So I'm 40 soon and the Mrs has agreed I can choose a new guitar.
I want a dreadnought or jumbo type acoustic and have narrowed it down to 2 possibles.
First off I'm a lefty so getting to try any new guitar is a major headache, so seeing them in the flesh is almost certainly a no no. I've done some reading and watched videos and I know it's not perfect but for me it has to do.
My choice is between an epiphone inspired by Texan 64 at £330 or a Yamaha ll16are at £599
Common sense says expensive is better right? I'm not bothered about playing plugged in so for this purchase its all about sound, looks, quality and longevity. Any advice or other choices appreciated
Shaun
Comments
I'd b inclined to say Yamaha but...
I've had a brief play on the Epi and it's okay. Not bad but it didn't really knock me out as I hoped it would. Shame because I love the Texan/ J45 slope shouldered look.
That said I've never had the pleasure of playing that Yammy, though it was on my to try list when I was doing the rounds trying out guitars when I made a 'big' acoustic purchase a few years back.
Have you any chance of getting to try a few acoustics in a shop?
Y'know what? You only live once. Fuck it and get that Yammy
(AND DO IT QUICK BEFORE SOMeONE POSTS ADVISING YOU TO GET A TAYLOR )
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I agree re the sound with the cheaper ones.
The Yamaha the op refers to on paper at least has an impressive spec.
I must admit I have a soft spot for japanese made Yamahas because the one or two (old) ones I've played have been beauts. And as a massive Bert Jansch fan he got a lovely sound out of the Yammy he played for years. As I say though, never had the pleasure to date of trying that model, for the reasons the op says.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein
I was lucky enough to see Bert Jansch four times. On each occasion he played that old Yamaha.
You're right that he sounded great on anything, but the quality that Yamaha had was that it had the most wonderful and convincingly natural amplified acoustic sound I have ever heard. He only (afaik) used the undersaddle pup but had no 'zing' or harshness.
Perhaps a combination of a very good guitar, a decent eq setting and a stellar player.
Seriously: If you value it, take/fetch it yourself
I have the high end signature series near 2k rrp faith which is amazing. But Ive also played the cheaper ones ranging from £500-£800 and they have all been great. Very good setups on all of them. If your budget is at that higher end of £600 i would definately pop to a shop with some and take a look. There is way to much over hype on those yamaha ll16s online. Also worth looking at the guild guitars.
"Take these three items, some WD-40, a vise grip, and a roll of duct tape. Any man worth his salt can fix almost any problem with this stuff alone." - Walt Kowalski
"Only two things are infinite - the universe, and human stupidity. And I'm not sure about the universe." - Albert Einstein