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Anyone have tips on these? Cant afford top end so what should I be looking for and what questions should I be asking. Looking for a decent mid-range if anyone has any suggestions.

I started in 1990 with a Takamine. They make a great mid range guitar. With electronics about $500. They also make cheaper guitars that are great instruments. What most people don't realize is that a mid ranged guitar starts about $800 and goes up. A top end is normally $1600 and up. So it really depends on you. I'll pm you my number if you want to talk

I have a Dean that's pretty nice. You can get one for around $350.00.

Buckwabit wrote:I started in 1990 with a Takamine. They make a great mid range guitar. With electronics about $500. They also make cheaper guitars that are great instruments. What most people don't realize is that a mid ranged guitar starts about $800 and goes up. A top end is normally $1600 and up. So it really depends on you. I'll pm you my number if you want to talk

My first "nice" axe was a Takamine as well. Won it in a raffle where I was taking lessons in about 1980. Nice guitars played by novices and pros. You really want too look down the neck for straightness. Your frets should look fresh. A real string bender will put noticable wear and tear here. Be sure all strings will hold tune...take a tuner with ya. Check the back for buckle wear. Other than that...ride a few to see what moves you. Just passed my Ovation down to my oldest son on his 25th birthday

I have an Ovation, but if I were to go out and purchase an acoustic guitar right now, it would a Takamine. Dean are good guitars too.

Make sure it plays in tune through different chords. There are a LOT of guitars that can be tuned to a chord or two and then sound awful on others.

I have a Takamine as well, and really like it. For the money I really like the sound and playability of an Ovation, too.

Thanks for the replies. I never thought about guitars of the same make can be totally different. I guess the assembly line train of thought was in my head. Now to find one.

Epiphone makes some really nice quality mid grade electric acoustics.

The EJ 200 series are really nice playing guitars.

They make different guitars for different styles of playing too. I have owned about 30 in my life. I personally don't like how Martin's play. I like the necks of Gibson and Taylor's. My favorite and the one I'll never get rid of is my Gibson J50. Plays like a dream. The point is. Find what fits you. Just like a gun. Use the same mindset. If it fits you then yoi will be able to play better

The most common problem with a used acoustic is some numbnuts will put steel strings on a guitar not meant for it. Try a few before ya buy, most any guitar shop will let ya play around for awhile. A deal may be found on Craigslist. Have fun and good luck

I've seen a fellow put heavy gauge strings on a big baby taylor and tune it to open e, then leave it tuned up like that. In a matter of hours the neck and guitar were ruined. Played like a 2 by 4.

+1 for a Takamine....hard to beat for the money IMO....my uncle has also had a couple of Tacomas that played well and sounded good without breaking the bank

I have gone from bottom end to top end. I have Gibson J 45 now and love it, don't play much any more but one day can pass this one down to my daughter.

Something else to consider, and some of you more experienced players can shed more light on this than I can, is that if your going to play plugged in you may want to look at an acoustic amp. I have a Line 6 amp that I really like with my electric guitar, but it sounds like crap with my acoustic.