Topic: Any Suggestions For New Mid-Price Guitar??

[Blue in VT]

Howdy all,

I am a new figerpicker...been playing for about a year now...and my first guitar, a cheap Alvarez Regent Series, is about to lose its bridge...its quickly coming unglued!  Anyway, not wanting to put a lot of money into fixing a $150 guitar I'm starting to look for a slightly better instrument and was hoping you all had some suggestions.  I would like it to be in $500 to $700 range...I'm not good enough to justify anything better...yet.  Several Friends have suggested the upper end of the Epiphone series...and I played around alittle with a Taylor 100 the other day that was really nice and surprisingly fairly affordable c.$600.

What do you all suggest?

thanks for your help

Blue in VT

[GhostRider]

Howdy:

I think for the money, you can't beat Larrivee. I see basically new (1-3 years old) Larrivee short scale parlor guitars go for $4-500 on ebay all the time. I think that these would be great for CB.

Alex

[Stuart]

I'll second that. Although I don't own one, Larrivee builds a solid guitar for the money. The "used but virtually new" market on eBay sounds like just the ticket. You should keep your eyes open for local deals, but having lived in Burlington and Middlebury I know that--at least in the past--there wasn't a large used instrument market in Vermont. Your budget is important, but if you see something that really grabs you, jump on it. Those of us who have been around the block a few times know first hand what this form of the "Hesitation Blues" is all about. In addition, don't worry about being a new fingerpicker--we were all new fingerpickers at one point. Look ahead a few years and get something good. You don't want to end up spending the same "guitar money" twice.

[Blue in VT]

Thanks for the advice guys...I guess the idea of slightly used hadn't really crossed my mind but it is probably a great way to get something that might be slightly out of my price range if i bought it new.  Buying from ebay scares me alittle...do you'll have any experience in doing so?

Stuart-
I am completely unaware of the used market...as it is in VT, I live in Vergennes, any suggestions of where to look?  Also while I have your ear...are you familiar with any decent fingerpicking instructors around here.

thanks again,

Blue in VT

[markm]

Larrivee is a great suggestion.  Seagull is another great guitar for the money.  Either the Grand (parlor size) or the S6 Folk are great for fingerstyle.  Solid Cedar or Spruce top and their Godin's own homegrown cherry, which they laminate for the sides and back.  Nice wide neck (except the Grand).  I just saw a cutaway yesterday with electronics for about $550.00.  I have purchased several Seagulls over the years and have always been impressed with the quality for price ratio.

Epiphone has not really impressed me. 

You can even find a used Martin for the price you are talking about but for that price range I would try it first. 

Mark McDonald

[uncle bud]

Hi Blue,

Not sure where Vergennes is in relation to Brattleboro, VT, but have you checked Maple Leaf Music there? They sell Larrivees (as well as some high end stuff like Collings). They also sell used instruments. They currently have a new Larrivee OM-03 http://www.mapleleafmusic.com/photoshow.cfm?ins=983.

They also have an older Harmony, solid mahogany, spruce top, that you might want to ask about, for $395. I'd try to pay less than that for it, and would want to play it first, but it could be a good blues box. http://www.mapleleafmusic.com/photoshow.cfm?ins=1055

They're not sure of it's vintage and neither am I. I'm no expert but I don't think it's from the 40s though.

The neck might be an issue for you. A lot of Taylors have narrow profile modern necks, and Larrivees can be fairly narrow as well (though less so than Taylors in my experience). These are comfortable in some respects but getting used to a thicker neck like this Harmony is likely to have can be very worthwhile in the long run, especially for playing this kind of music.

Edited to add: I should mention that I have a Larrivee OM, and it is a great little box. You should feel very confident buying a Larrivee, I prefer them to Taylors, and they blow things like Epiphone out of the water.
UB

[GhostRider]

Hi:

In dealing with guitars on ebay, you have less risk with "late models" ie. fairly new ones. I have had had no bad experiances buying  guitars under 10 years old.

Alex

[Blue in VT]

Brattleboro is a bit of a hike but not unbearable...especially to look at some quality guitars like these...I really like the look of that larivee.  can you give me some more info on why it would be better to get used to a thicker neck style...just because more vintage guitars are likely to have that style?  

