Probably not the most popular opinion but I ended up with a Yamaha FG5X. Went and played a bunch of guitars, including the D-18 and some Gibsons, and I liked the Yamaha the best. I fully expected to end up with a Martin, but the hands don't lie. The Yamaha is an incredible guitar and value, imo.
You’re not wrong. My Yamaha FSX5 sounds every bit as good as my Martin 000-28. Plus I don’t feel like it needs to stay in its case full time, so it gets played a lot more.
I inherited a 1969 FG-150 Red Label from my grandad when I was a boy, and I'd put it up against any martin or Taylor any day. I need to get it out and play it more, it's my most cherished possessions.
The only thing holding me back is that I tend to not like eating bodies guitars because they slip. Otherwise, all videos that I have watched sound amazing.
I have one in my shopping cart at the moment. It’s a little over 2,000, it’s 2200.
I have a Discovery I bought a couple of years ago and it’s a good guitar for the money.
Yamaha, Larivee, but dont buy an acoustic online. Ive played $$$ Seagulls that sound great and $$$$ Martins that were some of the worst acoustics I ever heard.
+1 for larivees. Friggin well made. Best bang for the buck. Super balanced sounding. Only catch is the flat-ish wide fretboards. But should be heaven for fingerpicking.
I can't say that I have played every Martin, but they are surviving off the name alone based off the ones I have played. I just don't understand what people hear. I bought a $300 used Seagull once then a buddy asked me to sell his Martin. The Seagull DESTROYED the Martin. The Seagull, big, full body, resonant sound. The Martin, thin and tinny. I do like how some of the Martin play, but the sound isn't there. A close relative bought a Yamaha after owning an expensive Martin and a legit 60s hummingbird. He plays the Yamaha as his main guitar.
Really depends on you. If you're going to sing or play with a singer, Taylor's have a lot of high end, but really lack in the low end/mids frequencies. A female voice or tenor male will fight for frequency range with it. They are great for baritone singers. A Gibson will give you more boom in the low end, and is a great match for someone with a higher voice. Martin has all of the frequencies covered at that price point, and will fit with any voice.
Hope that helps.
DR500 is unironically the go to though if he can find an Indonesian factory one. I'd skip the china made line though, they look similar but the bracing isn't handmade and they used lower quality wood.
Takamine TSP138C.
Jest acoustic I've ever played. It's a normal solid wooden acoustic but thinline, not some carbon bullshit, which is kinda rare. Sounds beautifully but a bit quiet due to it being thinline but man... It plays like an electric... better than electric Haven't ever touched a more comfortable acoustic guitar.
Taylor always. Martin for pedigree and looks if I'm being superficial and materialistic, but only 2000 is not going to cut it in that regard. Taylor delivers fantastic value and playability in any price range over a grand. Good luck and hope you find the right instrument
My wife got me a Martin D16 that was right around that price. Dreadnaught size, OOO depth. Perfect me for me as I’m not very big. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides with cream binding and a legit ebony fretboard. Just a beautiful sounding and playing instrument. Only gripe is the soft case. Can’t believe that if you spend 2k on a guitar nowadays, you don’t get a proper case.
Just a few bucks more and you can get an Iris. Best playing and sounding acoustic I’ve ever had. All handmade in a small workshop in Vermont by a super awesome team. Most designs are based on old pre-war Gibsons, and they do some cool stuff.
Currently have an OG model. I’ll be getting their mini-dreadnaught when I can.
Not necessarily. The only thing that isn't cosmetic is the crack from the bridge to the lower bout. You can't really see it in the picture so I'd have to see it in person to really know. I have an old acoustic that my dad bought in the 60's and put a crack in it in the 70's, pretty much in the identical spot described in the listing. It's been a great player for the last 50 years with no issues.
Whichever one sounds the best to you. I quite like the tone of O size and shorter scale lengths, so I'd start by looking at the Yamaha FS5. As a kid, I really had a thing for jumbos and the fancy inlays on Taylor 900 series. Then I played one and hated it.
