Recommend me a new acoustic please!

Wistman · July 2022

Hi, I'm new here as a member, but a long-time lurker!

I'm a left handed singer and guitarist based down in Devon. I've been playing guitar for about 25 years, but mostly electric up until the last 5 or so. I have a very heavy strumming style, developed from years of fronting alt rock bands and thrashing away at Teles while yelling into an SM58.

I play almost exclusively in altered and open tunings, DADAAD being my current go-to.

My main acoustic has been a Taylor GS Mini in mahogany. I think it's been outstanding value for what it is, very easy to play and it's served me well, but I am keenly aware that is not the perfect guitar for my style. It does not hold up under heavy strumming too well, and seems better suited to fingerpicking when I dabble in that. I'd like to keep the GS and learn to fingerpick better on that, while acquiring a new guitar as my main strummer.

I'm lucky enough to have a lefty buddy locally who owns several other Taylors, and when I try his 110 for example, I can really dig in without it flubbing out like my GS Mini does. It just sounds 'bigger' in every way, too.

So, I've been doing my research and looking around, and my criteria are as follows:

Left handed - obviously!
Sub-£1500, ideally more like £1000
Dreadnought or jumbo. I want something big and powerful that will hold up to my strumming and have nice deep, full bass for those downtuned low notes.
Sound and playability over looks - I am not bothered about the aesthetic properties of the binding, inlays, etc etc.
The tonal palette I crave is gutsy, deep, growly, gutpunching - I don't like really dig bright-sounding, 'modern' (for want of a better word) acoustics.
Whilst we all love an instrument made in Europe or the US, I know that there are brilliant luthiers working everywhere, including China - I'm not going to be snobby about the country of origin, as long as it is well-made, sounds good and has good QC. I won't pay a premium just for 'made in USA' on the spec sheet.

In summary, I am looking for the best bang-for-the-pound lefty, with as much of the cost as possible going into good tonewoods and construction rather than adornments.

It's been quite a frustrating search so far. Most of the guitars that have piqued my interest on Youtube demoes are unavailable everywhere in the UK at present, or out of my price range. I know, I know, you must test guitars in person and it's all subjective... sadly, not a luxury open to me as a lefty living in rural Devon, so I have to rely a bit on the knowledge and experience of others.

The Eastman E1DL seemed perfect - I love how it sounds on every demo, very balanced, natural and full, and it's very plain and simple, with solid wood throughout - but Richard's Guitars say there are none in the country and the wait for an order from China would be months. I cannot find a single Eastman dread of any grade in lefty in the UK at present...

Martins and Taylors... solid, name brands, wide availability but feels like you're paying both a brand name and US-made premium on these over similar spec Japanese and Chinese guitars. That said, at the top end of my budget, a Martin D15 is quite an appealing option? I like how simple and unfussy it is.

Furch - the D-Cm Blue seems a great option and I have only read good things about Furch.

The Sigma SG200 (SJ copy) is quite intriguing, one of very few jumbos available in a lefty option, but at north of £900 it feels like a lot of the cost goes into the aesthetics (fancy sunburt, binding, abalone etc) rather than the wood (laminate back and sides).

There is a Faith Saturn Natural from about 15 years ago on my local Facebook Market, but the guy's price seems a little high for a guitar of this age.

Seagull S6 - widely available, but kind of uninspiring in the demoes I've heard (so hard to judge on variable quality Youtube videos, I know)

I'd love to go used to be honest, because I don't mind saving some money on a guitar I am not going to baby anyway. Almost every electric I've ever owned was purchased second hand... but I've eyed Ebay and Gumtree like a hawk for months, and nothing has caught my eye sadly.

Anyhow, any suggestions gratefully received!

P.S. Anyone want to sell me their lefty Eastman dread?

earwighoney · July 2022

I think you've answered your own question. Go for an left handed Eastman.

Does it have to be a dread?

