Good inexpensive guitars???

[Charles Long]

From briefly perusing here, it seems a lot of you play high end expensive guitars. I don't. What I'm looking for is good guitar for 500 or less. I live in a rural area and will have to order over the internet so no option to head to a music store and try a bunch out. If anyone has any ideas, I'd love to hear them. An Epiphone Texan looks pretty good. I'm not a very good player but I'm practicing and learning and trying to get better. The guitar I have now is pretty cheap and I really would like to upgrade and 500 is about the upper limit of what I want to spend at this point.

[Charles Long]

Let me add that I prefer a Gibson sound over a Martin sound.

[Edward Berry]

Im only a beginner, but have spent many many hours researching and handling guitars from 100-2500. Now that I have desided to go for it and learn to play, what I ended up getting was a Takamine G340SC. I ordered it from AMS and after taking it to my local repair tech for inspection and possible setup, he was VERY suprised to find it needed nothing done to it. It sounds great and does have a solid top. Stays tuned and intonation is spot on. The only thing he could recommend considering was to switch to a bone nut and saddle, which I will do in the near future.
FYI.......a few years back, when money was not a concern I did own a Taylor and Martin, finally had to sell them to pay bills, and honestly this Takamine has me wondering why I didnt get one of these long ago. For the money it really is a sweet guitar.

[Charles Long]

Thanks. My daughter has a Takamine GS-330S. It is a very nice guitar.

[lcarr]

Love the takamines

[Rick Thomas]

Take a look at the Blueridge models. I Have a br60as. Sounds great. They have lots of good models.
Rick

[diamondguy]

Good day. About 3 years ago, I bought a near mint 1968 Red Label Yamaha fg180 off ebay. I paid a little over $500 Canadian. I'm far from an expert on guitar makes & models, but I heard a lot about these models from a friend who I consider an expert. When I finally got it, I was blown away by the sound. Nice and full, and I find this one has great bass. I've played more expensive guitars that don't sound near as good as this one. If you're in the market for a used, you may find one of these on the internet. It's my understanding that these red labels were made between '66-'72.

For a new guitar in the $500 range, check out Seagull guitars. They sound great for the price. Another Godin product I really like are Simon & Patrick guitars. I recently purchased a S&P Showcase Rosewood, and I love it. They retail for about a grand (i think). I got a great deal on mine through an endorsement, but I would pay full price after playing the one I have.

Mike

[joe smith]

One of the best values on guitars is the recording king RD-27. I got mine for under $500 and I'm very happy.

http://elderly.com/new_instruments/items/RD27.htm

[Charles Long]

I looked at their website. They didn't have any American outlets listed as dealers.

[Charles Long]

That site does leave a lot to be desired. I sent them an email asking about American dealers. Regarding Steven Seagal, I read somewhere that he was writing songs and singing but I never heard that he was actually performing. I wonder if he's any good.

[Charles Long]

I got an email back from the site. He said he used to be the only American dealer but isn't anymore. He said he still had one used guitar. I'm going to email him back and ask for pictures and price.

[Chris]

Good luck, keep us posted, even post the photos up for us to see, if ye want. Chris

[Chris]

I play a Yamaha LL 11. Cost me around £399 ($600?) Its a well made instrument and a really good balanced responsive sound.