Suggestions for my next mid-range guitar ($500-$1000)

TikiGod · Post by **TikiGod** » Sun May 21, 2006 8:59 pm

I've got a Martin DCX1E actually... so my feedback is a little biased. But honestly, it's served me very well while I've had it. Not the most amazing, jaw-dropping guitar, but very solid for its price. I liked how smooth it played when I picked it up, along with how balanced its sound was; plus the price was right.

Then again, I've played quite a few Larrivees and was very impressed with every one of them I picked up. They're a little pricey, but definitely quality guitars.

Eh, I say go to a Guitar Center or two (or something like it) for a day, and play every acoustic you feel like playing there. I do it all the time just to get a feel for whatever's out there. I'm sure you'll find something you like.

jared · Post by **jared** » Mon May 22, 2006 11:19 am

Thanks for all the suggestions so far. I just got back from Guitar Center... I played just about every mid-range acoustic electric in the place and have narrowed it down to the Takamine EAN10C and the Martin DCME.

I wasn't going to buy just yet because I hadn't even researched the DCME. I love the skinny neck and it just feels good.

The Takamine EAN10C had a thicker neck and the b and e strings felt weird because of the double saddle. Maybe I'm just not used to it. They both sounded great, but it's kind of hard to compare with the old strings they had on them. The martin had a warmer tone, the tak had a tiney, bright sound.. then again it could be all in the strings.

My main question is for anyone with a DCME. I can read all the reviews online, but I'd like to get real opinions from anyone who has one / played on one.

Once again, thanks for all the replies guys, can't wait to play on a non-POS guitar

czech · Post by **czech** » Mon May 22, 2006 11:44 am

so do you have a more exact price range you are looking at? how much are these two?

cause I would say it is very foolish to buy a laminate guitar if you can get a solid wood for the same price or 10% more.

Did you play a larrivee?

jared · Post by **jared** » Mon May 22, 2006 1:16 pm

The martin DCME was 1099 (can't find it on GC's website)
http://www.musiciansbuy.com/MARTIN_DCME ... _FREE.html

and the Tak EAN10C was 1049
http://www.musiciansfriend.com/product/ ... sku=516310

I play a lot plugged in, and I hear good things about Martin's Fishman Classic 4 Sonicore pickup.

Some downsides to the Martin are no built-in tuner (not a huge issue) and that it has Mahogany-Laminant sides

I did not play a larrivee. I'm going in tomorrow to buy/play some more.

czech · Post by **czech** » Mon May 22, 2006 1:32 pm

built in tuners generally arent that great, so you arent missing much.

I dont know if the tak is a laminate or not. it didnt say solid on the link, so i dont know.

But there is no way I would get either of those over a larrivee D-03. solid wood for the same price, to me its a no brainer.

jared · Post by **jared** » Mon May 22, 2006 1:49 pm

where could I go to play a larrivee guitar? some local mom and pop music shops? Maybe I'll call around tonight

czech · Post by **czech** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:19 pm

do it. read any thread here about larrivee.
you will regreat not getting one if you go with one of your other choices.

a $1k laminate guitar is like buying a sports car in automatic. sure it looks cool and will get you some poon, but it won't perform nearly to its capabilities or its price would hav eyou think.
but a $1k new or used Larrivee is like.... .....dammit, i just blew the analogy. but it wont look as cool, it wont catch everyone's eye, but sound wise it will blow the others out of the water. hell, I saw john butler a few weeks ago and he was playing what looked like a Larrivee Dv-03. no bells, no whistles, just sound.

Gold · Post by **Gold** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:29 pm

I'm still waiting on my Larrivee D03....only a week or so now, and I'll get it..!! And jared: I was set on getting a Martin DM or D1 as well, until the guys here helped me out and showed me the right thing to do: to get a larrivee

jared · Post by **jared** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:37 pm

didn't know larrivee was that good. guess I'll have to hold off buying till I play one.

Gold · Post by **Gold** » Mon May 22, 2006 2:41 pm

jared wrote:didn't know larrivee was that good. guess I'll have to hold off buying till I play one.

you shouldn't listen to me though, cause I haven't even played one myself...here's the thread I made, it might be interesting to you: http://www.dmbtabs.com/boards/viewtopic.php?t=28574

czech · Post by **czech** » Mon May 22, 2006 4:43 pm

main points:

Larrivee doesnt make one bad guitar
Larrivee doesnt make one laminate guitar
Larrivee uses sound as a goal, not looks (i dont think they are very good looking at all)
Jean Larrivee is the man

Larrivees are that good. Solid wood does sound that much better.

eliot1171 · Post by **eliot1171** » Tue May 23, 2006 11:55 am

Don't pay that much for that Tak. I have a model similar without the cutaway, and fancy tuners, and I installed a LR Baggs M1 Active for a total cost of 410. Don't get me wrong, I love it but I would agree that If your planning on spending that price then a Larivee would be a better choice.

sunglassesatnight · Post by **sunglassesatnight** » Tue May 23, 2006 1:17 pm

^
^
^

What he said.