Mak's Guitars has a E1OM

https://www.maksguitars.co.uk/collections/acoustic-guitars/products/eastman-e1om-lh-left-handed-orchestra-model-1

Call him if he can order a dread if possible.

Edit, I just reread your post. A dread makes sense for sure.

Wistman · July 2022

earwighoney said:

I think you've answered your own question. Go for an left handed Eastman.

Does it have to be a dread?

Edit, I just reread your post. A dread makes sense for sure.

You also answered your own question, haha

Sadly to get an Eastman dread would mean a special order from the factory, so we're talking a loooong time... I've checked out demoes of the OM and it sounds not so great under heavy strumming from what I've seen...

The Martin D10E-02 with a spruce top has now caught my eye... in stock for £859, solid wood, sounds great from the demoes... love the strummed sound on this video and found myself preferring the spruce to the all-sapele, which I wasn't necessarily expecting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTxwjXy3JQo

earwighoney · July 2022

Wistman said:
You also answered your own question, haha

Sadly to get an Eastman dread would mean a special order from the factory, so we're talking a loooong time... I've checked out demoes of the OM and it sounds not so great under heavy strumming from what I've seen...

The Martin D10E-02 with a spruce top has now caught my eye... in stock for £859, solid wood, sounds great from the demoes... love the strummed sound on this video and found myself preferring the spruce to the all-sapele, which I wasn't necessarily expecting:

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MTxwjXy3JQo

Ha ha, yeah I did the same thing.

Was Richard's Guitars the only UK Eastman dealer you contacted? If you haven't contacted the others, I think it could be worth a go to ask just in case they have the E1D LH on order.

Otherwise that Martin sounds pretty good, but my ears seem to prefer the sound of the Eastman E1D, and I myself would rather hold out for the right guitar if possible unless the wait was too much.

bertie · July 2022

a left handed singer ................ crikey

seriously were aboots be ee ?

Can you get to Project Music in Exeter ? they have quite a good range

Mellish · July 2022

@Wistman ; - what others have said.

And welcome to TFB as an official member, instead of this lurking about caper

Wistman · July 2022

bertie said:

a left handed singer ................ crikey

seriously were aboots be ee ?

Can you get to Project Music in Exeter ? they have quite a good range

Yeah, would you believe it, left handed microphones are even harder to find strangely...

Sadly Project Music have a tiny collection if lefties currently... more lefty mandolins than acoustic guitars!

I'm based up on the edge of Dartmoor, and these days I'm writing songs inspired by the moors and local myths and legends. you can hear a few of them via the link in my signature if you fancy

Wistman · July 2022

earwighoney said:

Ha ha, yeah I did the same thing.

Was Richard's Guitars the only UK Eastman dealer you contacted? If you haven't contacted the others, I think it could be worth a go to ask just in case they have the E1D LH on order.

Otherwise that Martin sounds pretty good, but my ears seem to prefer the sound of the Eastman E1D, and I myself would rather hold out for the right guitar if possible unless the wait was too much.

Good shout, maybe I'll sniff out other Eastman dealers and drop them a line... I do think the E1D sounds great from the demoes I've heard, and the price is incredible for an all-solid build...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_KjiIBiBM

DavidR · July 2022

Yamaha L Series | LL16L ARE - Left-Handed - Natural - Peach Guitars

Mellish · July 2022

@Wistman ; - Gibson G45 LH is just inside £1000 mate if that's worth a look

earwighoney · July 2022

Wistman said:

earwighoney said:

Ha ha, yeah I did the same thing.

Was Richard's Guitars the only UK Eastman dealer you contacted? If you haven't contacted the others, I think it could be worth a go to ask just in case they have the E1D LH on order.

Otherwise that Martin sounds pretty good, but my ears seem to prefer the sound of the Eastman E1D, and I myself would rather hold out for the right guitar if possible unless the wait was too much.