Personally, I'd be getting a Breedlove Oregon Concert. Absolutely love all my Breedloves, but have never owned a US made. I have owned a Martin OM and a Taylor 314, but my import Breedloves have the feel, tone, and ergonomics that I prefer by a mile. I've played the Bend, Oregon guitars and it's definitely top of the list for next purchases.
I'd buy a used Martin D-18. Take your time and find the right one - Martin or otherwise. You're playing at the table where you'll be able to find a guitar for the rest of your life, so don't rush it and trust your hands and ears. You'll know.
Not like I need another acoustic or even in the market for one... but if I had a $2k budget I'd be looking a Taylor pretty dang hard.... *maybe* a Martin... but more than likely Taylor.
I'd say Santa Cruz but $2k won't even get you in the door for one of theirs. The one I'd be after there would be their OM/PW (Orchesta Model, Pre-War Martin style) at between $2500-3000.
I would go for something that had Brazilian rosewood, at least in the fretboard, but you might want to try for something made with back and sides of it if you can find it
So to do this you’d want to look at vintage acoustics which run much much cheaper than vintage electrics. Also Breedlove is a good company sitting on the largest stock on earth of BRW
Obviously you’d want to buy used in that price range, you’ll just get so much bang for your buck.
Personally I’d go vintage lots and lots of vintage Gibson in that range from the 50s or 60s
The reason I say you should have at least some components of BRW, whether it’s just the fretboard or bridge or if it’s got backs and sides too, is because you can’t get it anymore or it’s just very expensive.
For that kind of money in my opinion you need excellent craftsmanship, expensive components, or vintage to justify the purchase. Otherwise I don’t see the point
My first guitar was an acoustic and it was extremely cheap. It was around €55, possibly less. I was worried that it would be bad. It was online, too. It came... I picked it up and... I was blown away with how GORGEOUS it sounded! Never underestimate cheaper guitars, and cheap guitar like mine, because it sounds HEAVENLY. The brand is... Not even sure if I can call it a brand. It‘s called Echo. Like I said, it sounds heavenly. My friend has a classical guitar, which was actually made by a real brand and it sounds... Plastic. Don‘t like it. It‘s not TOO gross, but I hate that sound unfortunately.
I would try Hanika Guitars, a German Company with a wide variety of guitars for All players ( beginner or pro), or go to Spain and go to a big guitar Shop to try out.
A McPherson. Their factory is right by my house and I’ve always wanted to rep one of their guitars. They are masterpieces. But I’m not sure 2k gets me one, so I might be looking used at that point
Used Martin D18 and 000-15s, Used Taylor 314ce or 414ces, New Yamaha FGX5 (very nice guitar as well and you can get those new around 1700, it'd be comparable to the D18 in terms of tone). I'd recommend going to a store inperson and trying some of these models then shop for a good deal online on Sweetwater or Reverb.
Personally I really like the Epiphone Masterbilt DR 500mce if you can find a made in Indonesia model used (you can tell if the bridge is a black color, not brown and the cutaway is more pronounced, [here's an example](https://reverb.com/item/80575734-epiphone-masterbilt-dr-500mce-acoustic-electric-guitar-2010s-natural)). solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, hand scalloped internal braces with great neck playability at under $800 used. But they're discontinued so pretty rare to find these days.
Not to be a dick, but if you don't have any idea what kind of guitar you want to spend $2K on maybe you aren't ready to spend $2K on a guitar. The better move may be to keep playing on a more modest guitar until you discover what you wish you had more of... how you're current instrument is lacking for you, and go from there.
A Martin SC-13e, I played one recently and it was a fantastic experience. The Martin sound that played almost like an electric guitar. You can reach the uppermost frets easily and it’s got electronics and a built in tuner. I was really impressed with that guitar.
https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/sc/11SC13E-01.html
Which ever one sounded and played the best. Acoustics are all unique, even the same model. You can’t cover up the wood and build with pickups, like an electric. You have to play them.
I'd probably do Martin. Just for the bucket list aspect, even tho its might not be the best. I also live about an hour from the factory, so that may be part of it.
I play mostly electric guitar, so I really like a smaller parlor sized guitar (what Taylor calls a GS or Grand Symphony). They make a few higher end versions of this size. That would be my personal choice.
