Suggestions welcome: quest for that one guitar

[jaytee32]

Hi *

Coming back to this, I pulled out the Eastman, and following your suggestions, put some 80/20 strings on it. Played out last night, and was happy with the sound I got. The other guitarist commented that it was nicely balanced and much less "boomy" than how the Levinson sounded.

I really like the neck and board on this one too, I think I might go looking for an E10D in sunburst to trade up to, I really do want a sunburst.

I love the rosewood sound that an E20D would have, but I am concerned that this bass is too much for a stage guitar that has to be used in lots of different settings. Interested in hearing your opinions about this point.

Thanks again for your suggestions, a big help!

[Prizen]

I have never played an Eastmann, but have 3 Blueridge guitars - BR-60, BR-160 and a BG-140. I saw your budget range, which these guitars fall into.

They are fantastic guitars. Especially the sitka/mahogany slope shouldered BG-140.

[Rmz76]

Originally Posted by jaytee32

Before we start, please no suggestions of stuff that'll cost me multiple thousands of euros (or dollars) ...

I got back into acoustic gigging a few years ago, with a Takamine P1NC. Was a pretty nice guitar actually, however it sounded kind of weak (not enough umph in the bass) when I played solo (acoustic or amplified). Bought a Eastman E6D which turned out to be way too dark sounding ... I bought it because it had what the Tak didn't have.

Moved on to a Levinson LJ-24VS, which is brighter than the E6D but now I'm finding out, it's still too dark in some situations, especially when playing bar chords a bit up the neck ... at the nut it always sparkles. I pulled out the E6D while the Levinson was in the shop a few days ago, and while I still think the E6D is too dark, I really love that neck and fretboard!!

The one thing I want to try with the Levinson (I really do like the guitar, it feels like "my guitar", it just doesn't sound like it yet) is lots of different strings, seeing if I can brighten it up with the right choice there (run Martin SP 80/20 on it now).

Putting it all together: I need a guitar that I can plug in, that sounds good both acoustically and amplified, that's loud enough acoustically (I take it to pure acoustic jams sometimes), that has enough bottom end without being muddy, that has good sparkle, that sounds good amplified, that sounds good not only at the nut but all over the neck. Ideally the price range would be between 500 and 1500 euros.

The used market here isn't as good as it is in the states (I'm in Holland) ... for the name guitars like Martin, used prices are about 80% of new.

I'm thinking about the following guitars: never tried the Fender Paramounts, trying some different Takamines, and taking another look at the higher-end Eastmans (E20D or E20SS) ... o yeah btw I just love a sunburst guitar.

Thanks!

The J-45 Standard is probably the guitar you're looking for



Minor changes every few years, but the contemporary round shoulder design we have today is pretty much the same as it has been the for the last 20 years or so. Given that and it's popularity, the used market will be your best bet. Used market value is $1600-$1900 in the states. Perhaps consider international shipping.

If you want something similar for less, the Eastman E20SS you mentioned is not a bad choice!

[earri]

Check out an E10D, I think you'll be astounded.

[StringFive]

You owe it to yourself to put Martin in the mix. In my view, until you own a Martin...you'll never be satisfied. I suggest the OM28. http://amzn.to/1s77zHo

[WHguitarNYC]

One guitar to suit all needs? Hmm...I don't know about that. Could be tough. Which is why this thread exists...

http://www.acousticguitarforum.com/f...d.php?t=424554

haha.

But I second the J-45 comment. I think for what you're looking for, that a J-45 would be a solid option.

Good luck.

[SFCRetired]

Once again we suggest guitars out of the OP's price range.

1500 euros is about 1700 dollars. A new J45 is over 3K. Remember, Europe does not have the used market in American made guitars that we have so I can't see that being an option. And that 1500 euros is the very top of his range. I still think Sigma is one of his best options.