Thread: Buying a New Guitar

Baz, if you don't get a reply from Fluids(Kev) send him a PM. He is a bit of a guru on this subject.

Originally Posted by d2dave

Baz, if you don't get a reply from Fluids(Kev) send him a PM. He is a bit of a guru on this subject.

Thanks mate, will do.

Baz.

Baz, you've played long enough to know what's good.

If I were you I'd go into guitar shops and play everything that is within your budget.

Action and sound are an individual thing and by playing them you'll find one jumps out at you.

Dont feel self conscious in front of everyone in the shop.....play a few songs you know and like well.

My son recently bought a Fender acoustic which sounds great through an amp as well, but I don't like playing it.

Btw, I've been playing for over 45yrs and still happily play a 12 string acoustic which I've had since 1980.

Hi Redback, having been a guitar teacher for 35 years I have heard a few and recommended a few to students over the years.
Currently I reckon the best value guitar is the Maton 225.
RRP about $1100 but I got the last one for a student from the local supplier for $900 including a hard case. The guitar has a matt finish which isn't quite as shiney as others BUT the sound is exceptional.
You can get them in pure acoustic, electro-acoustic normal shape or with a cut-away. My preference is for the normal shape, no pick-up. If you want an electric guitar buy a cheap electric guitar but don't mess with the traditional shape.
Next jump is to a Martin at some thousands of dollars. I do own a 1976 Martin D18 but can hear virtually no difference between it and the Maton.
Cheers, Peter.

hmmm, I've been considering a new one myself....Maton 225.....might go and play one just for the hell of it.

been wanting to play slide and the 12 string is a pain to keep changing tune on.

I'd recommend either of those. Just after Christmas I went along the 'pick a few off the wall and have a go' method and ended up with an Epiphone Dave Navarro signature model, with hard case and strap for a shade under a grand. I'd been eyeing off a few for a while and didn't really expect to like the Epiphone but for whatever reason it felt like I'd been playing it for years

So I guess the advice here is have a short list in your head, and when you get I the shop, try a couple others you didn't plan but think look ok. You might be surprised

I have a Maton 6 string which I love, and a 12 string which I love even more! The best sound ever!

Beauty, I'm off this Friday, might go down to the shop and have a brouse and play, they also have the Maton EM225C on special at the moment, 25% off.

Thanks everyone

Baz.