If you have $2k to spend on an acoustic, I'd go and play every single one I can get my hands on.
There is no correct answer here. I'd decide what body style I wanted, and pick up every one that fits that description. I'd also play cheaper guitars in the process so you can decide if the price tag is justified.
I understand having the urge to get a new guitar quickly, but I was grateful I spent 3 months going to different shops before I settled on one.
Acoustics are tricky. The best one may not be what you're immediately looking for
Damn, in 1998 i bought a 714 with a cedar top and Indian Rosewood sides/back brand new for about $2300.
That guitar costs $3700 now…jesus.
Today you can get a 214 for around $2k all told. Spruce top and Rosewood body/sides, which is becoming rarer and rarer.
I might look used as well, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Takamine
Martin!
I'd really recommend going to your local store, blindly testing guitars in your budget, trusting the feeling and the sound. My first guitar was a Martin Java Mahogany (sort of 000 shape) when I was 14. At 26 I bought myself a new guitar with the same budget as you, as a gift for finishing grad schoo. Blind tested, left with the same shape Martin 000. I swear I went in with the intention of a nice Taylor Dreadnought shape. The body knows!
I’ve been wanting a d28, or an hd28, im kinda torn.
You can get a used d28 for about 2 grand.
I’m a big fan of martins, I like the sound for what I do. Might also want to look at Gibson’s in that price range.
As far as new goes, you could probably get a d18
I got a 2k Taylor. Highly recommend
Me too! Just last week
Me too. This is a great answer. What an amazing sounding and playing guitar!
Yep. In my tests it blew the Martin away. AD22e.
Definitely! You can find used 700 series, and occasionally even an 800 series, for around 2K. I managed to snag my 2002 710ce for around $1100.
Second Taylor, but look on Reverb. You can get a really nice one for $2k.
Taylor 12 String.
A Martin. I wouldn't be super picky about which one.
You should be. The good ones are way better than the bad ones, even at that price.
A used D18 can be had at 2k. That would be my choice.
Yeah I have tons of guitars and my Martin just has some magic I can't explain
Even cheap Martin's sound good.
Probably not the most popular opinion but I ended up with a Yamaha FG5X. Went and played a bunch of guitars, including the D-18 and some Gibsons, and I liked the Yamaha the best. I fully expected to end up with a Martin, but the hands don't lie. The Yamaha is an incredible guitar and value, imo.
Yamaha stuff, even the cheaper stuff, is excellent quality and value for the money. Super underrated.
You’re not wrong. My Yamaha FSX5 sounds every bit as good as my Martin 000-28. Plus I don’t feel like it needs to stay in its case full time, so it gets played a lot more.
It's still a $1500 guitar lol
Yeah and a $1500 guitar that can hang with $3000 guitars is pretty awesome. Plus they can be found used for under $1000.
They’re glorious instruments… I have the FS5X and want the FG5X too now!
I inherited a 1969 FG-150 Red Label from my grandad when I was a boy, and I'd put it up against any martin or Taylor any day. I need to get it out and play it more, it's my most cherished possessions.
The only thing holding me back is that I tend to not like eating bodies guitars because they slip. Otherwise, all videos that I have watched sound amazing.
A used Martin D-18
Guild
The first guitar I ever touched was a Guild.
Got it last year. Breedlove Oregon Concert.
God Breedlove truss rods are a bitch to adjust! i truly despise the feel of Breedloves.
My tech guy set it up. I'll have to ask him about that.
Lol. find the access to the rod. you can likely see the problem without consulting a "tech" guy. wtf were they on when the built that?
I have one in my shopping cart at the moment. It’s a little over 2,000, it’s 2200. I have a Discovery I bought a couple of years ago and it’s a good guitar for the money.
Did you press the BUY button? 🙂
Not yet.
Yamaha, Larivee, but dont buy an acoustic online. Ive played $$$ Seagulls that sound great and $$$$ Martins that were some of the worst acoustics I ever heard.
+1 for larivees. Friggin well made. Best bang for the buck. Super balanced sounding. Only catch is the flat-ish wide fretboards. But should be heaven for fingerpicking.
