Body shapes and woods

jonnybradford

How much difference the body shape and wood make to the sound of an acoustic?

I am looking for  mid range acoustic, I can strum on, but I also want to learn to fingerpick. So a jack of all trades really. 

richardhomer

Both make a massive difference.

This is a good place to start learning about them:

http://www.taylorguitars.com/guitars/acoustic/find-your-fit-acoustic

crunchman

Construction makes a big difference as well - especially how it is braced.  This is why Martins tend to sound different to Taylors, even with the same woods and similar size body.

It's the same answer you will hear over and over again, but your best bet is to go to a good shop and try a bunch of different shapes, styles and manufacturers and work out which you prefer.