Even if I decide to go with a Larivee from the net it sure would be nice to have held...and heard...one before taking the plunge.

thanks for all the feed back...you've all given me alot to think about

I see a roadtrip in my future!

Blue in VT

[Stuart]

Hi Blue:

I haven't lived in Vermont for over 25 years, so I'm not much help re: fingerstyle teachers in the vicinity of Vergennes. From what I hear Burlington has changed so much that you actually might find someone up there if you look hard enough.

I agree with Uncle Bud about an OM being a good choice. They have a little more punch than a OOO due to their longer scale length. You should be able to find one on eBay if you are patient. I've heard of Maple Leaf Music and in addition, I have a friend who plays guitar who has a house outside of Rutland. The next time I talk to him, I'll ask him if he knows of any music shops worth recommending.

It is certainly more comfortable to buy a guitar that you have played, but as Alex mentions, the newer used models seem to be safer bets if you are going to be buying through eBay.

Another avenue might be to get a copy of Acoustic Guitar and call around to the various shops that advertise in the back pages. They might just have something used on the shelf that someone has traded in for a different model. As an aside, when I was at the Martin factory several years ago I had a chat with one of the Customer Service people. He remarked that some people "go through guitars like they do cars--or wives and husbands" (his words). The result is that there are a lot of used guitar bargains out there. An instrument that someone would be perfectly happy with for a lifetime is someone else's reject. IMHO more of a comment on human nature than on musical instruments. So look around, keep your eyes open, and above all, be patient.

[NotRevGDavis]

Hey Blue,
As far as a nice sounding instrument I would also recommend Larrivee Guitars, the 03 models are very well built guitars for a very good price and their customer service is excellent. I visited the factory in Vancouver where the 03 series is built and was impressed with the assembly process.

At the Larrivee Forum there is a used 2002 Larrivee OM-04 for $650.
You might also want to check with Jason at Notable Guitars he is very helpful when buying and trading guitars. He has some OM03R's at a discount right now and he may have some trade ins.
Another possibility for a mid price guitar would be a Martin 000-15S another great guitar at a good price.
Good luck with your search,
Gary

[Parlor Picker]

Just to echo what has already been said - a couple of years ago I bought a Larriv?e Rosewood Parlor on eBay and had it shipped over to the UK.  I was attracted to it because the seller gave a comprehensive description, including mentioning a slight ding on the back of the neck that was invisible to the eye, but which you could just feel with your finger.  He also included lots of photos and you could tell from the description that he knew about guitars, and was not some fly-by-night trying it on.

It arrived in a superb TKL hard case, beautifully packaged and in perfect condition.  The total cost for guitar, shipping, insurance & tax was around 400 pounds.  The list price for a new one (if you could find one) in the UK at the time was 800 pounds with a soft case.

The guitar is excellent.  As you often read on the internet, the Larriv?e Parlor guitars are second-to-none.  The woods and workmanship are impeccable.  My only issue personally is that whilst it has a wide fretboard, the neck is a little shallow.  I have longish fingers, so prefer a bit more "meat" to get hold of.  However, I'm happy to put up with this and play the Larry alongside my other two guitars.  Also, I think it is important for a small-bodied guitar like this to have 12 frets to the body, as it means the bridge is positioned at the widest part of the top, thus making it work more.

I have to agree though, if you can try out the guitars in a store, you will find out what suits YOU and that is most important.  Listen to other people's opinions (and there are clearly some highly qualified Weenies out there), but at the end of the day you have to play the thing, so go for something you like (which includes not being swayed by a particular brand name).

Good luck and let your fellow Weenies know what you eventually buy.

[Blue in VT]

Weenie's

Allright!!!  thanks for all the wonderfull suggestions...I have some homework to do, all this new terminology is daunting. Is there a good resource to clarify all the size differences (000, 0M, etc.) that someone can suggest?

As I mentioned I have only begun my quest in the fingerpicking world...but I'm seriously hooked.  Anyway...now I have more questions than I started out with...though progress is being made.  Larrivee is sounding better and better, and ebay doesn't seem quite as scary.  I think that the Larrivee forum, mentioned by NotRevGDavis will be a wonderful resource.  The notable guitars website also has some great guitars for sale most out of my price range but fun to look at...and something may come up

I have never played a parlor guitar before...they look quite small...which seems more comfortable but I would defiantly want to try one out.  The OM-Larrivee's, seem to my untrained eye, to be more similar to the Alvarez I've been playing and may be more of an all purpose instrument?