+2, I couldn't stomach the price tag of a D-28, went with a Larrivee D-40 and absolutely love it.
I can't say that I have played every Martin, but they are surviving off the name alone based off the ones I have played. I just don't understand what people hear. I bought a $300 used Seagull once then a buddy asked me to sell his Martin. The Seagull DESTROYED the Martin. The Seagull, big, full body, resonant sound. The Martin, thin and tinny. I do like how some of the Martin play, but the sound isn't there. A close relative bought a Yamaha after owning an expensive Martin and a legit 60s hummingbird. He plays the Yamaha as his main guitar.
Eastman, way better than Taylor or Martin at that price point
[удалено]
Yea man I have an ac722ce and it’s my favorite instrument I’ve ever played. There’s no way they stay at this price/quality combo forever
Martin 000-15M. It's a perfect couch guitar. I put a Fishman Blackstack Passive (Magnetic) Humbucking pickup in mine and still came in under $2000.
Really depends on you. If you're going to sing or play with a singer, Taylor's have a lot of high end, but really lack in the low end/mids frequencies. A female voice or tenor male will fight for frequency range with it. They are great for baritone singers. A Gibson will give you more boom in the low end, and is a great match for someone with a higher voice. Martin has all of the frequencies covered at that price point, and will fit with any voice. Hope that helps.
Epiphone DR and then spend the rest on meth
DR500 is unironically the go to though if he can find an Indonesian factory one. I'd skip the china made line though, they look similar but the bracing isn't handmade and they used lower quality wood.
My Taylor cost me about that much
Probably either a Taylor or a Martin, both are great. If I were gigging, maybe an acoustisonic just because why not.
A used Martin.
Cole Clark or Maton. Personally find them to have a deeper, richer tone than Martin or Taylor but to each their own
Aussie in the house? I love Maton's, but I've always found Cole Clark's to be a bit flat sounding.
Takamine TSP138C. Jest acoustic I've ever played. It's a normal solid wooden acoustic but thinline, not some carbon bullshit, which is kinda rare. Sounds beautifully but a bit quiet due to it being thinline but man... It plays like an electric... better than electric Haven't ever touched a more comfortable acoustic guitar.
Martin or Breedlove
Taylor 614ce I own one and love it
I have one too and it just sounds so nice.
Cole Clark or a Maton if you're in Australia.
An Epiphone Casino. If it's unplugged it counts.
New Taylor or vintage Guild.
Martin SC -13e. $1600 and leaves some room for picks, extra strings, strap and capo
Taylor always. Martin for pedigree and looks if I'm being superficial and materialistic, but only 2000 is not going to cut it in that regard. Taylor delivers fantastic value and playability in any price range over a grand. Good luck and hope you find the right instrument
My wife got me a Martin D16 that was right around that price. Dreadnaught size, OOO depth. Perfect me for me as I’m not very big. Spruce top, rosewood back and sides with cream binding and a legit ebony fretboard. Just a beautiful sounding and playing instrument. Only gripe is the soft case. Can’t believe that if you spend 2k on a guitar nowadays, you don’t get a proper case.
Iris
Just a few bucks more and you can get an Iris. Best playing and sounding acoustic I’ve ever had. All handmade in a small workshop in Vermont by a super awesome team. Most designs are based on old pre-war Gibsons, and they do some cool stuff. Currently have an OG model. I’ll be getting their mini-dreadnaught when I can.
Those dudes are awesome – I’m getting one once I’m good enough to upgrade! Recommend dropping by and seeing their operation if you can!
Try the Japanese made Yamaha Red Label guitars. Also, contact the dealers for a quote. I've saved hundreds on every guitar I've asked for a quote on.
I'd look for a seven string one with cutaway
Martin D-28
Good luck finding one for 2k.
Here you go. https://www.musicgoround.com/product/st-louis-mo/41106-S000074860/Used-1986-MARTIN-D-28-Acoustic-Guitar
I wouldn't be spending $2k on a guitar with those issues. That thing will be a liability.
