I'm mainly an electric guitar player, but got my old (cheap) acoustic out and tried playing a few songs strummed (with capo) and sang along. I enjoyed it, and wouldn't mind getting something a bit better for this. I'll never be great at this, as my vocals are limited. And I think my main focus is going to stay on jazz stuff on my electric. But this was fun, and I'd like to do more of it!
Any recommendations new or used please? Assume my current instrument is very low grade, but playable, and while I could afford a £2k instrument, I really can't justify that for this purpose, so maybe something that would sound and play better, but not be something I'd worry too much about treating with kid gloves?
Don't really need a pickup or cutaway, and if I try some, I might be tempted to spend more if I found something I loved playing?
I'm based in Oxford, but sometimes am in Birmingham, Northampton and London.
Thanks, and this is maybe a bit too vague, but I have zero experience with acoustic steel strings beyond entry level ones!
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You'll get better value if you buy used but it may be worth seeing a selection from different manufacturers to help you narrow your search.
Consider a built-in pickup too. You can retrofit them, but those tend to look "retrofitted" (and messy) and you'll probably get basic EQ built in too if it's electro from the factory. Makes recording a lot easier if you decide to get into that too later on.
You can't really do the Harley Benton thing with an acoustic, so whilst you could get something decent for <£500, you can't really "upgrade" it in future, and it might be cheaper in the long-run to aim at £1k as a sensible limit.
Have fun!!
Have you thought of an Ovation? The slim bodied varieties are great for people more used to electrics. A good one will have a decent acoustic tone (again, nothing to overwhelm a singing voice) and be easy to play, with a slim neck and low action. And, of course, they sound great plugged in.
Otherwise for cheaper and assume new, depends also on what EQ you prefer and what body shape you are comfortable with.
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The '70s/'80s D25M with the arched back would be my pick if you were to have only one acoustic for strumming. One of Guilds more basic models back in the day but for what you describe (mindful that you don't say what kind of music you'll be playing) there's nothing better in my opinion, regardless of price. Sounds great played hard (won't crap out) or soft). Pretty bombproof and you won't be scared to play it. Highly regarded by many Guild fans. Ryan Adams plays one.
If you'd have said you were a picker, I'd have recommended an F30
They are quite mid-heavy and so not good, since they compete with a solo male vocal.
A slightly bigger body (dreadnought or jumbo) with more bass and treble and a gentle relative mid-scoop, will allow your vocal to sit nicely in that mid-scoop and sound better.