Tony's Top 3 Guitars Under $1000 (Live Q&A)

[@jameshaire4033]

Skip to the three guitars: Yamaha AC1M 8:26 Taylor 114E 9:30 Martin DRSGT 11:21

[@ZoGuitar]

***** thanks

[@soheilghafurian4671]

+James Haire Thank you!

[@StewartBrand85]

+James Haire THANK YOU!

[@bradh6185]

James Haire Thanks!!! I was going nuts!

[@jamescbouchard]

Thanks chatty fellow,,lol

[@ivan868]

7:34 Yamaha AC1M 9:26 Taylor 114A 11:21 Martin DRSGT 18:22 Gibson J-15

[@DaveStarr100.3]

Seagull S6 Original, $500. Cedar top, Canadian wild cherry back and sides. Beautiful contender for under $1000. I'm so happy with my purchase. I would highly recommend it for anyone looking for under a grand. cheers! great video!

[@colinsacks8200]

I agree that the Seagulls are good. I also like the less expensive Larrivees are good (D-03, OM-03, etc.). They're creeping up in price, but good used one can be had for well under $1000.

[@dickelbuck1]

David Ploss s6 is the best guitar under $ 1000

[@mikepj1025]

David Ploss I made my purchase more recently and found my S6 by mistake. These guys never talk about Seagull but I would put it against any one of these other guitars.

[@dickelbuck1]

Mike PJ10 I think the seagull s6 is better than any of these. I have one

[@letitbe978]

Eastman e1om better than s6

[@WindOfTheWisp_Janine]

Thanks so much Tony for taking the time to share this with us. I love informal stuff like this where folks share their knowledge & experience. Always love watching your vids. To add to this, my fave sub $1000 guitars are: Guild GAD 50 dread (solid spruce top, solid rosewood back & sides), Seagull Entourage Mini-jumbo, Seagull Natural Elements dread, Ibanez Artwood AC300 grand concert, Durango B-46 dread, & Fender DG22-S dread...all incredible for the price! Thanks again! Janine

[@tomschauman4960]

I bought a DRSGT a year ago, totally love this guitar, well worth every penny I spent on it. Highly recommend to everyone.

[@b.j.surfdog3724]

I'm just under a year late on this video ( may 2016) but I enjoy your shows and find them helpful and informative. Thanks for your efforts!

[@creamsoda48]

Thanks for these EXTREMELY useful videos!! I "dabbled" as a teen with playing, now 30 years later, I was inspired to pick it back up. I started up 6 months ago and have literally not put it down!!! From not knowing there was even a different way of tuning the guitar, to where this journey has led me to today...well...night and day. With the plethora of information out there, some fact, some opinion, I find you spot on!! You have helped me weed through so much....Thank You!!!

[@soraOOOOOO]

The PRS Angelus SE is a great Guitar too ! I Would recommend it to anyone . (the gloss neck might be a problem for some but for me it's just fine)

[@Thejackolope]

***** Very dissapointed that the PRS was not included in this. I believe the Angelus SE sounds better than most of these guitars, is only $599, and includes a hardshell case.

[@robinspat]

***** Very fine sand paper will cure the neck, or pay a luthier to do it for you !! Problem solved ;) www.premierguitar.com/articles/Sanding_Your_Guitar_Neck_for_a_Smoother_Feel

[@therealsparkman]

Tony. Not to undermine your choice of guitars for under a thousand bucks, but I just purchased an Alvarez MD75S (Masterworks series) all 'solid' wood guitar, which was a manufacturer's refurbished for $600 US dollars + $60 for a HSC shipped to 'Canada'! I have to say in all honesty, that it easily compares to my Martin DCPA4 and my Larrivee D-40 in every way of sound and build! I am very particular about my guitars and I can, without a doubt, highly recommend this guitar to anyone interested in buying a stellar guitar for under a grand. No B.S.! Even my neighbour who is a long time guitarist was absolutely blown away by the exceptional tone and construction. Do yourself a favour before you pull the trigger on purchasing a guitar, give this make a serious look. You will not regret it. I believe there is a video here on KZbin with a guy promoting an Alvarez PD91S, which is similar in a way to the MD series guitars. Give it a listen and be the judge yourself. Just saying...

[@darrenparkes9805]

I say a big thank you , for beginners picking a guitar is a minefield, after watching this I bought a Yamaha ac 1 m and absolutely impressed and have no regrets Here in Australia they cost a few hundred dollars more than in us, I'm happy with my decision

[@williamostrander8667]

I had a Blueridge dread that I played on tour in the early 90's that was fabulous. Comparable to a $1500 Martin dread.

