[shamster]

Just wondering what sound qualities you look for in an acoustic guitar.
I know some things are subjective. For instance, I personally like a bright sound with singing highs (a little bit "twangy"), but others may prefer a bassier sound.
But most important to me, regardless of subjective issues, is if it sings and projects well. So many guitars just sound dead and muffled to me.

Speaking of that, what is a good guitar for under $400 that really sings well? My friend is looking for one, but I'm having a hard time finding one for him that I like. My Epiphone PR350 has a pretty decent bright sound for a $250 guitar, but all the cheaper guitars these days sound kinda dead to me.

[Aaron]

Originally posted by shamster
Speaking of that, what is a good guitar for under $400 that really sings well? My friend is looking for one, but I'm having a hard time finding one for him that I like. My Epiphone PR350 has a pretty decent bright sound for a $250 guitar, but all the cheaper guitars these days sound kinda dead to me.

Try a Taylor Big Baby.

I'm big on how a guitar looks. I do care about sound a lot but I hate plain looking guitars. I like lot's of abalone around the soundhole, fret markers, Taylor logo, (lol)...... I also like the Taylor bridge. It has more of a curve than like the Martin bridge. I also like the Taylor headstock. Not to pick on Martin again but I really don't like the flat headstock. I also look for good (onboard) electronics. I look for wood also. Seems like too many guitars are Mahogany. I also like a gloss finish. I think that's about it. I'll let ya know if I think of anything else. lol

Aaron

[brandontmilan]

i'd say go with a takamine, i've got one, a few people i know have them, i've never played one i didn't like... you can get a g-series for about 350 with a pickup, probably much less without...

[Laceratus]

I have a $200 Epiphone...the best acoustic I have ever played. It totally kicks the $900 Martin that I have played in the butt.

[flig_chris]

Originally posted by Aaron

...Taylor logo...

I was going to say that Aaron only looked for the Taylor logo but he already beat me to it!

Chris

[R2D2]

The number one thing I look for in a guitar is good intonation. If the intonation sucks, you'll never be able to get the guitar in tune. Many people don't notice it when a guitar is slightly out of tune, but after six years of playing guitar, my ear has developed to the point to where I can tell if a guitar is the tiniest bit out of tune, and it annoys the heck out of me. I just can't enjoy the music if it's out of tune.

Secondly, I look for playability. No matter how nice the guitar sounds, if it doesn't play great, you're not going to enjoy it that much. If you have two guitars, one that's very playable but a little lacking in tone, and one that has incredible tone, but is a butt to play, you'll probably end up playing the more playable one.

Third, good tone. This is largely subjective, so you have to decide for yourself what your idea of good tone is.

Also, options are important. Cutaway or not? What kind of electronics? Laminated wood or solid top? Try to avoid laminated guitars. Solid tops sound much better and last longer, but they cost more. It's worth the cost though.

[Rhythm_guy]

Laminated wood or solid top? Try to avoid laminated guitars. Solid tops sound much better and last longer, but they cost more. It's worth the cost though.

Amen R2D2!

The single biggest factor in acoustics is a solid top. It is critical to the vibrations that make the sound - a solid piece of wood vibrates better than several pieces of wood laminated together. With age a solid top will sound better, while a plywood top will always sound dead.

Somebody mentioned a cheaper guitar sounding better than a more expensive guitar - check the top. Solid tops sound better. Doesn't matter what tone you're looking for, the brightness of maple or rich fullness of rosewood, the "soundboard" makes all the difference.

[Aaron]

Originally posted by R2D2
Secondly, I look for playability. No matter how nice the guitar sounds, if it doesn't play great, you're not going to enjoy it that much.

Big factor for me!

Aaron

[GMartin2R]

Originally posted by Roring Lams
I have a $200 Epiphone...the best acoustic I have ever played. It totally kicks the $900 Martin that I have played in the butt.

that could be the configuration too as well as the build.

[thrice_denied]

I myself not only look at the guitar itself. There are many things that can change the sound other than the actual guitar. I own a Johnson guitar. Not too flashy and not expensive at all. Though I have experimented with this guitar with different things. For instance the largest is the strings. I have played several different and several types of strings and depending on what I have on it, I can make it sound light and bright to dark and heavy and everything in between. But also what I love to hear in an acoustic that is music to my ears is what kind of wood it is made of. What I looked for when I picked up my acoustic, I went not only by price but I love how the guitar felt when I held it. It was really comfortable when I held it. Thats pretty much how I chose my guitar.

Thanks,

[GMartin2R]

Originally posted by thrice_denied
I myself not only look at the guitar itself. There are many things that can change the sound other than the actual guitar. I own a Johnson guitar. Not too flashy and not expensive at all. Though I have experimented with this guitar with different things. For instance the largest is the strings. I have played several different and several types of strings and depending on what I have on it, I can make it sound light and bright to dark and heavy and everything in between. But also what I love to hear in an acoustic that is music to my ears is what kind of wood it is made of. What I looked for when I picked up my acoustic, I went not only by price but I love how the guitar felt when I held it. It was really comfortable when I held it. Thats pretty much how I chose my guitar.

Thanks,

good way of doing it. important part of the selection process...

trying the guitars you think you want.

[MikeyStix]

i always look for my pick. I keep losing it in the soundhole.

[nestamanchris]

The first thing I'll notice is how it looks; that's what originally drew me to a Taylor. How it feels in my arms, plays with my hands and sounds to my ears are the biggest factors, though. All four of those fell into place perfectly with the guitar I ended up getting. When you find a great guitar (in your own opinion of course) you just know it.

[BowoW]

i need good electrics, that's why i love taylors.. not only cuz they're sweet guitars with great tone.. but those fisherman electrics they have on it.
And for that same reason.. is why i don't like the church's acoustic. It's a Martin DCME, not too shabby. pretty pricy, but it has the WORST (in my opinion) electrics i've seen in a while. It only has 3 sliders; bass, treble, volume. i think that's just terrible.
to me.. electrics.. can really change the sound of a guitar in a way.

BTW.. a good amp can MAYBE take care of that problem, but wouldn't it just be better to get a better pickup?

-jamie

[Aaron]

Originally posted by BowoW
i need good electrics, that's why i love taylors.. not only cuz they're sweet guitars with great tone.. but those fisherman electrics they have on it.
And for that same reason.. is why i don't like the church's acoustic. It's a Martin DCME, not too shabby. pretty pricy, but it has the WORST (in my opinion) electrics i've seen in a while. It only has 3 sliders; bass, treble, volume. i think that's just terrible.
to me.. electrics.. can really change the sound of a guitar in a way.

BTW.. a good amp can MAYBE take care of that problem, but wouldn't it just be better to get a better pickup?

-jamie

Amen!