Grateful Dead Music Forum

Larivee's absolutely sing. Great sounding/playing guitars, every one I've tried. We own two, and the smaller one has koa back and sides and is truly a gem.

http://www.larrivee.com/

Brad

I used to have a Santa Cruz Tony Rice. DAmn, I loved that guitar. had to sell it during my divorce, sure do miss it.

don't have an acoustic now, thinking of getting one next year. Prolly gonna be a MArtin D 18.

Takamine or Taylor

I just picked up a tacoma dr14 for $600.00
solid rosewood T&S
Spruce top
1 piece mahogany neck
Baggs electronics
with case

Best $600.00 Ive spent in a while
T

I have a Martin OOOX1 that I bought in 2006 for $650 and I really like it. Everyone who has come over to my house, and picked it up to play it comments on what a nice tone it has, and I find it very easy to play. I'm sure I'll never regret the purchase.

That said, I'm not sure I am a rabid Martin fan. As someone else said, it depends on what you have to spend. When I bought that guitar, there was a Seagull model (I forget which) for around $450 that played almost as well. I probably would have bought that guitar, but the one at the store had a bad nut, and my daughter talked me into the Martin instead of dealing with the guitar that already had a problem. For someone on a tight budget, I'd probably recommend the Seagull over the Martin. I have also played several Martins from the next price range up, like the D-16, D-18, and although I would say they are somewhat louder and a little boomier, I can't justify spending two grand for the amount of difference you get. When I am ready to move to a better instrument, I doubt I will buy another Martin.