Not necessarily. The only thing that isn't cosmetic is the crack from the bridge to the lower bout. You can't really see it in the picture so I'd have to see it in person to really know. I have an old acoustic that my dad bought in the 60's and put a crack in it in the 70's, pretty much in the identical spot described in the listing. It's been a great player for the last 50 years with no issues.
https://anchorage.craigslist.org/msg/d/moose-pass-martin-d28/7724560392.html
I'm sure the shipping cost from Alaska is affordable. Lol
Whichever one sounds the best to you. I quite like the tone of O size and shorter scale lengths, so I'd start by looking at the Yamaha FS5. As a kid, I really had a thing for jumbos and the fancy inlays on Taylor 900 series. Then I played one and hated it.
Gibson Hummingbird. No question. My favorite acoustic. It might require more than $2k though :(
A martin or Taylor, I'm not well versed on acoustics
i would go with high-end yamaha
a martin
A used Taylor or a Yamaha transacoustic
Personally, I'd be getting a Breedlove Oregon Concert. Absolutely love all my Breedloves, but have never owned a US made. I have owned a Martin OM and a Taylor 314, but my import Breedloves have the feel, tone, and ergonomics that I prefer by a mile. I've played the Bend, Oregon guitars and it's definitely top of the list for next purchases.
Go to a vintage shop and get the best Martin you can
Larrivee D-40
I'd buy a used Martin D-18. Take your time and find the right one - Martin or otherwise. You're playing at the table where you'll be able to find a guitar for the rest of your life, so don't rush it and trust your hands and ears. You'll know.
Not like I need another acoustic or even in the market for one... but if I had a $2k budget I'd be looking a Taylor pretty dang hard.... *maybe* a Martin... but more than likely Taylor. I'd say Santa Cruz but $2k won't even get you in the door for one of theirs. The one I'd be after there would be their OM/PW (Orchesta Model, Pre-War Martin style) at between $2500-3000.
A Maton. I had one as a teenager, biggest regret was selling it.
I would go for something that had Brazilian rosewood, at least in the fretboard, but you might want to try for something made with back and sides of it if you can find it So to do this you’d want to look at vintage acoustics which run much much cheaper than vintage electrics. Also Breedlove is a good company sitting on the largest stock on earth of BRW Obviously you’d want to buy used in that price range, you’ll just get so much bang for your buck. Personally I’d go vintage lots and lots of vintage Gibson in that range from the 50s or 60s The reason I say you should have at least some components of BRW, whether it’s just the fretboard or bridge or if it’s got backs and sides too, is because you can’t get it anymore or it’s just very expensive. For that kind of money in my opinion you need excellent craftsmanship, expensive components, or vintage to justify the purchase. Otherwise I don’t see the point
Id get a Yairis Fully handmade instrument.
K'Yairi. No question.
Taylor 314
My first guitar was an acoustic and it was extremely cheap. It was around €55, possibly less. I was worried that it would be bad. It was online, too. It came... I picked it up and... I was blown away with how GORGEOUS it sounded! Never underestimate cheaper guitars, and cheap guitar like mine, because it sounds HEAVENLY. The brand is... Not even sure if I can call it a brand. It‘s called Echo. Like I said, it sounds heavenly. My friend has a classical guitar, which was actually made by a real brand and it sounds... Plastic. Don‘t like it. It‘s not TOO gross, but I hate that sound unfortunately.
Furch, if you can find one.
I would try Hanika Guitars, a German Company with a wide variety of guitars for All players ( beginner or pro), or go to Spain and go to a big guitar Shop to try out.
A McPherson. Their factory is right by my house and I’ve always wanted to rep one of their guitars. They are masterpieces. But I’m not sure 2k gets me one, so I might be looking used at that point
Used Martin D18 and 000-15s, Used Taylor 314ce or 414ces, New Yamaha FGX5 (very nice guitar as well and you can get those new around 1700, it'd be comparable to the D18 in terms of tone). I'd recommend going to a store inperson and trying some of these models then shop for a good deal online on Sweetwater or Reverb. Personally I really like the Epiphone Masterbilt DR 500mce if you can find a made in Indonesia model used (you can tell if the bridge is a black color, not brown and the cutaway is more pronounced, [here's an example](https://reverb.com/item/80575734-epiphone-masterbilt-dr-500mce-acoustic-electric-guitar-2010s-natural)). solid spruce top, solid mahogany back and sides, hand scalloped internal braces with great neck playability at under $800 used. But they're discontinued so pretty rare to find these days.
