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I have about $400 to spend on an acoustic and have heard nothing but good things about the Taylor Big Baby. I want to use it for both Jack Johnson/Dispatch style rhythm/strumming and playing some slide. How will this guitar work for that?

Also, what other guitars in this price range should I try out? I want to try out some Seagull's, Alvarez's, and Tacoma's before I make my final decision, should there be any others?

There are some pretty good acoustics out there for about that price range. One of my favorites, both unplugged and plugged in was the Takamine EG523SC. Full rich tone with a good preamp system that doesn't feedback near as bad as other cheaper ones (like on many Alvarez I've tried).

Seagull's have a great reputation for sounding great (and I think they do), but I've heard too many horror stories with their reliability to look into them further.

Takamine EG523SC is listed at $600 on Music123

That's why you buy used

I'm not really comfortable buying a used acoustic for some reason. I was thinking about it, but it just seems like there are too many factors that make an acoustic need to be played before bought. Call it stupidity if you want

I'll sell you a takamine eg531sc for 350 shipped.

I don't know... there's something about the Big Baby I just don't like. Sure it sounds alright... but I just don't like the feel of it. The body is really thin... and there are philips screw heads ON the fretboard!


Originally Posted by TwitchI'm not really comfortable buying a used acoustic for some reason. I was thinking about it, but it just seems like there are too many factors that make an acoustic need to be played before bought. Call it stupidity if you want

That's understandable. I make sure I buy from a good seller and if the feedback is right, I know I'll be getting an instrument that's in better condition that some of the mom and pop stores I've been to in the area. I've seen some horrible setup jobs on quot;newquot; guitars from local shops, but I get a guitar from some random store in Oklahoma and the thing arrives mint with no playing issues of any kind at a much cheaper price, so go figure

Your thoughts on playing before buying are dead on. Your right there are many factors that make up the sound you'll hear in an acoustic.

Addditionals to try would be a Breedlove Atlas series, Ovation Celebrity series and Blue Ridge guitars. I have played some of each of these, they have strong points and weaker areas.

Good luck on the search.


Originally Posted by TwitchI have about $400 to spend on an acoustic and have heard nothing but good things about the Taylor Big Baby. I want to use it for both Jack Johnson/Dispatch style rhythm/strumming and playing some slide. How will this guitar work for that?

Also, what other guitars in this price range should I try out? I want to try out some Seagull's, Alvarez's, and Tacoma's before I make my final decision, should there be any others?Save more money and buy a better guitar. A good quality acoustic will run a minimum of 650. to 800. It would be in your best interest to wait and get a better guitar. That price rande you are going to get a quot;beach guitarquot;