I was recently playing low end guitars at GC. I preferred the EG-series Taks to the Yamahas. The selection was limited so it could have been they just didn't have the right Yamaha. I ended up with a Takamine EG363SC and am very happy with it. It's no Taylor (I absolutely loved the 314CE) but then it cost less than 1/3 the Taylor.

Everyone's ears are different so it's really just not possible to assume you will like what someone else likes. The only way to decide is to play as many as you can and pick the one you like.

Entry Level Guitars
 

LARRY J,

Without using dollar amounts (which I wish we could, not sure what the hangup is on dollars after all that's what it all comes down to for everyone) but that said, I suppose we're all in the same general range, I'm not talking about the guitar you might buy your four year old to hold in photos but a decent beginner for teens to and intermediate guitar something maybe even most of us could still get a some use out of for little money. I think of the next higher level as those using more solid woods and higher end electronics and tuners I suppose.

I guess the Yamaha's, Taks, Taylor and Voyage Air get the bulk of votes and maybe one for Epiphone. I played an Epi Hummingbird and I'll tell you if I never played the Gibson version - other than the tuners which were a bit of a challenge to operate I might not know the difference and they are really sharp looking to boot although I picked up another and wasn't quite as crisp and clear sounding.

also
I met a guy at GC last weekend and he was in the amrket for Voya air and said he been to a number of stores and couldn't find anyone that carried them let alone ever hearing of htem. So who carries them?

Guild...............

Ted from LA Guitar Sales (Tarpman here) stocks them. Also, the V-A web site has a list of dealers. http://www.voyageairguitar.com/site/#

Of the brands listed, the only ones I have experience with are Simon & Patrick and Seagull. Both are excellent guitars, especially for the money.

Just today, I recieved my Takamine EG363SC lefty model. I really like it! sounds great,really smooth to play and looks good too! My Yamaha FG412L
is my first guitar and I would say Yamaha guitars are also swell for the price range. Mine is over 20 years old and have never had a problem with it. In fact, it's quite loud for a pure acoustic.

To many good ones,

Yamaha
Larrivee
Epiphones
Blueridge

If I have to pick one.. Larrivee

Hands down best guitar for my money is a Silver Creek T-170.

If you can spend a little more Eastman is fantastic.

I'd have to agree that Larrivee is the best value in all-solids, but that's a higher price point. In the $500 and under range I'd recommend the Godin guitars, particularly Simon & Patrick and Seagull, depending on your ergonomic preferences. Normans are a little cheaper, I think, and also very nice. I had a Takamine in the $200-$300 range and it was nice, but the Godins were much better. My son plays an S&P w/ lam b&s and wants nothing else.
Actually, I think Seagull makes an all-solid at a few hundred more, and that may be the best single deal around.

Forgot to add Blueridge on the List the BR-40ce.

I like these:
Yamaha FG 730
Seagull S6
Larrivee D-03
All solid Taylor 214

Anything from the Epiphone Masterbilt series rock my boat for the money.

Gonna have to go with the Eastman...Hand built..solid woods..great sound..reasonable price...


Eastman AC412CE
Martin DC16GTE
Seagull s-6 Slim
Alvarez Yairi DY-38

The Yamaha is great for the buck. Well built also.