Tips on Acoustic Electric guitars?

[Jordan River]

Anyone have tips on these? Cant afford top end so what should I be looking for and what questions should I be asking. Looking for a decent mid-range if anyone has any suggestions.

[Buckwabit]

I started in 1990 with a Takamine. They make a great mid range guitar. With electronics about $500. They also make cheaper guitars that are great instruments. What most people don't realize is that a mid ranged guitar starts about $800 and goes up. A top end is normally $1600 and up. So it really depends on you. I'll pm you my number if you want to talk

[driveby]

I have a Dean that's pretty nice. You can get one for around $350.00.

[Dux Be Us]

I started in 1990 with a Takamine. They make a great mid range guitar. With electronics about $500. They also make cheaper guitars that are great instruments. What most people don't realize is that a mid ranged guitar starts about $800 and goes up. A top end is normally $1600 and up. So it really depends on you. I'll pm you my number if you want to talk

My first "nice" axe was a Takamine as well. Won it in a raffle where I was taking lessons in about 1980. Nice guitars played by novices and pros. You really want too look down the neck for straightness. Your frets should look fresh. A real string bender will put noticable wear and tear here. Be sure all strings will hold tune...take a tuner with ya. Check the back for buckle wear. Other than that...ride a few to see what moves you. Just passed my Ovation down to my oldest son on his 25th birthday

[Drakeshead]

I have an Ovation, but if I were to go out and purchase an acoustic guitar right now, it would a Takamine. Dean are good guitars too.

[Agua]

Make sure it plays in tune through different chords. There are a LOT of guitars that can be tuned to a chord or two and then sound awful on others.

[landscaper]

I have a Takamine as well, and really like it. For the money I really like the sound and playability of an Ovation, too.

[Jordan River]

Thanks for the replies. I never thought about guitars of the same make can be totally different. I guess the assembly line train of thought was in my head. Now to find one.

[greenheadgrimreaper]

Epiphone makes some really nice quality mid grade electric acoustics.

The EJ 200 series are really nice playing guitars.

[Buckwabit]

They make different guitars for different styles of playing too. I have owned about 30 in my life. I personally don't like how Martin's play. I like the necks of Gibson and Taylor's. My favorite and the one I'll never get rid of is my Gibson J50. Plays like a dream. The point is. Find what fits you. Just like a gun. Use the same mindset. If it fits you then yoi will be able to play better

[Dux Be Us]

The most common problem with a used acoustic is some numbnuts will put steel strings on a guitar not meant for it. Try a few before ya buy, most any guitar shop will let ya play around for awhile. A deal may be found on Craigslist. Have fun and good luck

[greenheadgrimreaper]

I've seen a fellow put heavy gauge strings on a big baby taylor and tune it to open e, then leave it tuned up like that. In a matter of hours the neck and guitar were ruined. Played like a 2 by 4.

[tobydawg]

+1 for a Takamine....hard to beat for the money IMO....my uncle has also had a couple of Tacomas that played well and sounded good without breaking the bank

[torch]

I have gone from bottom end to top end. I have Gibson J 45 now and love it, don't play much any more but one day can pass this one down to my daughter.

[landscaper]

Something else to consider, and some of you more experienced players can shed more light on this than I can, is that if your going to play plugged in you may want to look at an acoustic amp. I have a Line 6 amp that I really like with my electric guitar, but it sounds like crap with my acoustic.