Good shout, maybe I'll sniff out other Eastman dealers and drop them a line... I do think the E1D sounds great from the demoes I've heard, and the price is incredible for an all-solid build...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=LP_KjiIBiBM

For an acoustic guitar which is just over £500 I think it's difficult to beat.

The player is a fine guitarist and that guitar sounds lovely.

Wistman · July 2022

DavidR said:

Yamaha L Series | LL16L ARE - Left-Handed - Natural - Peach Guitars

damn, that is a good deal... but out of stock

Wistman · July 2022

Mellish said:

@Wistman ; - Gibson G45 LH is just inside £1000 mate if that's worth a look

Yeah, those did look pretty good, though in some direct comparison videos with Martin D10E I felt the D10 shaded it, and are available for £200 less (Martin does not put a lefty tax on their guitars, Gibson do)

Mellish · July 2022

Well that's a bit naughty - a tax on guitars for lefties, I mean

Wistman · July 2022

Mellish said:

Well that's a bit naughty - a tax on guitars for lefties, I mean

It's the same with most major manufacturers sadly - us lefties can expect to pay 10-20% more for the privilege of owning the same guitar... and lefty guitars hold up a lot better used, too (a blessing for sellers, a curse for buyers!)

bertie · July 2022

Wistman said:

I'm based up on the edge of Dartmoor, and these days I'm writing songs inspired by the moors and local myths and legends. you can hear a few of them via the link in my signature if you fancy

which edge ? north ? Bowermans Nose, Hairy Hands, Lady Howard, Hound Tor

thomasw88 · July 2022

I have a tanglewood tw15ns? All solid, sounds brilliant.

what about Simon and Patrick? I have gigged an all solid mini jumbo for years paired with a lr baggs m80 pick-up. Several sound men have said it’s the best sounding acoustic they’ve had to work with.

I sold my Taylor 414 when I got the Simon and Patrick and I haven’t missed it at all.

also, what about Yamaha they do some very nice acoustics

Winny_Pooh · July 2022

If you can afford it just buy the Furch.

If you can't pay that much then look at Recording King or a Chinese Guild and play in person.

You want a longer Martin scale, not Gibson.

D15 are cool guitars but an acquired taste. Prefer the 0015 but not your thing.
Never played a Yamaha that really impressed me.
S&P/Seagull are decent for the price and fun but I'd pay more if possible if this is a long term purchase.

Shadow · July 2022

Larrivee D shape? There are a couple of used examples on eBay in your price range https://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/115119484103?mkcid=16&mkevt=1&mkrid=711-127632-2357-0&ssspo=qPXY1a37ShG&sssrc=2349624&ssuid=iPxytCtRSGe&var=&widget_ver=artemis&media=COPY

Tannin · July 2022

Wistman said:

It's the same with most major manufacturers sadly - us lefties can expect to pay 10-20% more for the privilege of owning the same guitar..

Actually, it's not the same guitar. It requires a different manufacturing jig (which is no big deal) and is non-interchangable with standard stock (which is a big deal). Retiailers, wholesalers, and manufacturers all have to carry additional stock (which costs them money) and/or deal with one-at-a-time special orders (which also costs them money). And all for a very small percentage of the market.

Someone has to pay for that extra cost. Martin thinks it should be all the right-handed players (they charge no extra for an extra-cost item,- in other words they amortise it over the average cost of the standard models), Gibson thinks it should be the left-handed players who pay for the extra cost of their instruments.

Me, I can see it both ways.

Andy79 · July 2022

Sounds to me like you need a used J45

Wistman · July 2022

bertie said:

which edge ? north ? Bowermans Nose, Hairy Hands, Lady Howard, Hound Tor

Close to Blackingstone Rock if you want a rocky geographical location!

