Guitar players

I'm looking to buy a new 6 string acoustic. Been playing the same Alvarez for 10 years and want to try something new. I don't really want to spend over $1000 unless something blows me away. What do you guys thin is the best sound in that price range?

 

I got a fiberglass mariachi guitar that doubles as a kayak. it's yours for $750.

 

$625 and a naked shot of your wife. That is my final offer.

 

i am in heaven.

 

I recently started playing again (in April). I played for about 5 years then pretty much quit for the last 7 or so.

When I originally played I had an Alvarez as well (and a Gibson SG).

In April I got a lower end Taylor (model 114c, I think, can confirm that when I get back to the place after work) and I LOVE that thing. After taxes and everything I got it for right around $700 from Guitar Center on Independence. Came with a nice case (soft case, but still nice).

Its acoustic/electris. Very simple...jsut 3 knobs up top for tone, volume, etc. Plugs up through the strap holder at the bottom. Very low action.

I cant think of anything I would change on it (other than having it be a cutaway).




Body Style: 6-String Grand Auditorium
Top: Sitka Spruce
Back: Sapele Laminate
Sides: Sapele Laminate
Bracing: Scalloped, X-Brace
Neck: Tropical American Mahogany
Scale Length: 25-1/2"
No. of frets: 20/14 open
Fingerboard: Indian Rosewood
Fingerboard Inlays: Pearloid Dots
Fingerboard Radius: 15"
Nut and Saddle: Tusq
Nut width: 1-11/16"
Binding: Black Plastic
Rosette: Plastic
Bridge: Indian Rosewood
Pickguard: Tortoise Shell
Body Width: 16"
BodyDepth: 4-5/8"
Body Length: 20"
Overall Length: 41"
Finish: Varnish
Tuners: Enclosed, Die-cast Chrome Plated
Truss Rod: Adjustable
Electronics: None
Strings: Elixir Medium Gauge Strings with Nanoweb Coating


Its still considered an "entry level" guitar but it seriously does sound great (plugged up or just acoustic) A little more expensive than most of the lower level Martins (which were the others I was looking at) but I'm very pleased with the decision.

 

Some more pics/reviews:



Great Guitar in this price point OverallExperience w/productI own it FeaturesReviewer's BackgroundActive Musician QualityReviewer's Play StyleChristian Rock, Worship, Blues ValueI totally love my little Taylor. I spent hours upon hours playing guitars in the price range and kept coming back to the 114e. It has a nice tone to it, good sustain and a great feel. It came ready to play and I haven't had to tweak it a bit. Holds tune very well and sounds great plugged in. Overall I can't complain. It has helped me take my guitar playing to another level and now I can't put it down. You won't regret this guitar.

Posted by jeremy4031 from Goldsboro, NC on Apr 27, 2008​

What a Great Guitar OverallExperience w/productI have used it FeaturesReviewer's BackgroundActive musician QualityReviewer's Play StyleRock, alternative,jam band ValueI have many, many guitars. I am buying this guitar because the name Taylor is the best in the business and this guitar proves it. At an entry level guitar this is better than any high level ibanez, rogue, dean, alvarez or washburn.

Posted by samchevy from Southwick, MA on Mar 7, 2008​

Best value out there OverallExperience w/productI own it FeaturesReviewer's BackgroundActive Musician QualityReviewer's Play StyleRock/Acoustic ValueThis guitar is just great. I have a Breedlove 6-string that sounds amazing, but is a little unreliable for live performances, so I wanted a good stage guitar. I just couldn't afford anything too expensive. I played this guitar in a store and was shocked by the quality. It's laminate wood, so it doesn't feel like a solid wood, but it sounds great, strong intonation. The expression system sounds perfect plugged in live, cuts right through the busiest band, so simple to control. You can't find a comparable guitar for a price that's even close.

Posted by mhaskew from Houston, TX on Feb 5, 2008​

great style but lacks tone OverallExperience w/productI own it FeaturesReviewer's BackgroundHobbyist QualityReviewer's Play StyleClassic rock ValueI wanted to upgrade from my inexpensive Rogue dreadnot to a Taylor. I want to keep the guitars in down 1/2 step for the Taylor and a standard 440 for the Rogue. The style and reputation enticed me to get one. It was a beauty out of the box and I was surpised by how light and fragile it felt. This causes the the resonant tone to sound more watered down. The neck feels like it should be sanded down much more. As far as value I think you are paying more for it's aesthetic beauty and brand name. My Rogue performs just as well at a fraction of the cost of this. I will still keep and cherish this Taylor 114 but wouldn't advise you to buy this as your learning guitar for the sake of value.

Posted by P.K. from Petaluma, CA on Dec 20, 2007​

Love my new 114e OverallExperience w/productI own it FeaturesReviewer's BackgroundActive muscian QualityReviewer's Play StyleFolk, jazz, rock, country ValueI've been wanting a Taylor acoustic for quite a while now, but never could make the jump to the high-end models. Then I played a 114e and I had a hard time believing that the price tag was correct!
This guitar plays like a dream. It doesn't have the greatest tone woods on the planet (but I didn't expect it to for the low price) but the tone and playability are true Taylor!
The electronics - even though simpler than the full Taylor expression system are still better than other under saddle transducers.
I have a hard time not picking it up all the time (my fingers are actually sore from playing so much - and I'm a professional musician!) The grand auditorium body shape provides a sweet mix of crisp highs and full low tones. The next is fast and clean. The guitar looks pretty (satin finish) and plays and sounds like a much more expensive guitar (I should know, I have a LOT of guitars...) Fingerpicking or plectrum, the instrument has a great, full sound.

Posted by GuitarMike from Tucson, AZ on Dec 8, 2007​

Excellent for Any Skill Level!!! OverallExperience w/productI own it FeaturesReviewer's BackgroundActive Musician/Worship Leader QualityReviewer's Play StyleChristian ValueI am a worship leader at a large church. I play in front of upwards of 2,000 on some weekends and I LOVE this guitar! The tone is glorious plugged or unplugged. It's solidly built and doesn't feel fragile in your hands. Don't be afraid to play all out on this baby! I've been playing for over 7 years and I am glad I finally joined the Taylor family.

Posted by Chris from Des Moines on Aug 18, 2007​

Top Line Acoustic OverallExperience w/productI own it FeaturesReviewer's BackgroundActive musician QualityReviewer's Play Stylealterantive/christian ValueAbout 3 months ago my girlfriend had purchased this wonderful product for me!! It has been an overall GREAT guitar!! I totally recommend it!!

 

http://www.thisboardrocks.com/forum/showthread.php?t=144833


This may or may not help, I didn't re-read it, but I do remember there was some good advice in it.

 

You getting the band back together?

 

I think I looked at that guitar but it was just the acoustic version and was maybe $550. I had never played a Taylor. I also looked at a lower end Martin which I liked. I've been reading mixed review on these "cheaper" products from high-end manufaturers like Taylor and Martin.


Powerbait would probably be a good guy to ask but he can't be bothered helping a brother out here. Selfish bastard.