[@BdaB164]

I guess I'll just sit here quietly...for 12 days...I'm so lonely.

[@BdaB164]

brandon switzer So...many...days...

[@janepalermo6670]

Thanks, Tony. You're very patient and informative. I've learned a lot from your KZbin posts.

[@vechap]

Recently paid $598 for an immaculate AC3M...Sunburst... Awesome guitar... Need to put a bone nut and saddle but... Wow! Solid top, solid sides and back!

[@valueofnothing2487]

They are up to 800 now, but actually I found the AC1M to be really good. Much better than their FG830

[@stevekl100]

Here you loud and clear,Tony! Great work!

[@OnBendedKneeMusic]

I have 3 Bedell acoustics, pre 2010 models. American company, but made in their own factory in China. All solid woods, solid Sitka over Indian Rosewood, Adirondack Spruce over figured mahogany, and Canadian red cedar over African Sapele, all dovetail necks. the build quality is fantastic and they sound- TOTALLY AWESOME! Bedell blew them out a few years back because they merged with Breedlove. I got mine for under $400 thru Sam Ash. street price was well over $1500. you can still find used ones for around $600, and are totally worth the money. all solid woods!

[@jeaservices]

I've been watching your videos most of this evening. I believe I'm leaning towards a Hummingbird. The head to head comparisons really helped me out. Thanks!!

[@GeorgePossley]

Between you and Greg Koch, I could listen to guitar talk all freakin' day! Thanks!

[@georgemercer3013]

After listening to several different brands walked out with a Yamaha fgx830c didn't look back

[@machinelovelove]

Yamaha ac1m Taylor 114e Martin drs1 Yamaha FG700s Martin gpcpa4 Gibson J15

[@Blaizerous]

I have been playing my Walden G630CE for almost 5 years now and I highly recommend it, if your budget for acoustic guitar is under 1000$. There's many more models also by Walden under 1000$ that I recommend, like 1000 series dreadnought D1030, whitch comes with solid western red cedar top and solid indian rosewood back/sides or 2000 series dreadnought D2040 which has solid sitka spruce top, solid african mahogany back/sides. Of course there are grand auditorium models in those series I mentioned, which are also under 1000$.

[@HouseYourMama]

Thanks! I appreciate your demonstrations and commentary

[@bobaldo2339]

I bought a DRS-2 three years ago. This is my final update. The down side of this guitar that I noticed right away was that it wasn't balanced across all the strings - the bass string were louder than the treble strings. The basic tone of the guitar was fine - actually sounds like a Martin. I'm not crazy about the "modified low oval" Martin neck, or the usual 16" fretboard radius - but, you will find those on most Martins of any price. After I decided that the guitar was a keeper - took me a couple years, I'm slow with decisions - I decided to remove the pickup and all the electronic stuff inside the guitar. That I did yesterday. I found that because of there having been an under-saddle pickup, the slot in the bridge was deeper than usual. A drop-in Martin type Tusq saddle (13/32" in height) therefore gave me action slightly too low. But I seemed to hear better response from the high E and B strings than I was hearing with the PU under the saddle. I decided to shim the saddle with a 0.8 mm strip of Delrin 150 (plastic sheet I had for making my own picks). This material produced what to me were bright sounding picks, a bit too bright, so I figured it could possibly improve the balance string to string by bringing up the treble strings. Perhaps it did - (something did). Anyway, the guitar is now balanced string to string, and the action is just right. I don't like pickups in acoustic guitars, so that one is in a parts drawer.

[@KipCount]

I didn't know about this... just got in around 12:45EST. Can't wait to watch from the start.

[@rogerbaker2068]

Good guitars! My favourite under $1000 guitar, is a Seagull Maritime Mini-Jumbo SWS. Not fancy...but the (Canadian) build-quality is excellent!

[@luistellez6762]

i just picked up a yamaha fg700s at a pawn shop almost new for $110. i remember watching this guide and i thought that model was the one you mentioned. i came back here and it was. thanks alot for the info

[@hunter71950]

I know that this is an old topic, but I have a strong opinion, so here goes... First of all, I don't know why anyone would buy a new guitar, then have to wait 10 years or so for it to open up nicely. Maybe that's another topic for TAC? I just saw a 2006 Martin SWOMGT for sale on Ebay, for $700.00. (They are now selling new for about $1700.00.) This is a GREAT deal on a much-better-than-the-price-would-suggest guitar. Solid cherry back and sides, Sitka top, scalloped X-bracing, etc., etc. It has a beautiful, "buttery" sound that falls somewhere between mahogany and rosewood to my ears. Definitely worth a lesson!! (Or see Tony's positive review).

