Best moderate priced acoustic

[Rockybluejazz]

I'm looking to pick up a nice quality acoustic guitar for myself. I would like to stay under $500.00 closer to three would be better. I will be using it mostly for writting and playing small rooms. The last acoustic I had was a 000 sized. I really liked it but would like something with a fuller sound. I will be doing a lot of finger picking. And of course chord playing. I really like the sound that Paul Westerburg gets from his. Any suggestions would be much appreciated.

[markb]

There are loads. What does Paul Westerburg use? I'd say stick with a 000 or OM style but go for a big sounding one. My Blueridge BR-43 has tons of volume and projection and much more touch sensitivity than any dreadnought I've played. There's a thread somewhere nearby where I listed a ton of brands I'd be happy to play. It might pay to shop around a bit as sample variation can be a huge factor in cheaper acoustics.

Found it!

http://www.thefret.net/showpost.php?p=171529&postcount=27

[Tig]

The various made in Canada brands that Godin (http://www.godinguitars.com/) makes (like Art & Lutherie, Seagull) are great quality acoustics for the price.

Here's mine: http://www.thefret.net/showthread.php?t=15674

[sunvalleylaw]

Lots of good ones to try. Epiphone Masterbuilts are decent in that category, Seagulls, used Martins, Blueridge, etc. Different sizes too as Markb says. I think you have to go just play a bunch and see what you like.

[lou]

On if you are going to mic or plug in and also just how much projection you want, there ar eso many decent models out ther to choose from these days as MarkB said its always best to go with your heart and your ears and go out and play many guitars and even when one captures you I'd hunt some more till you are sure as to what you want.
And then you can also look to the used market there are many great guitars out there that are way below price , like Larrivee's and such that you can't go wrong there either.Good hunting and thats the fun part paying is where it gets a little harder sometimes.lou

[Perfect Stranger]

One of the "best bang" out there are the Alvarez guitars. Also check out the Carvin acoustics.......simply amazing guitars!

http://www.carvinguitars.com/cobalts/

[Katastrophe]

Don't forget about Washburn. They make some great acoustics in the $300 to $500 price range. I've played a couple that had great, well balanced tone, and they all played like more expensive guitars.

I also would throw in a vote for Seagull. Fantastic tones for the price.

[otaypanky]

I had a Martin J-15, then a Martin 000-15. They sounded good and were reasonably priced. But one day I played an inexpensive Ibanez AW30ECENT a local shop. It sounded wonderful and even had Fishman electronics and a tuner built in. They gave me a good deal, about $250 if I recall. That was about 2 years ago. 'Looks like MF has 'em listed at $349 these days
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Ibanez-AW30ECENT-ARTWOOD-SERIES-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=512311&src=3WFRWXX&ZYXSEM=0&CAWELAID=44990117

[t_ross33]

Washburn D-10. One of the best bang-for-your-buck acoustics going for under $500. Just sayin' (see signature) :)

[old mark]

ALL my acoustics combined are less than $500.
I have a Yamaha, a large jumbo model with gold hardware and white binding on the fret board and around the spruce top. Beautiful, jazzy tone and great playability. Got it years ago for well under $100 factory refurbished.
I also have an imported Harmony made about ten years ago that sounds very good, but the neck it a bit harder to play than the Yamaha.
I have a 1960 Goya (Imported by Martin) that is a beautiful sounding guitar, and very well made. I paid about $40 for it about 30 years ago. I just bought a 1939 Harmony archtop for about $140 that is currently being given a bit of TLC, but it is a great old guitar.
The solution to your problem is to play as many different guitars as you can, buy what sounds good and feels right in your hands. You might be surprised.
mark

[Bookkeeper's Son]

I still vouch for the Godins (A & L and Seagull) in that price range. I'm still totally satisfied with my A & L dread, and feel confident that I couldn't do any better for $250 (or perhaps even more).