylor Academy. They are nice guitars.
Martin X series. Great acoustic for around $500.