[@oldguy3255]

I bought a Martin D15M at Guitar City on sale for $985. Nice deep tone. I love it.

[@cmartinrosebud]

Hi Tony, I am a relatively new player. Age is 73. I love my Martin OMCPA4 and know a few songs by heart. Frankly, I watch your reviews and can't tell the difference between my guitar and the much more expensive Martin D18. My hands are small and so am I, so the size of a guitar matters. What others would you suggest for someone like me that don't cost a fortune?

[@chulo2047]

C. Martin R GS mini Taylor Mahagony or Koa

[@valueofnothing2487]

I would second that, if you don't mind that it is quiet. I found them too quiet. But if you don't mind that, I would say they are the best guitar sound for the money period. I don't know how they do it.

[@anilyazar_]

epiphone masterbilt dr500mce is it worth?

[@steveoliver2545]

Great to hear you

[@anthonyalan2718]

I really love your work, and reviews Nice work!

[@n7qx]

No question but Chad is a friend of mine and also a great mando player as well. You are fortunate to have him!!

[@eddieparent6132]

Thanks, You are an Inspiration to all musicians, I myself have been playing guitar for 37 years, and I have to say I really didn't listen to the sounds of woods and tones until I was going to buy high Dollar Guitar. you have shown me what to look for. Thank you for your acoustic Letter. Sincerely, Eddie from Pocahontas, Arkansas

[@robhead22]

best guitar type and size for fingerstyle guitar? I'm a sixty year old blues guitarist making a switch. and it's amazing how little I know about acoustic guitars

[@TheAcousticLetter]

Probably a 000 or 00 size with a wider fingerboard..... it's best to try different guitars to get an idea of what works best for you....

[@surfrunnerd8457]

Teton makes a great line of guitars. The STS205NT is solid cedar top, solid mahogany backs and sides, and plays like an absolute dream.

[@agathosdamon728]

So far so good...and well, I love your hair...Also, your guitar analysis over the years are extremely helpful and packed with great info. I am however, at this venue interested in the inspiration for your tattoos....Cheers Tony.

[@chadandrews98]

Hi, Based on your review and a past love of Martins, I have purchased a Martin DRSGT. Thank you! I am happy with this guitar. It has that rich bass sound that seems unique to Martin and yet the mid and treble comes out too. . Having the onboard electronics is a nice added feature. Chad

[@eriktaira]

Hello AL channel! I have never seen on Acoustic Letter any evaluation about Seagull guitars, like S6 or Artist Mosaic QII. I think it would be very interesting... Thank you!

[@robhead22]

Awesome live show. I was fooled thinking it was still live when I sent my question- THEN noticed the date. Great round up and q&a. Thanks for answering my question so quickly. I'm looking at a whole slew of manufacturers. I'm interested in larravee and Eastman 00 guitars with inch and a half nut widths. Thanks for you help and generosity.

[@bsmlight]

My guitars are relatively pricey, but the challenge is finding a good entry level acoustic that stays in tune with good intonation for my students. Also, many students are not old enough to hold (yet alone play) a dreadnaught guitar. I have found that the Yamaha FS-series small body guitars work pretty well. Also, a good luthier can set these up to play even better.

[@TheJoshSchneider]

thanks for all your videos tony! I watched most of them. I totally agree with you on your selections for under $1,000.00 - I smiled when you brought out the Yamaha fg700, i think thats the best sounding guitar in its price range hand down! I play it every time i go to guitar center!

[@nickmasta7241]

Taylor 210 . Change the pins to bone. Best sound for the money. What you think?

[@TheAcousticLetter]

Nick Masta Yes, Bone pins can add resonance & tone to the guitar. Good upgrade!

[@pshengcbr]

Any thoughts on Recording Kings? Made in China but all solid hand made guitars and under $1000. Eastman are great too but technically they are over $1000 when purchased new. What are your thoughts Tony?

[@JustinZak7]

I've got an RK parlor and I love it!