Whats everyones feelings on 12-frets over 14.  Seems the parlors only have 12...right now I don't play any songs where I need more neck space than that but will I in the future...who knows.

Thanks again for all the feed back...All these new resources will take some time to investigate.  Patience is a virtue...I'll keep my eyes peeled and start saving my pennies.

Cheers,


Blue in VT

[Pan]

Hi Blue in VT

One place where different guitar sizes are explained is this: http://www.torvund.net/guitar/equipment/Guitars_Acoustic.asp.
I'm sure there are others, maybe better ones, but with this I came across first.

Cheers, Pan

[Stuart]

Hi Blue:

I spoke to my friend in the Rutland area and he said that you might look at some of the music stores in New Hampshire--the ones that are right across the border. He said West Lebanon might be worth a look. He also mentioned an authorized Martin repair facility, "The Violin Shop" (802-254-5525) that just might be able to generate a few leads. Hope this helps.

[Blue in VT]

Weenies,

Thanks Pan...that site is very helpfull...all this discussion make a lot more sense

Thanks Stuart...the violin shop will certainly beorth a call and the shops in NH would be only a slight diversion from my Brattleborro road trip.

Cheers,


Blue

[Doug]

I would definitely recommend playing a few guitars of the kind you're thinking of before buying...  A trip into a music store with a good selection of guitars is worth the time and money, just to sample the differences that are out there.  Buying on-line is fine, if you know what you're buying, but (at least to me) a guitar that "fits" is such a personal thing, that I'm not sure I would be happy buying on someone else's recommendations.  (On the other hand, I did blindly buy a resonator off of e-bay, and I like it, but I wasn't real picky...)

I bought my latest guitar in September, and I went down to Vancouver (BC, Canada),  where the music store had a room full of Larrivee's.  I played lots of them (mostly without considering the price tags), and they were nice guitars, but I didn't think there was anything special there.  They just didn't click with me.  I went into another room, and tried out some Martins and Taylors, and found something that suited me and that I fell in love with.  (It's not a bluesy guitar, but it's a sweet one...  It was a nylon-stringed Taylor)

That's not to say Larrivee doesn't build good guitars.  They do.  But I would definitely try a few of them before you rush out and buy one -- both to see if they build a good guitar for you, and to see which of their good guitars best suits you.

Just my two cents,

Doug

[PiedmontBlues]

Hello Blue in VT,

Great advice on this thread. Now, regarding 12 vs. 14 frets... I'd go for the 14 frets because a 14 fret guitar will give you more options. For example, if you ever need to play that far up the neck, having 2 extra frets is very convenient. Also, and more importantly, if you want to sing while you play, having the extra frets gives you more options for capoing the guitar to match your voice without making it sound like a banjo. But, of course, you've got to go with something that really feels and sounds right for you.

[Blue in VT]

Weenies,

Well I've been poking around here without a whole lot of luck but I think I'm narrowing things down.  My goal will be either a 000 or 0M size guitar with a 14 fret neck (thanks for your input on this Piedmont) hopefully made of solid wood throughout.  I'll be poking around for a used one here and watching the online market places as well.

One quick question about the OM's is the fretboard slightly wider on these?  Is that a good thing or a bad thing?  what do youa'll think

Blue

[Stuart]

Hi Blue:

As it sounds like you are going to be looking for a used guitar--and perhaps not playing it first, I would recommend that you heed the old saying, "One accurate measurement is worth a thousand expert opinions." Try to play a few new ones, find the one that feels the best to YOUR HANDS, measure the neck at the nut, and makes sure that when you buy one it matches the specs. There are always possible variations, so it is best to make sure that you get what is right for you.

I like the wider neck--but I'm not going to be playing your guitar full time.

[Blue in VT]

Weenies-

I thought I would give youa'll a quick update on my search for a new axe.  I've been to a few shops and played a few guitars and now have a slightly better idea of where I'm headed.  I most recently played a couple of the 15 series Martins and particularly liked the 000-15.  The shorter scale and smaller body made it an amazingly comfortable box to play...when compared to my dread...I liked the sound too...quite mellow and not as boomy as my Alvarez.  I also tried the j-15...it had a 1 3/4 in neck width at the nut which I really liked.  The body of the guitar was a bit large for me taste though still more comfortable than what I've got.

