New guitar advice

[mlb1399]

After looking through about 20-30 threads there are a few things that I still would like to get some advice on. I am not looking for opinions as to what brand is better and so forth. I have played and tried out 10-12 guitars that I have now narrowed down to about 5 accoustic guitars(2 martins, 1 gibson, 1 taylor, and 1 Larrivee). What I am wondering for people that own these brands are how are the resale value, are any of the these brands known for high maintenence, or any other advice you can give that doesn't include which sounds better. I am just looking for information to help narrow down the field and help make my decision easier.Thanks!

[mangold]

these are all acoustics?

brands like martin that have been around for a long time definetly retain their value better than newer brands.
ive heard that gibson acoustics can require more maitinence than most

[TaylorGuy110]

ok i own a Taylor of course the maintainenance is pretty simple. resale value is pretty good. i like the guitar alot. The only thing is, is that i like the feel of a heavier or lets say solid guitar and the taylor really doesn't offer that "at least not mine" so good luck. one last thing the Larrivee is supposed to be amazing but there is 2 different types with the finishes i can't remember the differences but they are made in different parts of the country. southern northern

[hcole]

I would say Martin and Taylor probably have the best resale. As long as you keep your guitars properly humidified you shouldn't run into any issues (barring electronics if you choose to go that route.) If you are concerned about resale then you might want to check out getting a used one. If you are at all interested in used check out the classifieds at http://www.acousticguitarforum.com and http://www.larriveeforum.com both are good places to pick up a guitar that has been well taken care of. Additionally if you do decide to get a larrivee give the people at http://www.notableguitars.com or http://www.guitaradoptions.com a call I've found that they have the best prices.

[mlb1399]

Alright, thank you for the help. Have you ever bought a guitar online before? I am a little hesitant as I would like to play the actual guitar that I buy.

[mangold]

Alright, thank you for the help. Have you ever bought a guitar online before? I am a little hesitant as I would like to play the actual guitar that I buy.

i think your ok buying electrics online cuz they're pretty much uniform, but acoustics vary so much, even within the same brand and model that you should probably play the actual one you gonna buy.

but this is comin from the guy who is thinkin about buyin a 12 string acous without playin it... soo

[hcole]

Alright, thank you for the help. Have you ever bought a guitar online before? I am a little hesitant as I would like to play the actual guitar that I buy.

I've bought two guitars online. There is usually a trial period where you can return it if you aren't satisfied. Also, granted tone is a subjective matter, but if you go through any of the sources I listed they won't sell you a lemon and if you ask they'll probably record something with it so you can hear how it sounds.

[gumbomadness]

Alright, thank you for the help. Have you ever bought a guitar online before? I am a little hesitant as I would like to play the actual guitar that I buy.

I've bought two guitars online. There is usually a trial period where you can return it if you aren't satisfied. Also, granted tone is a subjective matter, but if you go through any of the sources I listed they won't sell you a lemon and if you ask they'll probably record something with it so you can hear how it sounds.

yup. trial period. not too much hassle.

[TaylorGuy110]

Alright, thank you for the help. Have you ever bought a guitar online before? I am a little hesitant as I would like to play the actual guitar that I buy.

I've bought two guitars online. There is usually a trial period where you can return it if you aren't satisfied. Also, granted tone is a subjective matter, but if you go through any of the sources I listed they won't sell you a lemon and if you ask they'll probably record something with it so you can hear how it sounds.

yup. trial period. not too much hassle.

i'd go to like samash or guitar center

[mlb1399]

Is it worth the extra $100-$150 to get the Rosewood?

[HCHaikuWarrior]

rosewood rules!

[mangold]

i prefer mahoghany

[hcole]

Is it worth the extra $100-$150 to get the Rosewood?

They are pretty different tonally so I'd try some of each out and see which tone you generally prefer. Typically it's scarcity, not sound, that causes a particular wood to be more expensive than another so don't think that one is going to be better sounding than the other because it costs more.

[mlb1399]

I'm still stuck between Mahogany and Rosewood. I like the way they both sound. Any other advice/info/tidbits non-sound related to help push me over the edge?

[mangold]

I'm still stuck between Mahogany and Rosewood. I like the way they both sound. Any other advice/info/tidbits non-sound related to help push me over the edge?

mahoghany is lighter and thus ages more quickly, thus enhancing your sound more quickly as it ages. rosewood tops out at 35 yrs, mahoghany at like 20