[@GuitarFreak1901]

pshengcbr I played a dirty 30s parlor in guitar center and I loved it

[@seanleonard5]

pshengcbr I just recently bought a Recording King RNJ-26 Greenwich Village and I LOVE it. It's a small body, but with a deep body, and I think it's meant for fingerpicking mostly but it strums wonderfully too. It's basically a cheaper remake of the old Gibson Nick Lucas Specials from the 1920s and/or 30s. There's also a cheaper version called the RNJ-17 (It's cheaper because it's not all solid wood like thd 26 I think). As for the Dirty Thirties series, I've played a few, and they're okay. But they are pretty low in price, and I think it shows in the sound, which is a little boxy, even in the OOO and dreadnought models. I'd save my money for a better one than the Dirty Thirties series, but I definitely recommend Recording King guitars.

[@barrya.6212]

No Seagull's ?!?? ...or Epiphone Masterbilt DR500M ? ...great sounding guitars for around $500

[@rickwebb3172]

We should make note of the fact that technology & accuracy have advanced to the point where if you are willing to spend $500 or above for a new guitar, your chances of getting a guitar that is "in range" are better than ever before. This is due mainly to competition from many luthiers. Any of us stands a better chance for "out of the box" acceptability based on a guitars intended purpose.

[@nerfnerfification]

I just tried out and bought an Ashton D20 because it sounded so good and played so well - I think it's under $100 if you look around!!! Now most of my instruments are from the other end of the cost spectrum i.e. Martin D28, Gibson J 45, Guild D50 and so on and I still cannot quite believe I HAD to buy it. But I did!!

[@BryTunesMusic]

Exactly what I needed - thanks!

[@mooseman2279]

faith guitars are tremendous value for the money, superb build and tone and all models are solid woods throughout

[@secondaryschoolm6769]

you rock ! keep it up , excellent job

[@Tiddleypidlei]

My first guitar was a Fender San Miguel left handed acoustic. I got it for 150 including a case, strap and some tools to intonate it. I recommend old 90s fender acoustics they are easy to find and pop up frequently on eBay for less than $400.

[@salemsludge]

fantastic review ! really appreciate it !

[@cmartin1959-qq2mi]

Coming in loud & clear !

[@michaelmegna200]

Taylor 114ce

[@martin-xs5hb]

really like that riff you always play - got it tabbed out anywhere by chance??

[@joalucard]

I really like your stuff, keep dm coming

[@mritz205]

Like your reviews. Didn't know you are a Blackhawks fan. Very cool.

[@Seamus322]

Been VERY happy with my Seagull M6-bought new in 2005, $500+/- with TRIC case, added an LR Baggs i-beam($140), -and it's made in Canada!

[@MrNikibilly]

Hey you sound great I love your videos Happy holidays

[@jammybilly]

What a GREAT hangout! A LOT of interesting questions. This may have been the best one yet (although I know it's not a TAC hangout). Could this be because there were more people at this one or was it because the topic was a bit more focused than TAC hangouts and prompted people to ask questions around the topic? MORE please! AND THANKS!

[@dthebassman7999]

Loud and Clear!!

[@eddieparent6132]

I love your youtube specials you are so funny and entertainning.

[@jammybilly]

Would it be possible to put the guitars played in this hangout (and future hangouts) in the description. (I was just going to try and watch their reviews).

[@presleysanjose7946]

It still depends upon your "Music Language." If you are a Country, Alternative, and Rock musician, then go with Martin and if you are a simple Pop artist go with the Bright sound of Taylor.

[@mrmapegothe13th]

+Presley San Jose Lol, wrong. Thats like saying only pop stars play Fender and only rockers play Gibson. I play blues, jazz, classical and rock and play a Taylor, as do many rock legends and many alternative and country players. The warmer sound of a Martin and the brighter sound of a Taylor are no different than the whole Fender or Gibson thing. Both are useful sounds and both are used in many many types of music.

[@presleysanjose7946]

Yes indeed! they are great in different perspective. Maybe its just a matter of your taste among the two.

[@Distortionmonster]

awesome video!

[@jimprice39]

I have been playing guitar for the last 62 years and have some of the most sought after guitars and a few years ago I discovered the Epiphone guitars. For under $400 one can get a Dove or a Hummingbird w/electronics that sound great. What are your thoughts on the Epiphones?

[@mrmapegothe13th]

+Jim Price Decent guitars but not nearly as well made as the Gibson stuff, or the Taylor, Martin, Larivee, etc.

