Thoughts on an acoustic/electric?

[xmicxcorex]

I've been playing mainly electric for around 12 years. My band is playing our final show on September 27 and I am looking at going to school afterwards...but I don't want to stop recording and playing music, so I'm looking at just doing some acoustic stuff.
My price range is gonna be between $250-400.
It definitely has to be acoustic electric and a cutaway, and I would prefer it to be smaller (as in, not a Gibson Jumbo...)
Here's what I'm looking at right now-
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-APX500-Thinline-Acoustic-Electric-Cutaway-Guitar-with-Piezo?sku=512948
Any input on this guitar? I've played it in person at a local shop and liked it, I just want to know if anyone has any personal experience with how much maintenance this guitar requires, if much at all outside of normal, and how durable it is (I'm gonna be doing a lot of moving in the next few years).
Let me know thoughts on this guitar as well as some ideas for others.



(patrickhowell, now is when I beg of you to come toss some information my way)

[OveriseFan]

Just one question before I start throwing out some recs: Does it HAVE to have a cutaway? I thought I'd want a cutaway, too, when I bought my first Acoustic-Electric, but now I realize I really don't need it and actually prefer the look of a normal guitar more.

Just curious, do you actually need the cutaway, and what for?

[patrickhowell]

Yeah, cutaways are a lot less useful on acoustics, and you'll get better sound out of a full body guitar. Also, why do you need the pickup? Acoustic guitars always sound much better mic'ed than plugged in, and you'll be able to get a better guitar at that price if you don't go acoustic/electric.

That being said, Yamaha makes great acoustics for the price, and that wouldn't be a bad investment... I'd still recommend checking out craigslist for a better deal, though.

[xmicxcorex]

Just one question before I start throwing out some recs: Does it HAVE to have a cutaway? I thought I'd want a cutaway, too, when I bought my first Acoustic-Electric, but now I realize I really don't need it and actually prefer the look of a normal guitar more.

Just curious, do you actually need the cutaway, and what for?


It really doesnt HAVE to be...just massively preferred. I know its a fuller sound without the cutaway, but to me it doesnt change it significantly enough to not. I guess the Les Paul lover in me carries over to acoustics.

[OveriseFan]

Yeah, cutaways are a lot less useful on acoustics, and you'll get better sound out of a full body guitar. Also, why do you need the pickup? Acoustic guitars always sound much better mic'ed than plugged in, and you'll be able to get a better guitar at that price if you don't go acoustic/electric.

That being said, Yamaha makes great acoustics for the price, and that wouldn't be a bad investment... I'd still recommend checking out craigslist for a better deal, though.

I disagree with you on the mic'ed than plugged in thing. Here's why: I don't think this guy is touring and has a great sound guy at the shows he'll be playing. It's far easier to plug it in and run it through the P.A. than to work a mic and position it properly. It also destroys mobility, as you'll have to sit/stand in one place the whole time. It's fine, I guess, but I get the vibe that this guy will want to move around and play a bit rather than just sit down. I could be wrong though - and that's his choice. I much prefer having a pickup in my guitar, although you're right, mic-ing it usually does sound better.

It really doesnt HAVE to be...just massively preferred. I know its a fuller sound without the cutaway, but to me it doesnt change it significantly enough to not. I guess the Les Paul lover in me carries over to acoustics.

I prefer the look of the full body acoustics, but that's just me. You're right, the sound, especially if you're using a pickup in an acoustic-electric, won't vary that much. If you like the look of the cutaway, go for it.

http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Seagull-S6-AcousticElectric-Guitar?sku=512121

Look for that guitar used. I love Seagulls guitars. Great value for the money.

[alltimeGreg]

hey dude, im trying to do the same thing as you and i was looking at some guitars. I really like the yamaha you put up

[Tristan Needler]

I love Seagulls. I've really wanted to upgrade my crappy acoustic for a long time now, but I don't have the money at all.

[patrickhowell]

I disagree with you on the mic'ed than plugged in thing. Here's why: I don't think this guy is touring and has a great sound guy at the shows he'll be playing. It's far easier to plug it in and run it through the P.A. than to work a mic and position it properly. It also destroys mobility, as you'll have to sit/stand in one place the whole time. It's fine, I guess, but I get the vibe that this guy will want to move around and play a bit rather than just sit down. I could be wrong though - and that's his choice. I much prefer having a pickup in my guitar, although you're right, mic-ing it usually does sound better.

It really depends on how much he wants to play out vs write/record at home, and what kind of gear he has for recording. I was just saying that if you want an acoustic/electric that you should make sure you need that and not just an acoustic.

[ACA]

I've been playing mainly electric for around 12 years. My band is playing our final show on September 27 and I am looking at going to school afterwards...but I don't want to stop recording and playing music, so I'm looking at just doing some acoustic stuff.
My price range is gonna be between $250-400.
It definitely has to be acoustic electric and a cutaway, and I would prefer it to be smaller (as in, not a Gibson Jumbo...)
Here's what I'm looking at right now-
http://guitars.musiciansfriend.com/product/Yamaha-APX500-Thinline-Acoustic-Electric-Cutaway-Guitar-with-Piezo?sku=512948
Any input on this guitar? I've played it in person at a local shop and liked it, I just want to know if anyone has any personal experience with how much maintenance this guitar requires, if much at all outside of normal, and how durable it is (I'm gonna be doing a lot of moving in the next few years).
Let me know thoughts on this guitar as well as some ideas for others.



(patrickhowell, now is when I beg of you to come toss some information my way)

http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=2373&sid=524

Got that for $480 with tax (no case) out the door from Guitar Center. Plays like a dream, I could not be happier.

-ACA

[SD_John]

anything ovation.

[patrickhowell]

anything ovation.

I really don't like Ovations...

[SD_John]

I really don't like Ovations...

I love them. My friend told me to try one out, I did, and I was sooo surpised on the sound. It sounded very good.

[patrickhowell]

I love them. My friend told me to try one out, I did, and I was sooo surpised on the sound. It sounded very good.

They sound good for the shape/components, but I don't think they sound as good as a full dreadnaught... And I hate the way they slide down your legs if you try to play one sitting down. They are real comfortable to play standing up though.

[SD_John]

They sound good for the shape/components, but I don't think they sound as good as a full dreadnaught... And I hate the way they slide down your legs if you try to play one sitting down. They are real comfortable to play standing up though.

I have never had that problem. I don't own one, but I've had good experiences with them at guitar center and stuff like that.

[xmicxcorex]

I really don't like Ovations...


im in the same boat. Or i'd've gotten one ages ago probably. They just don't feel right to me.

[xmicxcorex]

http://www.takamine.com/?fa=detail&mid=2373&sid=524

Got that for $480 with tax (no case) out the door from Guitar Center. Plays like a dream, I could not be happier.

-ACA


thanks! ill check it out.