Recommend an acoustic for an electric player!

Chuffola · December 2018

I *think* I'm after an acoustic. I've had many over the years but never bonded with any and I think its they never feel comfortable - either neck profile or string height or body size.

It might be that they just aren't for me, but I fancy one again.

Budget isn't huge - around £4-500 - and second hand preferably.

But, apart from the sage advice of "try as many as you can" (which isn't always easy in NI given the paucity of selection in our few shops), are there any brands or styles that I should focus on?

Lowish action is a must and, probably, a smaller body so I can play it while slouching on a sofa.

Rave · December 2018

Tangelwood TW45 Florentine. You'll have to find one secondhand though! They retailed at around £750 new, I picked mine up for £200 with a hardcase in mint condition. Solid mahogany back, sides and neck, solid spruce top, maple binding around the neck and body, lovely flat rosewood board. The B-Band A3T they're fitted with can be a bit temperamental but I play mine acoustically. I've had mine four years and have played it to death..

65cm scale length and a small body with florentine cutaway, super comfortable to play and easy to carry around!

https://imgur.com/a/tmTogXn

toescantalk · December 2018

Fender California? Not tried them yet though.

Kebabkid · December 2018

I'd look at a Taylor GS Mini. New it falls just outside your budget, unless you get a deal, but used would be within it

Rave · December 2018

toescantalk said:

Fender California? Not tried them yet though.

I've played one...feel very, very cheap!

Dave_Mc · December 2018

Faith maybe? I like them and I'm mainly an electric player, and there are at least a few dealers here which stock them.

Taylors too, but the all-solid ones will be outside your budget, probably even used.

Furch might sneak in at second-hand prices- I'm not sure if I'd say they're as electric-friendly as the other two, though I still like them, so who knows?

jrc2806 · December 2018

I have always found the Taylor necks to be slimmer than Martins etc. which was good for me coming from electrics. The newish academy series concert model might be worth a look (think it is the a12).

Fuengi · December 2018

Ovation. Try one.

They are not popular these days, so you can get a great guitar for not a lot of money.

Necks are perfect for electric players and bending is almost as easy.

Chuffola · December 2018

Cheers for the suggestions so far. I'll see what's about to try out

p90fool · December 2018

Definitely try Faith, my Venus was £300 second hand, and it fits your requirements.

Phil_aka_Pip · December 2018

Faith are excellent.

Try also Epiphone MasterbiltCentury series archtops if thats the sound you might like. The smallest model ("Olympic"?) is only slightly bigger than a parlour size. I have the middle-sized Zenith and as an electric player I like it very much but as the new price of these increases with body size you may find that the Olympic is at the top of your range and the Zenith is outside it. I've no idea of s/h prices, I'd never dream of selling mine.

Chuffola · December 2018

Had a play on a a Fender Paramount travel guitar today - its not as tiny as that would suggest. Was very nice - solid woods, 14th fret join, short scale length, low-ish action.

It's a possibility.

ESBlonde · December 2018

Fuengi said:

Ovation. Try one.

They are not popular these days, so you can get a great guitar for not a lot of money.

Necks are perfect for electric players and bending is almost as easy.

Thats a good call, watch some old glen campbell tv shows for confirmation.

Don't get too hung up on the action, it can be lowered provided A) string gauge is considerred.

the nut and saddle have adequate height for filing/adjustment. C) you can do the adjustment yourself or budger for that in the price. Monster action could be a symptom of a bigger problem so things like a neck reset or repairing a lose internal strut could make the purchase prohibitive unless it is very cheap.

Th4fonz · December 2018

you cant beat a faith, so a used faith would be my choice in that price range.

Chuffola · December 2018

Thanks chaps - still looking and Faith definitely on the radar.

Chuffola · December 2018

Think I've played every acoustic under £600 in and around Belfast - 2nd hand market is practically non-existent - and I've ended up with a Washburn Heritage - neck felt as good or better than most, cut-away Dread shape and sounds great. The Faith Saturn / Venus just didn't seem to warrant the extra cash, although both were great - it's primarily for noodling at home, so I'm happy.

Thanks for all the advice. I'm off to grow my beard to hipster length and put on a pair of dungarees

Dave_Mc · December 2018

^ Nice, glad you're happy!

Where did you get to try the Washburns, out of interest? Maybe I just missed them...

Chuffola · December 2018

Belfast Music Supplies out near the Dundonald Ice Bowl. Only had a few in, primarily a Tanglewood stockist.

Dave_Mc · December 2018

Oh OK, I didn't make it out there. Thanks for the heads-up

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Recommend an acoustic for an electric player!

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