[@stephenkelly6168]

Thanks, Tony

[@podline16834]

I'm listening to you webcast in the middle of the desert in Saudi Arabia. Thanks

[@soofitnsexy]

im sorry...

[@TheRycooder]

Can't BELIEVE you haven't put in the blueridge BR-160A.....I've played all of those it it kills them all.

[@elile]

Thoughts on FMI vs. Bone vs. Ivory for an OMJM saddle. Want something warm cause flat picking and strumming with picks brighten the tone up a lot.

[@nazarethpa1833]

Do you get to check out any Dowina guitars over there in the states? These are absolutely superb guitars made in a small boutique in the Czech Republic.

[@NicolasHernandez-wg4qn]

Hi Tony, i Learn a lot whit your acoustic letters............Excelent Comments regards from Guadalajara, Jalisco Mexico

[@philipvanhorn2935]

what is your thoughts on the Yamaha AC3R? I am thinking of buying it.😎

[@dopamine333]

What do you think of the Epiphone masterbilt?

[@j.r.wilson4643]

I personally think they are great and own one. I get though that he dosen't every guitar to try as well.

[@elile]

Is saddle/bridge pin material that important to tone of the guitar? Which do you prefer and why?

[@gonydiaz]

So I was watching your webpage checking out the Martin GPCPA4 and the listed price is 1729 US$ is this correct? In the video you said 1249 US$ if im not wrong

[@scottbrewer8000]

Just bought a Yamaha FG720s for $259.00 and cannot put it down!

[@sgim43]

I have it... there's definitely better guitars for what this video describes.. upto the $1000 range. It still sound like a cheap ("plasticky" sounding) guitar to me though, although a "quality" cheap guitar. It was one of the last cheap guitars I bought before getting into high end models.

[@patrickross1973]

I bought a Yamaha fgx800C for $299 and love it.

[@stepheneberts1228]

Considering the FSX800c myself, damn these small hands and short thumb, need the shorter scale length. How bad is the factory set on the low end Yamahas

[@scottbrewer8000]

Stephen Eberts Can't speak for yours but my FG720s was good right out of the box. Changed saddle to a bone saddle and had to shave down the new saddle. Out of the box specs were .10 on the neck relief, 12th string was 5/64ths on the bass E and 4/64ths on the treble. Slightly high on the 1st fret at .22.Thinking of putting in a bone nut so I'll have to shave a bit off from that. Plays super easy. I think you'll like it. Hope this helps a little. My mistake was buying a Martin D15m so now the D15 is getting all my playing time!!

[@eulogy8288]

Don't you also loose a little resonance with the bracing on the solid wood back and sides? Whereas with the laminate, there is no bracing and there is a curved back (at least as far as the Taylors are concerned) allowing maybe for a little more movement, volume, and sound projection. I think that maybe the problem with the laminate may only be due to the fact that Taylor is using a poplar wood core and then coating it with a nicer tone wood for appearance and probably some sound coloration. If Taylor would use a better tone wood core for the laminate, I think that you might get an even better sound than the solid wood guitars with bracing -- this of course would raise the cost. It's just a theory, but I think that it would make for an interesting experiment -- I don't know if Taylor would be up for making a prototype like this.

[@ericbee5353]

I can personally vouch for taylor 114e. I bought the 114e grand auditorium and im in love with it. Its loudness and brightness is perfect for my finger picking ways. Also, highly recommend sticking to the elixir light phosph. strings (.12-.53)

[@TheHeliumSkater]

i just realized his tattoos on his arms are the same but they are opposite of each other and ive watched the acoustic letter since i started playing guitar a few years ago, actually helped me get my first guitar, Taylor 114ce, i did play for almost a year on my brothers old alverez, which was a nice guitar for the price.

[@zmpq711]

Hi Tony, I saw that Cordoba has their first steel string Acero D9, built on Spanish heel instead of Dove Tail. Have you tried the guitar and what's your thought on it?

[@fernandoestevesduarteaugus8721]

What is the alike OM model to the Dread HD35 that he said is very good for different styles in one guitar? Great video people!

[@john-michael9002]

I live in England and travelling to the US at the end of the month before Australia. What are your tips for travelling with my Gibson Keb Mo? So scared they are going to try and make me put it in the hold.

[@bevmihalicz4611]

I would like to purchase a guitar with a narrower neck for easier playing specially when you have arthritis in your fingers and hands . So I find a slender neck is easier for me to play. I like a country bass full body sound. Which guitar do you think would be better choice

[@jeppep95]

are epiphone masterbilts any good?

