All-solid, non-Chinese, < $750

[Troubador]

This is a variation on my other thread; considering the subject, I know it may be short.

I would like information on guitars of any shape and size that are all solid wood, not made in China, and sell for $750 or less, including used. Thanks!

[davenumber2]

Seagull SWS
Simon and Patrick Woodland Pro
Martin D-10e
Martin DRS1
Garrison G series
Tacoma DM9, DM10, DM18

[czgunner]

What were the Martin stupid deal of the day selling for?

[thefsb]

Originally Posted by davenumber2

Seagull SWS

The value on that one is nuts. Sweetwater lists an acoustic/electric model of it for USD789.

[29er]

In this price range Godin guitars can not be beat. My Seagull mini jumbo coast me far less than $750 and it holds it's own against any similar mini jumbo. Paying the headstock tax can be tough and I own fairly nice Martin and Waterloo guitars.

[SRL]

I'd go for a Seagull or Simon & Patrick, maybe used if necessary.

In the old days companies outsourced to Japan, then in the 90s when the yen appreciated and it became too costly, they moved production to South Korea. That continued until the late mid-late 2000s when most production moved to China due to the appreciation of the Korean won. The cycle continues, as a lot of production is moving from China to Indonesia and Malaysia now.

So if you're comfortable buying used, you can get a 10-25 year old S. Korean guitar or 25+ year old Japanese guitar. Like any imports, the top of the line ones are usually quite good while the cheap ones are usually not.

[Jcamp]

My dad has a older Yamaha guitar with at least solid top. I think they were made in Japan or Taiwan. I’ll put it against a d18 and they are probably half your budget or less. I think dads is a FG160 or something like that. Has mahogany back and side but not for sure it’s solid.

[skouri1]

Used its possible. I picked up by Taylor DN3 in the upper range there and if you are ready for a dreadnought, I think the sound, build quality are terrific. i keep fantasizing about a smaller body that has the same richness, but I haven't quite found it yet. A 00018 was closeish. Perhaps a little nicer for finger style. However, minimum 2.5X the price used.

[AZLiberty]

Yesterday's MF stupid deal of the day was a Martin for $699. (Made in Mexico I am certain)

[Starshine]

I just bought a used Mexican-made Martin 000-RSG for $700. Very similar guitar to the current 000-13e. Solid spruce top, solid siris back and sides. I believe the neck is mahogany, or at least some similar wood.

I've been very happy with the guitar. I really thought I'd have to spend a lot more to get a guitar I like as much as this one. I played a lot of guitars that, even when I liked the sound, just didn't play particularly well for me. The RSG plays as easy as any acoustic I've tried and the tone is real nice.

[wguitar]

You might be able to find an older Larrivee.

[MarkLee]

Faith guitars and Pono guitars. Made in Indonesia in the Genta factory.

[Cool555]

Yes. Faith guitars are made of all-solid wood but hard to find in US. Entry level ones should meet your budget.

Taylor GS Mini & Academy 12.

Martin 000-10e ($799). A little over the $750 budget.

[takamineGD93]

It's impressive that Canada can even sell affordable guitars in the western hemisphere. They do have a lot of wood, but so does sweden and finland and Levin (goya), Hagstrom and Landola is long gone.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by Cool555

Yes. Faith guitars are made of all-solid wood but hard to find in US. Entry level ones should meet your budget.

Taylor GS Mini & Academy 12.

Martin 000-10e ($799). A little over the $750 budget.

Thanks. I believe the Taylor GS Mini and Academy 12 have laminate back/sides.