Best new larger bodied guitar under $2000

[yosen91]

Looking for a larger bodied (Dread, Jumbo, etc) under $2000. Preferably something other than rosewood as I already have a rosewood dreadnought. I like to play both with my fingers and a pick. I also have a bit of a lighter touch, so something that responds well to a light touch would be great. Interested to get others opinions.

[abn556]

For that money I would find a good used J-45. There are plenty available around $2k.

[warfrat73]

Originally Posted by abn556

For that money I would find a good used J-45. There are plenty available around $2k.

Why in the world would you do that when you can get a used D-18 for $2k? (aside from personal preference)

If it has to be new, Martin D-16 or D-17, Larrivee D40, Eastman E10D are good options.

[davidbeinct]

Iris AB is a small jumbo that responds well to bare fingers. New for $2400 there are a couple used for $2K right now, including one at Sweetwater.

[TheGITM]

Guild F40 might be a good option. If you want to get down under $1000 look at a Yamaha LL16M.

There are a lot of choices on makers/models, but ultimately it always comes down to 'the guitar' - as in, the one that's in your hands that feels and sounds right to you. If you are somewhere you can try different guitars, do that.

[davenumber2]

The Guild D20 is fantastic for $1600 new. It's all mahogany but brighter than your typical all mahogany guitar. I love mine.

[lowrider]

The Martin d-16 Special Rosewood that you get from GC or MF is going away the best guitar under $2000. And you can get 15% off just for asking.

I has the same materials and bracing as an HD-28. It just lacks the fancy trimmings. At around $1500, it's probably the best bargain of all guitars right now.

[davenumber2]

Originally Posted by lowrider

The Martin d-16 Special Rosewood that you get from GC or MF is going away the best guitar under $2000. And you can get 15% off just for asking.



I has the same materials and bracing as an HD-28. It just lacks the fancy trimmings. At around $1500, it's probably the best bargain of all guitars right now.

OP would prefer something other than rosewood.

[jseth]

A couple came to mind...

The Organic Series Concerto by Breedlove... a mini-jumbo size. Usually built with Myrtlewood b/s with spruce top...

Alvarez is making some really nice guitars - especially their MasterWorks Series guitars. There's a great version of a Martin D-18... as well as a J-45 slope-shoulder dreadnought.

Either of these will be considerably less than $2k...

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by warfrat73

Why in the world would you do that when you can get a used D-18 for $2k? (aside from personal preference)

Are we saying a D18 is a slam dunk over a J45?

[AVLguy]

Guild F-40’s from the 1980’s Westerly shop have a huge sound and can sometimes found under $2000. Archback maple and Sitka top. I have a banged up 1982 that plays open C tunings with no trouble.

[warfrat73]

Originally Posted by Bob from Brooklyn

Are we saying a D18 is a slam dunk over a J45?

Yes, we are. As per our personal preference... as suggested in our post.

[broy]

If new is the requirement and wanting to stay under $2k, I'd look at the Eastman E10D TC, Guild D20, or Yamaha FG5.

If the requirement is just to stay under $2k - I'd go used and get either a J45 or D-18.

[koine2002]

Yamaha LL16M or a Yamaha FG5. Both have mahogany back and sides and solid spruce tops. The major difference is the FG is braced for a vintage sound and the LL is braced for a more modern sound. The LL also has a stable 5 ply neck with a buttery shape.

[Sarhog]

Originally Posted by yosen91

Looking for a larger bodied (Dread, Jumbo, etc) under $2000. Preferably something other than rosewood as I already have a rosewood dreadnought. I like to play both with my fingers and a pick. I also have a bit of a lighter touch, so something that responds well to a light touch would be great. Interested to get others opinions.

Depending on your preference for top wood, I would look at a Taylor AD-27 or AD17.

Taylor AD27e