Recommendations around the £400 price tag

dhaywood17 · September 2014

Hi, I'm looking to upgrade from my pretty awful Fender DD31SCE. Maybe that's a bit harsh, it's got a really nice sound but the action further up the neck is pretty awful, around 7mm, and despite the neck being well adjusted I can't see any way of lowering it further as there's only around 3mm at the bridge to play with. So basically I've decided to get rid and buy something else as I'm looking to get out and gig sometime soon. Top of my list is a Seagull S6 Original but as there are no shops stocking it locally I'm going to have to mail order unless I can find an alternative. This is where you guys hopefully come in. Firstly, is the S6 as good as all the reviews say and what other alternatives are there that offer the same apparent quality and sound? I will be looking to sell my 50th anniversary USA Std Strat so that puts the budget limit somewhere around £450-500 with a following wind. And obviously there's always the option of buying second hand. Cheers, Duncan. Please excuse the lack of paragraphs posted from an iPad and for some reason it doesn't like it.

LooseMoose · September 2014

Be weary of Seagull. They have quite an unusual neck profile / nut widths on some models. I always liked the look but have never got on with how they are to play. My recommendation would be to buy second hand, Yamaha is the smart money choice but you've got Faith models in that price range too and the bang for buck is great on those!

Gassage · September 2014

Depends if DIing or Amping, or just an acoustic.

dhaywood17 · September 2014

I wasn't sure on the best way to amplify it as I've never done it with an acoustic. I'll admit I'm not a big fan of the piezo sound and was swaying towards mic'ing, but then again I've no idea how technology has moved on or how it sounds. I would like something that is as close to the true acoustic sound as possible which is why I was thinking mic.

Gassage · September 2014

If that's the case, the Yam APX series is unbeatable for onboard. Make sure SRT amp- the new one.

equalsql · September 2014

The S6 is a great guitar for finger-playing as it has the 1.8" nut width and the necks are quite chunky so you may want to try before you buy. Personally I really like them and if I didn't already own a decent acoustic (a Walden Supernatrura ) I would pick one up in a heartbeat.

The other brand to check out as it always seems to get good reviews is SIgma. Their 000R-28V model is particularly nice...and is in your price range.

Also a used Faith Saturn, or new Naked series model is worth considering as they are excellent value for money.

There's a nice Saturn with a hard-case up on evilbay at the mo.
http://www.ebay.co.uk/itm/FAITH-SATURN-ACOUSTIC-WITH-FAITH-HARD-CASE-MINT-CONDITION-/261596765814?pt=UK_Musical_Instruments_Guitars_CV&hash=item3ce861de76

richardhomer · September 2014

A used Taylor 100/200 Series. They play like a dream, will sound significantly better than what you've got and have decent on board electronics.

p90fool · September 2014

I just bought a used Faith Venus for £300, gigged it last night and it sounded really good.

cpcompany · September 2014

I am selling a Seagull S6. I prefer the sound of it to my GS mini but for a short arse like me a dreadnought is far too big.

dhaywood17 · September 2014

Plenty to think about there, it's just a shame most of the guitar shops in Nottingham sell none of the above so it's going to be difficult to try any out before buying unless I get lucky in the second hand market locally.

p90fool · September 2014

I put up "I need to buy an electro acoustic guitar for a gig tonight, sell me one!" as my Facebook status yesterday morning, by lunchtime I had a barely used
Faith Venus.

I only have 100 or so Facebook friends and the vast majority are not musicians.

I would have taken my 300 quid to a local shop yesterday afternoon if nobody had come up trumps, but I ended up with a slightly used £650 guitar instead.

The point is that most people have no idea they have stuff for sale until you wave money at them, I got a good guitar which wasn't being used, my mate got a totally unexpected 300 notes.

dhaywood17 · September 2014

Thanks for the idea. Ill give the nottingham selling page a try.

wayneirie · September 2014

Try the guilds from the gad range, great guitars for the money hard cases included etc.

TheMarlin · September 2014

Look out for a good used Faith. They're excellent.

Also, used Yamaha LL6, LL16 etc. All the LL Yamaha acoustics are hand built in Japan. Just keep an eye on eBay for a tidy one at auction.

M

dhaywood17 · September 2014

Again, thanks for the suggestions I'll see what's around. Still need to move my Strat on though (cheeky hint to see the classifieds!)

dhaywood17 · September 2014

So, I've managed to pick up a Faith Saturn Natural for £315 on the bay. Looking forward to it being delivered later this week. No doubt I won't be in so will endure the usual palaver of being carded and struggling to get hold of it lol

meltedbuzzbox · October 2014

Gassage said:

If that's the case, the Yam APX series is unbeatable for onboard. Make sure SRT amp- the new one.

About 10 years ago I would have agreed but Yamaha are so far off the pace now its concerning. Anything Yamaha under a grand fails to impress, unless you go nylon. I have nothing but love for the classical stuff.

For £400 ish I would go used and look at Faith, Seagull, Breedlove and maybe takamine

The baby Taylor/Martin are worth a look too.

thomasw88 · October 2014

2nd hand tanglewood tw15, all solid wood s, and plays beautifully

dhaywood67 · October 2014

Now sorted with a Faith Saturn Natural Series that sound wonderful. Thanks for the suggestions everyone.

paulmapp8306 · October 2014

Get to dave manns music. Only do acoustics and while a lot are high end (in today looking at a Taylor, collings and a couple of Martins), they have plenty in your range including faith, crafter, tanglewood etc. They ate a seagull dealers well but aren't stocking them currently due to qc issues.

mitch · October 2014

Take a look at the Seagull S6 slim. Its A great seagull and has a more standard nut width. I really like this range and think they punch well above their weight. To me the yamahas are a little bland and uninspiring. But of course what matters most is what you think.

BigLicks67 · October 2014

TheMarlin said:

Look out for a good used Faith. They're excellent.

Also, used Yamaha LL6, LL16 etc. All the LL Yamaha acoustics are hand built in Japan. Just keep an eye on eBay for a tidy one at auction.

M

I'd go for an LL6 ARE with that money, there's the LS6 and LJ6 as well. I have the LL6 old model and it is excellent. The 6 and 16's are built in China though ( not that it matters : >)

stimpsonslostson · October 2014

I spent £320 on a Vintage Paul Brett signature 12string a few months ago- the Vintage stuff doesn't have the kudos of a Faith/Seagull, but the higher end stuff they do is phenomenal. (Especially if you find one second hand!)

I'd suggest trying the Giltrap & Brett signatures- both are within budget, electroacoustic & get excellent reviews.- I love mine, it's relegated my Art Lutherie acoustic to it's case.

They even come with cases!

AuldReekie · November 2014

You just might get a power end Larrivee in this price range. If you do, it will be different class to anything else suggested here

Deadman · November 2014

Keep an eye out for one of the higher end Freshmans. The FA400D is a great choice for the dosh. Just as good as a 'twice as much' Martin IMO.

thomasw88 · November 2014

Tanglewood do some great guitars, I got a tw15ns which i adore.

also look at simon and patrick,

I don't regret selling a Taylor 414 at all tbh.

strtdv · November 2014

Second hand Furch/Stonebridge

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Recommendations around the £400 price tag

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