Which one for 400$?

[CChristopherson]

Hi!

I would like to buy a new guitar soon and I'm asking for a little help. Which one would you recommend?
- Seagull Excursion SG
- Yamaha FG 700 S
- Takamine GD20-NS
- Ibanez AW-70
- Fender CD-280 S
I can get these for around 400$ (yep, wrong side of the world...) and I don't really want to spend much more than that. I'm looking for a dreadnought with decent, warm sound. Of course, I don't expect too much for this money, but I think I can get more than some pick clicking.
The reason why I'm asking for your help is that I don't have a chance to try all of them before purchase.
I checked many YouTube reviews but as they are just videos recorded with completely different devices, I did't get so much closer to the solution.
So I am asking for your opinions and of course, I happily accept other suggestions (possibly not over the budget).

[Oldguy64]

Consider a Taylor 110 or 114. You'll have to find a used one to keep it in the $400 range.


But if you must buy sight unseen...the ability to return, and the warranty could be important.
I'm not a big lover of Fender acoustics, and I generally have to play an Ibanez to know if it trips my trigger. I used to have a soft spot for the old Artwood series, and still think they were nice guitars for the money.

Of your list, for consistency, build quality, sound, playability...the Seagull and Yamaha are on point.
You might also consider the Breedlove Passport series.
I also feel I would be remiss if I didn't suggest trying out the Alvarez Artist Series.

[dodge]

I would go with the Seagull they tend to be very consistent.

[Dru Edwards]

I'm a Seagull fan but the few Excursions I played didn't do anything for me. Not sure if it's the wild cherry top or not (whereas the other Seagulls tend to have a cedar or spruce top). Any reason why you're limiting the Seagull to the Excursion?

[dodge]

Your budget has you in the Seagull Entourage Rustic range which is a nice guitar with a solid cedar top instead of cherry.

[Hey_day]

Seagull
Loar
Recording king
Blueridge

[Mbroady]

Posted this link for another thread. I was very impressed with this guitar.
http://mandoweb.com/Instruments/Kind...ht+Guitar/3984

[Guitar1083]

Seagull Excursion SG

[Azaro Ariño]

Originally Posted by dodge

Your budget has you in the Seagull Entourage Rustic range which is a nice guitar with a solid cedar top instead of cherry.

In the U.S. it does. I'm pretty sure he doesn't live here, as hinted. A lot of things are cheaper here.

To the OP: You can't go wrong with the Yamaha.

[Judson]

The Seagull Excursion is an all-laminate guitar ... as others have suggested, the Seagull Entourage Rustic is probably a better choice for under $400. It has a solid cedar top.

[FloridaGull]

Do you have Walden guitars where you are?

www.waldenguitars.com

You should be able to get into the 500 or 600 series Waldens within your budget...

[Jupiter Tarts]

Originally Posted by Oldguy64

Consider a Taylor 110 or 114. You'll have to find a used one to keep it in the $400 range.

A guitar this cheap with plain old laminate back and sides should not sound this good and yet it does somehow. Can't recommend the 100 series enough.

[BLUtunes]

Of the ones you listed, go with the Yamaha... hands down the easy choice.

[harmonics101]

The big reason I went with the Ibanez Artwood series, is because they were a dovetail guitar, Haven't checked the specs on all your other ones,

H

[brencat]

Originally Posted by BLUtunes

Of the ones you listed, go with the Yamaha... hands down the easy choice.

+1 Agreed!