I also played several Taylors 314 and 414...I was unable to get my hands on a 214...which is the one I can afford but it was good to get an Idea of what they were like.  I liked it alot but not convinced...they are beautiful though.

I still haven't had the chance to put my hands on a Larrivee...I would like to try the OM-03 and -03R and maybe a parlor just to see what the little guys are like.  The flamed maple ones that have been on ebay recently sure are pretty.  Right now there is a guitar on ebay that I think would be my dream box.  it is a Larrivee OM-SH, a 14 fret OM with a slothead (I just like the look) but as the starting bid as $1000 it is a bit beyond my means.  I believe this was a custom piece and I'm not likely to see it again anytime soon...oh well.

The hunt continues...

Blue

[onewent]

...hey, thanks for the update, always interesting to see how folks figure the 'perfect guitar' thing out ... I know for me my tastes have changed over the years ... do you live near any large cities that host a regional or national vintage guitar show?  ...you could check on the vintage guitar website for shows ... if you can get to a vintage show, you'll see and play all those guitars you mentioned, plus, many wonderful and exciting vintage guitars, some in your price range ... only down side of this approach is the inability to really hear the guitar you're playing in a large, noisy hall ... keep us posted...

[apitt]

Hey there. I'm a fellow Vermonter (Montpelier),and I play and teach fingerstyle  guitar(Gary Davis, Blind Blake...).
I have helped find guitars for my students and friends. One should not overlook the Martin Mahogany topped  00017 or OM17 (15 &16s too). If you find one used ($500 -$700) they give a really good bang for the buck.  Larivee makes a fine guitar.(Guitar Sam in Montpelier carries Larivee). I play guitars from the 30's and think that the Martins come closer than the Larivees in tone and feel.
Although I teach, I want to recommend  a teacher that is not too far from you. Paul Asbell teaches in Burlington and can play and teach any style. Check out his site (www.busyhands.com).  He's absolutely terrific. As a matter of fact I heard Juke playing a cut from his album the other day. f you have any questions you can contact me at pittgit@verizon.net   Good Luck -Andy Pitt

[uncle bud]

Welcome to WeenieCampbell, Andy!

edited to add: I believe Paul Asbell's site is www.paulasbell.com.

[Parlor Picker]

I believe Paul Asbell's site is www.paulasbell.com.

Just look at the guitars this guy owns.  I got confused trying to count 'em all, but it looks like at least 15 acoustics (I didn't get as far as the electrics) that many players would starve to own just one of.  A fine example of GAS if ever I saw one!

[Blue in VT]

Thanks for the continued advice...its great to know that there are at least a couple of other people around here (VT) who are into Country Blues as well.  Also great to know a couple of instructors...I need one. 

Asbell's sight is great and his list of guitars makes me a little sad...I'm scrounging to get just one...well more power to Him!!!

Blue

[Blue in VT]

I'm heading down to Saratoga Springs NY this weekend to visit the inlaws.  There seems to be several places down there in the capital district that carry Larrivee and Martin...so if I can convince the wife that I need to go to a few I hope to have had some hands on experience to report back on by Monday

Cheers,

Blue

[Blue in VT]

Bad news...

The nasty storm that blew through here on Friday knocked out power in much of the Saratoga area so I was unable to go there and play with all the guitars...oh yeah and couldn't visit the inlaws either....

maybe next weekend

Blue

[Blue in VT]

Howdy,

Guitar hunt update...the search continues.  I made it down to Saratoga Springs and was able to get my hands on a couple of the guitars I'm thinking of...or at least ones in the same family.  I finally got to play several Larrivee's and they are fantastic.  I played an OM-03r which I really liked...it was comfortable...excellent tone...and really pretty to look at too...always a nice bonus.  I also plyed a LV-03E...which I thought was alittle too thick for my liking...sounded nice...I wouldn't be looking for a pickup or a cut out...but it was nice to handle one to get a feel for what everyone was talking about.  I also played a small hog parlor...which I have to say I reaaly liked...it put out a tremendous amount of noise for such a small guitar...that said...as I don't see myself haveing a whole stable full of guitars I' leaning toward the OM as a better all purpose box.  Maybe a Parlor in the future for a travel/couch model.

