Spruce/Rosewood with Cutaway and Electronics under $1,000

[Headless Axeman]

Say you own one guitar, a D-18. You want to buy a second that provides as much diversity for your little two guitars collection as you can. Rosewood back and sides, smaller body, cutaway and electronics. You have $1000 to buy new or used. What would you pick. If you pick “other”, let me know what.

Fine print: yes, I know it is subjective. Yes, I know you have to play them yourself and see what you like.

[Jim Comeaux]

Yamaha Ll-16 ARE. Sweetwater has them in stock for $900.

[Sugar Bear]

The Eastman. I own an Eastman E20SS. I also own some custom shop Gibsons, a Martin 000, and various other good guitars. My Eastman is worthy to be in that company. Eastman makes great guitars for the price.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Eastmans sound nothing like Martins.

[Sugar Bear]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

Eastmans sound nothing like Martins.

I did not imply that they did. Neither did the OP state that he wanted something that sounded like a Martin.

In fact, he said he was looking for diversity. And a quick look at the options in his poll do not indicate a strong preference for a Martin-like tone.

I would also note that the OP did specifically state that he'd like a guitar with a cutaway.

But aside from the near total lack of reading comprehension going on in here, I think we're batting .1000 in advising the OP.

[SRL]

In addition to the ones in your poll, I'd look at the Cort Gold A8.

But overall I'd probably choose the Yamaha A3R or AC3R depending on the body size you prefer.

[stillsteven]

Out of the 4 options, I’d go with Yamaha or Eastman. And definitely replace that hideous looking pickguard on AC3R with a clear one. Just my opinion.

[Photojeep]

I've never played one but I've heard great things about Yamaha!

Best,
PJ

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

I did not imply that they did. Neither did the OP state that he wanted something that sounded like a Martin.

In fact, he said he was looking for diversity. And a quick look at the options in his poll do not indicate a strong preference for a Martin-like tone.

I would also note that the OP did specifically state that he'd like a guitar with a cutaway.

But aside from the near total lack of reading comprehension going on in here, I think we're batting .1000 in advising the OP.

For the record, I was not responding to you but to the OP.

[Sugar Bear]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

For the record, I was not responding to you but to the OP.

He didn't imply that Eastmans sounded like Martins, either.

[Bob from Brooklyn]

Originally Posted by Sugar Bear

He didn't imply that Eastmans sounded like Martins, either.

He said: "provides as much diversity"
I said: "Eastmans sound nothing like Martins"
I meant: "Go buy an Eastman"

[Sugar Bear]

Originally Posted by Brooklyn Bob

He said: "provides as much diversity"
I said: "Eastmans sound nothing like Martins"
I meant: "Go buy an Eastman"

I absolutely agree, Bob. The Eastman is the best choice among the options.

And don't give me that crying emoji business. You Brooklyn guys are tougher than nails, you can take it.

[mawmow]

I got in because of curiosity : I wondered if there any guitar meeting your criteria !
So, I got surprised this a poll with many choices.

I voted for the Eastman because :
- I am a surprisingly PROUD owner of a GREAT Eastman AC122ce
(though crappy factory installed electronics)
- the Taylor 200 series is certainly a laminate (made in Mexico)
(N.B.: I do own three good Taylors : 322, 412ce and 510)
- I cannot say anything about the Guild and Yamaha you mentioned.

Add on : I guess none of these is made in U.S.A.

[jspe]

My new Yammie A3R has the best sounding electronics I've heard, and is beautiful acoustically too.

[Cool555]

I vote for a Yamaha LL16 or FGX5. They are worth about twice its price actually.