All-solid, non-Chinese, < $750

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by wguitar

You might be able to find an older Larrivee.

Which models?

[Cool555]

Originally Posted by Troubador

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

My bad. I missed out the part that you wanted all-solid wood.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by Cool555

My bad. I missed out the part that you wanted all-solid wood.

No problem. I appreciate your post and information.

[Cool555]

Sample of the Martin 000-10e (MIM) that I suggested earlier. Very similar to the Martin 000-15M but slightly brighter.

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4tejKtScrQk&t=188s

[Rogerblair]

I’d look for a used Larrivee OM-02, D-02, OM-03 or D-03. These guitars represent an incredible value in NA-built, all solid wood instruments.
In addition, you may be able to find some used USA Guilds in that range.

Good luck in your quest.
Roger

[davenumber2]

I think you’d have to get really lucky to find a Larrivee under $750 these days.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by davenumber2

I think you’d have to get really lucky to find a Larrivee under $750 these days.

I wish I could, but I'm afraid you're right.

[Tony Burns]

For my money - a Used American made Guild D-25
( Their nickname is "The Work horse " )

Yes they do sell for that , I bought one for les than that .
You wont find a better guitar for the price ( used )
I seen them for more -like around a grand for a near perfect one -
but look a bit .

[davenumber2]

Originally Posted by Tony Burns

For my money - a Used American made Guild D-25
( Their nickname is "The Work horse " )

Yes they do sell for that , I bought one for les than that .
You wont find a better guitar for the price ( used )
I seen them for more -like around a grand for a near perfect one -
but look a bit .

Most of them have a laminated arched back with solid sides. There are some around that are all solid with a flat back. If OP is ok with a laminated back there are also the more recent D4 and JF4 models, both made in Westerly, RI.

[columbia]

Solid back and sides are not what I would want to spend my budget on, personally. Another great Guild model with laminated arched back is the D4 from the 90s, probably the most affordable US-made dread other than used Ovations.

[rollypolly]

Used Martins - D15, Custom D, Special D, D10, maybe others. Some of these would have to be cosmetically beat up to get them under 750 but it's possible. When I sold my Custom D it went for around $800 and it was in close to perfect condition.

Taylor 200 series , older ones were made in US. Maybe some other Taylors like DN3, 314, can be had for around 750 if you are patient.

Larrivees can be had , especially if you don't care about them being perfect condition.

Gibson G-00 used you might could find around $700-800 . Again it's about waiting for one to pop up at that price. I just got one for around $800 and love it, very good value for the money.

[Troubador]

Originally Posted by columbia

Solid back and sides are not what I would want to spend my budget on, personally. Another great Guild model with laminated arched back is the D4 from the 90s, probably the most affordable US-made dread other than used Ovations.

Why would you not want solid back and sides?

[TacomaDR20]

The pre-Fender Tacoma guitars were very underrated. I had both a DM10 and DR20 that were very good; the DR-20 was professional quality in tone and playability.

[columbia]

Originally Posted by Troubador

Why would you not want solid back and sides?

I've just heard too many great sounding guitars with laminate back and sides. I don't think it's as important as it's made out to be. And the archback Guilds are a prime example of this.

[Brent Hutto]

Originally Posted by columbia

I've just heard too many great sounding guitars with laminate back and sides. I don't think it's as important as it's made out to be. And the archback Guilds are a prime example of this.

Every time I've ever played a laminated body guitar and thought it sounded kind of OK, it was usually in comparison to some other laminated body guitar I'd played just before it. I've done the thing where I go in a music store (back before there were actually affordable solid wood guitars like today) and I'll play every under-$500 guitar on the wall. Eventually I can find one or two that aren't actually awful.

But then I pick up a guitar made with solid tonewoods throughout and realize even the best laminated ones don't actually sound good at all except when compared to other boxy, dull sounding ones.

That doesn't mean there aren't really fine sounding guitars out there somewhere made with laminated wood. I've just never heard one myself.