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Old 11-09-2016, 02:00 AM
jonasbro jonasbro is offline
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Default Backup Stage Guitar Recommendations

Hey guys!

I'm currently on the hunt for a decent backup guitar for stage use and something that would be a great couch guitar as well.

Specifically, I'm looking for a dreadnought with an onboard preamp and tuner for around $200-400 new or used. Something extremely reliable with a decent solid tone unplugged and plugged - I'm not attached to the notion of an all-solid wood instrument so I'm okay with laminate.

I'm currently using a Guild as my main acoustic and I'd like to branch out to other brands for the backup. Brands I'm considering are Alvarez, Fender & Yamaha - but the stores near me don't carry a lot so any suggestions would be greatly appreciated - thanks!
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Old 11-09-2016, 03:22 AM
Oldguy64 Oldguy64 is offline
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$400 will buy an Alvarez Artist series all day.
It will also buy a used Taylor 110e.
The B-band in the Alvarez has a built in tuner.
The ES in the Taylor does not.
Raise the budget a little you can probably find a GAD series Guild.

Most of the guitars I've played with built in tuners have had impressive preamps.
The tuners? Not so much.
That list below? Two of those guitars cost over $400. Only Two.
And frankly, if you are patient...you can find a used Masterworks for around $400.
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Alvarez 5013
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Alvarez PD85S
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Godin Multiac Steel.
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Last edited by Oldguy64; 11-09-2016 at 08:34 PM.
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Old 11-09-2016, 07:37 AM
roylor4 roylor4 is offline
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Epiphone Materbilt. They can be spotty in the acoustic department but their electronics are head and shoulders above a regular UST in most stuff (IMO) - warmer and more natural.
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Old 11-09-2016, 07:44 AM
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DenverSteve DenverSteve is offline
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Back up stage guitar to what? When I've purchased stage guitar's that I needed a back up for (learned this from Joe Walsh ) I purchase multiples of the same guitar for consistency. What is it you are "backing up" and why should it be different than your normal stage guitar?

Last edited by DenverSteve; 11-09-2016 at 04:03 PM.
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Old 11-09-2016, 07:49 AM
Goat Mick Goat Mick is online now
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Add the Ibanez Artwood line to your list of prospects. My #1 gigger now is my Ibanez over my Martin and Taylor. Honestly.
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Old 11-09-2016, 03:23 PM
jseth jseth is offline
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Check out the Breedlove Discovery Series CE dreadnought... $399 with a stout gig bag... laminate sapele b/s and solid sitka top, Venetian cutaway, Fishman electronics (?)...

Although I prefer the Discovery Series dreadnought without electronics for $100 less, the CE pretty much nailed your requirements!

They sound very good, much better than one would think... the finish is excellent while the "fit" may want a slight bit of tweaking...
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