Wistman · July 2022

thomasw88 said:

I sold my Taylor 414 when I got the Simon and Patrick and I haven’t missed it at all.

also, what about Yamaha they do some very nice acoustics

I hadn’t looked at S&P before, interesting... seems to be from the same stable as Seagulls. The standard spruce S6 seemed lacking something for me. Could just be bad demoes to be honest. However, cedar S&P dreads are available as lefties currently - a Woodland Cedar Dreadnought would be about £420, sounds quite good from the demoes on the Youtubes... though not sure it's as suitable for heavy strumming... anyone had any experience with this model?

Wistman · July 2022

Andy79 said:

Sounds to me like you need a used J45

A used J45 lefty keeps going round and round on Ebay for £1900 - that’s rather more than I want to drop on a used guitar at present. Maybe one day...

earwighoney · July 2022

You should send @gtc a PM. He's had a few Right handed acoustics converted to right handed guitars and he's been pleased with the results.

That could potentially open up your search a little.

GTC · July 2022

earwighoney said:

You should send @gtc a PM. He's had a few Right handed acoustics converted to right handed guitars and he's been pleased with the results.

That could potentially open up your search a little.

Did I feel my ears burning? I have a beautiful nearly new Blueridge BR-371 for sale in the LH classifieds - properly converted from RH by Glastonbury -based luthier Alan Miller. 00-size - and comparable in build quality, tone and performance to a corresponding Martin V-series. I'm in Somerset - an easy 5-mins from M5 J23. PM me if you need any details or other advice.

Wistman · July 2022

GTC said:

earwighoney said:

You should send @gtc a PM. He's had a few Right handed acoustics converted to right handed guitars and he's been pleased with the results.

That could potentially open up your search a little.

Did I feel my ears burning? I have a beautiful nearly new Blueridge BR-371 for sale in the LH classifieds - properly converted from RH by Glastonbury -based luthier Alan Miller. 00-size - and comparable in build quality, tone and performance to a corresponding Martin V-series. I'm in Somerset - an easy 5-mins from M5 J23. PM me if you need any details or other advice.

Very nice, I did already see it - sadly it's not what I'm looking for at the moment at all, being a small-bodied parlour!

GTC · July 2022

No problem - I didn't read your requirements before posting, just saw the reference to me. Have you tried Reverb? I had a quick look and came across this one which appears it could fit the bill - https://reverb.com/uk/item/55097134-lakewood-d1-1990s-acoustic . Lakewood guitars are generally beautifully made in Germany - all solid woods and very well-appointed. However, their second-hand value doesn't seem to hold as well as the better known brands. At £500, you could be getting a heck of a lot of guitar for your money here.

FYI - Project Music in Exeter are (or at least, used to be) a Lakewood dealer.

Hope this helps.

Wistman · July 2022

GTC said:

No problem - I didn't read your requirements before posting, just saw the reference to me. Have you tried Reverb? I had a quick look and came across this one which appears it could fit the bill - https://reverb.com/uk/item/55097134-lakewood-d1-1990s-acoustic . Lakewood guitars are generally beautifully made in Germany - all solid woods and very well-appointed. However, their second-hand value doesn't seem to hold as well as the better known brands. At £500, you could be getting a heck of a lot of guitar for your money here.

FYI - Project Music in Exeter are (or at least, used to be) a Lakewood dealer.

Hope this helps.

Thanks for the heads up! I hadn't had a proper browse of Reverb in this particular quest, because my past experience of that site is that everything seems horrendously overpriced usually... however, I will do some research on that lakewood and think about it! Cheers again for the tip

Wistman · July 2022

GTC said:

https://reverb.com/uk/item/55097134-lakewood-d1-1990s-acousti

Well, that guitar seemed perfect for me - though very hard to find much info on the internet, beyond a couple of phone camera Youtube videos and some conversations in German... anyway, I submitted an offer and it was accepted, so the guitar will be on its way to me this coming week! I'm really looking forward to trying it out. I like how plain and workmanlike it looks, just a no-nonsense dread with high quality materials and solid woods assembled in Germany

bertie · July 2022

@Wistman ;
ah close to Moreton, so - did you go to Chagstock this w/e ?

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