[caspersvapors]

my cheap ass acoustic (1st guitar I ever bought) broke and I plan on buying a new one, I know I need to go to the store and just try a bunch of em but I figured I get a few recommendations here beforehand

[IamDocWatson]

i dont know exact model numbers but try out alvarez an guild...theyre good quality guitars and a lil more unique than martin and gibson..

[mutant_dan]

My neighbor has a Seagull that sounds pretty good. I think they are handmade in Canada and come in under $500.

[strumminsix]

I own a Takamine EG341SC that I love! But it needed a fret job after a year. Even with the fret job and strings for a year and batteries and gigbag it was still under $500.

[AugustWest]

Blueridge makes very quality guitars for right around 500. Comparable to a martin. Great value.

[mikenohio]

i like my Seagull. I was out the door around $550 for the M Series with a hard shell case...

Supposedly they get free wood from the Canadian Gov't, so they are able to make a nice solid top guitar for less money.

[gumbo]

Taylor Big Baby, Nuff said.

I went to my local overpriced guitar store looking for a good acoustic to replace my Jay Junior and played the awesome Taylor on the wall. It was *very* nice, so i got home and ordered it off musicians friend for $400 dollars. It came with a very nice case and free shipping. Its *very* light too, and technically a 3/4 guitar, but it's pretty hard to tell. I'm just happy because I have one bad ass Taylor and I'm pretty sure you would like it.....

[IamDocWatson]

no offense, but i would always suggest a full scale guitar

[jck_strw]

Norman guitars are very good for the price. I would check around and see if any are stock at your LFGS (Local Friendly Guitar Store). I bought a used Norman from Elderly.com and have enjoyed it tremendously.

[gumbo]

My mistake, its technically a 15/16 scale, being "just shy of a full-size guitar,"
It really is hard to tell the size difference. Here, check this out: http://www.taylorguitars.com/Guitars/Baby-Taylor/BBT/


Hope this helps, and let us know what you find

[jackstrawfromwitchita]

BOTH SEAGULL AND PARKWOOD I HAVE AND THEIR GREAT AND UNDER 500

[quonce]

Ill throw mine in there, I really like it. I mean Id love to own a Martin or Taylor, but I was on this same budget when I purchased it 2 years ago.

It's an Epiphone EJ-200CE Acoustic/Electric Jumbo cutaway (sounds more important and cool if you say all that)

http://www.epiphone.com/default.asp?Pro ... ctionID=10

[deadguise]

I have an Ibenez Artwood that I got real cheap. It's comfortable to play and has a decent tone. I use a Dean Markley pickup that fits in the hole and it does the job.

[racerits]

I bought a Epiphone Masterbuilt for 500 on the head. Solid wood top and body. Try these out at least once before deciding.

[unclebrando]

I agree with the Epiphone Masterbuilt, they sound fantastic for the price. My Alvarez AD60SC acoustic-electric was around $489 if I'm remembering correctly. I love it plugged in or not. It may be a little too bright for some, not a whole lot of low end there.