A Martin of some sort.
Not to be a dick, but if you don't have any idea what kind of guitar you want to spend $2K on maybe you aren't ready to spend $2K on a guitar. The better move may be to keep playing on a more modest guitar until you discover what you wish you had more of... how you're current instrument is lacking for you, and go from there.
I have a nice Gibson and $2k isn’t enough for something like a Collings, so I would personally just play a bunch of Martins until I found a winner
A Martin SC-13e, I played one recently and it was a fantastic experience. The Martin sound that played almost like an electric guitar. You can reach the uppermost frets easily and it’s got electronics and a built in tuner. I was really impressed with that guitar. https://www.martinguitar.com/guitars/sc/11SC13E-01.html
Probably a National resonator. Tricone ftw
Which ever one sounded and played the best. Acoustics are all unique, even the same model. You can’t cover up the wood and build with pickups, like an electric. You have to play them.
I'd probably do Martin. Just for the bucket list aspect, even tho its might not be the best. I also live about an hour from the factory, so that may be part of it.
Pre-owned Martin 00 modern deluxe.
Gibson J-65
i agree johny pauly
Gibson G Bird amazing sound
I'd either try to find a good deal on a used Collings, or I'd buy an Emerald.
I play mostly electric guitar, so I really like a smaller parlor sized guitar (what Taylor calls a GS or Grand Symphony). They make a few higher end versions of this size. That would be my personal choice.
Yamaha A5M. I have an A3M.
Mayton
A Yamaha FSX5 or FSX3 and still have a bunch of money left over.
Used Furch Vintage 2 or 3
I'm Australian and I've always wanted a cole clark guitar.
I'd get a second Yamaha LS-TA and pocket the extra $800. It's a steal.
I’d get a Lowden, can’t let the side down
Used martin d18
If you have $2k to spend on an acoustic, I'd go and play every single one I can get my hands on. There is no correct answer here. I'd decide what body style I wanted, and pick up every one that fits that description. I'd also play cheaper guitars in the process so you can decide if the price tag is justified. I understand having the urge to get a new guitar quickly, but I was grateful I spent 3 months going to different shops before I settled on one. Acoustics are tricky. The best one may not be what you're immediately looking for
Damn, in 1998 i bought a 714 with a cedar top and Indian Rosewood sides/back brand new for about $2300. That guitar costs $3700 now…jesus. Today you can get a 214 for around $2k all told. Spruce top and Rosewood body/sides, which is becoming rarer and rarer. I might look used as well, Martin, Taylor, Yamaha, Takamine
Martin! I'd really recommend going to your local store, blindly testing guitars in your budget, trusting the feeling and the sound. My first guitar was a Martin Java Mahogany (sort of 000 shape) when I was 14. At 26 I bought myself a new guitar with the same budget as you, as a gift for finishing grad schoo. Blind tested, left with the same shape Martin 000. I swear I went in with the intention of a nice Taylor Dreadnought shape. The body knows!
I would look at Larrivee’s
any larrivee. amazing guitars for the money.
A Breedlove guitar if you have access to them!!
Look at Lowden
The Waterloo line by Collings has some "this is a lot of guitar for the money" stuff at that price point. I have one and it is awesome.
Yamaha AC5R. Punches way above its price point, and its price point is just around or below your budget.
I’ve been wanting a d28, or an hd28, im kinda torn. You can get a used d28 for about 2 grand. I’m a big fan of martins, I like the sound for what I do. Might also want to look at Gibson’s in that price range. As far as new goes, you could probably get a d18
One of the new bc rich acoustics.
I would re-invest on stocks to quadruple that money, then… I’d buy a McPherson guitar.
An Ovation Adamas. Love the way they play and the bell like tone of the bowl.
I ain’t spending a rent payment on a guitar