So...Conclusions...in the past i really liked the the all mahog Martins (000-15 and D15s)that I played but I like the 1 3/4in neck of the larrivee OM's.  Therefore I think I'm going to try to find the middle ground with a used OM-05MT...failing that I'll probably grab an OM-03R.  then a parlor in the future...when the wife forgets how much I spent on this one.

what do you'll think...anyone out there have an all hog Larri that they can tell me about?

Cheers,

Blue

[dave stott]

Hey Blue

I grew up in the capital district & I live in CT now

There is a really nice place in Troy, NY... Cathedral Music.... they carry mid level and nice upper end guitars.... www.cathedralmusic.com

you can also cross over the border into Vermont and check out a decent guitar shop in Brattleboro.... Maple Leaf Music

www.mapleleafmusic.com

Dave
Looking for a store that carries resonator guitars that doesn't require a 3 hour drive to NYC, etc

[Blue in VT]

Howdy all,

Well I finally pulled the trigger on a guitar.!!!  While last I posted I was looking for a used LArrivee OM-05mt...unfortunatly I was unable to find one...no one wants to get rid of one of these beauties.  So....I ....blew my budget and bought a new one.  This is proably the only nice guitar that I will have for many years so I decided to go for it.  The all Mahogany guitar has a wonderful sound...very mellow but very rich and funky.  Not the bright sparkling sound of the spruce toped 05...which I think is great for the blues.  I love the smaller body size...soooo much more comfortable ( than my old dread) and a real pleasure to look at.  I'm not sure about the Elixer Nanos that came on it but I have a set of John Pearse lights that are ready to go on as soon as these die.

So the hunt has ended...many you can really get caught up in the chase of the perfect instrumrnt eh?  It will be nice to get back the root of it all....playing the Blues

Thank you all for all the input it was a great help. 

Here are a couple of Pics too

Blue in VT

[attachment deleted by admin]

[Slack]

Congratulations Blue - beautiful guitar!  Larivee really does an outstanding job... I'll bet it sounds great now, but will continue to open up.

[Doc Brainerd]

Hello to all,
Just purchased a used Gibson Blues King on eBay. I had'nt seen any mention in this thread regarding this model and wondered what the general opinion was.  This was definitely an impulse buy and - although I won with my opening bid -I'm sure I probably paid too much. I had been playing a Martin D18 and wanted something easier for fingerpicking.
Is there is any particular defect or problem with this model that I should be aware of? I've got a 48 window to return it once it arrives.

Doc

[Slack]

Hi Doc,

They can be very nice guitars -- and certainly more comfortable for couch playing that a dreadnaught.  I really have not kept up with Gibson Montana -- but the critisizm used to be - mid to late 90's  -- that the build quality was variable and they had a tendency to over brace their guitars (I owned a late 90's L-00 in which this was certainly true).  Dunno if that still holds true with more recent guitars... but I imagine it is a pretty nice guitar regradless.

[Doc Brainerd]

Thanks, Slack, for the quick input!  I had heard before that the new Gibson's could be hit and miss (funny- I've heard the same about Martin's too; probably true all makes), but that voice of caution seemed to get fainter and fainter as I was looking at the online images and contemplating a bid.  I guess we'll see.  Trouble is I don't have a neaby shop where I can play another similar Gibson for camparison.

Doc

[Slack]

I know what you mean about having no place to comparison shop.  I live in a city of 700K, we had one shop that carried Martins - until Martin pulled out several years because of low sales.  Not that they carry many guitars I'm interested in -- but we just recentlygot a Guitar Center!

Anyway, one way to look at guitars is to mail order to to eBay and if you have to return a guitar the shipping is just the price you have to pay to look sometimes.

Good luck with the guitar!

[uncle bud]

And if you decide you're not crazy about it after awhile, you can always sell it. Gibsons are not too hard to sell, people are always looking for one.

PS. One of the weenies has a newer Gibson J-185 that I think is the cat's pj's. Some are great, some less so I guess.

[slidnslim]

My local music store had a  southern Jumbo,and it was the best
 sounding country Blues guitar I've played,
 Gibson still makes some smokers in my opinion!

 Kenny,