[@Dudelikey0]

jeppep95 fucking right

[@misha1d1]

jeppep95 Yes! I have a friend that has one, at it is lovely.

[@jeffhatcher6778]

jeppep95 Yes they are.

[@gfblack5307]

jeppep95 My experience with imports is that while they can be very good, there is a huge disparity in examples. One can be great, the next one you pick up just so so Be sure to play one before you buy it, you just don't see the consistency of quality that is in most North American guitars.

[@robinspat]

Gf Black Pro end Takamines and Alvarez Jap made for some $800 upwards £600 in UK very consistent and very good. Can knock the stuffing out of Martins Taylor et al. Like Canadian Seagulls too, very well put together, just marry with right strings - that takes time to find your tone. Adore Lowdens (Irish luthier) but more than happy with decent end Taks, great cannons ;)

[@SN.LurkinG]

Hey loved the video, Is it possible to record these live Q&As with another set of cameras and audio so you upload the video with higher video and sound quality? I'm not a video guys just throwing a random suggestion :)

[@WOKINTUSD]

have you done reviews alvarez solid wood acoustic or gallagher

[@TheAcousticLetter]

+fenando ledesma I don't believe we have reviewed these guitars.... sorry -Chad

[@jbkibs]

+fenando ledesma alvarez is so underrated...

[@ALMSDriver1]

Hi Tony,any opinion on Breedlove Instruments? Thanks.

[@Junioral360]

recently just bought a martin drs2 for 830 its amazing

[@BarriTaylor]

I'm surprised that the Seagull S6 was not on your list. I'm curious as to how you feel about those and why no Seagulls made your list. Thanks.

[@gcahill51]

+Barri Taylor Barri Right on. We have an old, well worn S6 in the office and it has warm, sweet tone. Good choice.

[@shaneroberts9466]

I only play short scale acoustic guitars, other than Taylor GS-Mini or Baby which I already have, what others would you recommend? I'd love to hear an independent review of Zager 4/5 parlor guitar?

[@Ironworthstriking]

You should do a video about "beater" acoustic guitars. What are the best ones? How do you find them?

[@Seamus322]

Yard Sales-a few years ago, my neighbor invited me over the night before his moving sale- his brother had left an acoustic which had literally never been out of the gig bag-it was a 'Marlboro Gear'-Chinese-made Martin copy-He sold it to me for$10, and threw in a lava lamp. I see those same guitars on ebay starting at $250....

[@heathbradford5624]

I just bought a Martin DX1AE for $390.00 no tax at a pawn shop. It also came with a Martin Hardshell case which is not standard. Any opinion on the price and quality of this particular guitar?

[@randallgough]

We are all familiar with how Gibson and Martin guitars mature with age. I am curious about how a Taylor guitar would age considering that they are so bright when new. Does the top end mellow with age? Does the mid and lower end develop. I love the feel and sound of a Gibson songwriter unplugged however I love the sound of the Taylor guitars plugged in.

[@Ledzepfan88]

the epiphone masterbuilt aj45me is all solid woods, all of the epiphone masterbilt line r worth looking at, also the epiphone inspired by Texan is solid top and back, with laminate sides.

[@LeedeMora]

I'd be amazed if the Yamaha L series 16 models doesn't get a mention. Solid spruce top and solid rosewood back and sides, great (passive) pick up, great mahogany neck, great quality control. Three sizes, Jumbo, Dreadnaught or Auditorium.

[@ludaluc]

I had an AC1m and didnt like it at all. Just ordered a Blueridge br-160 , cant wait to get it.

[@thaox410]

I'm back with another question. Would there be a difference in a 214e that's made in 2005 and the current 214e? I know the older models are solid wood while the new ones are laminate. I plan to play it a lot so I'm guessing the solid wood would be better over time because of playing and aging right? Sorry for so many questions, I'm just in a huge debate on what to get. I noticed that the taylor 114e sounds better plugged in but the Martin GPCPA5 sounds better acoustically.

[@TheAcousticLetter]

Solid wood is always a better choice for tone...

[@GeorgeMaddaloni52463]

Ibanez AW4000 should also be on this list. Phenomenal, all solid wood guitar for well under $1000. So many guitars, so little time.

[@simplecookingforasimplelif3911]

Very helpful! thanks

[@williss9995]

have you tried the Norman ST68 and if so how does it rate against the Taylor and Martins you have just talked about?