Best Beater Guitar?

[twocorgis]

I hope I don't start a holy war here, but now that the weather's nice, I'd like to find a guitar that I can take outside or to the beach or whatever to play and not worry about. Of course that means that Guilds are out!. I played a used Washburn (what they called a DWS10DN) at the GC yesterday that I think is a D10. I liked the way it played really, and the manager was keen to get rid of it to the point of cutting the price in half to $100. It had some issues like buzzing on the open D and G string which suggested loose bracing under the top to me, so I think I'll pass.

I don't want to spend more than $200, or else I'll be nervous taking it outside which would of course defeat the purpose. Years ago I had a cheap Contessa dread that I liked, but you don't really see them around anymore. I'm sure Yamaha, Ibanez, and perhaps others probably make something worth considering, but which ones?

 

[plaidseason]

Art & Lutherie (part of the Godin line) makes a few guitars in that range. An Ami solid top, used, could be picked up for notably less. These make great travel/camping/outdoor guitars.

-Chris

 

[Thunderface]

I'd like to find a guitar that I can take outside or to the beach or whatever to play and not worry about ... I don't want to spend more than $200, or else I'll be nervous taking it outside which would of course defeat the purpose.

If you did want to venture north of that $200 price range, you should see if you can find a Composite Accoustics guitar. Those things are practically indestructable.

 

[Dadaist]

For the budget you've set, you could probably find a good used Ovation that should fill all your requirements. They're full sized,
have solid spruce tops and the plastic lower half of the guitar can take a lot of abuse. They also sound fairly good all things considered. I played one for a number of years when I did a lot of traveling so you can't go wrong. Craigslist is overflowing with them.

 

[taabru45]

See if you can find an old Taylor, or Martin. :lol: :lol: Seriously, a lot of the old copies of name brand guitars, made in Japan, in the 70s. are still hanging around, and sound pretty good....they were well built, and with a new set of tuners, if needed, do a good job over all, and that old wood does its job too....Steffan

 

[crank]

I have an Epiphone PR 200D, made in Korea, mid-sized acoustic 6 string. It found it's way to me as a freebie in the mid 90's when it was brand new, but had a small bite taken out of the edge from being shipped in a cardboard box with a metal guitar stand. Since it was free and damaged it instantly became my beach/boat/ski trip/visit the in-laws/camping guitar. It has a satin finish which does a lot to hide the multitude of scratches and dings. For years, the only case I used was a pillow case. I eventually bought a gig bag for taking it down to the Caribbean on some beach & boat trips.

It plays easy and well and sounds surprisingly good. Tuners are fine. I really like the neck. I've seen them used in the $150 range. New, I'm guessing here, probably in the $250 range.

 

[JerryR]

See if you can find an old Taylor, or Martin. :lol: :lol: Seriously, a lot of the old copies of name brand guitars, made in Japan, in the 70s. are still hanging around, and sound pretty good....they were well built, and with a new set of tuners, if needed, do a good job over all, and that old wood does its job too....Steffan

Definitely Taylor - and they can always keep the campfire going :mrgreen:

 

[Bobby McGee]

A very subjective question indeed! :shock:

After spending many hours in many guitar shops across the US and Canada in the last year, my vote for best guitar for the least amount of $$ is the Yamaha FG730S. Everytime I see one I pick it up and play it (I've played over 10 different ones so far) then shake my head when I look at the price; usually under $300 and blows everything away that's under $500 and usually more. Solid Spruce top, Rosewood BS, very nice bindings and build quality. Maybe people are just China-phobic, I don't kow, but if I were in the market for a cheapo, I would snag one; check Ebay, I've seen them go for under $200. I like the bursts.
If you are near a Guitar Center, go check it out; most stores I have been to have had one.

Of course you should also consider a Guild D4 (currently my main Beach Beater), They can be had for ~$350 for a decent one if you watch E-Bay.
I have always been fond of late 70s Japanese brands as well.

Good luck,

Bobby.

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

I agree with looking for a Yamaha FG730S.
Find a used one and you will be at $200.00 or less.
Very nice sounding and playing guitars.

 

[twocorgis]

I agree with looking for a Yamaha FG730S.
Find a used one and you will be at $200.00 or less.
Very nice sounding and playing guitars.

I've heard the same about the FG730S, and two recommendations here gets it. How about this Tobacco Sunburst used one here for $240? Can't go too far wrong.

 

[twocorgis]

Wow, that was easy! Bought the used Tobacco Sunburst from Musician's Friend for $240 shipped. It looks just like the bottom one in Bobby McGee's post. Have 45 days once I get it to figure out if I like it, which shouldn't be too hard. Thanks for the advice!

 

[JimbowF212]

I would suggest the Rogue series from MF. A lot of them are under $100.00 and they ain't bad for the price. My dad had one of them and my mom gave it to my oldest daughter so I have played it and it is decent for a Lam top but @ $80.00 it won't break the bank and I think it would fit the bill.

 

[West R Lee]

Seriously, I'll bet you can find a fair sounding Alvarez for $200.

West

 

[count savage]

You won't do better than that that Yamaha in that price range for a beach beater. I just got my nephew set up with one and he loves it. It's kind of scary really. I've A and B-ed the Yamaha against some of my more, er, expensive guitars. They DO sound and play better, but......boy the difference vis a vis the difference in cost makes you stop and think.....gotta hand it to Yamaha....they make a lot of good stuff.

 

[twocorgis]

You won't do better than that that Yamaha in that price range for a beach beater. I just got my nephew set up with one and he loves it. It's kind of scary really. I've A and B-ed the Yamaha against some of my more, er, expensive guitars. They DO sound and play better, but......boy the difference vis a vis the difference in cost makes you stop and think.....gotta hand it to Yamaha....they make a lot of good stuff.

Gotta agree with you there Count. I was just at the GC up the road here and played a FG730S and a bunch of other guitars. The Yammy handily spanked every single Gibson acoustic in there, including a '60s J50. Put a hurting on a couple of Martins and Taylors, too. I think I made the right decision.

It still amazes me how many bad Gibson acoustics are out there. :shock: Makes me appreciate mine all the more!

 

[Taylor Martin Guild]

Even though this will be your beater guitar, do yourself a big favor and get a set up done including a new bone compensated saddle.
The money will be well spent and you will like the guitar that much more.

 

[twocorgis]

Even though this will be your beater guitar, do yourself a big facor and get a set up done including a new bone compensated saddle.
The money will be well spent and you will like the guitar that much more.

In the works already, TMG. I'll probably drop it off at my luthier when it arrives mid-week.

 

[yoffer]

Just a note the Yamaha FG 730 is Rosewood laminate back and sides, however it is a fine choice for a beater, actually too good to be called a beater in both the looks and sound department.

 

[fastblueheeler]

My beater guitar was one of these for a while. A Jay Turser Craviola copy. Cheap and an attention getter. (not mine, I didn't even take pictures of the poor thing.) Didn't sound too bad either. Before that it was an Ovation Celebrity. Cheap and indestructible! Could double as a boat paddle in a pinch. I don't have a beater now.

 

[P-E-Z]

New Applause AA21 deep no cut away.
I bought one as decoration for my brothers office.
(he owns concert venue)
When I played months later the tone was startlingly good for $150 new guitar.

If you want spend a little more you find a used USA Ovation $300 to $400
any from 70s 80s 90s

These are way underrated and undervalued guitars.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YcqauC49Xmc
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7sjSHazj ... re=related
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=c5dwksSbD34

They play great.